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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Fibromyalgia Awareness – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Fibromyalgia is a pain. Literally. Today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and this is definitely a condition that needs more awareness surrounding it. Although it isn’t technically a form of arthritis, it is a related condition and shares many overlapping symptoms with various forms of arthritis and rheumatic disease. Fibromyalgia – a chronic pain condition also … Continue reading →

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The Very Merry Month of May: Arthritis & Lupus Awareness – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

May is both Arthritis Awareness and Lupus Awareness Month in the United States. Let’s take advantage of this fact in order to spread the word and to educate others about these conditions. Stumped on how to spread awareness? Increasing education and visibility are key. By improving upon these areas, we can further spread awareness, which … Continue reading →

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What’s In a Name? Distinguishing Rheumatoid Arthritis from Osteoarthritis

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, right? But, sometimes, what certain things, situations, or ailments are called can lead to confusion. I recently heard of someone naming their pet cat, “Dog.” Funny, but confusing. So is the term, “rheumatoid arthritis.” The word arthritis (literally meaning, “joint inflammation) … 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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Just Say YES … Live Your Life Despite Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 6 Comments

I recently bought a book entitled, “A Place of Yes” and, though I’ve yet to start reading it, I realized last week before even purchasing it that I am in a place of “yes” myself. I’ve learned to “just say yes” despite arthritis and other chronic ailments. After all, we only live once….so why not … Continue reading →

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Walk It Up! – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

The time is here for you to register for your local Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Walk! Not only that, but yesterday, April 6th, was National “Start Walking” Day, and, the month of April is also Physical Wellness Month. So, what better time to get moving?! Spring is upon us, and, new research recently published in Arthritis … Continue reading →