Arthritis Life

Back in January 2021, I shared the eight most important things that loved ones should know, so they can best support people with autoimmune arthritis. This episode includes messages and insights from twenty-eight other patients!Today, I’m re-releasing this episode with some additional insights I’ve gained after leading patient support and self-management groups over the last 4 years.  Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!Episode at a glance:One –  We want you to learn what the disease is and isn’t.Two – The fatigue can be just as bad as the pain.Three – It doesn’t just affect the body – it also affects the mind and emotions.Four – It affects EACH person differently.Five – Daily symptoms are often unpredictable.Six – We want credit for how hard we’re fighting, even when we seem “normal.”Seven – Sometimes we need problem solving, other times we need empathy.Eight – Managing the disease itself is a job that takes time and energy.Bonus point: Take care of YOUR needs as the caregiver/friendConcluding thoughtsMedical 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! For full episode details:For a full transcript of this episode and detailed show notes, go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website. 

Cheryl and Jen share exciting trends in rheumatology research that will help improve quality of life and develop better targeted treatments for rheumatic disease. They also discuss the importance of involving patients at all levels of research, and shared simple ways that listeners can get involved. Additionally, Cheryl and Jen reflected on the importance of social support in their personal journeys living with rheumatoid arthritis, and the importance of support groups in navigating life with chronic conditions.Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details including a video and transcript:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website. 

In this episode, Stasha shares her diagnosis journey for rheumatoid arthritis and reflects on what it was like being a parent to small children while learning how to adapt to rheumatoid arthritis. Stasha also shares how her quest to merge science-based and natural methods led her to starting a blog. Cheryl and Stasha reflect on the role “obstinance” or stubbornness has played, and reflect on the therapeutic benefits of humor.They also discuss how they view assistive devices in a positive light, and discuss how their identities have been affected by chronic illness.Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details including a video and transcript:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website. 

Have you ever read a love story that features someone with chronic illness? In this episode, author Marissa Eller shares how living with RA led her to write her debut young adult (YA) romantic comedy book "Joined at the Joints."  She and Cheryl discuss the importance of authentic representation in books and media, particularly for those with invisible disabilities.Marissa also shares what it’s like to be an author with RA, including strategies to accommodate her needs and how writing can be a therapeutic form of expression. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the best advice for the newly diagnosed.Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details including a video and transcript:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website.

What’s it like to suddenly go bald at age 22? In this episode, Cheryl interviews Colleen Kydd, who speaks candidly about living with autoimmune alopecia.  She shares how she went from covering her baldness with wigs to confidently, unapologetically embracing her identity as a “bald girl in a big world!” Colleen shares how she managed her alopecia in the corporate world, dating life, world travels and new role as an entrepreneur.Throughout the episode, Cheryl and Colleen discuss acceptance, self compassion, and the crucial importance of connecting with others when we’re struggling.  Cheryl and Colleen reflect on the transformative power of  storytelling, and the importance of pursuing a meaningful life amidst the challenges of chronic illness.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!For full episode details:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website for full show notes plus a full transcript, video and more!

In this episode, Katie reflects on the crucial role that parental and patient advocacy played in her her journey to a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).  She also shares her college experience, and discusses the roles that comedy and humor have played in helping her cope. Cheryl and Katie express the importance of accepting the need for assistive devices, setting boundaries, believing in oneself, prioritizing needs, and having a support system to thrive with chronic illness.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!Episode at a glance:Kate’s Diagnosis Story at age 15: Katie shares her journey of being an active child and being diagnosed juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (juvenile idiopathic arthritis) at age 15 after experiencing symptoms for an extended period of time that were initially dismissed as “growing pains”.Advocacy: Katie emphasizes the crucial role her mother played in advocating for her during medical appointments, highlighting the importance of having a supportive network. Katie shares advice on self-advocacy, encouraging patients to set firm boundaries and prioritize their needs, even if it means challenging expectations.Support: The conversation emphasizes community and connection, and the benefit of having someone in your corner to help advocate with you.Coping Strategies: Practical tips are shared, including the use of specialized tools and gadgets designed to make daily tasks easier for individuals with arthritis. Katie also shares her experience with medical marijuana.Comedy: Katie shares the importance of comedy in her life, and how it helps her cope with her diagnosis and spread awareness of it.Accommodations: Katie and Cheryl discuss access to accommodations, particularly in educational settings, such as extended test time and speech-to-text tools for students with chronic illnesses.Living Authentically: Katie advocates for a balanced approach of embracing realism while maintaining a positive outlook, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities for growth that come with chronic illness.Advice to Newly Diagnosed Patients: Carry on, stick up for yourself, and believe in yourself. Write down three things that made you  proud each day.For full episode details:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website for full show notes plus a full transcript, video and more!

Cheryl, Dr. Yu and Dr. Feldman share their patient experiences and exploring problems with current healthcare systems. They then share how these problems led them to form creative patient programs and services. Cheryl shares the origin story for her Rheum to THRIVE program, and Dr. Yu and Dr. Feldman share how they created Rheumission,  a virtual first integrative Rheumatology and Lifestyle clinic for people living with autoimmune disease. Overall, our passion for reimagining autoimmune care shines through as we highlight gaps in current treatment paradigms, and outline visions for a more inclusive, holistic and effective healthcare model that is proactive versus reactive. The discussion concludes with an exploration of cutting-edge advancements in telemedicine and personalized medicine, and all speakers share their best advice for newly diagnosed patients. Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Episode at a Glance:Importance of personalized care: we discuss the importance of personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs, rather than one size fits all solutions.Revolutionizing autoimmune care: we explore the potential positive impact of integrating biotech, digital health, and virtual-first approaches to enhance research, diagnostics, and treatment, with Rheumission as an example.Multidisciplinary approach: we highlight the importance of team-based care in rheumatology and autoimmune care, where you can see not only a rheumatologist and rheumatology nurse but also get care from a multidisciplinary team (including registered dietitians, mental health therapists, physical and occupational therapists, etc).Taking a holistic approach:  we explore the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, addressing lifestyle factors, stress management, and environmental influences.Exploring Mental Health: The conversation highlights the well-documented correlation between autoimmune diseases and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.Why is accessibility important: we discuss the problem of long waiting times for rheumatology appointments and possible solutions.Advocacy for patient involvement: Dr. Bonnie emphasizes the importance of empowering patients to take charge of their health and actively participate in decision-making processes.For full episode details:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website for full show notes plus a full transcript, video and more! 

After facing skepticism from some medical professionals who doubted her ability to run, Gretchen defied expectations and has completed over 100 half marathons, all while raising money and awareness for autoimmune causes. She and Cheryl also discuss the importance of self compassion in their journeys with chronic autoimmune disease. Gretchen shares why she resonates with progress over perfection and encourages others to be gentle with themselves while navigating life with autoimmune diseases. Gretchen shares how she found creative ways to raise awareness about autoimmune diseases, such as running two half-marathons on two coasts in two days to raise funds for autoimmune research at the Benaroya Research Institute. Through her experiences, Gretchen emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-advocacy, and building a supportive community.  By sharing her story and promoting resilience, Gretchen aims to inspire hope and empower individuals to find purpose and joy in their own health journeys. Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details including a transcript and video:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website 

 On episode 125, Paulina Buryzynska shares how self-compassion and mindfulness help her thrive with rheumatoid arthritis. She also highlights the importance of reconnecting with her body after experiencing a period of dissociation as a coping mechanism for pain.  Cheryl and Paulina discuss the power of non-judgmental awareness and loving curiosity in navigating emotions and thoughts, as well as acceptance. They also emphasize seeking support while navigating the challenges of chronic illness.  Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details plus a full transcript and video:See the episode page on the Arthritis Life website. 

Dr Dave & Dr Campbell answer Cheryl’s burning questions about long COVID, vaccine efficacy and safety for people with autoimmune conditions, and potential links between autoimmunity and long COVID. They also talk about cutting edge research and new therapies including CAR T-cell therapy.Dr. Campbell encourages participation in research studies to better understand these complex issues. Dr. Dave emphasizes the need for precision medicine approaches in treating autoimmune diseases like RA, where individualized treatment plans can be tailored to each patient's unique needs. Despite the challenges posed by autoimmune diseases and COVID-19, they express optimism about the future of treatment options and the ongoing medical advancements.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details including a transcript & videoGo to the episode post on the Arthritis Life Website (page coming soon)!