Arthritis Life

Cheryl and Dr. Kimberly discuss the importance of pain science education to help patients better understand and manage their pain perception. The also explore the importance of building a network of health professionals and support groups to empower patients to advocate for themselves and navigate their treatment journey effectively. They conclude by discussing how to accept limitations while find...

In episode 116 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Lauren Huffman shares her journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and how her passion for occupational therapy and dogs has brought her meaning even through challenges. She and Cheryl give insight into the “behind the scenes” of Arthritis Life, and what resources are available. They discuss the importance of support in navigating rheumatic disease, and ho...

In this episode, Kate shares her journey getting diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis while working as a chef in London. She opens up about her post-diagnosis emotional roller coaster and shares how joining Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE online support and education program helped her feel more confident, empowered and supported.  She also details other programs that helped her including a mindfulness cou...

Episode at a glance: For full episode show notes go to t he episode page here. Diagnosis story: Julia went from having a very active lifestyle, to becoming waking up with pain, fatigue, fever, and other symptoms. After initially thinking her symptoms were from a virus or pushing herself too hard in dance, she received a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Creative Pursuits: Julia expresses joy in d...

In this episode, Cheryl discusses the major themes in Taylor Swift’s music that relate to the chronic illness experience, from the “Haunting” experience of a medication not working anymore to my own “Anti Heroic” immune system to the constant question of “Are We Out of the Woods yet?” when in a flare up.   After weaving in and out her own experience with rheumatoid arthritis and anxiety with liste...

Cheryl and Dr. Hosey delve into the importance of accepting the unpredictability of life with chronic illness and redefining what constitutes a "normal" life. This includes a discussion about resilience, mindfulness, and the potential for personal growth in the face of chronic health struggles. Dr. Hosey's shares how she turned her pain into purpose, referencing her upcoming book, 'Girl on a Gurne...

After discovering that episode 14 is the most downloaded of all my Arthritis Life Podcast episodes, I decided to release it with some additional insights from my perspective now. I also provide some updates after facilitating support groups for over 250 people in the last three years. This episode includes a deep dive into how rheumatoid arthritis affects more than just joints – it affects people’...

This is a follow up to episode 45: “What’s it like to be on Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis? ”  Paulina, Jenny, Ali, and Ananthi share what’s changed and what has stayed the same with their medications, including whether they’re still on methotrexate. They also  reflect on how they’ve navigated the ups and downs of chronic illness life and share how grief and joy can c...

Cheryl and Dr. Amigues touch upon the significance of accurately diagnosing RA and the potential for misdiagnosis, especially as this influences the ability to receive appropriate care. They give valuable insight into the journey of living with RA, and bring a positive perspective that thriving can be possible through effective medical interventions and lifestyle modifications.  For full episode d...

Emily explains what post-exertional malaise is, and highlights the challenges associated with diagnosing and managing ME/CFS. Emily emphasizes the need for personalized care and the critical role of patients in advocating for their own health. This conversation underscores the significance of creating strong support networks for people living with ME/CFS, as well as the broader chronic illness com...

Cheryl and Brianna discuss the challenges and the benefits of sharing your chronic illness story publicly on social media, including how they deal with both positive and negative feedback from a growing audience. They also discuss the positive impact of finding support and inspiration online.  Brianna shares her involvement with the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation, highlighting the i...

Summary: Cheryl and Tyra delve into Tyra's unique journey as a Black woman living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and her inspiring efforts to create a documentary about her experiences. Tyra, an actress and filmmaker, shared how her struggle with RA led her to embark on the documentary project. She discussed the challenges of living with chronic pain, the lack of representation for people of color...

Summary: Chery and Laura discuss the importance of connecting with others in the autoimmune community to create a sense of belonging and empowerment. They delve into the diverse offerings at the Autoimmune Association ’s upcoming event: the Autoimmune Community Summit . This includes sessions on managing pain and fatigue, communicating with healthcare teams, and exploring dietary strategies, all a...

Episode summary Rheumatologist Dr. Buckner emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and reassures patients that, although there might not be a cure yet, advancements in treatments have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with autoimmune diseases. She highlights the crucial role of patients in research partnerships, where their input and participation are highly valued, l...

Summary: Nikita shares her personal journey of acceptance, self-compassion, and finding her center while navigating multiple conditions, including endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and Hashimoto’s. Their conversation delves into the power of mindset in managing chronic pain, the significance of self-love, and the need to let go of self-blame.  Cheryl and Nikita highlight the importance of community, fi...

Episode at a glance: Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment: Stella shares her journey of being diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis at a young age and the challenges of finding effective treatments. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking alternatives if a treatment is not the right fit. Using Mobility Aids and Devices: Stella and Cheryl discuss the use of mobility ai...

Episode at a glance: Relation to autoimmune arthritis: Dr. Furlan is a physician at a pain clinic, a scientist at the rehab institute, and assistant faculty at the University of Toronto. She is a physiatrist who specializes in pain. Understanding Pain: Dr. Furlan explains how pain science is continually advancing and more information about how the brain processes pain is being discovered. There ar...

Episode Summary: 🛑Trigger warning: discussion of eating disorders (I did not have one but was accused of lying about causing my weight loss and hiding an ED) 🛑 In this episode, my parents and I share our memories of my diagnosis story, which covers roughly 2001-2004.This includes a discussion about the profound confusion we all experienced when I went from a healthy, robust student athlete to ha...

You are not alone. In this episode, host Cheryl Crow and Rheum to THRIVE Graduate Katie Searfross discuss how to find a realistic sense of hope when coping with multiple fluctuating, complex chronic illnesses that are sometimes out of our control.  Katie shares how she copes and finds ways to hold on to moments of joy even when her symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD or complex regional...

Jenni shares how her symptoms were initially dismissed before she got diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She then got her diagnosis and experienced a rare medication side effect: medically induced pustular psoriasis. Through it all, she also balanced being a mom, wife and friend. In this episode Jenni shares how she learned the importance of social-support, self-advocacy, humor and an unashamed...

Episode at a glance: What is a naturopathic doctor? Naturopathic doctors use a holistic approach to patient care. They often include nutrition, mind-body medicine, exercise, and natural approaches to their treatment. Naturopathic doctors must take professional board exams in order to be licensed to practice. Mymee: Mymee aims for personalized care for people with autoimmune rheumatic disease and s...

In this episode, host Cheryl Crow and psychotherapist Timothy Weymann delve deep into the existential, philosophical questions that chronic illness poses. Is there hope without healing? Is it possible to “make peace with loss and change?”  How on earth can you “access a sense of peace in the midst of ambiguity,” particularly when that ambiguity has to do with your own health and wellbeing?   Timot...

Kelly shares the long and winding road trialing medications and building her coping toolbox as she navigates an undetermined form of autoimmune arthritis. She shares what it’s like to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist while balancing her health needs, and reflects on the pros and cons of disclosing health information to coworkers.  With advocacy and education in mind, Kelly has also co-founded...

Content / trigger warning: mass shooting discussion  Learning to thrive with chronic illness is a marathon, not a sprint. Cheryl and Gittel discuss coping through unlearning toxic positivity, confronting internalized ableism, getting social support and adapting though accommodations.   Gittel shares what’s in her coping toolbox for life with ankylosing spondylitis, from exploring the benefits of m...

Summary: Psychologist Dr. Afton Hassett and Cheryl Crow, OT explore the neuroscience behind chronic pain and how its interconnection with fatigue, sleep, stress, and emotions may affect your experience of pain over time.  Dr. Hassett is an Associate Professor and Director of Pain and Opioid Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. In this episode, she explains ho...