Arthritis Life

Through sharing her own story publicly, Catherine learned the importance of disability representation and advocacy for young people. She also delves into why it is crucial to include the voices of young adults in the research and advocacy process. Cheryl and Catherine explore the process of dismantling their own internalized ableism and challenging societal norms around what constitutes a "normal" life. They also challenge the idea that disability is necessarily a “bad” word.  They emphasize the importance of self-care and finding joy in everyday activities, even if they require accommodation. For Catherine, participating in activities like surfing, albeit in an accommodated manner, brings fulfillment and contributes to her definition of living a good life with chronic illness. Throughout the conversation, Cheryl and Catherine underscore the values of self-advocacy, self-acceptance, and finding happiness on one's own terms.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 detailsFor full episode details including hyperlinks to things discussed on this episode, go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website. 

Trigger warning: orthorexia / eating disorders; fear of foodsIn Episode 122, Ray shares the shock and emotional turmoil he experienced upon receiving his diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and osteoarthritis (OA). He described the initial denial he felt and the process of coming to terms with his diagnoses, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on him and his family. Cheryl and Ray discuss coping strategies, the role of social media, and finding a supportive community online. He also explains the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking out reliable information and resources, taking a proactive approach to managing his conditions, and finding the right balance between pushing through pain and listening to his body's needs.Episode at a glance:Diagnosis Story: Ray describes his diagnoses and experience living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and osteoarthritis (OA).Navigating Multiple Conditions: Ray explains the complexities of living with multiple chronic illnesses, including challenges related to symptom management, accessing healthcare, and adjusting to lifestyle changes.Social Support and Connection: Cheryl and Ray discuss the significance of social support networks, in providing connection and understanding for individuals living with rheumatic diseases.Self-Advocacy and Empowerment: Ray emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and seeking out reliable information and resources to empower oneself in managing chronic illnessesAcceptance and Resilience: Ray shares insights into his journey from feelings of denial to acceptance and living a fulfilling life despite health challenges.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 & video:Go to the episode page (coming soon) on the Arthritis Life website. 

Christine highlights the importance of lifestyle methods to manage chronic conditions including sleep hygiene, stress management, anti inflammatory nutrition, exercise and more. They discuss the importance of focusing on what brings joy and meaning to one's life while managing chronic illness.Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the patient's well-being.Episode at a glance:Chronic pain explained: Christine explains the 3 types of pain: nociceptive (as seen in active inflammation / tissue damage in RA), nociplastic (central sensitization, as in fibromyalgia) and neuropathic pain (nerve pain)Lifestyle: The best lifestyle adjustments to manage rheumatic disease, fibromyalgia and long covid: sleep, stress management, exercise, nutrition and moreMental health: The significance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of a patient's well-being in chronic pain management.Acceptance: Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a valuable tool for managing chronic pain and navigating uncertainty.Joy: Focusing on finding joy and meaning in life while accepting the changes that come with chronic illness.Patient-provider relationship: Tips for building a trusting relationship with your health providerLong Covid and Fibromyalgia tips: Christine shares her best tips from her long covid and fibromyalgia clinicMedical 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 details including a video and transcript:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website (episode page coming soon).

Cheryl and Rebecca also share misconceptions and talk about the variability and fluctuations of symptoms, as well as reframing limitations and embracing flexibility. They explore the idea of living a "good life" with rheumatic diseases, acknowledging the challenges while emphasizing the possibility of thriving and pursuing one's dreams despite the condition.Episode at a glance:Advocacy and Awareness: Cheryl and Rebecca emphasize the importance of advocating for individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and raising awareness about the condition to combat misconceptions and promote understanding in various settings.What happens when kids with JIA become adults? Rebecca clarifies common misconceptions such as that kids “outgrow” JIA. As an adult living with JIA, she explains how the diagnosis follows you to adulthood because it’s a different disease than adult rheumatoid arthritis.Education and Work Accommodations: Cheryl & Rebecca discuss the need for accommodations, highlighting the importance of communication with employers, teachers, and peers.Thriving with JIA: The conversation delves into the idea of living a fulfilling life despite the challenges of rheumatic diseases, emphasizing the importance of reframing limitations, embracing flexibility, and celebrating achievements and everyday joys.Coping tools: Cheryl and Rebecca discuss the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with JIA, as well as strategies for navigating life with chronic illness, including seeking support, staying informed, and fostering a positive mindset.Favorite mantras: “It’s never too late to be who you might have been”, and it “always seems impossible until it’s done”.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 show notes including a video & transcriptComing soon on the Arthritis Life Website.

Episode Summary****Please see the episode trigger warning below. On episode 119 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Christine Troyano shares her journey of living, traveling the world and dancing with rheumatoid arthritis.  She also opens up about pressures she experienced as a young person to treat her arthritis without medication, and then shares her experiences navigating different treatments to manage her RA over the past 32 years. Christine shares stories of her travels through South Korea and Indonesia, and her passion for dancing. She shares how she developed resilience during challenging situations, from insurance barriers and navigating healthcare disparities between countries, to adversity in relationships. Christine explains how dance became a transformative force in her life, where she found a space for self-expression and physical release. Christine and Cheryl emphasize the importance of self-advocacy in managing chronic illness, building a supportive community, and finding joy through the challenges.*Trigger warning for this episode*: Between minute 29:00-34:00 there is a discussion of emotional abuse, sexual assault, rape, and abortion.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 empowerment 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 & transcript:See the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website.

Rosemary also shares her experience with a mystery skin rash that ended up being a rare psoriatic arthritis medication side effect: leukocytoclastic vasculitis triggered by drug-induced lupus, and an eventual diagnosis of Palisaded Neutrophilic and Granulomatous Dermatitis. Throughout the episode, Rosemary and Cheryl discuss the importance of coping skills for difficult medical experiences. They also emphasize the importance of finding the right medications, lifestyle strategies, and the role of psychosocial support. Uncertainty and setbacks can be overwhelming, but self-compassion, support systems, acceptance, and perseverance can help you pursue a fulfilling life despite health challenges.Episode at a glance:Chronic Illness Journey: The interview delves into Emily's journey of living with chronic illnesses, from psoriatic arthritis, to developing drug-induced lupus which triggered leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and eventually being diagnosed with Palisaded Neutrophilic and Granulomatous Dermatitis (PNGD).Medication Management: Rosemary shares her experiences with various medications, including Enbrel, Humira, and Plaquenil, discussing their effectiveness in managing her symptoms and the decision-making process involved in discontinuing certain medications. They discuss the importance in recognizing adverse effects, while balancing this understanding with the benefits that medications do provide.Lifestyle strategies: Rosemary emphasizes the importance of physical activity and wellness in her life, despite her health challenges.Emotional Resilience: Navigating the emotional highs and lows with chronic illness can be overwhelming, from the initial relief of finding treatments to the grief and uncertainty of adjusting plans. Cheryl and Rosemary discuss self-advocacy, and pursuing fulfilling lives despite obstacles .Adapting to Change: Rosemary and Cheryl discuss how to adapt to change, both in terms of treatment plans and mindset towards living with chronic illness, including exploring alternative treatments and embracing new perspectives.Support: Rosemary reflects on the role of support from healthcare providers, online support groups, and in personal relationships - underscoring the importance of having a strong network when facing chronic illness.Advice to Newly Diagnosed Patients: “You don't have control of the fact that that happened to you, and you didn't do anything wrong. All you can do now is choose how to react to it. Do the next right thing. Little by little by little, it'll start coming together. And you're going to be okay.”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 transcriptGo to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website (transcript coming soon!).

Dr. Kimberly Steinbarger, a physical therapist, discusses pain science education, building support networks, and adapting to new activities with Cheryl. They share exercise tips, explore pain perception complexities, and highlight lifestyle interventions for rheumatic disease management. The conversation emphasizes personalized solutions, effective management strategies, and patient involvement in treatment guidelines for RA.

In episode 116 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Lauren Huffman shares her journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and how her passion for occupational therapy and dogs has brought her meaning even through challenges.She and Cheryl give insight into the “behind the scenes” of Arthritis Life, and what resources are available. They discuss the importance of support in navigating rheumatic disease, and how the comprehensive approach of Rheum to THRIVE fills gaps in the healthcare system. Episode at a glance:Diagnosis Story: Lauren recounts her journey with ankylosing spondylitis, and how the diagnosis was both a relief and overwhelming. She and Cheryl discuss tools and strategies for managing symptoms, including medication management and communication with healthcare providers.Occupational Therapy: Lauren, OT student and Cheryl, OT talk about what occupational therapy is, and how it’s holistic approach relates to management of rheumatic diseaseArthritis Life: Lauren and Cheryl discuss the “behind the scenes” of Arthritis Life and Rheum to THRIVE,Dogs: Lauren reflects on her background in dog training, and how this passion has brought her joy despite challenges. She shares her experience with dog sports and raising service dogs in training, and how this has given her insight into adapting to make life with a furry friend possible and meaningful.Mental Health and Identity: Sometimes the unpredictability and dynamic nature of chronic illness can rob your enthusiasm, but it’s possible to thrive through acceptance, adaptations, and management strategies. Lauren shares words of wisdom to show up for yourself on good days and bad days, and to take care of yourself in a way that helps you to be resilient.Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients: Lauren shares her perspective on Rheum to THRIVE, expressing the value of the comprehensive approach, connection to resources, and support from people who “get 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 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 transcriptGo to the show page on the Arthritis Life Website.

In this episode, Kate shares her journey getting diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis while working as a chef in London. She opens up about her post-diagnosis emotional roller coaster and shares how joining Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE online support and education program helped her feel more confident, empowered and supported. She also details other programs that helped her including a mindfulness course and CBT therapy.  The episode ends with Kate sharing what it means to her to live a “good life” with rheumatic disease.This conversation was first recorded and released as episode 79 in 2022. Episode at a glance:Kate’s psoriatic arthritis Diagnosis journey: being unable to hold a fork; MRI of her hands showed erosions and inflammatory arthritisEmotional Aftermath of Kate’s diagnosisFinding community & support: after feeling isolated and not being able to find good answers on her own, Kate joined Rheum to THRIVE and felt more comforted, empowered and supported Two other things that helped kate: Mindfulness course and CBT therapyHow Kate learned to advocate for her needs with her rheumatologistsKate’s favorite life hacks for being a chef with arthritis, including a discussion about what dietary interventions have helped her 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 show notes including a transcript:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website. 

Episode at a glance:For full episode show notes go to the episode page here.Diagnosis story: Julia went from having a very active lifestyle, to becoming waking up with pain, fatigue, fever, and other symptoms. After initially thinking her symptoms were from a virus or pushing herself too hard in dance, she received a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.Creative Pursuits: Julia expresses joy in dancing, theater, and writing - She shares coping strategies such as planning ahead, giving herself permission to rest and take breaks, social support, and finding positivity through her passions. In addition to her published writing, she is currently working on a novel.Resilience and Adaptability: The conversation delves into Julia's experiences as an actress, emphasizing the resilience and the ability to adapt to challenges in artistic pursuits.Self-Awareness: Julia encourages listeners to take some time to know themselves and advocate for their feelings. She shares “don’t be afraid to say no”, and honor what you’re feeling each day.Living in the Moment: Thriving with rheumatic disease includes being mindful of the present moment, honoring oneself, and finding joy despite the challenges.Advice to newly diagnosed patients: Be patient with yourself. Understand how your condition works in your body, and be kind to yourself.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 Show Notes + TranscriptGo to the episode page here.