Feeling Adult-ish After My Total Knee Replacement

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

There was a song that was popular when I was in high school called “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink 182. I’ve always related to that question: what IS my age? It’s mostly because of my rheumatoid arthritis. First off, there’s always been an issue with my actual diagnosis: yes, it WAS “juvenile” rheumatoid arthritis, … Continue reading →

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Your Story Counts: Help Further Autoimmune Disease Research Today

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Autoimmune diseases can be serious, and the following video includes just some of the faces of the millions of people who live with these often-invisible illnesses. Today is #WorldArthritisDay. I personally live with just one of many autoimmune forms of arthritis. But did you know that arthritis, and joint & muscle pain, are also common … Continue reading →

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When Stars Get Sick: Glamorizing Illness or Bringing Awareness?

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

It never fails to amaze me how fired up people on the Internet get about celebrities. Like, okay … I’ve been guilty of it to an extent. I’m an admitted fangirl. I’m proudly in the “fandoms” of Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, and Oprah. I’m a Grey’s Anatomy lifer. … Continue reading →

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“What RA Looks Like” – by Healthline

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

What Rheumatoid Arthritis Looks Like In August, Healthline.com sent a film crew to my home in Pittsburgh. They followed me around for 8 hours to see what a typical day is like for me as a patient with RA. (Of course, we all know that there is no “typical” day. That day, I was able … Continue reading →

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Walking in My Shoes: Keeping Perspective With a Chronic Health Issue

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

Today I decided to post a photo to my blog that I had posted on Facebook and Instagram back in November, 2016. Since I finally have my custom medial-unloader knee brace and my custom permanent Arizona cast for my foot, I decided that this particular post would be worthy of a re-share, and you will see … Continue reading →

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An “Ashley’s Health Diary” Update – Entry #30 – Wrapping Up 2011 and Looking Ahead to 2012 – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

January 3rd, 2012 – I have not done one of my more personal Ashley’s Health Diary posts in a while, because I realized that it was more important for me to educate about rheumatic conditions than to talk about my own story. However, I do realize that as a patient advocate, that sharing my story … Continue reading →

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Defined by an Illness? Milking Your Sickness? That’s Not My Cup of Tea! by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 6 Comments

[Disclaimer: this post isn’t meant to offend anyone and is all personal opinion relating to MYSELF, my unique individual situation, and how I live my life. It isn’t casting judgment on people who have a different point of view, rather, it is just explaining my perspective and offering some food for thought……] In a world … 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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Beauty is Pain ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #28 ~ by Ashley Boynes

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

The saying goes, “pain is beauty and beauty is pain…” or, another adaptation that I’ve found even more poignant: “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.” I agree. While we could talk about the superficial, painful things that we do for beauty such as eyebrow plucking, ear piercing, brutal diets, laser peels, wearing corsets, high … 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 →