Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain: Public Selfies & Private Illness
Arthritis / arthritis blog / Awareness / chronic illness / instagram / invisible illness / Personal Stories / selfies / social media

Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain: Public Selfies & Private Illness

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”  It’s one of the most powerful lines from the movie and book, The Wizard of Oz. It’s such a simple quote — so relevant to the scene, that we usually don’t think of the symbolism that lies within it. it got me thinking, though, about “the … Continue reading

I’m Gluten-Free: 15 Things You Need to Know About the Celiac Lifestyle
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I’m Gluten-Free: 15 Things You Need to Know About the Celiac Lifestyle

I’m gluten-free. No, it isn’t by choice. Yes, it is necessary. No, I cannot cheat. Yes, I will get sick — possibly short-term, definitely long-term — if i ingest gluten. Now that the basics are out of the way, here are 15 more things you need to know about my gluten-free, Celiac-friendly lifestyle: Celiac Sprue … Continue reading

Rant Time: Don’t “Quantify” the Sick Girl
Advocacy / Arthritis / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / Wellness

Rant Time: Don’t “Quantify” the Sick Girl

You know how it’s rude to say things like, “you throw okay … for a girl.” Or, “you run pretty fast … for being so big.” It’s also somewhat insulting to say things like, “wow! You’ve accomplished so much … despite being sick.” No, I haven’t accomplished a lot “for being a sick girl.” I’ve … Continue reading

Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Managing Time with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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

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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

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis

May You Be Aware This Month: Advocating for Arthritis, Lupus, and More – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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

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Walking on Eggshells When Someone You Love Has Chronic Illness or Disability – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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