Arthritis Life

Jenni and Cheryl share the research highlights that stood out the most for them, from new research on POTS and Covid to the importance of sleep and fatigue management. We also shine a light on recent advancements in lupus treatment and managing stress and activity through "positive activity scheduling." Cheryl and Jennifer also share personal stories on navigating sleep hygiene, the subtle pressures of defining "normal," and the importance of sensitivity in language. Through these reflections, we emphasize a broader understanding and embrace of diverse health experiences. We also reflect on the importance of finding supportive communities.*This episode was originally recorded as part of the My Spoonie Sisters podcast. Episode at a glance:Getting Involved: Patient advocacy and research as “Rheum Champions” with the Rheumatology Research FoundationResearch Highlights: New findings on POTS and Covid, the role of sleep and fatigue management in chronic illness, Advances in lupus treatment, Benefits of positive activity scheduling for stress and activity managementPersonal Insights: Real-life strategies for improving sleep hygiene, Challenging the idea of what’s considered “normal,” The power of sensitive and inclusive languageCommunity & Support: The importance of finding and connecting with supportive communities, Encouragement for those looking to get involved in advocacyMedical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Dr. Jenna breaks down the key differences between pediatric and adult care, and shares practical tips to help you feel more confident and prepared—whether it’s learning how to speak up during appointments, track your symptoms, or build a support system that really gets it.They also get real about mindset, movement, rest, and how to keep living a full, active life even with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis or a similar condition in the mix. If you’re feeling unsure about what comes next, this conversation is full of encouragement, clarity, and little ways to start taking charge of your health journey.Episode at a glance:Why the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Care Matters: Understanding the key differences between pediatric and adult rheumatology care.Common Challenges: Navigating new doctors, treatment plans, and increased self-management responsibilities.Self-Advocacy Tips: How to confidently communicate with your new care team and take charge of your health.Building a Support System: The importance of finding a community, whether through friends, family, or patient groups.Finding the Right Rheumatologist: What to look for in a specialist who understands your needs and concerns.Words of Encouragement: Reassurance that you're not alone in this transition and that smoother adjustments are possible with the right resources.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Additionally, Cheryl & Dr Dada also explore how strength training—not to "bulk up," but to boost energy, focus, and joint stability—can be a game-changer for these diseases.Dr. Dada reassures newly diagnosed individuals to avoid the anxiety of worst-case scenarios online and instead focus on reliable information and gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes. She emphasizes that managing arthritis is a marathon, not a sprint, and that even 1% improvement each day adds up. With the right knowledge, support, and habits, you can take control of your health and live well with arthritis.Episode at a glance:Myths vs Facts for gout and osteoporosisStrength Training Benefits: Cheryl and Dr. Dada discuss how strength training improves joint stability, reduces fatigue, and enhances focus for arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis.Managing Anxiety: Cheryl and Dr. Dada discuss navigating the anxiety that comes with a new arthritis diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of reliable information.Patience & Progress: The value of taking a gradual approach—small daily improvements can lead to significant changes in quality of life.Empowering Patients: Dr. Dada emphasizes patient education and how it empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their care.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Cristina Montoya, a registered dietitian who specializes in anti-inflammatory nutrition and has firsthand experience with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s disease, shares valuable insights on managing these conditions. The conversation delves into the gut microbiome's role in inflammatory diseases and the Mediterranean diet's benefits. Cristina debunks diet myths, discusses the importance of a supportive healthcare team, and introduces her 'Five C’s' framework—advocating for balance and compassion in dietary choices.

They explore the tricky balance between wanting to “fix” your body and learning to accept where you are right now. Lindsay introduces a powerful framework for becoming your own loving companion—especially when flare-ups and uncertainty make life feel overwhelming.You’ll also walk away with practical, everyday strategies, like how a simple tool like Dycem can make tasks easier. Because sometimes, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.If you’ve ever struggled with self-judgment or wished for a little more kindness—both from yourself and for yourself—this episode is for you.Episode at a glance:How do Occupational Therapists Help people with chronic illnesses?The Importance of Self-Compassion: Lindsay highlights the value of acknowledging your humanity and giving yourself grace through the ups and downs of living with arthritis or chronic pain.Aligning Your Time and Energy: Feeling more grounded comes from making sure your time and energy are aligned with what truly matters to you, even when living with a chronic illness.Helpful Tools for Daily Life: Lindsay mentions Dycem as a versatile tool for improving grip and making everyday tasks easier.Words of Encouragement: Lindsay encourages newly diagnosed individuals to remember they're not alone and don't have to figure everything out on their own.Recommended Resources: Lindsay shares her appreciation for Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig for its relatable insights and humor about living with a disability. Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Together, they break down the science behind why nutrition, exercise, and sleep play a crucial role in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, they share practical tips on incorporating these key habits—along with stress management and social connection—into your treatment plan.Dr. Girnita also highlights the importance of medication in arthritis management and discusses how lifestyle changes complement traditional treatments. She even delves into exciting advancements like CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge approach that has shown promise in putting some rheumatic diseases into remission without immunosuppression.Her philosophy? “I don’t treat diseases. I treat people.” This episode is all about finding a care plan that supports you as a whole person—because you deserve nothing less!Episode at a glance:What are integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine?How does nutrition help RA?Why is exercise important for people with RA?Why is sleep so important for people with RA?Why is stress management important for RA?CAR-T treatment: an exciting new development in rheumatologyDr. Diana’s Empowering Mantra: “I don’t treat diseases. I treat people.” Dr. Diana’s patient-centered approach focuses on treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

From singing to trying nine different medications in five years, to embracing the THRIVE framework from Cheryl’s Rheum to Thrive Program, Alice shares the ups and downs of life with rheumatoid arthritis. Ultimately, Alice reminds us that living fully with RA doesn’t mean giving up on what matters—it means finding new ways to engage, and finding a way to balance grief for what you’ve lost with gratitude for what you still have.If you’re newly diagnosed, her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of connecting with what matters and striving to thrive, even if the path looks different than you expected.Episode at a glance:Adjusting to Life with RA: Alice shares her journey of adapting to a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and how it has impacted her daily life and passions.Coping with medication ups and downs: Alice shares the emotional roller coaster of trying nine different medications in five years in search of one that would put her RA into a lasting remission.Music & Resilience: How Alice found creative ways to stay connected to music, including learning Gaelic to sing a special song.The THRIVE Framework: Practical strategies Alice uses to maintain joy and purpose despite physical challenges.Redefining Limitations: Encouraging insights on shifting perspectives and embracing new ways to engage with what you love.Message of Hope: Alice’s advice for newly diagnosed individuals: you can still live a full, meaningful life—it just may look different than expected.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Cheryl and Helen dive into the often-overlooked mental challenges of inflammatory arthritis, which can sometimes feel harder to navigate than the physical symptoms. They explore mindset strategies and mental tools that have helped them, including approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).The conversation also highlights the importance of balance, such as steering clear of extreme “healthy” habits—like overly restrictive diets—that can add unnecessary stress. Cheryl and Helen share how they’ve learned to set boundaries and overcome the tendency to be people pleasers.With insights on managing self-talk and practicing self-compassion, Helen offers a refreshing perspective for anyone navigating a chronic illness. Tune in to discover practical tips for embracing progress over perfection and living well with a chronic condition.Episode at a glance:Helen’s Journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Helen shares her diagnosis story, the challenges of managing a chronic condition, and how it shaped her coaching approach.The Power of Balance and Listening to Your Body: Discover how Helen found relief by embracing balance in nutrition, self-care, and daily habits, prioritizing what feels good for her body.Creative and Compassionate Stress Management: Learn Helen’s unique strategies for managing stress, including reframing thoughts, setting realistic expectations, and practicing self-compassion.Practical Tools for Pain and Fatigue Relief: Helen discusses her go-to tools, like hot water bottles and ice packs, and explains how listening to her body guides her choices.Inspiration for Thriving with Chronic Illness: Helen’s mantra, "Progress over perfection," and advice for newly diagnosed individuals provide hope and actionable steps to live a fulfilling life despite limitations.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Together, Cheryl and Dr. Ortiz debunk common myths about RA and tackle important topics like medication hesitancy, lifestyle interventions, and the balance between the two. Dr. Ortiz reassures listeners that while factors like nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management can help, “just because lifestyle can help doesn’t mean lifestyle caused it.”They also discuss how to make the most of your doctor’s appointments—because being prepared can help you feel more confident and in control. Plus, they dive into the emotional side of living with a chronic illness and the uncertainty that comes with it. Dr. Ortiz shares strategies doctors can use to provide reassurance, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.Finally, they explore concierge medicine and why Dr. Ortiz transitioned to this model of care. And as a reminder to anyone feeling overwhelmed, Cheryl and Dr. Ortiz leave listeners with this thought: “Everyone’s got something.” RA may be part of your story, but it doesn’t define you—you can still build a life that feels full and thriving. Episode at a glance:Why Dr Ortiz Became a Rheumatologist: The importance of building a long term relationship with your patients and searching for answers in the gray areas of medicine.Tips for patients and doctors to communicate and connect better: Dr Ortiz shares practical tips for improving your connection with your doctor.Medication Hesitancy and Lifestyle: Dr. Ortiz and Cheryl reflect on the importance of understanding medication efficacy, and how some evidence-based lifestyle interventions can be an important adjunct in your care.Busting myths about rheumatoid arthritis: Dr. Ortiz and Cheryl address common misconceptions Dr. Ortiz has found in her Connected Rheumatology YouTube channel and Cheryl has found on her Arthritis Life social channelsEmpowering Mindset for a New Diagnosis: Your diagnosis is not your fault, but you do have control over how you respond.Shifting perspective: “Everyone’s got something” – you’re not alone in this journey.Living a Full Life with RA: Thriving means building a life beyond your condition.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Alison and Cheryl also explore the impact of the pandemic on rediscovering creative passions and the power of storytelling in raising awareness. Alison’s new children’s book, Kenzie’s Little Tree, is not only a meaningful read but also a way to support arthritis and chronic illness foundations.  If you're newly diagnosed, this conversation offers reassurance, practical tips, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey. Episode at a glance:Alison’s Diagnosis Story: Alison shares how she got diagnosed with AS after the birth of her childCreative Outlets & Chronic Illness: How writing, reading, and creative hobbies help manage symptoms and mental well-being.Practical Comfort and Pain Relief Tools: Favorite small but effective tools like heating pads, cushions, and ergonomic adjustments.Navigating Life Post-Diagnosis: The emotional impact of an IBD and ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis and finding ways to adapt.The Power of Storytelling: How Alison’s book, Kenzie’s Little Tree, raises awareness and supports chronic illness communities.Finding Connection & Support: Encouragement for those newly diagnosed, emphasizing that they’re not alone in this journey.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!