Arthritis Life

After defining what remission is, Cheryl and Eileen take a deep dive into the importance of finding the right medical treatments and aiming for remission. They also dive into how small lifestyle changes, like setting boundaries and pacing yourself, can help you feel a sense of control over your symptoms. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your diagnosis or like remission will never be in your reach,...

Cheryl and James also touch on the emotional ups and downs of living with RA, and share practical tips for managing symptoms and staying active. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of community and connection in navigating life with RA. Episode at a glance: James’ diagnosis story: James shares his journey to his rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis Traveling the World wi...

Episode at a glance: Jessica’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story: How Jessica got diagnosed and what her treatment journey has been like Exploring different treatment options: Jessica shares the ups and downs of trying different diets and lifestyle methods to manage RA, along with medications Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Jessica shares how she started improv and stand up comedy, and how humor helped her...

Elena also shares her favorite resources for living well with arthritis, including supportive footwear brands, arthritis gadgets, and inspirational books. Shes hares practical tips like finding the right shoes to support your joints, using dictation tools to reduce hand strain, and the importance of accepting that some pain may persist while still being able to live a fulfilling life.  Throughout...

Dr. Ma advises people with rheumatoid arthritis to start small, listen to their body, and use her "START" guide to gradually build an active routine that feels right for you. She also explains how the START guide is a useful tool for clinicians like physiotherapists and occupational therapists to support patients in developing sustainable strength training routines. Dr. Ma  also shares her favorit...

Through his experiences, Dr. Kaleb offers practical advice on navigating life with rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on self-management strategies like getting enough rest and using ergonomic tools. He and Cheryl also dive into pain management, discussing evolving research on the potential benefits of cannabis. Dr. Kaleb’s personal insights into balancing work and life offer hope for finding purpose...

Sonia talks about how daily gratitude, yoga, medications, and the support of groups like Rheum to THRIVE have helped her pursue joy amidst the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Graves’ disease and other chronic conditions.  Sonia shares how the Rheum to THRIVE support group provided her with the courage to be vulnerable and set boundaries. Cheryl and Sonia reflect on how these groups become...

In this episode, Cheryl Crow and Dr. Liana Fraenkel dive into the crucial concept of "Shared Decision Making" (SDM) in rheumatoid arthritis care. SDM is a collaborative approach where patients and doctors work together to develop a treatment plan. It empowers patients to express their preferences and values, while doctors listen actively and consider these when recommending treatments. The discuss...

In this episode, Maggie shares valuable insights from life with axial spondyloarthritis, sjogren’s, osteoarthritis, hypermobility, migraine, and POTS. She also shares her treatment journey which she divides into a “discovery phase, treatment phase, and tinkering phase.” Maggie and Cheryl discuss practical advice for managing multiple chronic illnesses, including the importance of social support an...

Back in January 2021, I shared the eight most important things that loved ones should know, so they can best support people with autoimmune arthritis. This episode includes messages and insights from twenty-eight other patients! Today, I’m re-releasing this episode with some additional insights I’ve gained after leading patient support and self-management groups over the last 4 years.  Did I miss...

Cheryl and Jen share exciting trends in rheumatology research that will help improve quality of life and develop better targeted treatments for rheumatic disease. They also discuss the importance of involving patients at all levels of research, and shared simple ways that listeners can get involved. Additionally, Cheryl and Jen reflected on the importance of social support in their personal journe...

In this episode, Stasha shares her diagnosis journey for rheumatoid arthritis and reflects on what it was like being a parent to small children while learning how to adapt to rheumatoid arthritis.  Stasha also shares how her quest to merge science-based and natural methods led her to starting a blog. Cheryl and Stasha reflect on the role “obstinance” or stubbornness has played, and reflect on the...

Have you ever read a love story that features someone with chronic illness? In this episode, author Marissa Eller shares how living with RA led her to write her debut young adult (YA) romantic comedy book "Joined at the Joints."  She and Cheryl discuss the importance of authentic representation in books and media, particularly for those with invisible disabilities. Marissa also shares what it’s li...

What’s it like to suddenly go bald at age 22? In this episode, Cheryl interviews Colleen Kydd, who speaks candidly about living with autoimmune alopecia.  She shares how she went from covering her baldness with wigs to confidently, unapologetically embracing her identity as a “bald girl in a big world!” Colleen shares how she managed her alopecia in the corporate world, dating life, world travels...

In this episode, Katie reflects on the crucial role that parental and patient advocacy played in her her journey to a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).  She also shares her college experience, and discusses the roles that comedy and humor have played in helping her cope. Cheryl and Katie express the importance of accepting the need for assistive devices, setting boundaries, believi...

Cheryl, Dr. Yu and Dr. Feldman share their patient experiences and exploring problems with current healthcare systems. They then share how these problems led them to form creative patient programs and services. Cheryl shares the origin story for her Rheum to THRIVE program, and Dr. Yu and Dr. Feldman share how they created Rheumission,  a virtual first integrative Rheumatology and Lifestyle clinic...

After facing skepticism from some medical professionals who doubted her ability to run, Gretchen defied expectations and has completed over 100 half marathons, all while raising money and awareness for autoimmune causes.  She and Cheryl also discuss the importance of self compassion in their journeys with chronic autoimmune disease. Gretchen shares why she resonates with progress over perfection a...

 On episode 125, Paulina Buryzynska shares how self-compassion and mindfulness help her thrive with rheumatoid arthritis. She also highlights the importance of reconnecting with her body after experiencing a period of dissociation as a coping mechanism for pain.   Cheryl and Paulina discuss the power of non-judgmental awareness and loving curiosity in navigating emotions and thoughts, as well as a...

Dr Dave & Dr Campbell answer Cheryl’s burning questions about long COVID, vaccine efficacy and safety for people with autoimmune conditions, and potential links between autoimmunity and long COVID. They also talk about cutting edge research and new therapies including CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Campbell encourages participation in research studies to better understand these complex issues. Dr. Dave e...

Through sharing her own story publicly, Catherine learned the importance of disability representation and advocacy for young people. She also delves into why it is crucial to include the voices of young adults in the research and advocacy process.  Cheryl and Catherine explore the process of dismantling their own internalized ableism and challenging societal norms around what constitutes a "normal...

Trigger warning: orthorexia / eating disorders; fear of foods In Episode 122, Ray shares the shock and emotional turmoil he experienced upon receiving his diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and osteoarthritis (OA). He described the initial denial he felt and the process of coming to terms with his diagnoses, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on him and his...

Christine highlights the importance of lifestyle methods to manage chronic conditions including sleep hygiene, stress management, anti inflammatory nutrition, exercise and more. They discuss the importance of focusing on what brings joy and meaning to one's life while managing chronic illness. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to chronic pain manageme...

Cheryl and Rebecca also share misconceptions and talk about the variability and fluctuations of symptoms, as well as reframing limitations and embracing flexibility. They explore the idea of living a "good life" with rheumatic diseases, acknowledging the challenges while emphasizing the possibility of thriving and pursuing one's dreams despite the condition. Episode at a glance: Advocacy and Aware...

Episode Summary ****Please see the episode trigger warning below. On episode 119 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Christine Troyano shares her journey of living, traveling the world and dancing with rheumatoid arthritis.  She also opens up about pressures she experienced as a young person to treat her arthritis without medication, and then shares her experiences navigating different treatments to ma...

Rosemary also shares her experience with a mystery skin rash that ended up being a rare psoriatic arthritis medication side effect: leukocytoclastic vasculitis triggered by drug-induced lupus, and an eventual diagnosis of Palisaded Neutrophilic and Granulomatous Dermatitis.  Throughout the episode, Rosemary and Cheryl discuss the importance of coping skills for difficult medical experiences. They...