How RA Impacts Relationships and Self-Love: A Pfizer Facebook Live Chat with Arthritis Ashley & Dr. Logan Levkoff

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Thank you to Pfizer for having Dr. Logan Levkoff and me on to discuss Relationships & Rheumatoid Arthritis. Filmed live at Pfizer Studios in New York City, we discussed how RA can affect relationships with our partners, our families, and, even our relationship with our selves. Check out the video on the Pfizer Facebook page, … Continue reading →

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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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A Balancing Act: Talking About Arthritis and Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

I have found that it is sometimes difficult to describe my conditions, honestly, and with full-disclosure, without people “feeling bad” for me. I also hate to play the “victim” role, and I certainly try not to, but when I really delve into the complexities of the conditions I have lived with, it kind of sounds … 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 →

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Outward Appearances: Looking Good with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I am not ugly. But, sometimes being sick makes me feel like I am. Believe it or not, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions can certainly age you; all the while “stealing your pretty.” I used to get mad about it, and now I just learn to adapt. There are so many ways to still … Continue reading →

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Rheumatoid Arthritis: Don’t Let It Be a Life-Ruiner! – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

Of course, when we’re issued any type of life-altering health diagnosis, it may seem like a death sentence. It may seem like a mountain so steep that we’ll never be able to climb it, or we may feel like hamsters running on a wheel, ’round and ’round, with no end in sight. Yes, rheumatoid arthritis … Continue reading →

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

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 7 Comments

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 →