Uncategorized

Managing Emotional Health with Arthritis and Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Living with physical ailments and chronic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, sjogrens, spondylitis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and the like can be mentally exhausting, emotionally draining, and, of course, physically excruciating. Perhaps the mental, emotional, and spiritual toll that chronic illness and chronic pain can take is the most overlooked component in the … Continue reading

Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Managing Time with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Sometimes, it’s hard to find time for things you want and need to do, while living with chronic illness. I get it. It’s difficult, and it’s even harder to explain to others. It’s been described in terms of spoons, and in many other ways, ranging from the creative to the absurd. That said, time management … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Arthritis Ashley Tells The Mighty Why She’s Happy Despite Living with Illness

Our very own Arthritis Ashley was featured on the website, “The Mighty” this week. The Mighty celebrates “the superheroes among us,” who are staying strong and triumphing despite life’s many hardships ranging from chronic illness, to disability, and more. Like us, their mission is to educate and spread awareness about various health issues. You can read … Continue reading

Uncategorized

Inspiration or Isolation: Which Path Will You Choose? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

In the world of chronic illness, there are many things about which we simply do not have a choice. I didn’t choose rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis, or celiac disease, lupus, sjogrens syndrome, chiari, and so on. Likewise, I’m sure that you did not choose whichever illnesses or disabilities that you may live with. As I’ve … Continue reading

Uncategorized

Walking on Eggshells When Someone You Love Has Chronic Illness or Disability – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Sometimes, when someone lives with chronic illness, chronic pain, or a disability such as arthritis, lupus, or other rheumatic illnesses, the “normal” or “healthy” people around them feel the need to “walk on eggshells.” What better time than now, as Easter is upon us, to discuss this very topic? I, for one, have always wanted … Continue reading

Uncategorized

Are You “Enough?” – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

I’m not liberal enough for Democrats or conservative enough for Republicans. I’m not Christian enough for Christians, but I’m Christian enough to have atheists and agnostics mock me.  I’m smart enough to have been accepted into Mensa and to possess a near-genius-level IQ, but I’m not smart enough that people meet me and immediately notice my … Continue reading

Uncategorized

The Arthritis Foundation Has the Resources You Need – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

The Arthritis Foundation, Mid Atlantic Region, is now proud to offer a special Resource Folder that volunteers can pick up at any of their offices.  Volunteers may take this new informational folder to your rheumatologist to spread the word about getting Arthritis Foundation resources in more doctor offices. You will be able to leave this … Continue reading