Arthritis Life

Ali and Cheryl discuss how overwhelming medication changes can be, and Ali describes what it was like to switch doses of methotrexate, switch to a new biologic medication and add prednisone and NDSAIDs in the mix. Ali & Cheryl also discuss what it’s like to have costochondritis and how they cope with unresolved health issues while still trying to live a full, joyful life. This episode also includes reflections about how to cope with social media jealousy within the chronic illness community, how to set boundaries with friends and loved ones during Covid times, and more.  This interview was conducted in February 2022.Episode at a glance:Flare up leads to medication changes: Ali shares what it was like to switch biologics, take a course of prednisone and add in NSAID (Non steroidal anti inflammatory medications) and alter her methotrexate dosageHeartbreak: when Ali discovered she wasn’t in medicated remission, she feels heartbrokenEmergency Room Visit: Ali goes to the emergency room with severe pelvic pain, doesn’t get any clear answers, follows up with both Gynecology and GI doctorsCostochondritis and “hypochondriac” accusations: Cheryl & Ali discuss their experiences with costochondritis and how they were both accused of being hypochondriacs before their accurate diagnosis of costochondritisCoping: we discuss how we cope with the ups and downs of chronic illness lifeCovid and social life: discussion about how to set boundaries socially around covid precautionsSocial Media and Jealousy: reflections about how to cope when others seem to be doing better than youEveryone is different: there’s no badge for managing RA a certain wayAli’s advice to people just starting out on Methotrexate, or who are hesitant about itMedical 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! Episode SponsorsFor full episode details including a transcript, please go to the Arthritis Life Website at www.MyArthritisLife.Net

Stefanie was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after the birth of her first child. In this episode, she shares how her weight gain and difficulty performing daily tasks led to a negative body image. Cheryl and Stefanie discuss ways to overcome ableism and shame, and gain a sense of body positivity or at least a “body neutral” stance. They also discuss the importance of self compassion and challenging societal norms. For full episode details including a transcript, go to the show page. Episode at a glance:Overview: how does chronic illness affect body image?Stefanie’s personal journey: postpartum diagnosis of RA, coping with weight gain and difficulty performing basic daily activitiesWhat is “normal?” Stefanie and Cheryl discuss how it’s hard to know what’s normal or expected as a first time parent, especially when you receive an autoimmune diagnosisOvercoming ableism and shame: how Stefanie and Cheryl have learned to grow in confidence and embrace their perfectly imperfect bodiesIt’s ok to feel “body neutral:” sometimes being neutral is a middle ground step between body shame and body confidenceSelf-Compassion: Cheryl shares why self compassion is so critical for people with chronic illnessStefanie’s best advice for newly diagnosed people who might be struggling with body imageMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in October 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.For Full Episode links Plus Transcript:For full episode details including a transcript, go to the show page on the Arthritis Life Website. 

In this episode, parents Leeza Broome and Courtney Bruce share why arthritis-specific summer camps have been such a lifeline to their families over the years. As volunteers, they helped start the very first Pacific Northwest family camp for kids with arthritis, “KAT-Fish Camp,” which has historically been put on by the Arthritis Foundation. Cheryl also shares her experiences volunteering at the camp. All three speakers share their favorite camp memories from the last two decades and explore the importance of community and belonging in chronic illness communities.Episode at a glance:Diagnosis story: Courtney shares her daughter’s diagnosis story at 18 months, which started with a swollen knee and a misdiagnosis.Diagnosis story: Leeza shares her son’s diagnosis story, which started with difficulty getting out of the toddler bed and swollen fingers.Why is it important to have family camps for kids with juvenile idiopathic arthritis? Leeza and Courtney share what they’ve learned in the parent education sessions, from advocacy to emotional tips for coping with injecting a child who’s afraid of needles. Cheryl, Leeza and Courtney explore the emotions that parents, children with JIA and siblings experience at these camps including: relief, shared anger at similar negative experiences people have gone through, envy, hope and more.Favorite camp memories: all three speakers share their favorite memories, from S’Mores and campfire songs to talent shows.Where can you sign up to volunteer at a camp or attend one? Links below!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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.Full Episode Details, Links plus Transcript:Go to the show page on the Arthritis Life website. 

Dr. Codd and Cheryl share specific tips for coping with how an inflammatory arthritis condition (like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis) can lead to difficulties adjusting to one’s new role as a parent, in addition to other important roles.*Celebrating 50,000 downloads of the Arthritis Life Podcast: now through July 15th, enter for a chance to win a Arthritis Friendly Prize Package Giveaway - full details here or at bit.ly/arthritis50 Episode at a glance:Research: Review of Dr Codd’s research on how inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic, ankylosing spondylitis, etc) affects important life roles including parentingBecoming a Parent with Inflammatory Arthritis: A conversation about the complexity of asking for help and how it relates to control, grieving, ableism and independencePlay is important: how to play with your child when you have pain and tips for coming to terms with how your condition affects your ability to parent.Why it’s important for health professionals to address life roles, not just symptom management: Dr. Codd explains how occupational therapists help people with inflammatory arthritis participate in meaningful daily roles and activities and bring joy back to their livesDr. Codd’s best advice for the newly diagnosedMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.For full episode show notes including a full transcript: See the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website. 

 Dr. Saimun Singla shares her journey first becoming a pediatric rheumatologist (a Pediatrician who further specializes in rheumatology), then becoming diagnosed with adult rheumatoid arthritis after the birth of her second child.  Dr. Singla’s experiences as a patient changed her approach to her patients, and led her to pursue a fellowship in integrative medicine. She shares what’s in her personal RA management toolbox, from sleep and meditation to medication and exercise. She also reflects on how her experiences ultimately led her to open up her own private practice in Houston, TX.Episode at a glance:How Dr Singla became a pediatric rheumatologistDiagnosis: Dr Singla gets diagnosed with adult rheumatoid arthritis after the birth of her second childPregnancy: What it was like to be pregnant before rheumatoid arthritis and after her RA diagnosisIntegrative Medicine: How Dr Singla’s personal journey with RA led her to pursue Integrative medicineWhat’s in Dr. Singla’s personal RA management toolbox: lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep ,exercise, medication and other mind-body approaches in addition to medicationsBeing both patient and doctor: Dr Singla describes how humbling it’s been to be a patient and how that’s led her to be a more empathetic doctorPivoting career due to RA: how she started her own integrative pediatric rheumatology practice, Rheum to Grow, in Houston, TX which allows her to control her schedule and accommodates her RA needsCulture and the patient experience: Dr Singla reflects on how her South Asian identity and culture affects her patient experienceDr Singla’s words of wisdom for the newly diagnosedMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.##Full Episode Details & Transcript:Go to the episode page at www.MyArthritisLife.Net for all links and details!

People living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)  and related autoimmune forms of arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) are at greater risk of developing hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Emily and Cheryl discuss ways for people living with arthritis and EDS or POTS to manage the day to day of their conditions and cope with the ups and downs and uncertainties that come with fluctuating chronic illnesses. They also discuss the role of occupational therapists in helping people with these conditions improve their self-management abilities and confidence in building a meaningful life despite health challenges.Episode at a glance:Emily’s diagnosis story for EDS and POTS at age 14: joint pain, feeling like passing out, digestive symptoms and moreWhat is POTS?Autoimmune conditions, Covid-19 and POTS: Emily and Cheryl discuss the connections between these conditionsEDS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and General hypermobility: Emily explains the difference between hypermobility and EDS (which includes one of 13 subtypes being hypermobile type)Who diagnoses EDS and POTS?Connection to arthritis: Emily and Cheryl review the data about the incidence of POTS and EDS amongst people with rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditionsTips for coping when you have both arthritis and EDS: the fluctuation and the uncertainty;  whack a mole - live in the moment, acceptanceWhat’s in Emily’s toolbox for coping with POTS and EDS: sleep routines, hand splints, planning ahead, energy conservation and moreWhat is the occupational therapist’s role in helping people manage dysautonomia and EDS? Sleep hygiene, energy conservation, fatigue management, pain tools, teaching strategies and moreSelf-Management for Chronic Conditions: Emily and Cheryl share insights into this often overlooked area of need for many patients.Emily’s best advice for people newly diagnosed with EDS and/or POTSMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.Full Episode Show Notes & TranscriptFor full episode show notes, including links discussed in the episode and a full transcript, go to the show page on the Arthritis Life website: www.MyArthritisLife.Net

Kori and Cheryl discuss ways to approach assessing the risks versus benefits of medications from the "shared decision making" model. They also explore how insurance barriers in the United States can make medication decisions all the more complex. Kori shares her tips for getting prescription medication support, as well as her words of wisdom for diagnosed patients.  The conversation concludes with a discussion of the latest research developments Kori is most excited about in the world of rheumatology.Episode at a glance:What is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)? What is the role of the nurse practitioner on the rheumatology team?Tips for making medical decisions: Kori explains how she helps her patients assess the risks of treating (like medication side effects) versus the risks of undertreating (like disease progression).What to do if you have insurance barriers to medication: Kori discusses insurance barriers and gives tips including copay cards, patient assistance programs, ways to proactively research medication costs, and what the deal is with prior authorizations and specialty pharmaciesAdvocacy: Cheryl and Kori discuss how patients can support reforms to healthcare through sharing their storiesNewly Diagnosed: Kori’s words of wisdom for newly diagnosed patientsLatest research developments: What recent innovations in the field of rheumatology Kori is most excited about?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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.For full episode details including a Transcript:Go to the Arthritis Life Website at: www.MyArthritisLife.Net

Melissa shares how she learned to be a more effective advocate over time, and provides insights into how she copes with the ups and downs of chronic illness life.Episode at a glance:Melissa’s Diagnosis story for Lupus & Type 1 Diabetes as a nine year oldMelissa becomes a mental health occupational therapist while managing her conditionsMelissa shares her treatment ups and downs for lupus, including medications and lifestyle factors such as exercise and stress managementAdvocacy: Melissa shares her journey towards becoming a health advocateWhat to do when your supporters or caregivers don’t “get it?”Melissa’s Best Advice for people newly diagnosed with Lupus and/or Type 1 DiabetesMelissa’s Mental health / coping tips for chronic illness lifeMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.

Episode at a glance:How Cristina’s postpartum flare up and difficulty with pain control led her to delve into medical cannabis; helped especially with fibromyalgia. Cannabis, CBD & THC 101: How the endocannibinoid system (within our body) helps with homeostasis, memory, pain, mood, inflammation and even skin.The difference between cannabis, help, THC, CBD, endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoidsWhat people with arthritis might want to know about how cannabis affects pain, inflammation, sleep, anxiety, appetite and mood (including a discussion of what risks there are versus benefits) What are the different methods of consumption for cannabis (Sublingual, Topical creams, Transdermal patch, Oral Suppositories (vaginal), inhalation, IV and more)Where to find valid information about CBD and chronic painWhere to find a dispensary: - check the laws in your area; five things Cristina looks for in a cannabis dispensaryCommunication to medical team: Cristina discusses the importance of thisCristina answers listener questionsHow to learn more from CristinaMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.##Full Episode Details + TranscriptSee the Arthritis Life Website at www.MyArthritisLife.Net for full details, including a transcript!

Meaghan shares her journey growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which turned into psoriatic arthritis (PSA) in her twenties. She busts common myths about PSA and delves into the importance of advocacy, mental health, sharing our stories and more.##Episode at a glance:Meaghan’s Diagnosis story / saga for JIA and then PsA: medical gaslighting, delays in care, learning to advocate for herself and moreWhat does Meggie Wish People Knew about PSA? Dispelling common misconceptionsMeggie’s advocacy journey: from insurance step therapy to formal advocacyRelationships: Meggie reflects on dating with arthritis and shares how her husband supports herMeggie reflects on the importance of mental health & how being open about her diagnosis helped herWhat’s it been like to share your story online? Meggie shares her story writing for Bezzy PSA from Healthline and sharing her story on social mediaMeggie’s advice for newly diagnosed patientsWhere to find Meggie: Instagram: @Arthritis_Meggie 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 SponsorsRheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. The next group starts in April 2022!For Full Episode Details + Transcript:Go to www.MyArthritisLife.Net