Spryngs by Brevani: Elegant Arthritis-Friendly Rings for Swollen Fingers

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Spryngs by Brevani’s tagline is “elegance that fits comfortably for a lifetime.” I love that, because it encapsulates what this brand is all about. This upscale high-end fine jewelry line has finally come out with rings that have the arthritis patient in mind. Actually — their beautiful jewelry is well-suited to anyone whose ring size … Continue reading →

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Feeling Adult-ish After My Total Knee Replacement

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

There was a song that was popular when I was in high school called “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink 182. I’ve always related to that question: what IS my age? It’s mostly because of my rheumatoid arthritis. First off, there’s always been an issue with my actual diagnosis: yes, it WAS “juvenile” rheumatoid arthritis, … Continue reading →

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When Stars Get Sick: Glamorizing Illness or Bringing Awareness?

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

It never fails to amaze me how fired up people on the Internet get about celebrities. Like, okay … I’ve been guilty of it to an extent. I’m an admitted fangirl. I’m proudly in the “fandoms” of Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, and Oprah. I’m a Grey’s Anatomy lifer. … Continue reading →

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No, Lady Gaga Did NOT Confirm That She Has Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 5 Comments

A post has gone viral in recent days, feverishly declaring that “Lady Gaga Has RA!” “Lady Gaga Reveals She Has Rheumatoid Arthritis” and “Pop Star Lady Gaga Opens Up About Life With Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Except … she never specifically revealed that she has it. I admit that I was guilty of initially, (hesitantly) sharing it with a … Continue reading →

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#Longread: LEMONADE: Who Would I Be Without My Lemons?

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 10 Comments

“Oh, stars in her eyes, She fights and she sweats those sleepless nights, But she don’t mind, she loves the grind, She grinds from Monday to Friday, Works from Friday to Sunday…” – ‘6-Inch,’ Beyoncé, Lemonade. Beyonce and Lemonade The above quote is from a song off of Beyoncé’s album, Lemonade. You see, the Grammy Awards are tonight. Grammys … Continue reading →

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Body Shaming + When Illness or Disability Affect Body Image, Fashion, and Beauty

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

Body-shaming is sadly a very real phenomenon. I mean, just look at the awesome and mega-fit Lady Gaga (who I LOVE, by the way!) who was shamed and trolled over a practically-nonexistent “belly roll” during the Super Bowl. It almost became a bigger topic of conversation than her stellar, iconic, and historically-great Super Bowl Halftime Show. … Continue reading →

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Walking in My Shoes: Keeping Perspective With a Chronic Health Issue

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

Today I decided to post a photo to my blog that I had posted on Facebook and Instagram back in November, 2016. Since I finally have my custom medial-unloader knee brace and my custom permanent Arizona cast for my foot, I decided that this particular post would be worthy of a re-share, and you will see … Continue reading →

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Karma and Illness: That’s a Nope

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

I don’t go so far as to reject many ideas. Truly. I’m like a sponge: I soak up as much information as I can and try to equally and fairly weigh all points of view and perspectives. I like to try to learn about things without judging them. Even if I disagree with something, I … Continue reading →

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Breaking: Sick Girl is Sick of Absolutes and Assumptions

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

We live in a society where people think that if you’re for one thing, you’re against another. It’s also a world in which people think that by discussing your own journey, you are somehow dismissing theirs. We are divided on many issues, we still think in cliches, and we still see in stereotypes. But we act … Continue reading →

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When RA Tries to Get in the Way (But I Won’t Let It)

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I set off for this summer to be my “summer of hobbies.” My summer even has its own Instagram hashtag, #AshSummerOfHobbies2016! But, I didn’t anticipate RA to get in the way. (This is something I discussed in a recent Arthritis Ashley Facebook Live Chat.) I’m very proud of myself for pushing through, though. RA and … Continue reading →