Arthritis Life

 Paulina, Ananthi and Jo update the audience about their methotrexate journeys for rheumatoid arthritis, including having to titrate the dosage up or down due to liver enzyme numbers, decisions about whether to add a biologic medication in addition to methotrexate, and reflections on the emotional ups and downs of living with a chronic, unpredictable illness during a pandemic.This episode is a follow up to episode 45 (which was originally recorded in July 2020), where eight patients shared their experiences taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Today’s episode was recorded in the fall of 2021.Episode at a glance:Paulina provides an update to her methotrexate journey and what has helped her cope with the ups and downs of rheumatoid arthritisAnanthi shares how she initially tolerated methotrexate but her liver enzymes went up so she had to fiddle around with the dosage a bit to get to a just right amountReflections on the need to stay on top of tracking our bloodwork and take charge of our careJo explains how she felt she wasn’t able to control her disease well with methotrexate alone but her doctor did not think she qualified yet for biologics, which was a very sad and frustrating experienceEveryone reflects on how the pandemic continues to affect their ability to make appointments and see their doctorsWe reflect on the limitations of standardized assessments for rheumatoid arthritisEveryone gives a piece of wisdom for listenersMedical 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! Full Episode DetailsFor full episode details including a complete transcript, please go to the show page on the Arthritis Life Website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Victoria Sampson explains how oral health, the oral microbiome and rheumatoid arthritis inflammation are all interrelated. She provides ample details about why people with rheumatoid arthritis should take extra care with their oral health, and explains how altering the oral microbiome can potentially lead to improvements in RA disease activity. See full episode notes including a detailed transcript here.Episode at a glance:How rheumatoid arthritis can lead to gum damage and why flossing is so importantSpecific action steps people with RA can take to improve their dental health and oral microbiomeCheryl and Dr. Sampson’s tips and life hacks for flossing, brushing and other oral health care when you have hand painWhat it means to be a holistic dentist or integrative dentistWhat is the oral microbiome and why should people with rheumatoid arthritis care?A case study of a patient with severe RA who had dramatically positive response to changing her gut and oral microbiome, as well as overall RA disease activity, through diet and oral hygiene habits.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 including speaker bios and a full transcript:Go this episode's page at the Arthritis Life website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After living with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease characterized by at times unpredictable flare-ups and remissions) for nineteen years, host Cheryl Crow is no stranger to uncertainty.However, the pandemic has brought a whole new level of uncertainty to the lives of those who are vulnerable, including Cheryl.In this discussion, mental health occupational therapist Carlyn Neek and Cheryl focus discuss ways that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tools can help people cope with uncertainty and continue moving towards a full and meaningful life despite so many things being out of their control.Cheryl & Carlyn also delve into specific ways that being immunocompromised and vulnerable to other’s actions has emotionally affected people, and ways to cope with difficult emotions like anger, jealousy and anxiety.\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 Spring 2022!For full episode notes plus a transcription:Full episode notes including links to things discussed in this episode and a full transcription can be found on the episode page on the Arthritis Life website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when the person who loves everything suddenly likes nothing? Arthritis Life founder and Arthritis Life host Cheryl Crow shares her rocky transition to motherhood while managing a rheumatoid arthritis flare up.She also opens up about her experience with symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, and highlights the importance of therapy in helping her get back to her “usual self.”Please note: this interview initially took place in 2020 on the “What about the Mama?” podcast, hosted by occupational therapist Karena Skibinsky, on episode 11: “What about being a mama with a chronic illness?"Episode at a glance:Why Cheryl founded Arthritis Life after working as an occupational therapist in pediatrics, and the value of “edutainment” (entertaining educational content)!Brief overview of Cheryl’s pregnancy remission and postpartum flare up of rheumatoid arthritisCheryl describes the irritability and mental exhaustion she experienced postpartum with decision fatigue around her medical needs and her baby’s needsHow Cheryl’s postpartum mood changes affected her social relationshipsThe exact moment Cheryl realized she needed to go to therapyHow “leaning in” to work was helpful in some ways and unhelpful in othersThe dangers of a “breast is best” mentality and how Cheryl learned to embrace formula and a “Fed is Best” perspectiveHow being stubborn and optimistic is both the best and worst thing for Cheryl and her husbandCheryl’s advice to other prospective mothers living with chronic illnessesHow Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helped Cheryl cope with her health and motherhood adjustment challengesEpisode 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 Spring 2022!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.Full Episode Links, including a transcript:https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2022/01/21/the-storm-after-the-calm-cheryls-journey-with-postpartum-anxiety-and-rheumatoid-arthritis/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode at a glance:Tiffany’s diagnosis journey: from initial diagnosis of RA to eventual diagnosis of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritisHow Tiffany learned the importance of patient advocacyWhy Tiffany formed AiARTHRITIS -  International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis”What is precision medicine and why is it important?Tiffany’s best advice to newly diagnosed patientsHow you can get involved in patient advocacy and volunteer work at her organizationSpeaker Bios:Tiffany Westrich-RobertsonI am the CEO of the International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis, "AiArthritis" for short. I am also a person living with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, after originally being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I dedicate my time to running the organization, which has a unique mission to help other patients have a voice, alongside all other stakeholders, as equals. Together, we can solve problems and develop innovative solutions that positively impact education, advocacy, and research.Cheryl CrowCheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for nineteen 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 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 Spring 2022!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.Full episode details:For full episode details go to the episode page here!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode at a glance:Colleen shares what it was like to grow up with one hand.Colleen’s diagnosis story for rheumatoid arthritis and treatments that have helped.How Colleen met her husband and her tips for chronically ill relationships.How Colleen maintains a “glass half full” attitude and a brief discussion of “toxic positivity.”Pain management strategies that helped Colleen after over 4 joint replacement or fusion surgeries.Colleen’s favorite adaptations and gadgets that help her function with one hand affected by rheumatoid arthritis .Cheryl & Colleen discuss what brings them joy and how they’ve found meaning in “fandom” communities.Colleen’s fertility journey and how she relishes her current role as a “bonus mom” to her best friend’s children.Colleen’s best advice for people newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.Speaker Bios:Colleen Hood:My name is Colleen Hood.  I am a housewife and have been with my husband 34 years.  I was diagnosed with RA age 20 and it started on my hands and knees.  I was born with a limb difference of having just one hand.  But honestly,  I love every part of myself, even the RA.  It makes me ME.  I have always been determined,   strong, “I will get this” type person.   RA just made things a little harder,  but never stopped me.  I am my own bionic woman.   I had my 4 knuckles replaced through surgery, my wrist and ankle fused surgically, my right hip was replaced and I’ve had lots of rheumatoid nodules removed from my feet, fingers, and my little arm elbow.  OT and PT have helped me a lot since I have one hand. I use gadgets and tools and just practice makes progress.  I did develop cataracts at age 37 and early osteoporosis in my mid 30s due to long and large steriod use.  But no complaints... I am all good now.  I love the infusion meds... been on different ones since 2008 and things have been way better since.   I did stop working in 2014 as just having one hand and 2 functional fingers,  I put my health first.  I worked 28yrs and am proud of it.  So now I just care for my hubby and did care for my mom before she died in 2019.  I am everyone's cheerleader and grateful I joined instagram last January.  Cheryl CrowCheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for nineteen 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 SponsorRheumatoid 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 links:Colleen’s ChannelsInstagram channel - https://www.instagram.com/mad4minnie/Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:Arthritis Life website - https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislifeInstagram @arthritis_life_cheryl - https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/TikTok @arthritislife - https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislifeArthritis Life Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFECheryl on Twitter: @realcc  https://twitter.com/realccArthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupportArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  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. The next group starts in Spring 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. 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.Full Episode Transcript:See www.MyArthritisLIfe.Net for a full episode transcript!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode at a glance:Natalie’s diagnosis stories for fibromyalgia, migraine, celiac, cold urticaria, Hashimoto’s, and other conditionsWhat does fibromyalgia feel like?Cheryl & Natalie discuss how useful the “faulty battery charger” metaphor is for explaining fatigueHow Natalie uses humor to cope with her chronic illnesses, and how that led her to create funny T-shirts and ultimately the Unchargeables communityNatalie’s tips for making invisible illness more visible (including how she formed the “Chargimals” plushies and wrote books to spread awareness)Cheryl & Natalie discuss the value of using entertainment, storytelling and fun to educate people about disabilitiesHow Natalie deals with negative feedback on social mediaHow Cheryl & Natalie navigate being entrepreneurs with chronic illnessNatalie’s advice for newly diagnosed patients with any chronic health conditionSpeaker Bios:Natalie is a chronically ill online entrepreneur, living her best life despite all the health challenges. She lives with Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's disease, and a bunch of other conditions ever since she was a young girl. She lives on a sunny island with her family and pets. 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 SponsorRheumatoid 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 links:Natalie’s channelshttps://www.instagram.com/wearethechargimals/https://Facebook.com/thechargimals  https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevL8Tqk/  “The Unchargeables by Natalie”Unchargeables shop: https://www.theunchargeablesshop.com/pages/linksCheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:Arthritis Life website - https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislifeInstagram @arthritis_life_cheryl - https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/TikTok @arthritislife - https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislifeArthritis Life Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFECheryl on Twitter: @realcc  https://twitter.com/realccArthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupportArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  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. The next group starts in Spring 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. 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.Full Episode TranscriptGo to MyArthritisLife.Net for a full episode transcript Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode at a glance:0:00 - 3:25: Lene’s journey with juvenile idiopathic arthritis from diagnosis at age 9 to using a power wheelchair starting at age 16 to now3:25 - 10:40: What is ableism, and how does it relate to other forms of descrimination such as racism or sexism?10:40 - 17:51 - What is health privilege?17:51 - 24:30 -  What is internalized ableism and how might it manifest in a person with chronic illness?24:30 - 30:00  - How to dismantle internalized ableism: disentangling worth from productivity, not being ashamed to use mobility aids or daily living aids30:00 - 34:50 - How Lene is not “wheelchair bound” but in fact a wheelchair is liberating and a helpful tool for everyday life34:50 - 41:00 - The social model of disability and how external barriers are often more limiting to quality of life than the disability itself41:00 - 46:50: The differences between living with an invisible versus visible disability46:50 - 48:10: TRIGGER WARNING (suicide): Brief discussion of assisted suicide as it relates to disability48:10 - 52:50 - How the tropes of disabled people in media (movies, books) are often incredibly over simplified52:50 - 55:30:  What does it mean to have a “dynamic disability” with fluctuating symptoms?55:30 - endUniversal design versus accessibilitySpeaker Bios:Lene (pronounced Lena) is an award-winning writer and rheumatoid arthritis advocate living in Toronto, Canada. Born and raised in Denmark, Lene has had autoimmune arthritis since childhood and has used a power wheelchair since her teens. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work and writes books about living well with RA and other types of chronic illness. Lene shares her home with a cat and too many books.  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 SponsorRheumatoid 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 and show notes:Go to the Arthritis Life website at: www.MyArthritisLife.Net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode I share why I became an occupational therapist (spoiler alert - it wasn’t about arthritis initially!), answer your “just for fun questions” (including my favorite Taylor Swift songs), answer your arthritis related questions and share insights about coping with the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies chronic illness life. I’m beyond honored and touched to have reached fifty episodes and almost 30,000 downloads of the Arthritis Life podcast! 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 SponsorRheumatoid 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 links:Things mentioned in this episode;Podcasts I like:Maximum Fun podcast network - artist owned, listener supported independent podcast networkJudge John Hodgman podcastWe Got This with Mark and Hal podcastThis American Life PodcastSarah Putt - OT4Lyfe PodcastPast episodes I mentionedBest advice for newly diagnosed patientsCheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:Arthritis Life website - https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislifeInstagram @arthritis_life_cheryl - https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/TikTok @arthritislife - https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislifeArthritis Life Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFECheryl on Twitter: @realcc  https://twitter.com/realccArthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupportArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  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. The next group starts in Spring 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. 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.Full Episode TranscriptComing soon to the Arthritis Life webpage for this episode!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode at a glance:Ashley’s rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis story: getting the diagnosis at age twenty-seven after being told she was “too young” when she first presented with symptomsFaith: How Ashley’s different kinds of faith help her: faith in God, and faith in herself that she can persevere and achieve her goals, and faith that she can change her mindset.Fitness: Ashley’s journey becoming a personal trainer in 2018, even when those close to her questioned whether she could succeed in that field while having RAFood: How Ashley found a food plan that worked for her to help manage her weight and overall healthy lifestyleCheryl & Ashley discuss different ways to approach a healthy diet in a balanced way that supports quality of life rather than a restriction mindsetFrom sedentary to active: Ashley’s fitness journey was kickstarted with Jazzercise, then a gym membership and then personal training. How fitness helped decrease her pain.Tips for exercising and improving fitness with rheumatoid arthritis: think movement if exercise is intimidating; celebrate what you *can* do and do more of that; make it convenient for you;What is it like to work with a personal trainer?What are some adaptations or modifications for strength training with rheumatoid arthritis when your fingers or wrists hurt?Shame & Comparison: Cheryl & Ashley discuss how to avoid the “comparison trap” on social media, and Cheryl discusses the shame she feels at times due to being a former athlete who now is not in as good of shape as she used to be, and how her identity has shifted away from an identity as an athlete.Positive mindset without minimizing negative emotions: Cheryl & Ashley discuss ways to focus on the positive while not minimizing or delegitimizing the true negative feelings we haveAshley’s entrepreneur experience: starting RA Warrior Fitness LLC two months before the pandemic in 2020Advice for newbies: either newly diagnosed, or people who are new to fitness & RASpeaker Bios:My name is Ashley Nicole and I am a RA Warrior! I've lived with RA for 17 years and counting. It is now my mission to empower women living with rheumatoid arthritis to improve their quality of life through faith, food and fitness.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 SponsorRheumatoid 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 links:Ashley’s channelsIG: @ashnic_rawarriorfitness, @rawarriorfitnessFB: RA Warrior Fitness, LLCWebsite: https://www.rawarriorfitness.com/Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:Arthritis Life websiteYoutube channelInstagramTikTokFacebook PageTwitterArthritis Life Podcast Facebook GroupMedical 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 transcript:Available on the episode page on the Arthritis Life website!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.