What You Need to Know About Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis
Up to 30% of people with RA don’t have a positive blood test. This has an impact on speed of diagnosis and effective treatment. My new article for HealthCentral looks at what you need to know about having seronegative RA, and includes some fantastic quotes from people who’ve experienced this: “Getting a diagnosis of rheumatoid…
Precision Medicine: A Vision for an RA-Free Future
We live in a really exciting time — every day, new advances are made in research, medication, and even in the way doctors approach treatment. Precision medicine is a fascinating approach that holds much promise for the future of rheumatoid arthritis and many other health conditions. In my new article for HealthCentral, I take a…
Chronic Pain Patients and the War on Opioids
People with chronic pain who depend on opioids for quality of life are extremely worried about the lack of nuance in the solutions to the OP or crisis. This week on HealthCentral, there are two articles from me on this issue. First, I talked to the chronic pain community about their concerns and experiences related…
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options
Confused about which treatment does what for rheumatoid arthritis? My new piece for HealthCentral looks at rheumatoid arthritis treatment options: “Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in joints and other systems of the body, including internal organs. Untreated, it can cause significant damage to your body, often leading to progressive…
Tips for Managing Infection Risk With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Some of the most effective treatments for RA are immunosuppressants. But you don’t have to live in a bubble— my new slideshow for HealthCentral shares tips on how to protect yourself against infection: “We live in a time when there are more treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than ever before. Biologics offer more hope of…
Preventing Chronic Disease in Women
38% of American women live with chronic disease. That’s more than the 30% of men and is rising. On top of that, six out of the top 10 causes of death in women are chronic diseases — often preventable. My two-part series on chronic disease in women and how to prevent them, even when you…
Sexual Side Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis Meds
You take the medications to feel better, so you can live well with rheumatoid arthritis. And when you think of side effects, it’s mostly things like nausea and fatigue that come to mind. No one ever expects the medications to mess with your sex life. But they can. In my new article for HealthCentral, and…
Taking Pride in Your RA Body
When you have rheumatoid arthritis, celebrating your body is a revolutionary idea. I wrote about that journey in my new article for HealthCentral: “When you think of the feelings you have toward your body, especially connected to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is pride one of them? For most, the answer is no. Living with the changes…
Can Antibiotics Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Have you ever heard that antibiotics can treat RA? I investigate in my new article for HealthCentral: “When your doctor presents you with treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it’s natural to feel more than a bit overwhelmed. That’s when many of us start consulting the deep recesses of a search engine. And that’s where…
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…
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….
Top Chronic Illness Books You Should Read
I’ve always looked to books for inspiration, information and community. This can be especially helpful when you have a chronic illness — adapting is hard and reading how others have found a way through can make a tremendous difference. In my new slideshow for HealthCentral, I have put together a collection of the best chronic…