Life After Pregnancy and Childbirth With RA
Women with RA used to not have children. But with advances in medication, this is no longer the case. So how do you cope with the period just after birth and taking care of your baby? My new article on HealthCentral covers it all: “The time directly after your baby is born —postpartum — can…
How I Cope with Taking Medication for My Chronic Conditions
Let’s get this out of the way first: no one likes taking medication. If my fairy godmother showed up in a sparkling red off the shoulder number (because my fairy godmother rocks) and offered to waive her magic wand over anything in my life, of course my first choice would be to magick away my…
What You Need to Know About Methotrexate
Almost everyone who has RA who will be prescribed methotrexate at some point or another. So I wrote a slideshow on everything (almost) you need to know about this medication: “When you first get diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) there is a very good chance that you will leave your doctor’s office with a prescription…
Exercise with Severe RA: Starting the Day with a Dance
I’ve been thinking about exercise. Partly because it’s spring — well, currently waffling back and forth between spring and Springter in Toronto — and partly because I’ve had yet another health professional talk earnestly at me about moving my body. In response to which I pointed out, as I have so many of the times…
Farber’s Disease: Could Your Child’s Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Be Misdiagnosed?
Joint inflammation or contractures. Nodules (small lumps under the skin or in other tissues). A weakened or hoarse voice. Children with these symptoms may have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or other types of juvenile arthritis. But do they actually have JIA or do they have Farber’s disease? An equine digression When you…
The Very First #AskLene
While I was off percolating life, the universe and web design, I had an idea. I could do a regular Q&A, as a Facebook live or maybe a YouTube video. Wouldn’t that be fun? I certainly thought so. The first one happened earlier this afternoon. You can watch it here below, but please be patient…
The Seated View, Shiny and New
Isn’t it purdy?? I am pleased as punch to introduce you to my new website! The Seated View now has its own custom URL, as well as a bespoke design. Which I just adore. I love the simplicity and the peace in the design — it’s a perfect background for my posts and photos. Take…
A Short Interruption
I’m beginning to wonder if the so far two-month long Fibro flare is going to be the new normal, at least (hopefully) for the duration of the winter. I’m not enjoying it. Aside from the really high pain levels and decimated energy, there is also the intensely excessive brain fog. I’m surprised I can remember…
13 Things to Know for Rheumatoid Arthritis Newbies + Facebook Live
Getting a diagnosis of any type of chronic illness can throw you for loop. There is so much to know and you have so little energy. My new slideshow for HealthCentral collects 13 things you need to know as an RA newbie: “Receiving a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a moment of strange duality….
Out of My Comfort Zone: In Which I Try Wearing Bold Lipstick
I’ve had only a handful in my adult life and they were all red. I am naturally talking about lipsticks. What are you thinking?? I have never been a lipstick person. Growing up in a very relaxed country in the 1960s and 70s, lipsticks were the purview of my mother’s generation, not mine. I put…
Bossy? Not at all…
Welcome to a new feature on The Seated View: monthly fun products in The Shop1 This month, I thought I’d have a bit of fun with a stereotype often attributed to women. Felt timely, y’know? And for a short time, you can get 25% off by using code ZAZJANSAVING at checkout! To that end, if…
Based in Joy
Last Thursday, The Boy and I went to Chris Hadfield’s Generator in Toronto. David had asked me whether I wanted to stay home, given the news about my dear friend Laurie, but I said no, let’s go. If anything, she taught me about saying yes as much is possible and living with a capital L….