I will admit that I have always been hesitant to describe my rheumatoid arthritis medications as chemo, or “cancer drugs.” Part of this is my aversion to pity; the other part was that, at times, people use the term “chemo” incorrectly when describing their arthritis treatments. Lastly, I’ve always felt that it was a bit … Continue reading
Tag Archives: arthritis treatments
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
Advocating for Arthritis and Rheumatic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Today was the last day of the 2014 Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C. According to the official website, “The Advocacy Summit is an annual event when people living with and affected by arthritis come from every corner of the United States to convene in Washington, DC.. There they learn how to … Continue reading
The Hot and Cold of Arthritis: The Heat vs. Ice Debate – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Some people swear by heat for arthritis; others will only use ice. With weather, too, responses vary: some people enjoy a warmer climate, others prefer cooler weather. So, what’s the deal: is “hot” or “cold” better for arthritis patients? The truth is, as with anything, it varies from person-to-person and case-to-case. Some of it has … Continue reading
Treatment Options of Rheumatic Disease: My Current Plan – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
People ask me all the time what I take for my rheumatoid arthritis. The truth is, I think I’ve pretty much tried everything, and, I’ve reacted differently to everything. The reason I don’t share the specifics of my exact treatment plans anymore, is because there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment, and everyone’s body is different. Plus, … Continue reading
Acupuncture for Arthritis – Does it Work? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
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
Freedom: Making Choices and Living Judgment-Free with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes
Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in FREEDOM. In choice. In equal rights. In humanity “getting along.” In the destruction of prejudices and discrimination, and the erasure of hate. Yet, even in 2011, pockets of the population face discrimination, have their “choices” (or lack thereof) dictated to them, and face judgment, regardless of the leaps and … Continue reading
Do Your Thing: Choosing Arthritis Treatments That Work For YOU!
When you live with a chronic illness, EVERYONE becomes a “doctor” and seems to think that they have the right to tell you what you should and should not do. It can become baffling when everyone you know is offering their home remedies, their experiences with medications, names of doctors, alternative therapies, stories good and … Continue reading