Balancing RA and Fibromyalgia
I’m one of the almost quarter of people with RA who also have fibromyalgia. In my new column for HealthCentral, I share how I manage these two chronic pain conditions: “IT WAS A kind of pain I had never felt before, even in my then 30+ years of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This was a…
Made With RA: Asking ‘Why’ Can Get You the RA Life You Want
It’s natural to have questions about your rheumatoid arthritis. In my new column for HealthCentral, I explain why those nagging questions you have for your doctor (or yourself) are worth asking out loud: “WHY? IF YOU have children, chances are that word starts a little twitch around your left eye. It’s the favorite word of toddlers…
Made With RA: A Case for Identifying As ‘Disabled’
Could coming out as disabled help you live a freer life with RA? My new column looks at the benefits of identifying as a person with a disability: “DO YOU CONSIDER yourself disabled? Our perception of being disabled tends to be limited to needing a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair, and some wonder whether…
Made With RA: Know What Could Level-Up Your Life With RA? A Pet.
My latest column for HealthCentral talks about the benefits of pets when you have rheumatoid arthritis and shares tips for what you need to consider before getting an animal: “MY LAP HAS been the domain of quite a few animals over the years. Some enjoyed the cuddle only for a short time, while with others…
Let’s Redefine “Lazy” for Chronic People
We get a lot of judgements when we rest — from others and ourselves. But when you live with rheumatoid arthritis, rest is actually a very active state. In my new column for HealthCentral, I look at what people with chronic illness do when they rest: “EVERY DAY I fight a battle against my body: It…
10 Ways You Can Show Support for People Who Are (Still) High Risk
The pandemic isn’t over for those who could get the sickest from COVID. Here are some ways you can show up for them: “SO MANY PEOPLE have celebrated going back to normal after COVID restrictions lifted, but did you know that a lot of us are still on lockdown in many ways? As many as 7…
Made WIth RA: You’re Back to Normal: I’ve Been Left Behind
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the depth of ableism and discrimination against people with disabilities. In this column for a HealthCentral, I share the experience of being high risk and the emotional impact of being swept under the rug of pandemic ableism: ““Why should I change my life when you have to be careful anyway?”…
Made With RA: A Mobility Aid May Be the Ticket to RA Freedom
If you’ve been wondering if it’s time for a cane or a wheelchair (and maybe hating the thought), my latest HealthCentral column is for you. A mobility aid can be your key to leaving the house and having a life: “I WAS 16 years old the first time I used a power wheelchair and the moment…
Made With RA: Dealing With FOMO When You Have RA
It’s so hard to miss out on all the fun and important things because rheumatoid arthritis got in the way (AGAIN!). In my new column for HealthCentral, I share ways of being flexible so you can you work around the barriers: “WHENEVER I HEAR a healthy person talking about FOMO (fear of missing out), I want…
Made With RA: Your No-Drama Guide to Virtual RA Support Groups
Your peeps are out there, you just need to hit the right keys. In this column for HealthCentral, I share tips on how to find the right rheumatoid arthritis support online: “LIVING WITH RHEUMATOID arthritis (RA) can feel very lonely. Since this condition affects just about 1% of the population, it’s rare to meet others with…
Made With RA: Four Times in Life When RA Needs Come First
You’ve trained yourself to push through the pain and fatigue that can come with your condition. But sometimes, it’s OK to let rheumatoid arthritis (RA) be the boss. In this column for HealthCentral, I share four times when your RA should comes first: ““YOU CAN’T POUR from an empty cup.” No matter how often I enjoy…
Made With RA: How to Create Your RA “Go Team”
Living with rheumatoid arthritis is hard at times. In my new column for HealthCentral, I write about the importance of an emotional support team and which roles can especially help in different situations: ““I NEED YOUR help.” There will always be times in your life when you can’t do it all alone. When you have rheumatoid…