100 Essays Chronic Eileen

I started my blog, Chronic Eileen, in 2017. I was inspired by my rheumatologist, who told me to stay off the internet because “there’s too much misinformation out there.” I took that as a challenge to create a credible resource. Now, my rheumatologist refers her patients to my blog.

Starting the blog terrified me. I was afraid others would judge me for talking about everything that was wrong with me. I grew up in a time and a family where showing imperfections wasn’t acceptable. Having the opportunity to truly and freely express myself has been deeply healing.

Writing has been a creative outlet and a way to stay engaged in my self-management with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It forces me to learn more, challenge myself, and stay informed. I write so others know they’re not alone and to educate others about RA, disability, and chronic illness.

Reaching the milestone of writing 100 personal essays about living with RA for CreakyJoints is a significant achievement for me. It took time to get to 100 because I prioritized quality over quantity. When I was younger, I dreamed of being a writer but never pursued it — until I had something I couldn’t stop writing about: rheumatoid arthritis and life with a chronic illness. This journey has been one of resilience, self-discovery, and advocacy. Each essay represents a piece of my life, a moment of struggle, and a triumph over adversity.

It’s Not as Easy as It Looks

Writing isn’t as easy as it seems. I need to keep my content fresh, accurate, and engaging. I want my essays to teach others something, rather than being one giant rant. I aim to provide solutions or adaptations that are useful for my community. Still, spending time and effort on an essay that gets low engagement can leave me feeling burned out.

Chronicling the Journey

When I began writing about my experiences with RA, it helped me process my emotions and challenges. My focus was on ensuring others who felt alone in their struggles knew they were seen, heard, and understood. Chronic illness like RA isn’t just about managing physical pain; it touches every part of life.

Each essay has allowed me to explore different facets of living with RA — from daily struggles to small victories. The more challenging the topic, the more I grow while tackling it. Writing has become my therapy, helping me find strength in my story. I told myself that hitting 100 essays meant it was time to write a book.

Raising Awareness

One of the main reasons I began writing for CreakyJoints was to raise awareness about RA, arthritis, and chronic illnesses. There are so many misconceptions about these diseases, and through my essays, I aim to shed light on the realities of living with RA. By sharing my personal experiences, I hope to educate others and foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those with chronic illnesses.

Building a Community

Writing these essays has also connected me to a broader community of individuals who understand what it’s like to live with RA or other chronic illnesses. The feedback and support I’ve received from readers have been incredibly validating. Knowing that my words resonate with others and provide comfort or insight has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. It’s not just for me — it’s for my readers too. Their responses fuel me.

Personal Growth and Advocacy

Reaching 100 essays isn’t just a professional milestone — it’s also a reflection of my personal growth. Over the years, I’ve learned to navigate my condition with more grace and resilience. Writing has helped me articulate my needs, advocate for myself, and find confidence despite adversity. Each essay reflects my evolving relationship with RA and my determination to live a meaningful life.

Enhanced Self-Awareness and Empathy

Each essay is a deep dive into my own experiences. Reflecting on life with RA has taught me to better understand my strengths and vulnerabilities, to be more compassionate with myself, and to listen to my body. Writing has shifted my mindset from seeing RA as an adversary to viewing it as something I can manage — and even thrive with. Sharing my story has also deepened my empathy, as connecting with others has shown me the unique ways people cope with chronic illness.

Advocacy and Purpose

Writing for CreakyJoints has given me a sense of purpose. Knowing that my essays help others feel less alone is deeply fulfilling. Along with writing, I’ve been a member of the Arthritis Research Canada Patient Advisory Board, where I stay up-to-date on arthritis research to ensure my essays include accurate information. Advocacy drives me to share the knowledge and resources my community needs.

Inspiring Others

I hope my essays inspire others living with chronic illnesses to find their own ways of coping and thriving. Whether it’s through writing, art, or another form of expression, finding an outlet can be incredibly empowering. My journey to 100 essays reminds me — and others — that even with chronic illness, we can achieve great things and make a positive impact.

These essays are my favorites, hardest to write, and what I feel is most important for patients to read or for others to read to understand rheumatoid arthritis better.

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