Arthritis Life

Episode at a glance:0:00 - 3:25: Lene’s journey with juvenile idiopathic arthritis from diagnosis at age 9 to using a power wheelchair starting at age 16 to now3:25 - 10:40: What is ableism, and how does it relate to other forms of descrimination such as racism or sexism?10:40 - 17:51 - What is health privilege?17:51 - 24:30 -  What is internalized ableism and how might it manifest in a person with chronic illness?24:30 - 30:00  - How to dismantle internalized ableism: disentangling worth from productivity, not being ashamed to use mobility aids or daily living aids30:00 - 34:50 - How Lene is not “wheelchair bound” but in fact a wheelchair is liberating and a helpful tool for everyday life34:50 - 41:00 - The social model of disability and how external barriers are often more limiting to quality of life than the disability itself41:00 - 46:50: The differences between living with an invisible versus visible disability46:50 - 48:10: TRIGGER WARNING (suicide): Brief discussion of assisted suicide as it relates to disability48:10 - 52:50 - How the tropes of disabled people in media (movies, books) are often incredibly over simplified52:50 - 55:30:  What does it mean to have a “dynamic disability” with fluctuating symptoms?55:30 - endUniversal design versus accessibilitySpeaker Bios:Lene (pronounced Lena) is an award-winning writer and rheumatoid arthritis advocate living in Toronto, Canada. Born and raised in Denmark, Lene has had autoimmune arthritis since childhood and has used a power wheelchair since her teens. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work and writes books about living well with RA and other types of chronic illness. Lene shares her home with a cat and too many books.  Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorRheumatoid 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 links and show notes: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.

In this episode I share why I became an occupational therapist (spoiler alert - it wasn’t about arthritis initially!), answer your “just for fun questions” (including my favorite Taylor Swift songs), answer your arthritis related questions and share insights about coping with the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies chronic illness life. I’m beyond honored and touched to have reached fifty episodes and almost 30,000 downloads of the Arthritis Life podcast! Speaker Bio:Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorRheumatoid 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. Episode links:Things mentioned in this episode;Podcasts I like:Maximum Fun podcast network - artist owned, listener supported independent podcast networkJudge John Hodgman podcastWe Got This with Mark and Hal podcastThis American Life PodcastSarah Putt - OT4Lyfe PodcastPast episodes I mentionedBest advice for newly diagnosed patientsCheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:Arthritis Life website - https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislifeInstagram @arthritis_life_cheryl - https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/TikTok @arthritislife - https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislifeArthritis Life Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFECheryl on Twitter: @realcc  https://twitter.com/realccArthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupportArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  6-month education and support 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 Spring 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. 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 TranscriptComing soon to the Arthritis Life webpage for this episode!  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:Ashley’s rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis story: getting the diagnosis at age twenty-seven after being told she was “too young” when she first presented with symptomsFaith: How Ashley’s different kinds of faith help her: faith in God, and faith in herself that she can persevere and achieve her goals, and faith that she can change her mindset.Fitness: Ashley’s journey becoming a personal trainer in 2018, even when those close to her questioned whether she could succeed in that field while having RAFood: How Ashley found a food plan that worked for her to help manage her weight and overall healthy lifestyleCheryl & Ashley discuss different ways to approach a healthy diet in a balanced way that supports quality of life rather than a restriction mindsetFrom sedentary to active: Ashley’s fitness journey was kickstarted with Jazzercise, then a gym membership and then personal training. How fitness helped decrease her pain.Tips for exercising and improving fitness with rheumatoid arthritis: think movement if exercise is intimidating; celebrate what you *can* do and do more of that; make it convenient for you;What is it like to work with a personal trainer?What are some adaptations or modifications for strength training with rheumatoid arthritis when your fingers or wrists hurt?Shame & Comparison: Cheryl & Ashley discuss how to avoid the “comparison trap” on social media, and Cheryl discusses the shame she feels at times due to being a former athlete who now is not in as good of shape as she used to be, and how her identity has shifted away from an identity as an athlete.Positive mindset without minimizing negative emotions: Cheryl & Ashley discuss ways to focus on the positive while not minimizing or delegitimizing the true negative feelings we haveAshley’s entrepreneur experience: starting RA Warrior Fitness LLC two months before the pandemic in 2020Advice for newbies: either newly diagnosed, or people who are new to fitness & RASpeaker Bios:My name is Ashley Nicole and I am a RA Warrior! I've lived with RA for 17 years and counting. It is now my mission to empower women living with rheumatoid arthritis to improve their quality of life through faith, food and fitness.Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorRheumatoid 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. Episode links:Ashley’s channelsIG: @ashnic_rawarriorfitness, @rawarriorfitnessFB: RA Warrior Fitness, LLCWebsite: https://www.rawarriorfitness.com/Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:Arthritis Life websiteYoutube channelInstagramTikTokFacebook PageTwitterArthritis Life Podcast Facebook GroupMedical 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 transcript:Available on the episode page on the Arthritis Life website!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Natasha and Cheryl discuss her treatment journey, how her social life was affected by JIA, the importance of diet and stress management in her treatment plan, and why Natasha formed the nonprofit Take a Pain Check.Episode at a glance:Natasha’s diagnosis story and early experiences with juvenile idiopathic arthritisDifferent treatments Natasha has tried, including steroid joint injections, methotrexate, biologic medications, nutrition and dietary changes, Ayurvedic medicine, meditation and other lifestyle changesHow Natasha’s mother helped support and advocate for her when it felt like “nothing was working” in her treatment planHow Natasha navigates peer pressure to drinkWays Natasha manages stress while living with juvenile idiopathic arthritisThe importance of cultural representation and what it means for Natasha to see other South Asian people in the chronic illness communityThings that bring Natasha joy, including singingNatasha’s inspiration for forming the nonprofit Take a Pain CheckThe importance of patient involvement in research and advocacyEpisode SponsorRheumatoid 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. Episode links:Submit an “Ask me Anything” question to Cheryl in honor of the Arthritis Life Podcast reaching 25,000 downloads! Email at info -at- MyArthritisLife.Net or on the social media links below by Saturday, November 6th.Natasha and Take a Pain Check’s channels:ALL RESOURCES AND PODCAST: https://instabio.cc/takeapaincheck  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeapaincheckYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRF07SYaN-9fbatNCKhL08gWebsite: www.takeapaincheck.com   Other orgs mentionedCheryl on Take a Pain Check podcast Cassie & Friends: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Support & ResourcesResearch projects - JIA option map at University of Ottowa (research)PACER - patients doing reserach on other patients Chronic EileenCheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:Arthritis Life website: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislifeFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFETwitter: https://twitter.com/realccArthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupportMedical 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.Transcript: go to MyArthritisLife.Net for full episode details 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.

Episode at a glanceOccupational therapy (OT): Why Lindsay became an OT, and Lindsay & Cheryl’s definitions of the profession. (1:00-6:00)Things to think about when accessing a home when you have arthritis: steps, ramps and more, plus tips on aging in place.  (6:00-14:29)Tips for the Bathroom with Arthritis: wiping, bidets, toilet seat height, grab bars, shower gadgets, drying hair and more.  (14:30 - 30:25)Tips for the Kitchen with Arthritis: opening aids, considerations for how you organize items within the kitchen, refrigerator design considerations, kitchen design tips, stools, fatigue mats and chopping aids.  (30:30 - 51:00)Tips for the Bedroom and Dressing with Arthritis: power assist beds, bed rails, pivot grabs, bed ladders, dressing sticks, dressing aids, bras, and more. (51:17-1:01:00)Tips for Living Rooms and Dining Rooms with Arthritis: recliners, arm rests for chairs, round versus square tables and more. (1:01:00 - 1:07:45)The emotional side of adaptive equipment: Tips for coping with shame and other emotions around needing adaptive equipment or assistive devices (1:07:48 - 1:17:09)For a full list of links to everything Lindsay discussed in this episode, go to this special page of her website here https://www.equipmeot.com/arthritislife/.Check out Cheryl's "Favorite Arthritis Items" page for links to some of the things she discussed on this episode: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2020/03/17/my-favorite-arthritis-products/Speaker Bios:Lindsay DeLong: As an occupational therapist, I have spent years treating and supporting individuals dealing with all forms of arthritis. I have been challenged to find creative solutions for individuals to help them maintain their independence, self worth and joy in every day life! I’ve learned so much from the arthritis community and am thrilled for the opportunity to give back in any way I can.Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in Spring, 2022! Episode links:Lindsay’s EquipMeOT channels:Website: EquipMeOT.comYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/c/EquipMeOTInstagram -  https://www.instagram.com/equipmeot/For a full list of links to everything Lindsay discussed in this episode, go to this special page of her website here https://www.equipmeot.com/arthritislife/.Check out Cheryl's "Favorite Arthritis Items" page for links to some of the things she discussed on this episode: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2020/03/17/my-favorite-arthritis-products/Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:Arthritis Life website: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislifeFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ArthritisLifeCherylTwitter: https://twitter.com/realccArthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupportArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  6-month education and support 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 Spring 2022!Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this condition.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 TranscriptSee arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com for full episode 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.

Episode at a glanceFull transcript and additional notes available at the Arthritis Life website here.1:00 - 7:30 Unity’s shares her diagnosis story at 15 months old and details her young childhood experiences growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)7:30 - 15:00: How Unity became more active in her care management as an adolescent and explored alternate ways of managing JIA including nutrition, reiki, shamanism, and meditation.15:00 - 23:00  The importance of meditation and managing stress in Unity’s JIA journey, including a discussion of some of Unity’s favorite books.23:00 - 30:00 Unity explains what it means to be a “wounded healer” and what “healing” means to her. She also explains her Seasons of Self Energy Report framework.30:00 - 37:00  Unity explains the importance of addressing mindset and mindfulness while living with a health condition.37:00 - 40:00 Unity explains the inspiration behind S.O.S. Energy Report: A Survivor's Guide to Self-Healing Breakthroughs40:00 - 43:00 Unity shares about her experience becoming a mother and now parenting two teenagers while managing her JIA.43:00 - Unity & Cheryl discuss the many cost benefit analyses they do as patients, and when it’s worth it to do an activity even when it causes painSpeaker Bios:Unity Schmit: Born into a near-death experience, and diagnosed with chronic childhood illness, in the form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), Unity awakened to seek self-healing growth and the powerful meaning behind her unusual life start. On her path, she sought to understand how to bring pain to purpose, and how to follow her inner calling to experience her dreams, even though she was told they were unattainable. By studying self-healing, energy work, reiki, psychology, world religions and shamanism, Unity reached her dreams, and studied with healers and shamans from Canada, the United States and Australia. Through her experiences, Unity has become an author, teacher and 'faery godmother' life coach who seeks to help others awaken their own self-healing breakthroughs to reach their dreams, no matter the storms present or ahead.Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in Spring, 2022! Episode Links:Unity’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/unityschmidt/‘S.O.S. Energy Report Experience - this is a special link Unity created for Arthritis Life podcast audience members to allow you to access her “Survivor's Guide To Self-Healing Breakthroughs” for free. As a health provider I am not endorsing any claims from this website but am passing along the opportunity for you to experience it if you are interested, in hopes that it will be helpful.Books Unity Recommended in this episodeThe Power of Myth - Joseph Campbell The Brain that Changes Itself - neuroscience bookBarbara Brennena - Hands of LightMindfulness, by Dr. Ellen Langer Cheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupCheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife Arthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realcc Arthritis Life Youtube channelMedical 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.For full episode notes and a transcript: Full transcript and additional notes available at the Arthritis Life website here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, eight women share their journeys with methotrexate as of July 2020. You can hear an update from Jo, Ananthi and Paulina from October 2021 in episode 58.Episode at a glanceIntroduction to Episode with Methotrexate facts (0:00-5:00)Patient introductions (5:00-10:00)Patient stories about being on methotrexate: Paulina, Cheryl, Ali & Ananthi (10:00 - 41:00)Discussion about natural methods versus medications and decision making around that (41:00 - 47:40)More patient stories about being on methotrexate: Jo, Aashi, Kristen, Jenny  (47:40 - 1:09:00)Patients share tips on injecting methotrexate or other rheumatic disease medications (1:09:00 - 1:31:00)Tips for coping with “miracle cures,”  unsolicited advice & medication shamers (1:31:00 -Speaker Handles:Aashi Bhimani @solo_spoonie on InstagramCheryl Crow @Arthritis_Life_Cheryl on InstagramAnanthi Ramachandran @ar_versus_ra on InstagramAli Digiacomo @anotherdaywithRA on InstagramKristen Brogan @warriorsmovemountains on InstagramJo Mistreanu @thejosphere on InstagramJenny Parker @cute_n_chronic on InstagramCheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.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! Episode links:Resources to learn more about Methotrexate:Rheumatoid Arthritis “In the Clinic” - Annals of Internal Medicine Article (2019)““In most patients, RA is a chronic, progressive disease character-ized by episodes of disease flares or long-term chronic inflamma-tion. Only a few patients achieve long-term remission without the need for long-term medications.”“About half of all patients treated with methotrexate have little or no radiographic progression, although 30% will require addi-al DMARDs (like biologics):Global Healthy living Foundation research into how prominent methotrexate side effects areMethotrexate Side Effect Stats from the Arthritis FoundationCheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupCheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLifeArthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realccArthritis Life Youtube channelMedical 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 transcriptFor additional details including a transcript, please go to www.Arthritis.TheEnthusiasticLife.Com 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 glanceGrace’s introduction & diagnosis story (3:22 - 9:00)Grace’s experience with pregnancy remission and a postpartum flare up (9:21 - 15:00)What has helped Grace cope mentally and emotionally with chronic pain and stress (15:50 - 32:00)Grace describes her current business coaching work (32:00 - 37:00)Speaker Bios:Grace Nelson is a business coach, specializing in supporting women in corporate start their online business from scratch and make their first consistent 1K+ months online without having to leave their 9-5!  She has been “experiencing” Rheumatoid Arthritis over the last 16 years and shares her story about she manages living with an autoimmune condition, running a business and being a first time Mummy to her daughter Eliza-Rae (who is now 1 years old).Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.  Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in early October, 2021!Episode links:Grace pages:@Iamgracenelson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamgracenelson/Grace’s free ebook training: https://bit.ly/23WaysToGetMoreClientsCheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupCheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLifeArthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realccArthritis Life Youtube channelArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE, a membership community Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this condition.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. 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 glanceIntroduction & definition of terms:What is stress, pain versus suffering, statistics on mental health and arthritis, common causes of stress with chronic illness (1:30 - 12:00)Cognitive behavior therapy for “thinking problems”:How “Catching ANTs” is a helpful tool for “thinking problems” (when your stress is caused by maladaptive thinking patterns) (12:30 - 20:45 )Mindfulness & “perpetual problems”Cheryl explains how true mindfulness of the present moment (even uncomfortable parts of the present) can help cope with perpetual problems from chronic illness (21:45 - 27:10).Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cheryl explains how acceptance and commitment therapy helps her devote energy towards present possibilities rather than wasting time trying to solve unsolvable problems (which can lead to unnecessary stress). (27:10 -43:00)Concluding thoughts: 43:00-endSometimes there is not a clear way to make your pain go away, no effective tool to “heal” your condition, and no way to convince someone else that  your invisible illness is real.While that might sound depressing at first, Cheryl explains that accepting this reality helped set her free (“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off” - Gloria Steinem). She explains how she learned this technique from #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy. Speaker Bios:Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6 month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.  Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in early October, 2021!Episode links:Sign up to access the video recording of this webinar (which includes the visuals I refer to)Reproductive Health and Rheumatic Disease Webinar:Cheryl will be moderating a free “Reproductive Health and Rheumatic Disease” patient webinar on September 14th 2021, sign up here http://www.rheum4you.org and learn more here https://simpletasks.org/Things mentioned in the episode:Find a therapist in the US - Psychology TodayCBT - resources for learning about common cognitive distortionsJohn Gottman marriage research: solvable versus perpetual problemsThe Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris - explains Acceptance and Commitment TherapyPassengers on the bus metaphor - more detailsCheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:Cheryl &  Arthritis Life on InstagramCheryl’s website: Arthritis LifeArthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife Arthritis Life Facebook PageCheryl’s Twitter: @realcc Arthritis Life Youtube channelArthritis Life Program LinksJoin the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE, a membership community Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this condition.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. 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 glanceArt and arthritis: Maria shares how she participates in artistic hobbies like photography and artwork despite hand pain from rheumatoid arthritisDiagnosis journey: Maria’s diagnosis journey with rheumatoid arthritis in Venezuela and her emotional reaction to the diagnosis at age twenty oneManaging expectations: Maria and Cheryl discuss what it’s like to try to manage your expectations and plan your life when diagnosed with RA so youngCollege and international studies: The difficulties of managing rheumatoid arthritis while being a college student in the USA, including barriers to medicationSocial media: Cheryl & Maria reflect on the benefits and drawbacks of social media, both having been diagnosed prior to social mediaMaria moves to Australia: the scarcity of medication and resources in Venezuala leads Maria and her husband to move to AustraliaPregnancy and parenting with rheumatoid arthritis: Maria shares her journey with pregnancy and parenting her two girls with severe pain from rheumatoid arthritisRemission: Maria shares the happy news of her current remission and how that’s improved her quality of life.“Auch Revista” - Maria explains why she started this non-profit Spanish language magazine to share stories and tips for others living with chronic illnesses.Speaker Bios:Maria Gonzales has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since she was twenty one years old. Throughout the years she has lived on three continents with RA. She also graduated college and had two babies while managing rheumatoid arthritis. She has experienced everything from excruciating pain to a current remission. She enjoys sharing her journey with others and started the “Auch Revista” (translation: Ouch Magazine), a non-profit magazine for the Spanish speaking community living with chronic illness. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6 month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.  Join the waitlist today! Episode links:Maria’s links:Instagram @auch.revistaAUCH Revista - Spanish language magazine focusing on ways to help people with chronic illnesses Things we mentioned in the episode:Man’s search for meaning bookCheryl’s Arthritis Life free resources:Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook groupFree Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RAFree Training: Arthritis Life Hack Crash CourseMedical 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 Details + TranscriptionFor a full transcription and more details about this episode, 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.