Arthritis Life

Episode at a glanceFull transcript and additional notes available at the Arthritis Life website here.1:00 - 7:30 Unity’s shares her diagnosis story at 15 months old and details her young childhood experiences growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)7:30 - 15:00: How Unity became more active in her care management as an adolescent and explored alternate ways of managing JIA including nutrition, reiki, shamanism, and meditation.15:00 - 23:00  The importance of meditation and managing stress in Unity’s JIA journey, including a discussion of some of Unity’s favorite books.23:00 - 30:00 Unity explains what it means to be a “wounded healer” and what “healing” means to her. She also explains her Seasons of Self Energy Report framework.30:00 - 37:00  Unity explains the importance of addressing mindset and mindfulness while living with a health condition.37:00 - 40:00 Unity explains the inspiration behind S.O.S. Energy Report: A Survivor's Guide to Self-Healing Breakthroughs40:00 - 43:00 Unity shares about her experience becoming a mother and now parenting two teenagers while managing her JIA.43:00 - Unity & Cheryl discuss the many cost benefit analyses they do as patients, and when it’s worth it to do an activity even when it causes painSpeaker Bios:Unity Schmit: Born into a near-death experience, and diagnosed with chronic childhood illness, in the form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), Unity awakened to seek self-healing growth and the powerful meaning behind her unusual life start. On her path, she sought to understand how to bring pain to purpose, and how to follow her inner calling to experience her dreams, even though she was told they were unattainable. By studying self-healing, energy work, reiki, psychology, world religions and shamanism, Unity reached her dreams, and studied with healers and shamans from Canada, the United States and Australia. Through her experiences, Unity has become an author, teacher and 'faery godmother' life coach who seeks to help others awaken their own self-healing breakthroughs to reach their dreams, no matter the storms present or ahead.Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in Spring, 2022! Episode Links:Unity’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/unityschmidt/‘S.O.S. Energy Report Experience - this is a special link Unity created for Arthritis Life podcast audience members to allow you to access her “Survivor's Guide To Self-Healing Breakthroughs” for free. As a health provider I am not endorsing any claims from this website but am passing along the opportunity for you to experience it if you are interested, in hopes that it will be helpful.Books Unity Recommended in this episodeThe Power of Myth - Joseph Campbell The Brain that Changes Itself - neuroscience bookBarbara Brennena - Hands of LightMindfulness, by Dr. Ellen Langer Cheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupCheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife Arthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realcc Arthritis Life Youtube channelMedical 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.For full episode notes and a transcript: Full transcript and additional notes available at the Arthritis Life website here.

In this episode, eight women share their journeys with methotrexate as of July 2020. You can hear an update from Jo, Ananthi and Paulina from October 2021 in episode 58.Episode at a glanceIntroduction to Episode with Methotrexate facts (0:00-5:00)Patient introductions (5:00-10:00)Patient stories about being on methotrexate: Paulina, Cheryl, Ali & Ananthi (10:00 - 41:00)Discussion about natural methods versus medications and decision making around that (41:00 - 47:40)More patient stories about being on methotrexate: Jo, Aashi, Kristen, Jenny  (47:40 - 1:09:00)Patients share tips on injecting methotrexate or other rheumatic disease medications (1:09:00 - 1:31:00)Tips for coping with “miracle cures,”  unsolicited advice & medication shamers (1:31:00 -Speaker Handles:Aashi Bhimani @solo_spoonie on InstagramCheryl Crow @Arthritis_Life_Cheryl on InstagramAnanthi Ramachandran @ar_versus_ra on InstagramAli Digiacomo @anotherdaywithRA on InstagramKristen Brogan @warriorsmovemountains on InstagramJo Mistreanu @thejosphere on InstagramJenny Parker @cute_n_chronic on InstagramCheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorRheum 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 links:Resources to learn more about Methotrexate:Rheumatoid Arthritis “In the Clinic” - Annals of Internal Medicine Article (2019)““In most patients, RA is a chronic, progressive disease character-ized by episodes of disease flares or long-term chronic inflamma-tion. Only a few patients achieve long-term remission without the need for long-term medications.”“About half of all patients treated with methotrexate have little or no radiographic progression, although 30% will require addi-al DMARDs (like biologics):Global Healthy living Foundation research into how prominent methotrexate side effects areMethotrexate Side Effect Stats from the Arthritis FoundationCheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupCheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLifeArthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realccArthritis Life Youtube channelMedical 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.Full episode transcriptFor additional details including a transcript, please go to www.Arthritis.TheEnthusiasticLife.Com

Episode at a glanceGrace’s introduction & diagnosis story (3:22 - 9:00)Grace’s experience with pregnancy remission and a postpartum flare up (9:21 - 15:00)What has helped Grace cope mentally and emotionally with chronic pain and stress (15:50 - 32:00)Grace describes her current business coaching work (32:00 - 37:00)Speaker Bios:Grace Nelson is a business coach, specializing in supporting women in corporate start their online business from scratch and make their first consistent 1K+ months online without having to leave their 9-5!  She has been “experiencing” Rheumatoid Arthritis over the last 16 years and shares her story about she manages living with an autoimmune condition, running a business and being a first time Mummy to her daughter Eliza-Rae (who is now 1 years old).Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.  Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in early October, 2021!Episode links:Grace pages:@Iamgracenelson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamgracenelson/Grace’s free ebook training: https://bit.ly/23WaysToGetMoreClientsCheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupCheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLifeArthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realccArthritis Life Youtube channelArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE, a membership community Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this 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 at a glanceIntroduction & definition of terms:What is stress, pain versus suffering, statistics on mental health and arthritis, common causes of stress with chronic illness (1:30 - 12:00)Cognitive behavior therapy for “thinking problems”:How “Catching ANTs” is a helpful tool for “thinking problems” (when your stress is caused by maladaptive thinking patterns) (12:30 - 20:45 )Mindfulness & “perpetual problems”Cheryl explains how true mindfulness of the present moment (even uncomfortable parts of the present) can help cope with perpetual problems from chronic illness (21:45 - 27:10).Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cheryl explains how acceptance and commitment therapy helps her devote energy towards present possibilities rather than wasting time trying to solve unsolvable problems (which can lead to unnecessary stress). (27:10 -43:00)Concluding thoughts: 43:00-endSometimes there is not a clear way to make your pain go away, no effective tool to “heal” your condition, and no way to convince someone else that  your invisible illness is real.While that might sound depressing at first, Cheryl explains that accepting this reality helped set her free (“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off” - Gloria Steinem). She explains how she learned this technique from #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy. Speaker Bios:Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6 month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.  Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in early October, 2021!Episode links:Sign up to access the video recording of this webinar (which includes the visuals I refer to)Reproductive Health and Rheumatic Disease Webinar:Cheryl will be moderating a free “Reproductive Health and Rheumatic Disease” patient webinar on September 14th 2021, sign up here http://www.rheum4you.org and learn more here https://simpletasks.org/Things mentioned in the episode:Find a therapist in the US - Psychology TodayCBT - resources for learning about common cognitive distortionsJohn Gottman marriage research: solvable versus perpetual problemsThe Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris - explains Acceptance and Commitment TherapyPassengers on the bus metaphor - more detailsCheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Cheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife Arthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realcc Arthritis Life Youtube channelArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE, a membership community Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this 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 at a glanceArt and arthritis: Maria shares how she participates in artistic hobbies like photography and artwork despite hand pain from rheumatoid arthritisDiagnosis journey: Maria’s diagnosis journey with rheumatoid arthritis in Venezuela and her emotional reaction to the diagnosis at age twenty oneManaging expectations: Maria and Cheryl discuss what it’s like to try to manage your expectations and plan your life when diagnosed with RA so youngCollege and international studies: The difficulties of managing rheumatoid arthritis while being a college student in the USA, including barriers to medicationSocial media: Cheryl & Maria reflect on the benefits and drawbacks of social media, both having been diagnosed prior to social mediaMaria moves to Australia: the scarcity of medication and resources in Venezuala leads Maria and her husband to move to AustraliaPregnancy and parenting with rheumatoid arthritis: Maria shares her journey with pregnancy and parenting her two girls with severe pain from rheumatoid arthritisRemission: Maria shares the happy news of her current remission and how that’s improved her quality of life.“Auch Revista” - Maria explains why she started this non-profit Spanish language magazine to share stories and tips for others living with chronic illnesses.Speaker Bios:Maria Gonzales has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since she was twenty one years old. Throughout the years she has lived on three continents with RA. She also graduated college and had two babies while managing rheumatoid arthritis. She has experienced everything from excruciating pain to a current remission. She enjoys sharing her journey with others and started the “Auch Revista” (translation: Ouch Magazine), a non-profit magazine for the Spanish speaking community living with chronic illness. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6 month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.  Join the waitlist today! Episode links:Maria’s links:Instagram @auch.revistaAUCH Revista - Spanish language magazine focusing on ways to help people with chronic illnesses Things we mentioned in the episode:Man’s search for meaning bookCheryl’s Arthritis Life free resources:Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RAFree Training: Arthritis Life Hack Crash CourseMedical 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.Full Episode Details + TranscriptionFor a full transcription and more details about this episode, go to www.MyArthritisLife.net 

Even after getting diagnosed with bi-lateral pulmonary emboli, a necrotizing lung nodule and periodic paralysis, Kim was repeatedly dismissed as being “hysterical,” “just anxious” and having “nothing wrong” with her when it turns out her lung had collapsed, she had an air leak on her lung suture line and she also had rheumatoid arthritis.  Kim shares her experiences and perspectives with candor in hopes that no one who’s gone through similar experiences will feel alone.Episode at a glance:Kim’s journey going from 90 minute daily bike rides to not being able to walk due to a collapsed lung and other undiagnosed health issues.Kim’s multiple experiences with medical gaslighting, or being dismissed by medical providers, including being erroneously diagnosed with “conversion disorder” when she presented with lower body paralysis.Kim files a complaint with the hospital (who employed Kim’s original surgeon who told her “nothing’s wrong” when she in fact had a collapsed lung) and nothing happens.Kim and Cheryl discuss ways the medical system can be improved to avoid medical gaslighting in the future, including using systems like “risk management.”Kim shares what it’s been like to balance treatments for rheumatoid arthritis with hypokalemic periodic paralysis.Kim shares how she’s mentally coped with everything she’s been through.SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCE: If you are in the USA and you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For a list of international suicide hotlines by country see this page.Kim and Cheryl discuss what it feels like to feel “trapped” in your own bodyKim & Cheryl discuss “thin privilege” and how people who are overweight face additional stigmas when seeking medical careKim & Cheryl discuss the “inconvenient truth” that so much of our health is influenced by luck rather than things we can control (like diet). Kim discusses equity versus equality and relates those concepts to healthcareKim shares “a day in the life” and what tools help her function on a daily basis.’Kim shares what brings her joy in life, including rescuing kittens.Kim provides an alternative to the 1-10 pain scale.Speaker Bios:Kim:Kim has experienced chronic intermittent pain since she was seven years old. She has been written off by doctors as being depressed, anxious, over exaggerating. Her severe pain experience has been in her head/neck/shoulders but more recently it has extended from her hips to her feet and from her shoulders to hands. In between her daily struggles with pain, she has experienced massive bi-lateral pulmonary emboli, a lung nodule that started necrotizing her lung tissue, hypermobile joints and most recently periodic paralysis. The necrotizing lung nodule was determined to be rhematoid in nature so that put her into the rheumatoid family and a working diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Outside of illness, Kim is an academic librarian, an endurance cyclist, newborn foster kitten parent and lover of state and national parks. Cheryl:Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease become more confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist today! Episode links:SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCE: If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call the National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For a list of international suicide hotlines by country see this page.Kim’s contact information: Klooby2 -at- gmail.comCheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Cheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife Arthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realcc Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupCheryl’s Arthritis Life freebies:Free Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RAFree Training: Arthritis Life Hack Crash CourseArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease become more confident, supported and connected. Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this conditionArthritis Life Youtube channelMedical 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 at a glance:Suruthi’s diagnosis story of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at age 3What it was like to be a small child with hip displasia and JIA, unable to walk for long periods of time, including social isolationThe challenges Suruthi faced in college with some “friends” and roommates not understanding her condition, accusing her of faking and ultimately bullying and shaming herHow Suruthi’s painful experiences and her volunteer work with “Versus Arthritis” in the UK led her to create her “Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis” instagram account and be more open about her storyHow Suruthi’s south Asian culture affected her experience of disability and chronic illnessHow and why Suruthi is pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering“A Day in the Life” for Suruthi todayWhat Suruthi wishes everyone knew about living with arthritis Speaker Bios:Suruthi, I am 22  and I have had Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis since I was three! Having arthritis has impacted my life in many ways but I rarely saw people like me talking about it which is what led me to start my instagram account, fightrheumatoidarthritis.Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease become more confident, supported and connected. Episode links:Suruthi account:Instagram @fightrheumatoidarthritisCheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Cheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife Arthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realcc For full episode details and links, go to: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2021/07/20/whats-it-like-to-grow-up-with-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-suruthis-gnanenthirans-journey-from-isolation-to-advocacy/ 

Episode at a glance:Karol’s experience getting diagnosed with JIA at age 13 and being angry, terrified and grumpy about itThe importance of disability representation beyond the cliche “inspirational” storyHow Karol learned the importance of partnership with a doctor and taking an active role in her care in her 20sWhy Karol identifies as disabled, rather than a “person with disability” (including a discussion of the #SayTheWord, #TheWordIsDisabled movement)How both Cheryl and Karol have confronted their internalized ableismWhy Karol wishes she had listened to her occupational therapists earlier, and why occupational therapy is so important for people with rheumatic diseasesExcerpts from Karol’s award winning young adult novel “Cursed,” about a young woman with JIA who is “frank, funny and full of f-bombs.”The importance of disability prideSpeaker Bios:Karol Ruth Silverstein is a children's book author and screenwriter. She was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 13 and has identified as disabled since 21. Originally from Philadelphia, she now lives in West Hollywood with her two exceptionally fully cats. You can find her website at: https://www.karolruthsilverstein.com/ Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and educational program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. 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.\For full episode links go to:  https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2021/07/14/why-do-disability-pride-and-disability-representation-matter-with-cursed-novelist-and-jia-patient-karol-ruth-silverstein/

Episode at a glance:Introduction and Agenda Review (1:00)Definition of a Flare Up for rheumatic disease (which includes ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) (6:30)What causes flare-ups, and why is it so important to discover our own unique flare triggers? (7:40)Focus on Pain: tools to prevent pain and reduce existing pain (25:00)Focus on Fatigue: tools to prevent and reduce fatigue (31:00)Focus on Stress: ways to decrease stress levels & cope with existing stress (37:00)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 SponsorRheum to THRIVE, an empowerment program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Learn more here! Speaker Bio:Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode links:Resources discussed in this episode:Video recording of the “Build Your Rheumatic Disease Flare Up Toolkit” webinar (includes presentation slides)"Multiple Factors Associated With Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis" research articleLink to my webinar about stress managementWhat is ACT - acceptance and commitment therapy: Information siteThe Happiness Trap - Book and online program from Dr. Russ Harris - explains Acceptance and Commitment TherapyApps for symptom tracking:Cheryl doesn’t have one favorite but some she finds helpful are: Symple, MyArthritis, OpenCare, Wave, MyRaTeam, MyVectra, Chronic Insights, RA Healthline, Arthritis Foundation Track & ReactRecommended episode: 8 Things everyone who loves someone with arthritis should knowFree Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupArthritis Life Program LinksRheum to THRIVE, an online support group and education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease become more confident, supported and connected.Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this condition.Cheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Cheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLifeArthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realccArthritis Life Youtube channel

This episode includes discussions about:How to decide whether or not to have children while living with a chronic illnessTips for comfortable sex with chronic painFrequently Asked Questions about pregnancy with rheumatoid arthritis, including how to find out which medications are safeCheryl and Mariah’s experiences with childbirth and C-sectionsHow frequent is the postpartum flare-up and how can it be prevented?Advice for feeding a newborn with rheumatoid arthritis, including discussions about ergonomics, breast versus bottle feeding and “fed is best.”Practical tips for managing the physical and energy demands of new babies including diapering, clothing, baby wearing and more!This is part one of a two part series - later, Mariah and Cheryl will share tips for parenting toddlers / “big kids” and managing mental health as chronically ill parents!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.This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease become more confident, supported and connected. Episode links:Resources discussed in this episode: Mother To Baby - nonprofit resource for medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeedingPast episodes of Arthritis Life podMariah’s book review from rheumatology nurse practitioner Iris Zink Sex – Interrupted: Igniting Intimacy While Living With Illness or DisabilityHealtheVoices - patient advocacy conference Mariah attended Mariah’s links:Twitter & Instagram: @mamasforwardFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mamasforwardFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mamasfacingforwardArthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE an online support group and education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease become more confident, supported and connected. For full episode details, including a detailed episode breakdown, go to: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2021/06/17/tips-for-pregnancy-and-postpartum-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/