Tag Archives: Invisible Illness

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness

A Nation Unaware: We Need To Increase Juvenile Arthritis Awareness – by Ashley Boynes

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“She’s just a hypochondriac.” “He’s lying.” “It’s all in their head. They just want attention.” “You’re faking!” “Oh,  you’re too young for arthritis.” These are all phrases that children and teens with juvenile arthritis will, unfortunately, come across many times during the course of their lives and their illness. Even the adults that these kids … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Uncategorized / Wellness

Cozy Up but Keep On Moving: Tips for Staying Active in the Winter Months – by Ashley Boynes

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For many across the country, the winter months mean colder weather. It is easy for anyone to use snow, rain, chilly air, or freezing temperatures as an excuse for becoming depressed and inactive during the winter season. It is REALLY easy for those of us with arthritis to do so. However, we must learn to … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness

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

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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 →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Some Anecdotes & Some Silver Lining: Stories of arthritic hands, Lady Gaga, and advocating for yourself and your health! ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #26

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Entry #26 – December 3rd, 2010 I’ve got a few interesting antecdotes to share in this entry, and so I’ll split it up into a few separate stories, if you all don’t mind! First let me tell you about my hands. (Bear with me here!)  In a previous post, I bemoaned my “ugly hands” and … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Life As I Know It: The Gratitude Attitude! – Ashley’s Health Diary – Entry #25

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November 17, 2010 Well, as always, a lot has happened since I last journaled in this, my online “health diary!” Life as I know it is always changing, always growing, always evolving – a roller coaster of ups and downs, goods and bads! But, isn’t that what life is – a wild ride that we’re … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Awareness / Uncategorized

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

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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 →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

30 Things You May Not Know About My Invisible Illness – by Ashley Boynes

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In honor of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which was last week, I’ve decided to take part in their meme, “30 Things You May Not Know About My Invisible Illness” since I live with arthritis and other “invisible” conditions. This is an initiative that hundreds of “chronically ill” people are taking part in, positing on … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Ashley’s Journey to Wellness – Entry #23 – Embracing Arthritis & Autoimmune Illness

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Journey  to Wellness – Entry #23 – Friday, August 25, 2010 I hope that this entry finds you all well! I’m “hanging in there,” so to speak and enjoying these last couple of weeks of summer! This has been a busy, productive, and lovely week! I found the wedding dress of my dreams, and plans … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Arthritis and Chronic Illness – We Have It, It Doesn’t Have Us! – Ashley Boynes

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Life with chronic illness is tough. But we have arthritis, it doesn’t have us. The same goes for any condition or disability that you might be fighting …. from fibromyalgia, to diabetes, celiac disease, to multiple sclerosis, to lupus, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis, myositis, felty’s syndrome, sjogren’s, thyroid disease, bipolar disorder, cancer, and more. There are … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Ashley’s Journey to Wellness – Entry #22 – Through Sickness and In Health

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Journey  to Wellness – Entry #22 – Friday, August 13, 2010 It has been awhile since I have written. I have been busy with doctor’s appointments, traveling, enjoying my summer, and….getting engaged. You know, the norm 😉 Yes, this arthritic ring finger now has a dazzling ring on it. Simple yet sparkly, a lovely, beautiful … Continue reading →