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

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

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Romance and Arthritis by Ashley Boynes

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

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Yoga and Arthritis – Some Facts and Some Testimonies – by Ashley Boynes

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

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In a Perfect World – A Life Without Illness: What Would You Do? – by Ashley Boynes

 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

Arthritis / Awareness / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Wellness

Drug-Induced Lupus – What Is It, and Who Can Get It? – by Ashley Boynes

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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Fibromyalgia Awareness – by Ashley Boynes

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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“What I Know For Sure” – Chronic Illness Edition … by Ashley Boynes – inspired by Oprah Winfrey

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

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

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

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Beauty is Pain ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #28 ~ by Ashley Boynes

The  saying goes, “pain is beauty and beauty is pain…” or, another adaptation that I’ve found even more poignant: “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.” I agree. While we could talk about the superficial, painful things that we do for beauty such as eyebrow plucking, ear piercing, brutal diets, laser peels, wearing corsets, high … Continue reading