By Kelsey Kloss
The Omicron variant may be milder, but people at high risk for COVID-19 should remain cautious and concerned. Here’s what to know about protecting yourself during this stage of the pandemic.
Positive self-talk can make a big difference when fatigue makes exercise feel nearly impossible. Here are a few phrases to help motivate you to move.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 80 percent of immunocompromised patients said they are moderately to very worried about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 — and it’s affecting their everyday behaviors and habits.
By Rachel Ellis
“You have to learn a brand-new way of being in the world after your diagnosis,” says Kevin Thomas, who has ankylosing spondylitis. “And once you find others going through it, too, you realize it's just not you trying to accept a new reality.”
By Kelsey Kloss
Experts are hopeful that this preventive medication, taken before any exposure to COVID-19, will provide an extra layer of protection to those who may not mount a full immune response to the vaccine.
Studies of people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis show that physical activity led to less pain, fatigue, and disease activity compared to people who are less active.
The approval makes Xeljanz the first JAK inhibitor approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis and Rinvoq the second approved for psoriatic arthritis.
By Kelsey Kloss
News about rising cases may trigger feelings of grief, helplessness, and anxiety. But there are actionable steps you can take to reduce stress and better manage this phase of the pandemic.
Living with a chronic illness can feel completely overwhelming. These tips can help ease these feelings so you can have the headspace to control what you can.
By Kelsey Kloss
Experts say these treatments — which can help prevent complications if taken soon after you’re infected — will be particularly important for high-risk patients with weak immune systems.
New boxed warnings caution about cardiovascular and cancer risks and recommend that people take a TNF inhibitor biologic before trying a JAK. Here’s what this news means for you.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of respondents are not satisfied with their ability to socialize with others.
By Kelsey Kloss
Read the latest about infection rates, complications, long COVID, and more, based on the latest research presented at the ACR Convergence, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.
By Kelsey Kloss
Read the latest about emerging data on vaccine effectiveness and how it is affected by various immunosuppressive medications, the risk of flares, and more, based on the latest research presented at the ACR Convergence 2021, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.
Rheumatologists and CreakyJoints community members offer top tips for getting through a flare — and preventing flares in the first place.
By Kelsey Kloss
Key barriers include increased fear and anxiety and lack of motivation during the pandemic.
By Kelsey Kloss
Although more research is needed, the results show that medication use, underlying conditions, and smoking may potentially play a role.
By Kelsey Kloss
If you are immunocompromised, chances are you’re feeling anxious about the 2021 holiday season. What’s safe? What’s not? Here’s some guidance for navigating tough decisions.
Inflammation of the tendon sheath is common among people with inflammatory arthritis — and may even be a sign that your current medication regimen needs a tweak.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of patients said their holiday plans include COVID-19 safety measures, such as proof of vaccination, outdoor gatherings, masks, and more.
After the world shut down in March 2020, rheumatoid arthritis patient Chantelle Marcial was looking for a way to connect with other people — specifically other RA patients. Enter CreakyKitchen — a virtual cooking show that helped Chantelle build a community and better manage her disease.
Trusted, tailored information from the Global Healthy Living Foundation and open doctor-patient communication helped Deen feel less concerned and more confident getting vaccinated.
Navigating the pandemic as a single parent with a new immunocompromising condition has not been easy for Alexis Mobley. But with the COVID vaccine now available for her child, she’s finally feeling some anxious relief.
By Susan Jara
New findings shine light on the importance of tracking your emotional health during COVID-19 and beyond.
By Susan Jara
In a new study, a diverse group of rheumatic disease patients opened up about the factors that have affected their decision-making and behavior over the course of the pandemic.
By Susan Jara
Experts hope these findings can help physicians and patients communicate better when making decisions to stop medication for inflammatory arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.
Should you exercise? Nap? Caffeinate? Here's what experts and patients recommend for boosting your energy when fatigue from chronic illness takes control.
By Jae Walker
It’s been a journey for Jennifer Walker to figure out that anxiety and related depression was no longer something they could manage with self-care alone. Here’s how they’re getting help and moving forward.
By Susan Jara
From brain fog to irritability, here are some subtle signs that your inflammatory arthritis is causing fatigue.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of patients said they got or plan on getting their flu shot this year, as well as the third COVID-19 vaccine dose.
A recent study shows that while patients with immune-mediated and inflammatory conditions get tested for COVID-19 more than the general population, their risk of contracting the coronavirus does not seem to be higher.
If you have or suspect you could have Sjögren’s syndrome, your sense of smell may provide a clue about how well your condition is being managed.
By Kelsey Kloss
With new vaccine doses in the picture, timing your shots with your regular medications can get confusing. Here’s what experts recommend to stay safe and protected.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of patients who have children or spend a lot of time around children regularly said they will feel more protected against COVID-19 once the vaccine becomes available for 5- to 11-year-olds.
By Kelsey Kloss
Breakthrough infections can be worrisome — especially for those who are immunocompromised — but here’s some good news: People who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to experience long COVID and be hospitalized if they experience a breakthrough infection than those who aren’t vaccinated.
By Kelsey Kloss
If you’re at increased risk for COVID-19 complications because of underlying health issues, you may be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Got questions? Read on.
In a new study, about 30 percent of people with long-haul COVID seemed to meet the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia.
By Kelsey Kloss
There are actionable steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved one safe, especially if you may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19.
By Kelsey Kloss
Trying to navigate the latest guidance for additional COVID-19 vaccine doses and COVID-19 booster shots when you are immunocompromised isn’t easy. Here is what we know so far.
By Kelsey Kloss
Tocilizumab (Actemra), which is used to treat rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, is in short supply due to its emergency use authorization (EUA) as a COVID-19 treatment. Here’s what to know about the issue and what to do if you have trouble getting treatment.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, more than half of respondents said they have already received their third COVID-19 vaccine dose within weeks of it being approved.
Though arthritis and sciatica can both cause pain in the lower back, the two conditions have distinct symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.
Telemedicine visits are a vital part of rheumatology patient care, but that doesn’t stop with rheumatologist visits. Here’s what to know about telehealth for occupational therapy and how to make your sessions as successful and helpful as possible.
By Helen Massy
A new study found that disease flares may be uncommon after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for patients who haven’t experienced a flare in six months.
“I’ve heard friends say passing off a hangover gets harder the older they get, but they haven’t had to pass off a hangover while living with a chronic illness,” says Eileen Davidson, who has rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) task force recently developed recommendations to help improve self-management strategies of patients with inflammatory arthritis. The recommendations involve taking an active role in learning about your condition and engaging in shared decision-making.
In our Arthritis Awareness Month campaign that sought to raise awareness of the challenges of living with invisible illnesses, community members shared what others do to make them — and their illness — more visible. Many said they feel less invisible when they are listened to and included.
Many members of the CreakyJoints and Global Healthy Living Foundation community immediately sought to receive a third vaccine dose after they became available in the U.S. to people who are immunocompromised. Here’s a round-up of what it’s been like so far.
According to a new study, cannabis use among people with rheumatic disease has tripled from 6 percent in 2014 to 18 percent in 2019.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 72 percent of immunocompromised patients said they are moderately to very worried about the Delta variant of COVID-19 — and it’s affecting their everyday behaviors and habits.
By Kelsey Kloss
The treatment doesn’t replace a vaccine, but it’s a helpful tool in protecting yourself against infection if you’re high-risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Researchers looked at the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated people with rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. They found that, though cases were limited, the outcomes were more severe among this group than in the general population.
A new study found that white patients are more likely to be prescribed stronger doses of opioids than Black patients within the same health care system, which suggests race plays a role in how doctors manage patients’ pain relief.
By Kelsey Kloss
In many cases, loved ones are well-intentioned but poorly informed. In some scenarios, though, you’re better off distancing yourself from toxic relationships.
By Kelsey Kloss
There are several factors to be aware of that will affect your risk if you’re around school-aged kids.
By Kelsey Kloss
Breakthrough infections, in which COVID-19 can develop and spread in vaccinated people, are still considered rare. But people with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions who are immunocompromised have extra concerns when it comes to the risk of COVID-19 and how to stay safe.
By Kelsey Kloss
New research shows that air purifiers, which filtrate the air in indoor spaces, may add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19.
“While my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was responsible for a lot of my sleep problems, at the same time, getting poor sleep was also making my arthritis worse,” says Eileen Davidson, who has RA and osteoarthritis.
By Kelsey Kloss
From adding a little extra cushion to researching your rental car, here are 12 doctor- and patient-approved tips that make road trips easier when you have arthritis.
By Kelsey Kloss
The CDC now says that fully vaccinated people should wear masks in public, indoor settings and get tested for COVID-19 if they’ve been exposed to the virus, regardless of whether they show symptoms. Here are key takeaways that are especially important if you’re immunocompromised.
Arthritis and bursitis both cause painful inflammation, but the two conditions affect different parts of the body. Learn the difference between arthritis, which involves joint inflammation, and bursitis, which involves bursa inflammation.
In a recent episode of the podcast ‘Talking Head Pain,’ Global Healthy Living Foundation Co-founder Seth Ginsberg and his wife Cara Zelas discussed the impact migraine has had on their marriage. Here, Seth continues the conversation and shares what he’s learned about being a caregiver to someone with a chronic illness.
By Kelsey Kloss
Here’s what to know about the latest COVID vaccine research if you have an underlying condition that makes you immunocompromised.
“Being this in tune with my body has actually made sex more comfortable and enjoyable for me compared to when I had no clue what was actually going on with my body,” says Eileen Davidson, a woman living with rheumatoid arthritis.
By Susan Jara
The bathroom can be a dangerous spot for people with arthritis. Here are tips for maintaining a safe and comfortable bathroom that might even ease your arthritis pain.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 81 percent of immunocompromised patients said they avoid spending time with family members and friends who are not fully vaccinated.
In a new study, researchers found that people with chronic musculoskeletal pain were likely to have problems getting along with a partner and find sex physically challenging.
By Kelsey Kloss
COVID-19 vaccine booster shots aren’t authorized in the U.S. yet, but doctors may be able to prescribe them to certain immunocompromised people soon.
Whether an occupational therapist has been part of your health care team for years or you’re thinking of seeing one for the first time, here’s some things to know about these specialists.
In our Arthritis Awareness Month campaign that sought to raise awareness of the challenges of living with invisible illnesses, community members shared how they get others to understand a condition that can’t always be seen. Many said that they have given up on trying to explain their invisible illness to people who don’t want to understand.
Arthritis and tendonitis can both cause intense pain, but they are two different conditions. Learn the differences between arthritis, which involves joint inflammation, and tendonitis, which involves tendon inflammation.
“Even though the pandemic feels like it may be starting to end, my status as an immunocompromised person — a status I ‘earned’ after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2015 — isn’t,” says Eileen Davidson, a rheumatoid arthritis patient.
By Kelsey Kloss
Not drinking enough fluids can have unexpected consequences for your arthritis. Here’s how dehydration can cause increased joint pain — and how to make drinking water a daily habit.
By Kelsey Kloss
Non-COVID viruses may return in a big way this year. Here are some steps to protect yourself if you’re immunocompromised from a condition like inflammatory arthritis.
By Susan Jara
Making healthy, anti-inflammatory meals may help ease arthritis symptoms — but not if pain from chopping and stirring makes your arthritis worse. Here are tips for maintaining a safe and comfortable kitchen that can make cooking meals a little less painful.
By Susan Jara
When you have a chronic illness like arthritis that causes pain and fatigue, chances are you spend a lot of time in your bedroom. Here are tips for a safer and more comfortable bedroom to help you sleep better and have less pain.
Icing or heating joints can provide pain relief and reduce swelling. But knowing whether to go cold or hot — and knowing how to use each form of ‘thermal therapy’ — can be tricky.
Clinical psychologist Laurie Ferguson, PhD, Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, provides tips on dealing with people who may single you out for continuing to wear a mask in public.
By Kelsey Kloss
As places reopen and face mask requirements are lifted, immunocompromised patients have concerns about resuming their usual activities — but the doctor’s office is still one of the safest places to be.
By CreakyStaff
Learn the research updates and medical news for rheumatic diseases from the European Congress of Rheumatology 2021.
“It's not a compliment,” CreakyJoints user Rachel M. said of being told she doesn’t look sick. “It's heard as an undermining of the fact that I feel like poop. The reality is that I'm in pain and exhausted every single day.” In our Arthritis Awareness Month campaign that sought to raise awareness of the challenges of living with invisible illnesses, one theme emerged over and over. Telling people with arthritis and other chronic illness that they don’t look sick invalidates and undermines how they feel.
“Moving with rheumatoid arthritis was as challenging as I expected it to be, but it was also rewarding in ways I didn’t expect,” says rheumatoid arthritis patient Eileen Davidson.
By Kelsey Kloss
If someone gives you a hard time for wearing a mask, here’s how to react and protect yourself.
By CreakyStaff
Immunocompromised people in the U.S. are now eligible to get a third COVID-19 vaccine dose, in an effort to improve their protection against the coronavirus. Here’s what we know so far about the additional vaccine dose, including why you need it and how to get it.
By Kelsey Kloss
The news is reassuring for arthritis and rheumatic disease patients who have been concerned about the potential risk of post-vaccine disease flares.
By Kelsey Kloss
On the other hand, study authors did not find an association between using other biologics — such as TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, and abatacept — and worse COVID-19 outcomes.
By Kelsey Kloss
Supermarkets may soon loosen rules about mask wearing and other COVID-19 precautions. But is shopping in person safe for immunocompromised people, even if they’re vaccinated? Here’s how to decide what’s right for you and expert advice on staying safe.
By Susan Jara
From stretching before your workout to sitting while you do arm exercises, here are some ways to reduce arthritis pain and discomfort during exercise.
One of the largest studies to assess COVID-19 infection risks among people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found that they were 25 percent more likely than non-RA patients to develop COVID.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, nearly all immunocompromised patients said they would continue to wear masks in indoor public spaces as well as indoor events. They are, however, more willing to go without masks indoors if socializing with people they know and trust.
By Kelsey Kloss
The 2022 wedding boom is underway after couples rescheduled ceremonies due to COVID-19. But are larger gatherings safe for immunocompromised people, even if they’re vaccinated? Here’s how to decide what’s right for you and expert advice on staying safe.
A new study from the ArthritisPower research registry found that following a mindfulness therapy program may help patients with rheumatic diseases, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, decrease their anxiety and stress levels.
By Kelsey Kloss
Experts say the news shouldn’t stop you from getting vaccinated, but you should continue to follow precautions like wearing a mask.
By Susan Jara
From arthritis-friendly tools to joint-friendly modifications, here are some ways to reduce arthritis pain and discomfort when you’re cleaning your home.
Eileen Davidson used to have a flair for the dramatic when it came to hair, clothes, makeup, and clubbing. Now her definition of flair — or rather, flare — is much different.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 50 percent of respondents said they feel more comfortable doing activities in public this summer compared to last summer when there was no COVID-19 vaccine. That said, they will still be taking precautions like wearing a mask and keeping group gatherings small.
Clinical psychologist Laurie Ferguson, PhD, Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, provides tips to help you move on from the “meh” you’ve been feeling lately during the pandemic and find the joy in life again.
By CreakyStaff
Although new CDC guidance says that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear face masks in most settings, the ‘rules’ are different for people who are immunocompromised.
By Kelsey Kloss
Here’s how to talk to your boss about flexible work options, and how to stay safe if you do return to the workplace.
Most people haven’t heard of ICD-10 codes, but they impact all aspects of your health care, from the bills you pay to the science that seeks to understand your condition.
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