My Joints Are 90 Years Old, But That’s OK

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

✨✨ Long post, but I promise it has a point. Please read to the end! (And please excuse typos.) ✨✨ In the past year, I have been told by orthopedic surgeons that my right knee looks like an 80-year-old’s. I was told that my right foot and ankle look like a 90-year-old. And yesterday, that my … Continue reading →

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#Longread: The Emotions of Thinking and Talking About Illness

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I’ve written and posted before about hiding our pain to spare the feelings of others, and many similar topics of conversation. I have also written about the emotions of guilt, resentment, and burden that can accompany a lifelong illness or disability. I decided to revisit the topic and reframe it in a couple of new ways. The first … Continue reading →

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When RA Tries to Get in the Way (But I Won’t Let It)

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

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 →

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The Problem with Negativity: And Why Being Positive Doesn’t Hurt

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Let’s be honest: no one can be positive all the time. To do so simply wouldn’t be human. I highly doubt that there is one person on this earth who has never been unhappy or felt pessimistic, who is always happy and positive at all times, and without fail. If so, I would like to … Continue reading →

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Thoughts & Updates from Arthritis Ashley

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

I haven’t updated this Arthritis Ashley blog in a while (I barely find time to post to my main website abshuck.com and haven’t posted to my entertainment blog Glitzburgh in about a year. Eek!) However, I do want to share some thoughts and updates with all of you, my loyal readers! I’m glad that many … Continue reading →

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When Celebrities Do Good: Thank You, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Robin Roberts!

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Lately, I’ve been thinking about celebrities who use their fame for good. Sure, there are tons of recent examples: Beyonce is aiming to start a vegan revolution, Paula Abdul has worked tirelessly for pain causes and lupus organizations, the Kardashian and Jenner families have opened the eyes of many to transgender issues, and actress … Continue reading →

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What Story Does Your Face Tell? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

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 →

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13 Arthritis Tips and Resolutions for the New Year – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

Happy New Year! Let’s resolve to make 2013 a healthy year with these 13 tips for living well with arthritis and rheumatic illness. Exercise: We know you hear it all the time, and we know that it can be frustrating and seem like a huge challenge, but light to moderate exercise, or any kind of … Continue reading →

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Positive vs. Negative: The Image of Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

Undoubtedly, when one thinks of arthritis or rheumatic illness, not many “good” images come to mind. Chronic illness, disabilities, pain – these aren’t “positive” things. So, there becomes a real frustration – and a real disconnect – for many patients who see commercials for arthritis drugs that feature smiling, seemingly healthy and pain-free individuals who … Continue reading →

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Self Esteem, Body Image, and Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Many of us who live with chronic illness – especially rheumatic and autoimmune illnesses, or conditions that cause chronic pain – can get frustrated at our body at times for seemingly working against us. However, there are other body issues that can come along with being chronically ill. Many medications cause appearance-related side effects: skin … Continue reading →