Made With RA: A Twitter Exodus Hurts the RA Community
When you rely on a particular social media at four community, information, and the latest research, it can be downright terrifying to watch it potentially claps. In my new column for HealthCentral, I talk about the importance of Twitter to the rheumatoid arthritis and chronic illness communities, as well as share alternative platforms that might fill…
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…
Medication Is Important to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, but How Do You Afford It?
In my new column for CreakyJoints Canada, I look at some of the obstacles to getting the RA medications you need and share tips to break down the barriers: ““It’s important to treat rheumatoid arthritis early and aggressively.” It’s a statement we often hear in interviews with rheumatologists, articles about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and at doctor’s…
Made With RA: Gifts I’m Giving My RA Self for the Holidays
While you’re shopping for others this season, add these ‘just-for-you’ items to your list, too. Your RA will thank you for the tips in this HealthCentral column: “AH, THE HOLIDAYS! It’s a season of overdoing simply everything—eating, socializing, shopping, decorating, cooking, baking, wrapping, and all the rest. Oh, and flaring, too. Due to the relentless holiday…
Made With RA: How to Get the Sleep You Need With RA
Rest is key to functioning well with rheumatoid arthritis, but what do you do when your RA is often what keeps you up at night? In my new column for HealthCentral, I share tips to get the sleep you need: “WHEN IS THE last time you had a good night’s sleep? The kind that has you…
Made WIth RA: How to Manage Your Next Dental Visit With RA
Jaw pain and other limitations can make a trip to the dentist a real pain when you live with RA. In my new column for HealthCentral, I share tips on how to make it easier: “DID YOU KNOW that you move your jaw about 2,000 times a day as you eat, brush your teeth, drink, and…
How Do You Cope With RA Burnout?
It might be a term most commonly associated with your 9-to-5 work, but chronic conditions are 24/7, and they can cause burnout, too. In my new column for HealthCentral, I delve into the causes of chronic illness burnout and share tips on how to reduce the impact: “I AM SICK and tired of feeling sick and…
Ready to Try a New Diet for RA? Read This First
Research shows eating certain foods can improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for some, but don’t clear out your fridge just yet. In this column for HealthCentral, I share tips on how to change your diet with RA: “I WAS 13 years old the first time a rheumatologist suggested I try adjusting my diet for my rheumatoid arthritis…
Made With RA: Solutions for Opening Nightmare Packaging With RA
Trying to open any package with rheumatoid arthritis hands can be next to impossible. In my new column for HealthCentral, I write about the problem with packaging design and share some workarounds: “AS SOMEONE WHO lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), packaging is the bane of my existence. From medication dispensed in childproof caps and blister packs…
How I Use Swearing to Cope with Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Coping with rheumatoid arthritis pain takes a toolbox of many different remedies and trips. In addition to the standards, such as medication, heating pads, ice packs, and careful stretching, mine also includes swearing like a sailor. My new essay for CreakyJoints Canada shares my swearing story and tips on how to use curse words 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…