Keeping It Real With Arthritis Stories [Spring/Summer 2020 Edition]
These arthritis stories by a self-taught acrylic painter, an occupational therapist, a yoga instructor, and more will help you stay positive, inspired, empowered, and motivated to not let this disease define you.
Four Years Later: The Good, The Bad and The Not So Ugly of a Total Knee Replacement
I decided to write a sequel to my original blog post I wrote a few years ago, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of a Total Knee Replacement on the four-year anniversary of my surgery today.
How the Live Yes! Arthritis Network is Helping Those in The Arthritis Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As we enter a new month of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us living with arthritis or any other underlying condition already know the importance of staying home during this uncertain time in history. The world and our communities have experienced fear, stress and an...
Why the Coronavirus Scare Resembles What It’s Like to Live with a Chronic Illness
As individuals, we all face unknown aspects of our lives at one point or another. Now as a collective, we are all in a state of unknown together regarding the COVID-19, better known as the Coronavirus. Mass fear and hysteria of the dangers of this virus have people in a fight or flight survival mode. It’s in our human nature to run from a threat and to protect oneself and loved ones. Though interestingly enough, many people who live with a chronic illness have experienced this survival mode on an ongoing basis.
Rheuma Tips! Did you know? #17
My tip for this month is to find a quiet place and take a moment to write down a list of everything you are grateful for. A friend of mine recently posted that you, “Can’t spell RA without Gratitude.”
Arthritis Thought of the Month: Question #17
Are you grateful that you got sick? This question may seem a bit odd to some. Why on earth would you feel grateful for something like a diagnosis, that turned your life upside down? Those feelings and thoughts are valid. Then there is the other side of the coin, where people have been able to see the blessing and silver lining. It’s normal to one day feel positive and another negative about getting sick. How would you answer this question right now at this point in your life? Let me know in the survey below!
Keeping it Real With Arthritis Stories
Whether you are living with rheumatoid arthritis or another type of arthritis, we all have a unique story that deserves to be voiced, heard and shared. Equally of importance, is showing an accurate depiction of those living with the disease and providing a real-life glance of who the person is– their interests, passions, hobbies, goals, career, likes, dislikes and so on, behind the veil of arthritis.
Not only can sharing our stories raise awareness but also illuminate our paths for us to see that we are not alone on this journey and have common experiences with one another.