Sometimes, it’s hard to find time for things you want and need to do, while living with chronic illness. I get it. It’s difficult, and it’s even harder to explain to others. It’s been described in terms of spoons, and in many other ways, ranging from the creative to the absurd. That said, time management … Continue reading
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
May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, and there are many ways that YOU can take action to spread arthritis awareness. Utilizing social media to spread the word is a great idea. So is signing petitions and supporting advocacy efforts like this Action Alert. You could also sign up for an Arthritis Walk in your area, or … Continue reading
Sometimes, when someone lives with chronic illness, chronic pain, or a disability such as arthritis, lupus, or other rheumatic illnesses, the “normal” or “healthy” people around them feel the need to “walk on eggshells.” What better time than now, as Easter is upon us, to discuss this very topic? I, for one, have always wanted … Continue reading
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
Being a rheumatoid arthritis patient or someone who lives with any chronic illness, really, leads us to sometimes have to make tough decisions that others may not have to face. Some of these decisions may be difficult or disheartening, and, like most life decisions, need to be considered carefully. One major decision that RA (and … Continue reading
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
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
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
Most people think of aches and pains when they hear about arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and similar ailments. The truth is, these conditions are complex, and there are still so many unknowns that surround each of them. Yes, pain and inflammation are often a huge part of various forms of arthritis and other chronic autoimmune illnesses, … Continue reading
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