TheRAconnection.com — Join Today!

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

I’ve recently began blogging with The RA Connection, as well as doing some admin and community management work with this wonderful site. I urge you all to join if you have RA, PsA, OA, Lupus, or AS. It is free, safe, secure, and easy to use — a great place for Community, Content, and Connection … Continue reading →

Arthritis Ashley / chronic illness / movie review / RA awareness / rheumatoid arthritis awareness

Movie Review: “Cake” Starring Jennifer Aniston As a Patient Living with Chronic Pain

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

This past weekend, I was finally able to see the movie, Cake, that’s been garnering all the buzz. I will share my thoughts on the movie … and for those of you who are new to my blog, please remember that I’m sharing this from the perspective of someone with (juvenile) rheumatoid arthritis and sjogrens … Continue reading →

Arthritis / Arthritis Ashley / arthritis blog

Chronicles of a Sick Girl: A Rant on Feeling Conflicted and Judged

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

Here’s a little rant; maybe some of you can relate. Sometimes, I feel conflicted. I want people to know about the illnesses that I live with. I want to inform, inspire, advocate, and educate. I want to spread awareness. I want people to empathize or understand what I’m going through. I want people to “get … Continue reading →

Arthritis / Autoimmune / chronic illness / invisible illness / Juvenile Arthritis / Lupus / RA awareness / Types of Arthritis

Healthline.com: NSAIDs Relieve Arthritis Pain, but Are Tougher on the Tummy than Celebrex

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Did you know … ? Using NSAIDs to treat rheumatoid arthritis is pretty common, but damage to the stomach may be a cause for concern. Drugs like Celebrex seem to cause fewer digestive side effects. Read more of what I discovered while writing this Healthline article, here. Link: http://www.healthline.com/health-news/nsaids-relieve-arthritis-pain-but-tougher-on-the-tummy-122814 Continue reading →

Arthritis / arthritis awareness / Oldies But Goodies / rheumatoid arthritis awareness / Types of Arthritis

Healthline.com: On World Arthritis Day, Patients and Caregivers Come Together

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

World Arthritis Day was celebrated across the world on October 12th, 2014. Read more about World Arthritis Day and the various initiatives surrounding this special day, here: http://www.healthline.com/health-news/world-arthritis-day-101214 Patients and caregivers of all ages and ethnicities came together to advocate for the 100+ conditions listed under the umbrella term, “arthritis.” Learn more. Continue reading →

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Someday is Now: How to Live Your Life Through Health Struggles

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I am human. Though I strive to live a positive, beautiful life even with chronic illness, at times I grow weary of always being sick, discouraged by the pain, drained from the fatigue, and down in the dumps because of my general health situation, from an overall standpoint. I get frustrated waiting for my “someday.” … Continue reading →

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Fatigue vs. Being Tired: What’s the Difference? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 21 Comments

To put it simply: being tired is NOT the same thing as having fatigue. The type of fatigue that comes along with chronic illness and autoimmune diseases is unlike any other kind of exhaustion that most healthy people will experience in their lives. As an “e-patient” and an online advocate for people with rheumatic and … Continue reading →

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What’s the 2014 Arthritis Forecast? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

2013 was a great year with many arthritis-related accomplishments and medical advances. But, 2014 stands to prosper just as well. Instead of looking back with a usual “best of” or “top 10” list in regards to the year that has passed, let us welcome in 2014 by looking forward, and seeing what the future could … Continue reading →

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Redefining Success with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Arthritis Ashley • 8 Comments

This will probably be one of the more honest blog posts that I’ve written to date. The other day, I felt sorry for myself. I didn’t feel well and I wanted to simply scream. I thought about things that I have given up or missed out on because of my illnesses and health problems, and … Continue reading →

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Neurological Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Did you know that autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, among others, carry with them the risk for neurological symptoms or comorbidities? It’s true. Sometimes these types of chronic illnesses can LITERALLY be in your head … and the rest of the body, too. Both Lupus and Rheumatoid (Autoimmune) Arthritis can have Neurological … Continue reading →