I am human. Though I strive to live a positive, beautiful life even with chronic illness, at times I grow weary of always being sick, discouraged by the pain, drained from the fatigue, and down in the dumps because of my general health situation, from an overall standpoint. I get frustrated waiting for my “someday.” … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Wellness
Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness
Managing Time with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Sometimes, it’s hard to find time for things you want and need to do, while living with chronic illness. I get it. It’s difficult, and it’s even harder to explain to others. It’s been described in terms of spoons, and in many other ways, ranging from the creative to the absurd. That said, time management … Continue reading
Inspiration or Isolation: Which Path Will You Choose? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
In the world of chronic illness, there are many things about which we simply do not have a choice. I didn’t choose rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis, or celiac disease, lupus, sjogrens syndrome, chiari, and so on. Likewise, I’m sure that you did not choose whichever illnesses or disabilities that you may live with. As I’ve … Continue reading
Walking on Eggshells When Someone You Love Has Chronic Illness or Disability – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Sometimes, when someone lives with chronic illness, chronic pain, or a disability such as arthritis, lupus, or other rheumatic illnesses, the “normal” or “healthy” people around them feel the need to “walk on eggshells.” What better time than now, as Easter is upon us, to discuss this very topic? I, for one, have always wanted … Continue reading
The Law of Attraction and Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I’m a big fan of the infamous book and documentary film, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. However, there were some parts of it that I just could not wrap my head around. How could a group of thousands of people, for example, “attract” such horrific events such as 9/11 or the Newtown shootings? How … Continue reading
Fatigue vs. Being Tired: What’s the Difference? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
To put it simply: being tired is NOT the same thing as having fatigue. The type of fatigue that comes along with chronic illness and autoimmune diseases is unlike any other kind of exhaustion that most healthy people will experience in their lives. As an “e-patient” and an online advocate for people with rheumatic and … 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
Arthritis / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness
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
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