There’s Always Rheum to Be Social! Online Support for Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

Many folks with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, myositis, and other related rheumatic conditions may have a hard time getting “out and about” to socialize. Friendships and relationships may take a toll; some are unable to work or attend school any longer. So, to avoid the isolation, loneliness, and depression that can often come with a disability … Continue reading →

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NASCAR Driver Todd Peck Brings Awareness to Juvenile Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Todd Peck, born in January 1986, has already been racing for 12 – yes, 12! – years, since the young age of 14. This NASCAR driver, who hails out of Central Pennsylvania, is part of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and made his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at the Greenville Pickens Speedway in … Continue reading →

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Romance and Arthritis by Ashley Boynes

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Have you seen the psoriasis commercial where the girl is self-conscious about going on a date because of her condition? It isn’t just psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that can make people feel this way. In fact, most chronic illnesses can affect relationships, romance, and the social life and self-esteem of the patient. How do you … Continue reading →

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Yoga and Arthritis – Some Facts and Some Testimonies – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I have taken traditional yoga classes, read up on chair yoga, and am about to embark upon the adventure of bikram hot yoga, and so I wanted to first do some research and find out how beneficial yoga really is for arthritis. Of course, the first step for me – and for any of you … Continue reading →

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In a Perfect World – A Life Without Illness: What Would You Do? – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

Today there was a “trending topic” on Twitter that simply said, “Serious Question” and provoked users to ask their followers a serious question to answer. I thought about what I’d like to hear from my “tweeps” – especially those who are chronically ill or disabled – and the question I decided to pose was, “We … Continue reading →

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Autoimmune Overlap Syndrome – Yes, There IS Such a Thing! – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 12 Comments

I recently was told that I have “autoimmune overlap syndrome.” This is exactly what it sounds like. Whereas most people have 1 or 2 autoimmune conditions, I, like many other “spoonies” out there, have been dealt a whole slew of them. Basically, what this is, is when you have one “primary” condition and a few … Continue reading →

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Drug-Induced Lupus – What Is It, and Who Can Get It? – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Recently, I was told that I likely have a form of lupus called “drug induced lupus” or DIL for short. If you had asked me a couple of months ago, I would have had no idea that this existed – but it unfortunately does. I knew about discoid lupus, which mostly affects the skin, and … Continue reading →

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Being An Educated & Empowered Patient – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

When it comes to treatment options for rheumatic conditions and other chronic illnesses, the rule of thumb is usually, “try, try again.” With so many treatments out there, it can get confusing for anyone, no matter how educated you are! That being said, the more empowered and educated that you are as a patient, the … Continue reading →

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“What I Know For Sure” – Chronic Illness Edition … by Ashley Boynes – inspired by Oprah Winfrey

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 5 Comments

Oprah has taught me a lot of things. She’s one of my idols, and, to me, a prime example of “overcoming” in the face of adversity to truly live your life to its fullest potential. After writing in since high school (I graduated in 2002) and being on a ticket waiting list for over 2 … Continue reading →

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Beauty is Pain ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #28 ~ by Ashley Boynes

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

The saying goes, “pain is beauty and beauty is pain…” or, another adaptation that I’ve found even more poignant: “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.” I agree. While we could talk about the superficial, painful things that we do for beauty such as eyebrow plucking, ear piercing, brutal diets, laser peels, wearing corsets, high … Continue reading →