Arthritis Life

Yoga therapist and researcher Dr. Steffany Moonaz and host Cheryl Crow discuss the many benefits of yoga for people with inflammatory arthritis. They also bust common myths and misconceptions about yoga, including that it’s just an exercise or series of physical poses. Dr. Moonaz shares her best tips for patients newly diagnosed with arthritis and explains how the philosophy of yoga can help people with arthritis fully embrace the present moment and improve overall wellbeing. Dr. Moonaz is the founder of Yoga for Arthritis, which aims to bring evidence-informed and heart-centered yoga practices to people living with arthritis and chronic pain worldwide. Episode at a glance:Yoga meaning and philosophy: The union of mind and body through movement, breath, and mindfulness - not just poses and exercise!What makes Yoga Therapists different than Yoga Teachers: Yoga therapists have further training in understanding of health conditions to help patients manage chronic illness or imbalances through yoga.The power of movement for mental health: After experiencing improvements in her own mental health through dance and exercise, Dr. Moonaz realized her purpose of reducing suffering for people through mindful movement. She focuses on arthritis due in part to it being a leading cause of disability.Research on Yoga for Arthritis: It is considered integrative medicine with improvements for overall quality of life. This is due to relief of pain and stiffness, increase in physical function through balance, strength, and flexibility, and mindfulness for stress reductionBeginner Tips: Ask your rheumatologist if there are positions you should avoid, search for a Yoga Therapist who has experience with accessible / adaptive yoga through the International Association of Yoga Therapists, private lessons can be beneficial for added safety and personalized / targeted symptom managementAdvice for newly diagnosed patients: find “RA Thrivers” and listen to their stories, use social media as a resource for building connections, and join Rheum to THRIVE for education and support!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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in 2023!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. Full show notes including transcript and videoGo to www.MyArthritisLife.Net to the show page, which should be up soon! 

After being a fierce athlete and playing Division 1 water polo, Emily was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 22.  She shares lessons learned while working as a night shift nurse for 12 years and having three children.  Emily & Cheryl discuss ways to cope with the ups and downs of chronic illness, especially during times of uncertainty or when it seems the disease is posing “moving targets.”  Emily shares what helps her thrive despite obstacles, including: having a supportive community, learning tips & tricks, and using products for accessibility. Episode at a glance:Emily’s diagnosis story: second opinions, new/fluctuating symptoms, uncertaintyEmily’s treatment journey: methotrexate, steroids, medical cannabisPregnancy and postpartum journey with RA: how RA has impacted functional/lifestyle tasks with parentingWork life: Emily shares what it was like working as an ER nurse while managing RACoping with “hard seasons”/flares: having community, validation, knowing “it’s not in my head,” connecting with other patients in the Rheum to THRIVE group; learning tips / tricks / products; accessibilityWhat Emily wishes she knew when first diagnosed: autoimmune journey is not linear/is like a moving target; wondering “is this a temporary flare up, or is this long-term”; setting treatment goals - “I want to not be distractingly aware of my RA/health”Coping: through a supportive community who “gets it”, learning tips and tricks for creating a rheumatoid arthritis “toolbox”, and addressing the mental health impact that isn’t often talked aboutMedical 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 and transcript:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website.

Episode at a Glance:Dianne’s Diagnosis story and subsequent emotional roller coasterDianna’s Treatment Journey: Dianna went from resistant to medicines to trying a biologic and feeling a large improvement in symptomsThe Importance of Support - Dianna shares how the Rheum to THRIVE group support & education program was a “lifeline” and helped her get out of a cycle of self-blame. She highlights the ways she learned how to explain her condition to others and process some of the social effects and pressures (such as not drinking wine)Anxiety and Uncertainty: Cheryl & Dianna discuss how uncertainty and not being able to be in control triggers their anxietyWhat helps you cope? “It’s a gift knowing you can’t solve it;” Dianna shares what else is in her toolbox alongside acceptance: exercise, movement, journaling, social time and moreThe role of writing and journaling in Dianna’s lifeRapid fire questionsBest advice for newly diagnosed patients? Encourage others to join Rheum to THRIVE or a similar program for social support; trust in the processFavorite arthritis gadget or tool in your arthritis toolbox: Compression gloves - from Grace & AbleDo you have a favorite mantra or inspirational saying? - “Si combino tuto” - everything works out;What’s bringing you joy right now?  The fall weather; essay published - 2 onlineWhat does it mean to you to live a good life with rheumatic disease / thrive with rheumatoid arthritis: to accept the new me; just relax into 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in 2023!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.For Full Episode Details + Show NotesGo to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website.

Episode at a glance:Marion’s Diagnosis StoryMarion’s Treatment Journey: changes in medications over 15 years,Working while Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: from struggling in silence to disclosing and getting supportHow Marion went from feeling guilty and afraid she’d be seen as “lazy” to realizing her condition wasn’t her faultValues: How RA led Marion to “crystallize her values” and redefine what success means to her, and to become more assertiveThe role of online support communities in Marion’s coping and acceptanceRapid fire “lightning round” questionsMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group!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.Full Episode Show Notes Including TranscriptSee the show page on the Arthritis Life Website here.

Nitika and Cheryl discuss how acceptance is an ongoing journey when living with multiple chronic health conditions, and share insights into how they cope with uncertainty. Nitika shares how and why she founded the incredibly impactful Chronicon conference and online community which inspires and uplifts people living with chronic illness around the globe. Nitika and Cheryl also discuss what brings them joy and how they balance present moment acceptance with hope for the future. Episode at a glanceNitika’s emotional journey with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in childhoodHow acceptance of chronic illness is an ongoing journey: Nitika shares how a new diagnosis last year challenged her, but she eventually concluded that “acceptance and hope aren’t not mutually exclusive.” Cheryl & Nitika discuss how acceptance can sometimes bring up grief or other uncomfortable emotions.Uncertainty: Cheryl & Nitika explore how they have coped with uncertaintyListening to your body & nurturing yourself: Nitkka shares how she learned the importance of listening to her body and how she integrates nurturing self care into her daily routinesA discussion about how to accept the need for medications along with utilizing non-medicinal disease management toolsThe “a-ha” moment that inspired Nitika to start the event & community Chronicon !Community: Cheryl & Nitika discuss the importance of supportive and uplifting communities when you live with chronic illnessMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group!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.For Full Episode Show Notes + TranscriptGo to the episode show notes page at the Arthritis Life website.

In this episode, seasoned patient and registered nurse (RN) Jan Hempstead shares her best tips for managing stress and living a fulfilling life with multiple comorbidities. Jan lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobile type (EDS), hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HAT), Dysautonomia, and more. This includes discussions about the importance of support (including Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program) and mindfulness, meditation and Stoic Philosophy in Jan’s journey.Episode at a glance:Diagnosis story: Jan shares how her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis was very difficult due to her comorbid conditions: EDS Ehler-s danlos syndrome, dysautonomia, and hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HAT)Best tools in Jan’s toolbox for RA and EDSBiggest challenges with Managing multiple comorbiditiesWhat helps Jan cope with managing multiple conditionsImportance of community and support groupsRapid fire questions (lightning round)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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the next group today!Full Episode DetailsSee full details including a transcript at www.MyArthritisLife.Net 

Episode at a Glance:Wendy’s diagnosis story of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as a babyGrowing up in the 1970s and 1980s with JRA: Wendy shares her ups and downs, from acceptance in grade school to isolation in high school and young adulthood (when she first met someone with her same condition at age 26)Treatments: Reflections on how treatments have changed in the current era as compared to the 1980sCareer choices with JRA: Wendy’s shares how she managed a career as a computer programmer at Hewlett Packard after initially hoping to become an artist.Disability and  “medical retirement:” Wendy wants to keep working longer but her job is not conducive to her medical needs; she has a smooth process of going on social security disability but experiences a very tedious and dehumanizing experience while attempting to utilize her long term disability insurance benefits through her company.Importance of Art and Mandalas in Wendy’s coping:  “Art was the one place I could be free.” Wendy takes a healing art class with a focus on mandalas and shares how “it’s about getting quiet with yourself”Support groups: Wendy gets involved with the Arthritis foundation support groups and then is asked Kim Burda to help admin Co-Admin of the 26,000 person “Rheumatoid Disease (RD) - Laughing, Living, Loving, and Learning” for people with various forms of Rheumatoid Disease. SHe shares the ups and downs of being an admin.Wendy’s best advice newly diagnosed patients? Find a good rheum who will partner with you and share and answer questions. Don’t be afraid of the meds.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,  a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.For full episode details including a transcriptGo to www.MyArthritisLife.Net

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.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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the next group today! 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.Full episode details and transcriptPlease go to the show page on www.MyArthritisLife.Net for full episode details including a transcript.

Content Warning - This episode contains profanity and explicit sexual content Episode at a glance:Liv’s diagnosis story for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and uveitisHighlights and lowlights of growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritisLiv’s Fitness and self-advocacy Journey: switching jobs to protect her energy and stress levels and finding her own personal training business MovetoLivWhen to push and when to rest?Mindfulness and being present even in pain discussionBusting the biggest myths about arthritis-friendly / flare friendly workoutsWhy is intimacy is so important for spoonies  - learning to connect with our bodies, trust them, and communicate with partners. Live shares how sexual intimacy, kink, and BDSM found a place in her chronic pain management.Liv’s best Advice for the Newly diagnosedMedical 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, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join today! 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.Full episode details including transcript:Go to www.MyArthritisLife.Net for full details and a transcript.

Cheryl reflects on a blog post she wrote at age thirty called: “Ten Years with Rheumatoid Arthritis: What’s the Impact?” This includes a deep dive into the physical effects of rheumatoid arthritis, effects on my daily routines, as well as finances, social and emotional life, school, career, hobbies, travel and overall life philosophy.  Cheryl shares how pregnancy and parenting changed her disease progression, and details how she coped with additional health issues and injuries in her thirties along with adjusting to her new role as a mother. For full show notes plus a transcript, go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website. 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! Full Show Notes, Links & TranscriptFor full show notes plus a transcript, go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website.