Joys and Pains: A Rheumatoid Arthritis Poem – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 7 Comments

For today’s blog post, I would like to do something a little different, and share with you all a poem that I wrote about life with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions/chronic illnesses. It is called Joys and Pains. Please enjoy! “Unrelenting pain and never-ceasing fatigue. Hurts and aches in every place. Wondering at times, … Continue reading →

Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

The Great Debate: Alcohol and Arthritis by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 5 Comments

Like all great debates, there are opinions — and evidence — on both sides of the “alcohol and arthritis” issue. Some studies show that moderate alcohol intake is actually good for arthritis/inflammation….but many people with the conditions say that drinking worsens their symptoms. Of course, there are also the medications — many of which state … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Acupuncture for Arthritis – Does it Work? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I have had acupuncture maybe 10 times before. Sometimes, I feel that it provides relief, and sometimes, unfortunately, it does nothing for me. Like everything, I believe that each experience is unique, and that a lot of other factors contribute to the results each time. I would never say that it doesn’t work — in … Continue reading →

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

Coping while Giving Back: The Health Benefits of Doing Good by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Lately, I’ve been astounded by the amount of people who comment upon my strength and positivity in the face of my multiple health problems. A lot of them have the same question: how do I cope? I have thought about it, and I’d like to answer that question for you now. The truth is — … Continue reading →

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

The “Intangibles” of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Chronic Illness by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Living with any illness is a challenge; but having an “invisible” illness is especially difficult. How can you make people understand your condition when your symptoms and your disabilities are often hidden? Yesterday, I had a rare weak moment where I was very much struggling to stay positive. Since we’re all human and entitled to … Continue reading →

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

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 →

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

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 →

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

Rheumatoid Arthritis: How Is RA Diagnosed? – Ashley Boynes

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

As you may know, there are many varying forms of arthritis. Sometimes, it is even hard for doctors to figure out which one you may have! Is it Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis? Lupus? Sjogren’s Syndrome? Ankylosing Spondylitis? Fibromyalgia? The American College of Rheumatology has a set of guidelines that doctors/rheumatologists are to follow when making … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Check out Track + React: A New Online Interactive Arthritis Self-Management Tool – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

The Arthritis Foundation is striving to help cultivate an interactive online arthritis nation to help people live better with arthritis. In doing so, they’ve created an awesome new interactive online tool called Track + React – and the best part is, it’s FREE! People with any form of arthritis or rheumatic disease can log on … Continue reading →

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

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 →