Questions and answers about life with rheumatoid arthritis and invisible illness. Continue reading
Tag Archives: living with chronic illness
When RA Tries to Get in the Way (But I Won’t Let It)
I set off for this summer to be my “summer of hobbies.” My summer even has its own Instagram hashtag, #AshSummerOfHobbies2016! But, I didn’t anticipate RA to get in the way. (This is something I discussed in a recent Arthritis Ashley Facebook Live Chat.) I’m very proud of myself for pushing through, though. RA and … Continue reading
Get My Book Sick Idiot: On Sale Now!
The time has come: Sick Idiot has arrived! You can now order my funny-yet-inspiring nonfiction health memoir, Sick Idiot, in paperback! Chapter titles include: “That Time I Cried On The Pitcher’s Mound and Saw My Grandma’s Doctor” “That Time I Was a Cheerleader … With Arthritis … On A Hit-List” “That Time I Had a … Continue reading
Setting Goals while Living with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
As the new year approaches, many of us will make resolutions, but, it is important to always have goals in mind all year ’round. Goal setting may seem like an insurmountable task when faced with chronic illness, but, having goals is a great way to cope with your illness. Remember that it is never too … Continue reading
Health and Wellness Coaches for Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Wellness counselors and health coaches are one of the most popular and fastest-growing segments of the healthcare culture. As a patient with chronic illness who has tried everything, they may seem like just another hopeless box to check off of your seemingly never-ending list. As long as your doctor doesn’t object, though, working with a … Continue reading
The Dark Side of Arthritis and Chronic Illness: Combating Depression and Suicide – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Sure, I always strive to be happy and live well with illness. I push positivity, and, I’m not alone – research has shown that a positive attitude and optimistic outlook is beneficial both to your mental AND physical health. While we should at all times try to live our best lives despite our conditions, the … Continue reading
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo: Telling Arthritis Patients to be a “Happy You” in Spite of Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes
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
Ashley’s Journey to Wellness – Entry #23 – Embracing Arthritis & Autoimmune Illness
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
Arthritis and Chronic Illness – We Have It, It Doesn’t Have Us! – Ashley Boynes
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