Sharing my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with others was not a choice I consciously made. Due to symptoms that came on strong and fast during my early days, plus a noticeable limp, concealing it wasn't an option. Explaining what was happening to my body was not a decision I purposely made and was never easy. It …
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RA Community: RD Blog Week
Community – Our community is often hard on each other, even going as far as accusing others of not having RA when they can physically do more than others. How can we educate our own community on RA and how it affects each one of us differently. Personally, I am thrilled that this topic was chosen …
Staying Positive with RA: RA Blog Week
Positive – How do you stay positive with RD and what happens when you are not? Often I say, "I am naturally a positive person." Perhaps that is true, but in reality, I work hard at staying positive. I believe we have a choice in life. We can see the good or we can see the …
Fulfilling My RA Bucket List
When you are first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, it is pretty normal to be self-absorbed. How will this affect ME? How will I survive? Why aren't family and friends helping ME more? However, with time and patience, you realize that you need a community of friends who understand exactly what you are going through. You …
Rheumatoid Arthritis Vulnerability
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness.” ― Brené Brown A full body flare has a way of making me feel vulnerable. Sometimes I want to hide what is happening to my body, but the flare encourages me to share it because it is a part …
RA Lessons From My Border Collie
My almost 12 and half year old border collie has once again taught me a valuable RA lesson. Despite recognizing my need to slow down and respect the fact that RA is Who I am, I have continued to push myself in a way that is quite unlike myself. RA has reached out again and is …
RA is Who I AM
In the beginning, I often dreamed of a day that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wouldn't be the center of my life. Years went by and I kept the vision of a less inflamed body in my heart and mind. I wanted to have a life outside of RA. I didn't want to have to wake up each …
Control Can Be a Marvelous Thing
Two weeks ago, I returned from a patient advocacy trip to London. I loved it! I met amazing people and along with other patient experts, I was able to contribute to what it is like to get diagnosed and live with rheumatoid arthritis. Then, three short days later I drove to Springfield, IL for three …
Love Your RA Body
If I had to rate all the articles I have written over the years about rheumatoid arthritis, this would top the list. Loving your body is tough enough but when you add RA to it, it can be down right challenging. However, our bodies are amazing. Find out why you should love your body here.
