Switching to Biosimilars for RA, Part Two: My Experience as an ‘Outlier’ Trying (So Far) 3 Biosimilars
In April 2023, I received a letter from the Ontario government with information about the new biosimilar switching policy. I had until the end of the year to switch from the biologic medication I take to treat my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to a biosimilar. I did my best to be hopeful and believe it would…
You May Have to Switch to a Biosimilar for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here’s Why.
In March 2023, I received a letter from the Ontario government. It informed me that a biosimilar switching policy was now in place. People like me who receive funding from the government to pay for Biologics for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease, and other forms of autoimmune disease were given until the end of 2023…
Tired of Being Tired: 10 Pro Tips for Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue
I have lived with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for over five decades and for me, one of the most debilitating symptoms is the fatigue. I’m not alone in dealing with this symptom. In fact, according to the Talk Over RA website, 79% of people who live with RA also have fatigue. RA fatigue is very much…
When RA Comrbidities Get in the Way
As part of Talk Over RA 2023, I prepared several video sessions on subjects related to living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One of these was a video on RA, comorbidities, and how to balance treatment and coping skills. This video was based on deep research, as well as my own lived experience. Watch the video…
How Chair Dancing Helps Me Exercise with RA and Disability
Being physically active is important when you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Exercise is useful for all of us, but when you have RA, it can be an vital part of supporting your joints and reducing pain. But for some of us, RA has caused so much damage to our bodies that exercise hurts. So. how…
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…
Talk Over RA: How to Feel Empowered in Conversations with Your Rheumatologist
Seeing a doctor is a stressful experience. There’s only a short time in which to convey your concerns and questions and your doctor has their own list of issues to cover. Becoming empowered to act as a partner in the process is an important part of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but can take years…
Talk Over RA: How to Track Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Monitor Treatment Progress
“How have you been since your last appointment?” If you’re anything like me, this question from your rheumatologist instantly causes your mind to go blank. When I don’t have a clear picture of my health, it gets in the way when I try to Talk Over RA with my medical team and affects my rheumatoid…
How to Set (and Respect) Boundaries Live to Better with Chronic Illness
Boundaries can be an important part of mental health and when you have a chronic illness, they are an essential tool to maintain your physical health. But what are boundaries, exactly, and how can they help you create a better life with chronic illness and pain? In this post, I share some of my insights…
Having A Swish: How Self-Pity Can Help You Cope Better with Chronic Illness
Living with chronic illness is often difficult. There are medical appointments, work, family, keeping the dust bunnies (buffalo?) under control and it goes on and on. Not being able to stop and rest and heal makes it even harder. There’s a lot of pressure to keep going in with a stiff upper lip, not complaining,…
Never Settle with RA: Why You Should Push for Remission and 4 Tools to Help You Get There
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious illness that can have a life-changing impact on your life. But with advances in medication, remission is now possible and it should be the goal of RA treatment, yet 60% of Canadians with RA haven’t had a conversation about RA remission with their rheumatologist. The road to better conversations…
Journaling with Chronic Illness Finding Inspiration for Creativity
Creativity can be a wonderful distraction and comfort when you live with chronic illness. One way to express yourself creatively is by designing and decorating your planner or notebook. You have a host of choices,, including doodling, drawing, collage, using washi tape and stickers and so much more This is the fourth and (so far)…