Joys and Pains: A Rheumatoid Arthritis Poem – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 7 Comments

For today’s blog post, I would like to do something a little different, and share with you all a poem that I wrote about life with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions/chronic illnesses. It is called Joys and Pains. Please enjoy! “Unrelenting pain and never-ceasing fatigue. Hurts and aches in every place. Wondering at times, … Continue reading →

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Coping while Giving Back: The Health Benefits of Doing Good by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Lately, I’ve been astounded by the amount of people who comment upon my strength and positivity in the face of my multiple health problems. A lot of them have the same question: how do I cope? I have thought about it, and I’d like to answer that question for you now. The truth is — … Continue reading →

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The “Intangibles” of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Chronic Illness by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

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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An “Arthritis Ashley” Update: Marriage, Lupus, and Loving Life! – Ashley’s Health Diary – Entry #29 – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

July 15, 2011 It has been a while since I’ve written in my online “Health Diary” and updated you all on my health progress and how I’ve been, and so I figured that I am well overdue! First off, I’m now a Mrs! I got married to the love of my life, Mike, on the … Continue reading →

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Freedom: Making Choices and Living Judgment-Free with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 11 Comments

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 →

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Keeping Perspective With Arthritis & Illness – My Opinions – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 6 Comments

“You can complain that roses have thorns, or rejoice that thorns have roses.” It’s all about your perspective. In the past 2 weeks, myself, family, fiance, and people close to us have unfortunately been dealing with a lot of deaths. The veil of sadness barely has lifted before news of another set in. Most were … Continue reading →

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Don’t Let Chronic Illness Steal Your Sparkle! – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 7 Comments

Do you approach everything from a bitter or dismal place because of your condition? Is there are a dark cloud surrounding you at all times? Do you take everything “the wrong way” because you are so on-edge and defensive of your illness? Is your main “identifier” that of a sick person? Has living with chronic … Continue reading →

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Broken Dolls: The Things and People We Keep, Flaws and All ~ by Ashley Boynes

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 15 Comments

I’m not a hoarder. I do keep things, though, that are of great sentimental value. One of these many “things” is, to me, not just a “thing” but a very real part of my life. Her name is Winnie. She is a 27-year-old Cabbage Patch Kid doll. She is dirty. Her hair is braided in … Continue reading →

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World Arthritis Day, Online Support, and My Wild Ride to Wellness! – Arthritis Ashley’s Health Diary – Entry #24

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

October 12th, 2010 ARTHRITIS, GASTRITIS, IRITIS, OH MY! Hello, dear readers! In honor of my blog moving to the “Wellness with a Side of Life, Please” page, I’ve revamped and decided to call my journey, “Arthritis Ashley’s Health Diary” – but, it’s still me on my journey to wellness and optimal health – and we’re … Continue reading →

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Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo: Telling Arthritis Patients to be a “Happy You” in Spite of Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

When I had the opportunity to have a conversation with the renowned Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, I knew that I was in for a treat. Dr. Lombardo, who is a clinical psychologist AND physical therapist, helps patients to “enjoy less stress & more happiness, regardless of what else is going on in your life.” She specializes … Continue reading →