Arthritis Life

People living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)  and related autoimmune forms of arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) are at greater risk of developing hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Emily and Cheryl discuss ways for people living with arthritis and EDS or POTS to manage the day to day of their conditions and cope with the ups and downs and uncertainties that come with fluctuating chronic illnesses. They also discuss the role of occupational therapists in helping people with these conditions improve their self-management abilities and confidence in building a meaningful life despite health challenges.Episode at a glance:Emily’s diagnosis story for EDS and POTS at age 14: joint pain, feeling like passing out, digestive symptoms and moreWhat is POTS?Autoimmune conditions, Covid-19 and POTS: Emily and Cheryl discuss the connections between these conditionsEDS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and General hypermobility: Emily explains the difference between hypermobility and EDS (which includes one of 13 subtypes being hypermobile type)Who diagnoses EDS and POTS?Connection to arthritis: Emily and Cheryl review the data about the incidence of POTS and EDS amongst people with rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditionsTips for coping when you have both arthritis and EDS: the fluctuation and the uncertainty;  whack a mole - live in the moment, acceptanceWhat’s in Emily’s toolbox for coping with POTS and EDS: sleep routines, hand splints, planning ahead, energy conservation and moreWhat is the occupational therapist’s role in helping people manage dysautonomia and EDS? Sleep hygiene, energy conservation, fatigue management, pain tools, teaching strategies and moreSelf-Management for Chronic Conditions: Emily and Cheryl share insights into this often overlooked area of need for many patients.Emily’s best advice for people newly diagnosed with EDS and/or POTSMedical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.Full Episode Show Notes & TranscriptFor full episode show notes, including links discussed in the episode and a full transcript, go to the show page on the Arthritis Life website: www.MyArthritisLife.Net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kori and Cheryl discuss ways to approach assessing the risks versus benefits of medications from the "shared decision making" model. They also explore how insurance barriers in the United States can make medication decisions all the more complex. Kori shares her tips for getting prescription medication support, as well as her words of wisdom for diagnosed patients.  The conversation concludes with a discussion of the latest research developments Kori is most excited about in the world of rheumatology.Episode at a glance:What is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)? What is the role of the nurse practitioner on the rheumatology team?Tips for making medical decisions: Kori explains how she helps her patients assess the risks of treating (like medication side effects) versus the risks of undertreating (like disease progression).What to do if you have insurance barriers to medication: Kori discusses insurance barriers and gives tips including copay cards, patient assistance programs, ways to proactively research medication costs, and what the deal is with prior authorizations and specialty pharmaciesAdvocacy: Cheryl and Kori discuss how patients can support reforms to healthcare through sharing their storiesNewly Diagnosed: Kori’s words of wisdom for newly diagnosed patientsLatest research developments: What recent innovations in the field of rheumatology Kori is most excited about?Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.For full episode details including a Transcript:Go to the Arthritis Life Website at: www.MyArthritisLife.Net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melissa shares how she learned to be a more effective advocate over time, and provides insights into how she copes with the ups and downs of chronic illness life.Episode at a glance:Melissa’s Diagnosis story for Lupus & Type 1 Diabetes as a nine year oldMelissa becomes a mental health occupational therapist while managing her conditionsMelissa shares her treatment ups and downs for lupus, including medications and lifestyle factors such as exercise and stress managementAdvocacy: Melissa shares her journey towards becoming a health advocateWhat to do when your supporters or caregivers don’t “get it?”Melissa’s Best Advice for people newly diagnosed with Lupus and/or Type 1 DiabetesMelissa’s Mental health / coping tips for chronic illness lifeMedical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode at a glance:How Cristina’s postpartum flare up and difficulty with pain control led her to delve into medical cannabis; helped especially with fibromyalgia. Cannabis, CBD & THC 101: How the endocannibinoid system (within our body) helps with homeostasis, memory, pain, mood, inflammation and even skin.The difference between cannabis, help, THC, CBD, endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoidsWhat people with arthritis might want to know about how cannabis affects pain, inflammation, sleep, anxiety, appetite and mood (including a discussion of what risks there are versus benefits) What are the different methods of consumption for cannabis (Sublingual, Topical creams, Transdermal patch, Oral Suppositories (vaginal), inhalation, IV and more)Where to find valid information about CBD and chronic painWhere to find a dispensary: - check the laws in your area; five things Cristina looks for in a cannabis dispensaryCommunication to medical team: Cristina discusses the importance of thisCristina answers listener questionsHow to learn more from CristinaMedical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.##Full Episode Details + TranscriptSee the Arthritis Life Website at www.MyArthritisLife.Net for full details, including a transcript! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meaghan shares her journey growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which turned into psoriatic arthritis (PSA) in her twenties. She busts common myths about PSA and delves into the importance of advocacy, mental health, sharing our stories and more.##Episode at a glance:Meaghan’s Diagnosis story / saga for JIA and then PsA: medical gaslighting, delays in care, learning to advocate for herself and moreWhat does Meggie Wish People Knew about PSA? Dispelling common misconceptionsMeggie’s advocacy journey: from insurance step therapy to formal advocacyRelationships: Meggie reflects on dating with arthritis and shares how her husband supports herMeggie reflects on the importance of mental health & how being open about her diagnosis helped herWhat’s it been like to share your story online? Meggie shares her story writing for Bezzy PSA from Healthline and sharing her story on social mediaMeggie’s advice for newly diagnosed patientsWhere to find Meggie: Instagram: @Arthritis_Meggie Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. The next group starts in April 2022!For Full Episode Details + Transcript:Go to www.MyArthritisLife.Net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As a child and teenager growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Jen Blair often felt lonely, isolated and "broken."  Fast forward to the present: Jen is a  mother of three, accepts her "new normal" and has come to see herself as strong rather than broken. This episode delves into Jen’s story and includes details about her different prescription treatments, how she came to embrace exercise and dietary contributions to her health, her pregnancy and parenting journey and her experiences both with working and being on disability.Episode at a glance:Jen’s diagnosis story of juvenile idiopathic arthritisJen’s treatment journey over the years: biologics, exercises, nutrition, serial casting (which is no longer done for JIA) and morePregnancy with JIA & RAWhat is it like being a mom of three children while living with JIA? Jen’s emotional journey: as a teenager and young adult, experiences loneliness, isolation, yearning for acceptance, and feelings of being “broken.”Jen’s experiences working in different environments and then going on disabilityJen’s advice for people newly diagnosed with inflammatory arthritisMedical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.Full Episode Details including Transcript:Go to www.MyArthritisLife.Net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Emily Johnson, the Arthritis Foodie, shares her journey from medical gaslighting to a diagnosis of seronegative arthritis during her university years. She and Cheryl discuss how they combine lifestyle changes with western medication to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Emily also explains how her experiences inspired her to write a book about lifestyle changes for rheumatoid arthritis, called “Beat Arthritis Naturally.” Cheryl and Emily discuss the wisdom of a “both/and” rather than an “either/or” approach to combining pharmaceutical with lifestyle approaches to disease and symptom management. They also share insights on how they cope with fluctuating symptoms and difficult times with self-kindness.Episode SponsorRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Full Episode Show Notes & TranscriptPlease go to the show page on MyArthritisLife.Net for full episode show notes and a transcript. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheryl and Eileen’s personal stress management toolboxes include: formal  therapy, delegating tasks, prioritizing self care, snuggling with their pets, acceptance, mindfulness, addressing past traumas, advocacy and more.This conversation originally took place as an Instagram Live discussion in March 2022.Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details and transcriptGo to www.MyArthritisLife.Net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Camille and Gittel share how lost and overwhelmed they felt trying to manage rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis on their own. They describe how  Rheum to THRIVE helped them not only on a practical level but also emotionally, and share their best tips for managing flare-ups.This conversation originally took place as an Instagram Live discussion in September 2021.Episode at a glance:Camille’s journey getting diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (Camille is at https://www.instagram.com/camilledemere/  on Instagram)Gittel’s journey with ankylosing spondylitis: diagnosed in 2018 after a lifetime of chronic pain (Gittel is at https://www.instagram.com/gittel_gt/ on Instagram)How Gittel and Camille felt overwhelmed, confused and alone while trying to manage their conditions on their own. Gittel finds an online support group but it wasn’t a good fit for her.Gittel & Camille join Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE educational support group programCamille reflects on how the group has helped her process challenges around the pandemic and uncertaintyGittel shares her experience overcoming shame around using mobility aids and helps others confront internalized ableismCamille loses her health insurance and is forced to go to “Dr Google” for answers, which was terrifyingCamille joins Rheum to THRIVE and transforms to feeling confident and supportedGittel shares how terrified she was about using “Dr. Google” to learn about ankylosing spondylitis and how the organization of Rheum to THRIVE helped her feel less overwhelmedCheryl, Gittel and Camille share tips for flare ups: rest breaks, hot showers, breath work, alternative pain relief such as cannabis, mental work such as anchor breathing and mindfulness exercisesCheryl, Gittel & Camille share their Covid19 vaccine experiencesMedical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the next group today! Rheumatoid Arthritis RoadmapA self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.Full Episode Details including TranscriptSee more details and a full transcript at www.MyArthritisLife.Net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Erin & Heather share their diagnosis journeys for rheumatoid arthritis, and how Cheryl’s “Rheum to THRIVE” program helped them become more empowered and supported. This conversation originally took place as an Instagram Live discussion in September 2021.Episode at a glance:Erin shares her diagnosis story: originally ankylosing spondylitis, then changed to rheumatoid arthritisHeather shares how she felt “desperate to find answers” after her rheumatoid arthritis worsenedErin and Heather share how they became more empowered through joining the Rheum to THRIVE programHeather shares how important it was for her to have access to a consistent set of resources and how she benefited from learning skills to “be the CEO of her care team!”Erin shares what it meant to her to have a supportive communityErin reflects on how she previously did not ask for work accommodations due to shame and guilt, before she became empowered and understood the power of counteracting your own internalized ableismHeather reflects on how she used to “fake it til you make it” or “power through,” then she gained the courage to talk to her boss about her needs for accommodations at workErin and Cheryl reflect on how their experiences with Facebook “support groups” is different than  Rheum to THRIVEAmy shares what she got out of Rheum to THRIVECheryl answers some FAQs about the programMedical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorRheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Registration is open now through March 31st, 2022 - it’s only open twice a year so join now if you’re interested!Full Episode Details + TranscriptGo to www.MyArthritisLife.Net for full details including a full transcript. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.