Arthritis Life

Jason Webb is a 42 year old father of 3 daughters who has lived with inflammatory arthritis for 38 years. He’s also an artist, chef-educator (27 years), stock trading coach, and mentor to other single fathers. Jason is a creative with a flair for wit and humor. He understands that  what works for him might not work for you, but he's there to help you through, so don’t be shy to reach out. He is currently working on a culinary education program and children's book series.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. Links to things discussed in the podcast episode:Jason’s website: Chefscookies.caJason’s Instagram:Instagram.com/thejazzyjayInstagram.com/jazzycharts Instagram.com/chefs_cookies  Instagram.com/jazzyjayfoodJason’s Facebook accounts:www.facebook.com/TheJazzyJayFB @jazzychartsFb: @chefscookiesFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportThis episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an intensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.Medical disclaimer: All content found on the 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.Here's the show breakdown:1:09- Jason’s diagnosis story (also known as a journey or saga): from juvenile idiopathic arthritis to ankylosing spondylitis.6:00 - How Jason copes with gray areas and identify his flare triggers.8:40 - How Jason manages his physical health at this time.11:18 - What helps Jason manage Ankylosing Spondylitis: staying “safe, smart, strong, sweet and silly,” plus adaptive aids, massage, knowing his flare cycles, knowing diet and food triggers and more.16:30  – Coping mechanisms for chronic illness and chronic pain 19:25 -  Cheryl once again brings up Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT21:30 - How Jason’s challenging upbringing taught him how to be adaptable.23:45 - How Jason learned the importance of self-education.26:00 - Jason’s reflections on the positives and challenges of parenting with a chronic illness.29:30 - Jason’s past experiences as a chef & how he experienced cycles of stress, physical challenge and financial challenges as a single father.32:30 - Jason’s experience mentoring other single dads on Facebook32:30 - Jason reads his letter to single dads and others who are struggling.37:00 - Jason’s advice for newly diagnosed patients: educate yourself about the disease, listen to your body39:00 - Jason reflects on the connection between his emotional state and physical symptoms, how stress has caused flare-ups for him.42:00 - Jason & Cheryl’s parenting and stress-management advice Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In January 2000, Krista was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis; a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting her joints, tissues, skin and organs.  Having experienced chronic pain, disability, stress, depression, isolation and hopelessness for years, she relates deeply to the fear and impact to all facets of life when health is deteriorated.In 2015, Krista began addressing root cause drivers of her inflammation and disease, which not only dramatically improved her quality of life, but led her to become a speaker and certified coach. Today, Krista is on a reMISSION to inspire and empower others to improve their own health and quality of life.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. Links to things discussed in the podcast episode:Krista’s Instagram: @kickra18 Tiktok: @kickra18 Krista's Website: alivetoliving.comCheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportCheryl’s Free Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RAThis episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an online education and support program Cheryl created to guide people with RA step by step through how to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.Episode Breakdown:01:00 - Krista’s introduction and diagnosis story at age 2905:15 - Krista’s initial fears about what  life with RA would be like7:00 - How Krista’s diagnosis affected her relationship with her fiance, wedding planning, family planning and all aspects of life9:20 - Living in “fear, shame, anger and doom” for the first fifteen years of her journey, without revealing her diagnosis at work or publicly10:52 - Isolating herself from fear of being perceived as weak 13:45 - Krista’s experience on prednisone, feeling “not broken”14:50 – Pregnancy challenges due to RA flare17:19 - Krista’s wedding - home made Keds19:14 - Krista hits “rock bottom” after 15 years and leaves her 20 year corporate career and decides not to apply for disability. 21:05 - Krista encounters Teri Wahl’s diet and lifestyle journey with MS and the “Wahl’s Protocol”22:10 – Krista learns about “root cause medicine,” finds hope and goes back to school to become a “holistic nutritionist.” 26:25 - Krista learns to pay attention to her inflammation triggers (stress, foods, fragrances, sleep)29:33 - Krist and Cheryl reflect on the importance of hope and mindset31:23 - The importance of avoiding the “positive thinking” trap and how it’s good to validate your feelings. 32:35 - Learning to  mentally reframe what was actually happening in her life and address perceptions to stop her stress response.35:20 - How Cheryl & Krista both learned to curb the urge to be people-pleasers.36:00 – Krista and Cheryl discuss learning to set boundaries, say no & protect energy.  40:27– Krista joins TikTok in June 2020, makes “I can’t shuffle but I can Shakira” viral video showing belly dance style moves44:02 - Krista is surprised by the positive responses to her dance videos47:50 - Inspiring people to move however you can, “love yourself moving” 51:20 - Krista starts showing some of her physical limitations in her videos, and realizes that she doesn’t have to hide her RA anymore. 56:00 - Krista reflects on going from very private to public about her diagnosis58:20 - How Krista responds to unsolicited advice from people who don’t have a chronic illness1:00:10 – Krista’s words of wisdom for newly diagnosed patients.1:03:07 - Krista’s final thoughts: being 50 and being in the best place she’s been in 21 years, learning how to live in the moment even if it’s uncomfortable.Medical disclaimer: All content found on the 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Speaker bios:Corinne McLees is passionate about helping individuals maximize the function of their upper extremities, as she believes the hands are imperative to doing the things we love most. She graduated from VCU's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2016 and immediately began working in VCU Heath's hand therapy clinic. Corinne and her OT husband launched My Virtual OT - a 100% virtual occupational therapy practice - in order to safely serve clients amidst COVID-19. She has two small children and one on the way, and she and her husband have greatly enjoyed launching this business together.Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She helps others with rheumatoid arthritis determine 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 she say) FUN patient education and self-management 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.Links to things discussed in this episode:What is Occupational Therapy?Homonculus - sensory and motorMy Virtual OT website  My Virtual OT Youtube Channel  Corinne’s Virtual OT InstagramFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportThis episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an intensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.Episode breakdown:01:00 – Corinne’s explanation of what Occupational Therapy is05:00 – Educating clients about hand therapy07:00 – The brain interprets our hands as disproportionately important given their size; discussion of the homonculus 10:00 – How pain affects daily activities12:42 – Principles of joint protect while living with chronic hand pain13:00 – How posture alignment awareness protects joints19:25 – Overuse of exercises, fatigue, and flares 25:05 – How to better understand human behavior to support behavior change30:15- Corinne explains what happens during a virtual occupational therapy visit for patients with RA33:00 – The importance of distinguishing between different tyes of pain41:10 – How support groups can help keep you accountable 45:15-  Additional OT treatments: heat and cold, splinting and joint protection 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, Paulina shares her personal journey of how she discovered the benefits of yoga after her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. She explains how it can help people manage stress and feel a better sense of peace about themselves and their lives. Paulina also busts some of the top myths about yoga in this episode.Paulina Burzynska has been a 𝑅ℎ𝑒𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑖𝑑 𝐴𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 since the age of 18. She has lived with RA for five years, and as a teacher she is dedicated to providing safe, mindful classes for everyone helping them experience the benefits of yoga. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her 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. Links Discussed in this episode:Paulina’s Instagram &  Chronically Happy InstagramYoga school Paulina went to: Zazyoga Flexibility versus hypermobility articleFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportThis episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a comprehensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.Medical disclaimer: All content found on the 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 breakdown:01:00 - How Paulina was introduced to Yoga while living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)05:00 – You don’t necessarily have to modify your yoga routine07:00 – How yoga can work with your body’s central nervous system12:24 – Practicing yoga involves breath work to help with stress and getting your mind and body into a healing state15:00 – The mental aspect of yoga brings mindfulness17:56 – Cheryl shares her experience taking Pauline yoga class22:00- Yoga is not about the intensity but about the healing aspect 26:16 – How people with RA can modify yoga to help work around painful areas32:00 – Listen to your intuition about your body35:00 – Top myths around yoga - “I’m Not flexible enough to do yoga”  39:00 – You don’t need special equipment to practice yoga  42:00 – Your muscle fibers through physical activity will get weaker or stronger45:00 – Certain techniques in yoga can help how your body reacts to stressful situations48:30 – Insecurities that might prevent people from from trying yoga52:00 – How yoga can support you Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheryl explains how rheumatoid arthritis affects more than just joints - it affects people’s whole bodies, and whole lives!She also explores how she learned to tolerate gray areas rather than seeking black and white answers, and how mindfulness and acceptance helped her with the mental side of life with chronic illness.This episode also includes a discussion about medical gaslighting, and how Cheryl learned to give herself permission to grieve her diagnosis.It concludes with a discussion about how managing one’s rheumatoid arthritis is like a full time job. Episode breakdown:1:00 - #1 - Rheumatoid Arthritis affects more than just joints.5:00 - #2 - RA affects your social life in difficult ways (such as misconceptions) and positive ways (such as connections with a chronic illness community)9:30 - Tips for using websites and social in productive ways12:40: #3 - Gray areas are the norm for autoimmune disease16:09: #4 - Living with chronic illness will affect your mental health.17:49  Cheryl’s experience with allowing herself to grieve her health19:13 - Medical gaslighting.22:14 - #5 -  Managing RA is a job but you can learn how to do it!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. Links discussed in this episode:Free training - overcome overwhelm through online health literacy (click “Unit 1” and “Lesson 2” on this page)Note: In 2021-23 Cheryl updated the "Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap" course and renamed it to "Rheum to THRIVE,' to signify that it now includes instruction on all forms of inflammatory arthritis / rheumatic disease, not just rheumatoid arthritis.Cheryl’s diagnosis story on YoutubeFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic Support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode includes a deep dive into:Why Dr. Cadet chose to specialize in RheumatologyWhat unique issues rheumatology patiences of color faceWhy racial representation is important for healthcare providersDr. Cadet’s advice for rheumatology patients for how to get the most out of appointments and build a trusting relationship with your providerSpeaker bios:Dr. Magdalena “Maggie” Cadet is a well respected board certified clinical rheumatologist in New York City.  She is an Associate Attending at NYU Langone Medical Center.  She has been selected as a 2016,2017, 2018, 2019,2020 Castle Connolly Top Doctor and 2018,2019 Castle Connolly Exceptional Women in Medicine. Dr. Cadet’s interests have always focused on women’s health issues and issues relating to arthritis, autoimmune diseases, sports medicine, and motivating others to live a healthier lifestyle. 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:Dr. Cadet’s Instagram page where she educates patients and shares her journey.Dr. Cadet’s WebsiteFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportThis episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an intensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.Medical disclaimer: All content found on the 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 breakdown02:30  – How Dr. Cadet became a rheumatologist.05:16 – The importance of being persistent as a doctor.08:00 – How Dr. Maggie was able to break societal barriers.012:45 -  Challenges women doctors of color face and how they advocate for themselves.15:15 – Systemic racial disparities in healthcare among minorities.19:30 – The importance of racial representation in healthcare for women of color and minorities.24:00 - The importance of female doctor representation starting in childhood.27:15– What Dr. Maggie wants rheumatology patients to know.32:15- Doing your own research as a rheumatology patient is a job in itself. 34:15 – The importance of being honest with your doctor about your symptoms.37:15 - Other healthcare professions that help with the management of your disease.39:20 – Advice for patients to get the most out of their appointments.43:30 – Fatigue and pain approaches for autoimmune patients.48:58 – Understanding that physicians are humans too.54:45 – Additional advice and insights for rheumatology patients. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cristina Montoya, Registered Dietitian and Kia Peters, Nutrition Student weave together their lived experience as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and nutrition experts in this episode, alongside Jenifer Tharani, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in anti-inflammatory eating.This episode covers:What’s the difference between a “nutritionist” and a “Registered Dietitian” and why is it important?Nutrition and diet “rabbit holes” that patients often fall down, and mistakes to avoid when seeking support for nutrition.Top myths about diet and disease management, including:Can nutrition choices cure the disease?Are dairy, red meat and nighshades bad for everyone?The psychology behind food choices and how food choices give people a sense of controlThe importance of symptom tracking and food journalingKia, Cristina and Cheryl’s lived experiences of trying different approaches to food choices and diet at different stages of their disease management.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 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! Speaker bios:Cristina Montoya is a Colombian mama living in the land of maple syrup, beavers and hockey, Canada. She is a Registered Dietitian (RD), a member in good standing with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, Dietitians of Canada, and the Arthritis Health Professions Association (AHPA). As a patient advocate, Cristina participates in the Durham Region Sjögren's Syndrome Support Group from the Sjögren's Society of Canada as well as the Online Consumer Panel from the Arthritis Society.She is passionate about autoimmune rheumatic diseases, medicinal cannabis science, digestive health, Mediterranean diet and anti-inflammatory way of eating, Hispanic heritage foods, home cooking, gluten-free baking, and living one day at a time. Jenifer Tharani, MS RD (Registered Dietitian)Jenifer Tharani has completed master’s in human nutrition from Texas State University, San Marcos TX and training in dietetics from Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA. She is a member of College of Dietitians of Ontario and registered with the Commission of Dietetic Registration. She is multilingual and fluently speaks second languages like Hindi and has worked in different settings which has given her experience treating people of all ages with different conditions. Jenifer believes that eating healthy does not have to be boring, time consuming or expensive. She is extremely passionate about helping you adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern without restrictions. She doesn’t believe in diets, instead in making small sustainable lifestyle changes to help you find a balance in your everyday life, including trying to keep your favorite foods in the mix! Jenifer’s mantra is “Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime” and so she gives you a nutrition toolbox to help manage your health condition or live a healthy and good quality life, whatever your goal may be.About Jenifer's Virtual Nutrition Coaching ServicesIn today's technologically driven world, Jenifer provides virtual nutrition coaching to help you take charge of your health from the comfort of your home. In her virtual nutrition practice, she focuses on helping clients adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern to help with weight loss, prevent and manage chronic illness like diabetes and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD. Kia Peters@livewellwithkia is a Nutrition Student who works with Jenifer, RD to educate other chronic illness warriors about anti-inflammatory nutrition without restriction..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. Links to things discussed in the episode:Jenifer Tharani, Registered Dietitian, “The Chronic Pain Nutritionist” on @chronicpain.nutritionist on InstagramCristina Montoya, Registered Dietitian, “The Arthritis Dietitian” @arthritisdietitian on InstagramKia Peters, MSc, Nutrition Student: @livewellwithkia on InstagramCristina’s website: The Arthritis DietitianCristina’s Facebook pageFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportThis episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an intensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Sakshi Tickoo (she/her/hers) is a Mumbai-based Occupational Therapist, Personal Counselor and Student Mentor specializing in the fields of Sexuality; Mental Health - Wellness and Rehabilitation. She has served a diverse group of people through home healthcare, telehealth, and school-based settings. She is also the founder and owner of Sex, Love, And OT and The OT Shop.Sex, Love, and OT is an inclusive and comprehensive platform educating and serving healthcare providers and clients who need tools and resources to advocate for sexual rights and liberation through education, centering pleasure, and freedom of occupational engagement in sexuality towards holistic wellness.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. Links discussed in this episode:Sakshi’s social links:Website: sexloveandot.com / the-ot-shop.myshopify.comInstagram: @sex.love.andot / @the_otshopFacebook: @SexLoveAndOT / @TheOTShopFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportThis episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, your guide to living a full life with RA. It’s an intensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.Pie chart for time management / schedulingPromoting sexiness for disability hashtag on social media: #DisabledPeopleAreHotThe Five Love Languages BookDr. John Gottman marriage researcher - “Four Horsemen” for marriageMedical disclaimer: All content found on the 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 breakdown:1:00 – Dr. Tickoo’s story: why she became an occupational therapist  3:25 – How Dr. Tickoo discovered the niche of sex and relationships 7:46 – How an occupational therapist can facilitate a client’s engagement in sex and relationships12:19- How to gain occupational therapy clinical knowledge of how to address sex outside of your textbooks 14:09 – The barriers for people with chronic illnesses face for sexual participation and intimacy 18:06 – Advice on how to feel sexy while living with chronic illness 22:26 -   Giving yourself permission to enjoy sex 26:15 – How sex is taboo in India and what Dr. Tickoo does to be sex positive33:45 – The difference between physical & emotional intimacy36:48 – Communication about intimacy with your partner and how to handle power dynamics 42:00 – The importance of knowing your partner’s love language 46:00– How adults have sensory regulation needs and how chronic pain affects sensory processing51:00 – When to mention that you have a chronic condition or disability when dating54:51- Tips & tricks for intimacy with your partner when you have arthritis: scheduling, connection, experimentation, positioning aids and more1:06:45 - The importance of client education about the basics of their condition1:08:45 - How to choose a good lubricant1:11:00 - Recommended toys1:13:00 - “Everything can be sexy [including aids] as long as you think it’s sexy.”1:13:55 - What is pleasure mapping and how can it help?1:17:00   - Concluding thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Navigating intimate relationships while managing a chronic illness can be tricky - how and when do you disclose your disability?  How do you experiment with sexual positions without “ruining the mood?” Is it possible to communicate with your partner in a way that’s respectful and empowering?In this episode, five panelists share their best advice for *all* aspects of romantic and intimate relationships, including: Communication tips for all stages of relationships, from first dates to marriageHow to workaround fatigue that makes it hard to get “in the mood”Positions that work for wrist or hip painLubes that work for drynessWorkarounds for jaw pain during oral sexHow do disabilities or health conditions contribute to power dynamics in relationshipsThe importance of emotional connectionsThe importance of self-love and respectWhy STD prevention and protection are particularly important for people on immunosuppressive medicationsPanelists’ best advice for newly diagnosed patients who might be worried about how their condition will affect their sex life and relationships*Trigger warning - in minutes 30-40 there are descriptions of pressuring and coercion into sex without protection**This episode discusses adult topics (sex) and includes explicit language.Minute by Minute breakdown:Episode breakdown:02:00 - Introduction to panelists: Chloe, Jo, Ali, Paulina & Cheryl.3:20 - (Chloe) How juvenile arthritis affected her relationships 07:55 – (Jo) How Jo learned the importance of communication11:42 – (Ali) Learning to experiment with positions and work around fatigue16:20 - (Paulina) The importance of communication & emotional connection23:00 - (Cheryl) Reflection on power dynamics in relationships.24:25 – (Chloe) Strong emotional connections affect vaginal lubrication.25:22 – (Chloe) How jaw pain affects oral sex & workarounds, + how fatigue affects sex.33:00 – (Cheryl) The importance of STD testing for partners due to immunosuppression from meds. Experiences feeling pressured in relationships.36:00 – (Chloe) Experiences feeling pressured in relationships. 37:45 – (Jo) Tips for positions and lubricants.39:00– (Ali) Being cautious when dating, how to work around fatigue, tips for positions and communication. 43:14 - (Paulina) Your partner is not a mind reader. Tips for lubricants for sensitive skin & positions.51:00– (Ali) Best adult toys to use for arthritis.53:00- (Chloe) Communication & practicing positions 55:00 – (Cheryl) How sex is an “Activity of daily living” according to occupational therapy. Reflection on sex education now versus in the early 1990s.58:30 – (Paulina) Tips to increase sex drive and address your own pleasure.1:01:00 – (Chloe) Advice for anyone recently diagnosed.1:04:00 (Jo) – Final thoughts and advice, disclosing when you are dating online1:06:00 (Ali) – Final thoughts1:07:00 (Paulina) – Final thoughts and adviceLINKS discussed in the episodeWhere to follow panelists on Instagram: Cheryl @Arthritis_Life_Cheryl, Chloe @xchloeumplebyx & @_chronically_happy_ and on Etsy at SpoonfulOfChronic, Jo @thejosphere, Ali @Anotherdaywithra, Paulina @with.paulina and @_chronically_happy_Rheumatoid Arthritis Online course - link for the waitlist! Versus arthritis - Sex & Arthritis bookletRA and Intimacy article from Arthritis FoundationCitation: 70% do not reach orgasm (climax) through penetration alone and require clitoral stimulationVibrator recommended: Satisfyer Pro Traveler - Clitoral VibratorFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportThis episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, your guide to a full life with RA. It’s an online program Cheryl created to give people tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.Medical disclaimer: All content found on the 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 speaker bios, see 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.

Randi and Cheryl dive deep into Randi’s diagnosis journey, her career as a track and field athlete at the University of Alabama, her best advice for newly diagnosed patients, her tips for exercise with RA, and even some dating and relationship advice. Randi was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 16 after 6 years of trying to find an answer. Randi says: “My journey with RA has not always been easy, but it has been rewarding. I have had to learn what works best for me in controlling my RA because of course not everyone’s RA is the same. I manage my RA with exercise, a moderation diet, a medication, chiropractic care, and plenty of rest. Oddly, I am thankful to have been diagnosed with RA at 16 because I have become the best version of myself as a result of it.”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 she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links to things discussed in the podcast episode:Randi’s InstagramRandi’s Youtube ChannelWomen’s Health Magazine article about Randi’s storyStatistics about racial disparities in healthcare, chronic pain and rheumatologyFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RACheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic SupportThis episode is brought to you by the Beginner's Guide to Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis, an intensive online program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.Here's the show breakdown:01:00 – Randi’s diagnosis story4:35 – What it was like to be a college athlete with RA, doing the triple jump in track and field.8:20 – Randi’s sports injury misdiagnosis.10:20 – Why Randi pursued her personal trainer certification.12:54 – Why Randi pursued Chiropractic medicine as her career.18:00 – Randi’s tips for how to exercise with RA: resistance training, muscle building, cardio and more. 23:10 – How Randi and Cheryl make cardiovascular exercise fun!28:45 -   Randi’s advice for newly diagnosed patients with RA (hint: there are many sports metaphors in this advice!). 32:45 – Discussion about combining “natural” approaches for RA versus Western medicine, and how to find common ground and balance.35:00 - Randi’s tips on how to build a good relationship with your provider.39:38 – How healthcare quality can differ for people of color. 45:46 – How Randi and Cheryl learned not to underreport pain to their providers.48:00 – Randi’s experience dating with RA and love story with her fiance.55:15 - Bonus content: Cheryl’s favorite dance routine she learned in the 1990s from MTV videosMedical disclaimer: All content found on the 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.