It’s Time to Let Go of These RA Med Myths
There are a lot of stories going around about rheumatoid arthritis medication and not all of them are true. In my new column for HealthCentral, I sort fact from fiction about RA treatments: “I’VE ALWAYS LOVED ancient myths, especially the slightly scary kind. There’s something so delicious about getting that jolt of adrenaline when you…
Made with RA: Having RA Means You Are Resilient
When a flare gets you down, you have to get back up. In my new column for HealthCentral, I remind you that you already know how to keep going (and share tips and how-to in case you need a refresher): “RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) can stop you in your tracks, taking over every single part of your…
Give Yourself Credit for Everything You Do With RA
A little self-love goes a long way in seeing your accomplishments for what they are: enough. How to get there? I share tips in my latest column for HealthCentral: “WHEN LOOKING BACK at your day, your week, and maybe even your year, does a list of all the things you couldn’t or didn’t do roll in…
How Breaking the Rules Helps My RA
Going against conventional thinking (breakfast for dinner anyone?) is key in happier living with RA. My column for HealthCentral dives into the unspoken rules that guide our lives and how breaking them can help you have less pain, fatigue, and guilt: “I HAD CEREAL for dinner. Again. While crunching my way through a bowl of cornflakes…
Medical PTSD Still Gives Me Nightmares
I survived a touch-and-go stint in the ICU, but the fear and anxiety I felt continued long after I returned home. I share my experience with medical PTSD in a column for HealthCentral: “EVERY NIGHT FOR the past five years, I’ve had vivid nightmares about my life being in danger. The story varies (natural disasters,…
How to Love Yourself, RA and All
Liking yourself, loving your body, can be a real challenge with RA. In my new column for HealthCentral, I talk about my past struggles with body image, how I learned to celebrate who I am, and share tips for how you can, too: “CAN YOU FEEL beautiful with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? For a very long time…
How I Came to Terms With Taking Meds for RA
Rheumatoid arthritis medication get a bad rap. In this column for HealthCentral, I talk about how to handle the stigma of treating your RA with medicine in a culture obsessed with an “all-natural” approach to healing: “EVERY DAY, I take medication for my rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including self-injection with a biologic drug I stash in the…
5 Platitudes That Don’t Help Me Live Better With RA
When people don’t know what to say about your rheumatoid arthritis, they often rely on old adages or platitudes. The problem is, none of these actually help you feel supported and they are hardly ever useful. In this column for HealthCentral, I pick apart five platitudes that don’t help and suggest alternatives: “EVEN THE MOST introverted…
RA Fatigue Is Not the Same as Being Tired
“We are all tired.” Well, yes. But rheumatoid arthritis fatigue is not the same as missing a night of sleep. In this column for HealthCentral, I talk about what RA fatigue really feels like and share a few workarounds: “PROFOUND FATIGUE COMES hand-in-hand with my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and it is with me always. No matter…
How to Actually Pace Yourself With RA
On the couch, flaring because you overdid it AGAIN? Yup, been there. In this column for HealthCentral, I break down how to keep yourself from overdoing it over and over again: ““Pace yourself.” This is the magic solution to all my woes of trying to live my life while managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). At least, it’s…
How to Make RA Treatment Decisions With Less Stress
Side-effect risks can be downright terrifying when you’re trying new rheumatoid arthritis therapies. Deeeep breath! In this HealthCentral column, I share how I keep my balance: “The ads make it look easy—you can create a wonderful life of walking on the beach with your beloved and a golden retriever by simply treating your rheumatoid arthritis…
How to Have Happier Holidays With RA
The holiday season is wonderful and the holiday season is really hard when you have a chronic illness. This year, give yourself the gift of better mental health and fewer flare days by keeping this season simple. Learn how it my new column for HealthCentral: “Joy to the world, the holidays are almost here! It…