"When I push too hard, the symptoms can intensify. It’s like my body’s alarm system going off, urging me to stop."
"My journey to 100 essays reminds me — and others — that even with chronic illness, we can achieve great things and make a positive impact."
"By using high-quality research, I have been able to have more productive conversations with my health care team. I now feel empowered to make informed decisions about my health, armed with knowledge from carefully vetted studies."
"Over time I've come to understand my experiences and have developed strategies for navigating the losses that come with chronic illness. It's never perfect, but if I'm going to be 'the sick girl,' I might as well kick ass at it by trying my hardest."
"Starting an exercise routine with RA requires thoughtful planning, self-awareness, and a willingness to adapt."
"Social media can be a powerful tool, but it’s essential to navigate it mindfully and exercise discernment when engaging with both the information and the people you encounter."
"From cooking meals to cleaning to running errands and managing finances, every responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders — shoulders already aching from arthritis."
Managing RA pain goes beyond joint care. Explore these patient-approved tips for identifying triggers and finding relief.
Need to reach your medical team between appointments? Here’s how to make communication smoother, from phone calls to patient portals, so you can stay on top of your care.
"The effort it takes to push through the pain and fatigue often leaves me running on empty. It’s no wonder I can feel burnt out when I am constantly stuck in survival mode."
"Hand exercises have made a significant impact on my life. However, consistency is key — once you stop, the benefits begin to fade."
“Managing a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis often feels like a full-time job. When my plate is too full, I find that I’m more prone to making mistakes.”
“I don’t like feeling envious; I understand its ugly nature. Yet, at times, I cannot help but feel it.”
"For me, prednisone was useful temporarily, but it’s not a long-term fix...taking the medication could allow me to go have fun and lessen my pain for awhile."
"If you have RA, like me, you have likely read a lot about anti-inflammatory diets and various versions from self-proclaimed experts. And, if you’re also like me, you have probably tried countless diet plans, only to feel frustrated and still hungry."
"Finding freedom when living with RA, or any chronic illness, is not about escaping your reality but rather embracing it with courage, resilience, and a sense of empowerment."
By Jae Walker
Discover how one patient overcame severe nerve pain, insurance challenges, and the struggle for effective treatment to reclaim their quality of life.
“It wasn't until I personally faced it and connected with others in my community who live with chronic illnesses or disabilities that I truly understood the extent of ableism and the harm it can cause.”
"Nearly a decade after my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, I continue to be astonished by the persistent changes it brings to my life and my personal growth and spirit — both good and bad."
Developing a beauty routine that works for you and your arthritis may take time and experimentation, but these tips can help.
Meal prepping can offer healthier eating and symptom relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis or another type of inflammatory arthritis. Get tips for planning and prepping meals.
"Between pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, travel with RA can be difficult. Over the last decade, I have learned a few ways to navigate these challenges."
"Dating can be challenging, and adding a chronic illness can make it feel overwhelming, but it's not impossible."
"Arthritis is a prime example of a dynamic disability...I have good days, bad days, and days that fall somewhere in between."
“I didn’t realize I had such low expectations for a primary care physician until my new doctor showed me what an amazing appointment could actually look like.”
“In the past, I used to go all out with Christmas and other holidays. However, my diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis has made me adopt a simpler approach. Though, admittedly, it’s not entirely by choice.”
"I had no awareness that occupational therapists could help address the myriad challenges stemming from my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and its associated comorbidities."
"Hosting a support group reminded me how important it is for patients to connect with each other, to support each other, and learn together."
"Finding the right rheumatologist inspired me to become an active member of the chronic disease community and explore integrative treatments."
Navigating the dual role of being chronically ill and a caregiver? These tips can help you better care for them without sidelining your own health needs.
A patient's perspective on the challenges of telehealth, from lost social cues and less socializing to potentially missed symptoms.
"Living with a chronic illness can be incredibly expensive. Add in the rising costs of inflation and life with rheumatoid arthritis becomes even harder."
"Imagine sweltering in the summer heat, battling spontaneous menopausal hot flashes, all while searching for a long-sleeved blouse or sweater to conceal my arms. These sores were not just painful; they were highly conspicuous."
"My cats always provide comfort. They seem to sense when I need a cuddle or even just a comforting meow, making the challenges of RA more bearable."
"Navigating RA challenges during the summer requires adaptability, but I still find joy in the season."
“Out of all the changes brought on by chronic illness, the loneliness and social isolation are the most painful....There are moments when I feel surrounded by an overwhelming darkness, but I remind myself that these moments will pass, and I have the strength to endure them.”
“The day I was told I'd need to rely on medication for the rest of my life, I was filled with fear. Not only was I grappling with my diagnosis, but also with the reality of taking medication every day.”
By Bowei Li
"[My wife] helped me realize — I’m not troubling her; I’m being an advocate for myself for what I need."
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