It Sucked, I Cried, and Then I Went Back to Writing
This is the story of a failed manuscript. I haven’t written a book in six years. That is, I have written several first drafts, but haven’t dived into the 18-24 months process it takes to go from there to a published book. It’s an intimidating proposition and there was always something shiny. Or not shiny,…
Made With RA: A Twitter Exodus Hurts the RA Community
When you rely on a particular social media at four community, information, and the latest research, it can be downright terrifying to watch it potentially claps. In my new column for HealthCentral, I talk about the importance of Twitter to the rheumatoid arthritis and chronic illness communities, as well as share alternative platforms that might fill…
The Seated View Top 5 Posts in 2022
2022 was an interesting year. Here on The Seated View I had a bit of an involuntary blog hibernation as the challenges of life with chronic illness became pretty overwhelming. But in a fit of a well-rested post-holiday optimism, I decided it was time to reawaken this site of mine and what better way to…
Made With RA: Made With Love – Celebrating the Season, RA-Style
In my latest column for HealthCentral, I share holiday hacks that make this magical time accessible to your RA self: “THE HOLIDAY SEASON can be very stressful and not just because we’re packing a lot of extras into an already full life. For some, it’s the extra expense, others dread holiday meals marred by conflict…
Medication Is Important to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, but How Do You Afford It?
In my new column for CreakyJoints Canada, I look at some of the obstacles to getting the RA medications you need and share tips to break down the barriers: ““It’s important to treat rheumatoid arthritis early and aggressively.” It’s a statement we often hear in interviews with rheumatologists, articles about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and at doctor’s…
Made With RA: Gifts I’m Giving My RA Self for the Holidays
While you’re shopping for others this season, add these ‘just-for-you’ items to your list, too. Your RA will thank you for the tips in this HealthCentral column: “AH, THE HOLIDAYS! It’s a season of overdoing simply everything—eating, socializing, shopping, decorating, cooking, baking, wrapping, and all the rest. Oh, and flaring, too. Due to the relentless holiday…
Made With RA: How to Get the Sleep You Need With RA
Rest is key to functioning well with rheumatoid arthritis, but what do you do when your RA is often what keeps you up at night? In my new column for HealthCentral, I share tips to get the sleep you need: “WHEN IS THE last time you had a good night’s sleep? The kind that has you…
Made WIth RA: How to Manage Your Next Dental Visit With RA
Jaw pain and other limitations can make a trip to the dentist a real pain when you live with RA. In my new column for HealthCentral, I share tips on how to make it easier: “DID YOU KNOW that you move your jaw about 2,000 times a day as you eat, brush your teeth, drink, and…
How Do You Cope With RA Burnout?
It might be a term most commonly associated with your 9-to-5 work, but chronic conditions are 24/7, and they can cause burnout, too. In my new column for HealthCentral, I delve into the causes of chronic illness burnout and share tips on how to reduce the impact: “I AM SICK and tired of feeling sick and…
Ready to Try a New Diet for RA? Read This First
Research shows eating certain foods can improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for some, but don’t clear out your fridge just yet. In this column for HealthCentral, I share tips on how to change your diet with RA: “I WAS 13 years old the first time a rheumatologist suggested I try adjusting my diet for my rheumatoid arthritis…
Made With RA: Solutions for Opening Nightmare Packaging With RA
Trying to open any package with rheumatoid arthritis hands can be next to impossible. In my new column for HealthCentral, I write about the problem with packaging design and share some workarounds: “AS SOMEONE WHO lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), packaging is the bane of my existence. From medication dispensed in childproof caps and blister packs…
How I Use Swearing to Cope with Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Coping with rheumatoid arthritis pain takes a toolbox of many different remedies and trips. In addition to the standards, such as medication, heating pads, ice packs, and careful stretching, mine also includes swearing like a sailor. My new essay for CreakyJoints Canada shares my swearing story and tips on how to use curse words to…