Arthritis Life

Beyond her personal battle, Deb has established a global support group for those with osteonecrosis and actively participates in the Arthritis Foundation's Live Yes! Connect groups.  Highlighting the power of community support and advocacy, Deb's story is an inspiring testament to resilience and the importance of helping others navigate similar health challenges. Episode at a glance: Deb’s Journey...

Dr. Edens debunks common misconceptions, such as vaccines causing autoimmune diseases or always triggering flares. She explains that while mild immune responses are normal, serious complications are extremely rare and the benefits far outweigh the risks.  Dr Edens emphasizes that vaccines not only prevent infections but also certain cancers, making them an essential part of care for immunosuppress...

Together, they unpack common myths surrounding food and autoimmune conditions and share practical, real-life strategies for self-management. It’s a conversation packed with practical advice and empowering insights for anyone looking to make nutrition more manageable while living with an autoimmune condition. Episode at a glance: Common misconceptions about diet and autoimmune diseases: Cheryl and...

They share examples of how misinformation can lead to physical harm, wasted money, and delayed treatment, and emphasize the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. The hosts introduce practical tools such as the “CRAAP test” for evaluating sources and encourage listeners to seek balanced, evidence-based hope rather than false promises of cures. Episode at a Glance — Main Themes 🌐 Why...

Cheryl and Dani dig into the diagnosis saga, evolving RA treatments, the role of acceptance, and why movement is essential to living well with rheumatic disease. For Dani, “movement” isn’t only physical; it’s emotional, spiritual, and educational. If you’re newly diagnosed, this conversation is a powerful reminder to make every day count. Episode at a glance: Dani’s Diagnosis Journey: Cheryl and D...

On this special episode* of 'Rheumer has It', hosts Eileen and Cheryl are joined by renowned rheumatologist Dr. Loreto Carmona from Spain. The discussion centers around the concept of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), highlighting the differences between medical and patient perspectives on what constitutes remission. Dr. Carmona emphasizes the importance of communication between patients and...

On this episode, Emily and Cheryl discuss how they've come to terms with the fluctuating, non-linear, dynamic nature of rheumatoid arthritis.  After being a fierce athlete and playing Division 1 water polo, Emily was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 22.  She shares lessons learned while working as a night shift nurse for 12 years and having three children.   Emily opens up about using ca...

Diagnosed at just 15, Zac opens up about the difficult shift from being an active athlete to facing disability caused by arthritis and its complications. He shares how strength training became a turning point and helped him regain mobility, lose weight, and rebuild a fulfilling life. He also explores how his background in strength training helped him survive a near death experience with macrophage...

Cheryl shares her powerful journey of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at just 21 years old and reflects on what it was like to go from being a healthy, athletic college student to suddenly navigating pain, fatigue, and disbelief from doctors. She opens up about the emotional toll of feeling dismissed, the relief of finally getting a diagnosis, and the lessons she’s learned about acc...

Cheryl and Gittel explore the importance of being mindful with our social media use. While they highlight the risks of falling into negative patterns that can lead to isolation, they also emphasize social media’s powerful potential for connection and support among those living with chronic illness. Gittel shares how participating in online support communities like Rheum to THRIVE has strengthened...

Dr. Liew  shares her personal journey to becoming a rheumatologist inspired by a friend's diagnosis. She then discusses the condition in detail, addressing common misconceptions such as it being exclusive to white men and always showing up on imaging.  Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the challenges of diagnosing this condition, social determinants affecting diagnosis, and reliable res...

Cheryl and Melissa discuss her experiences in the healthcare system, driven by frustration to become a self-advocate. This led Melissa to write the book Invisible: a Nurse Turned Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease, aiming to provide validation and resources for others facing similar struggles.  Cheryl and Melissa also touch on the challenges of advocating for oneself, miscon...

Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, they dispel common myths such as the notion that diet alone can treat RA, and also highlight the evidence for some nutrition approaches like the Mediterranean diet as a reliable starting point.  The episode underscores the importance of integrating diet and other lifestyle approaches alongside medications for optimal well-being. Whether you're...

In this honest and inspiring episode, Cheryl and Chelsea talk about the emotional toll of chronic illness, the power of having a solid support system, and how Chelsea went from feeling isolated to becoming a voice for others. Chelsea opens up about how sharing her story online, especially as a Hispanic woman, helped her find connection, purpose, and strength. If you’re newly diagnosed and feeling...

On this episode, Cheryl & Eileen talk with sleep expert and researcher D. Deborah Da Costa about evidence based interventions to improve sleep in people with rheumatic conditions. Dr. Da Costa explores how sleep challenges are deeply entangled with social and emotional wellbeing as well as pain, fatigue and cognition for those living with rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions.  She also over...

She and Cheryl also discuss the complexities of symptom tracking and diagnosis, challenges of treatment, and the importance of self-advocacy and support groups.  Estela also highlights her nonprofit organization, Looms for Lupus, which she co-founded with her sisters to provide advocacy, support, and educational resources for those affected by lupus and overlapping conditions.  The conversation co...

Eileen and Cheryl break down six types of unsolicited advice, including lifestyle interventions, toxic positivity, unqualified medical advice, predatory marketing, wild suggestions, and even well-meaning but unsolicited solid advice.  They share their personal experiences and offer practical strategies for responding to these unsolicited suggestions, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based tr...

From navigating a complicated healthcare system to managing symptoms in a remote location, Dawn opens up about the real challenges she’s faced, and the tools that help her cope. Together, Dawn and Cheryl explore what it takes to live well with arthritis, from finding the right medications and building an exercise routine, to advocating for yourself and embracing self-care. Dawn also reflects on th...

The discussion addresses concerns about medication side effects, the importance of treating rheumatic diseases early, and the false stigma that using advanced treatments indicates more severe disease or personal failure.  Dr. Hazelwood emphasizes the importance of balancing risks and benefits and provides insights into how modern treatments can significantly improve quality of life. The episode em...

Seth discusses the challenges and lessons learned from his condition, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and humor as coping mechanisms. He also reflects on the 25-year journey of Creaky Joints, which began as a simple idea to connect arthritis sufferers and has grown into a significant patient advocacy and support organization. Cheryl and Seth also discuss the importance of patient voice...

Cristina and Cheryl reflect on how RA has shaped their lives, and the deep sense of purpose they’ve found in supporting others on a similar path. They highlight the power of self-advocacy, the comfort of community, and the resilience it takes to live well with RA.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or alone in your diagnosis, this honest and empowering conversation will remind you: you’re not in this...

Cheryl, Marisa, Alice, Gittel, Meg and Annette reflect on the profound impact of community, the invaluable educational components, and the collective wisdom that has helped them cope and thrive.  The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, shared humor, and the supportive environment of the Rheum to THRIVE group, which empowers members to navigate their health challenges and advoc...

They clarify the differences between these terms and provide examples, such as the myth that only elderly people get arthritis, the stigma that people with arthritis are lazy, and the misconception that arthritis is merely mild joint pain.  Eileen and Cheryl also emphasize the importance of education and self-advocacy and share personal experiences to illustrate how these misunderstandings can aff...

Riley details her complex and often delayed diagnostic journey, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and which treatments have worked best for her.  She also shares how she navigates daily life while living almost exclusively at home due to limited mobility and energy. Cheryl and Riley also discuss the adaptations and strategies Riley uses to manage her conditions and maintain her q...

In this candid intro episode, you’ll hear how they met online, bonded over the challenges of living with RA, and teamed up to make science-backed info more relatable and easier to understand. Their mission? To bust myths, share real stories, and offer practical tips to help you feel more in control of your health. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with RA, or work in healthcare, t...