I got Lupus for Christmas. And Sjögrens Syndrome, too. They were wrapped up in a nice little package to go with my Rheumatoid Arthritis and Celiac Disease, and tied up with an imaginary bow. I didn’t get coal in my stocking, but I got the motherlode of autoimmune illness, delivered not by Santa, but by my … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Mid Atlantic Region
Neurological Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
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
What Story Does Your Face Tell? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Arthritis Month has come to an end, but just because June is here, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep on spreading arthritis awareness. During the month of May, I saw and heard a lot from the Arthritis Foundation’s “Faces of Arthritis” campaign — a wonderful, and sometimes eye-opening, initiative. I thought long and hard about the Face of Arthritis, and … Continue reading
Back Pain and Spine Health Solutions – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Nearly everyone experiences some form of back pain or another at some point throughout their lifetime. Of course, as with many conditions and ailments, the degree of severity varies greatly. However, there are things that you can do to strengthen your spine and support your back, which could alleviate pain, stiffness, and tension. Here are … Continue reading
Autoimmune Illness and Circulation: How Do Conditions Like Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Our Cardiovascular System? – By Ashley Boynes-Shuck
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
Spring Cleaning with Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Spring cleaning can be a huge undertaking for most of us, but can especially be a challenge when you’re living with arthritis or chronic pain. A stiff or painful neck, back, shoulder, wrists, knees, or hands can make even the simplest daily activities difficult for people with various forms of arthritis. It may be a … Continue reading
Education and JA: Get the Facts on 504 Plans and Juvenile Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Every child has unique and specific needs when it comes to their education — but children with conditions such as juvenile arthritis may have an even more difficult time at school. Whether it is carrying loaded backpacks or heavy books, having trouble participating in gym class, missing school altogether, or sitting for extended periods of … Continue reading
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Traditional vs. Alternative Treatments for Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
There has been a lot of bickering – and worse yet, a lot of what comes across as hatred – on social networks lately, regarding the use of alternative treatments for arthritis. The way that I look at it, though, is that those who use alternative treatments and those who use traditional medical treatments for … Continue reading
An Open Letter to Lady Gaga: Synovitis Stinks! – from Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Dear Lady Gaga, a.k.a. Stefani: Synovitis stinks. I, too, am a twentysomething who knows what it is like to have put on hold the things I love because of pain, and I interact with thousands of others every day who have felt the same exact way. I read on your Twitter page that your doctor … Continue reading
The Big Debate: Medical Marijuana for Arthritis and Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
The medical use of marijuana has been a hotly debated and highly politicized topic in recent years. In many circles, it is touted for naturally alleviating symptoms of a variety of medical conditions including, but not limited to, arthritis and chronic pain. In other circles, it is frowned upon as a gateway drug that is … Continue reading