Key barriers include increased fear and anxiety and lack of motivation during the pandemic.
Although more research is needed, the results show that medication use, underlying conditions, and smoking may potentially play a role.
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.
New findings shine light on the importance of tracking your emotional health during COVID-19 and beyond.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In many cases, loved ones are well-intentioned but poorly informed. In some scenarios, though, you’re better off distancing yourself from toxic relationships.
There are several factors to be aware of that will affect your risk if you’re around school-aged kids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If someone gives you a hard time for wearing a mask, here’s how to react and protect yourself.
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.
The news is reassuring for arthritis and rheumatic disease patients who have been concerned about the potential risk of post-vaccine disease flares.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Experts say the news shouldn’t stop you from getting vaccinated, but you should continue to follow precautions like wearing a mask.
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.
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.
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.
New research suggests that people may underestimate women’s pain level, while overestimating the pain level of men. Additionally, women’s pain is more likely to be attributed to psychological issues, whereas men’s will be attributed to physical issues.
India is experiencing its second wave of COVID-19 infections, with daily cases in the hundred thousands. Here’s how you can raise money and awareness for the country.
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), which is used to treat rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions, may be in short supply. Here’s what to know about the issue and what to do if you can’t get your sulfasalazine prescription.
A new, small study found that patients taking biologic treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had a positive antibody response after receiving both doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in 12- to 15-year-old children. Should your child get the vaccine if they are immunocompromised? Here’s what parents of children with juvenile arthritis should know.
If you’re immunocompromised, it’s important to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and to be surrounded by people who are vaccinated as well. This can lead to difficult conversations with loved ones who are hesitant or unwilling to get the vaccine. Here’s advice on how to handle it.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the vast majority of respondents said they have not had caregivers attend in-person or virtual medical appointments during the pandemic.
Experts hope these effective treatments will be used more frequently by high-risk patients, including those who are immunocompromised.
In a new analysis of 52 studies, researchers found that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and gout may have a higher stroke risk than that of the general population.
As people rush to return to “normal” Laurie Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist and Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, shares her advice for rethinking your priorities in a post-pandemic world.
The recommendations for mask wearing are becoming more lax, but people with compromised immune systems may need to continue standard mitigation efforts.
Preliminary research from Israel has indicated that a small number of patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases developed shingles after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, but more research is needed to prove causation. Here’s what you should know.
Many comparisons have been made throughout the pandemic between the coronavirus and the flu. Now, a new study shows that people with autoimmune diseases who were admitted to a hospital for COVID-19 were more likely to deal with respiratory complications and death than those who were admitted for the flu.
Experts believe the research into this topic will lead to a better understanding of autoimmunity.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the vast majority of respondents said they believe virtual and social distance options will remain available as society enters a new “normal,” but they are concerned that there will be fewer of them.