Social Media and Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Good and The Bad
Credit: Tatiana Ayazo When I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), my doctor urged me not to Google my condition. She knew the internet was full of misinformation, but unfortunately, she...
View ArticleManaging PsA and axSpA Comorbidities: From Heart Disease to Hidradenitis...
Credit: Tatiana Ayazo Living with a condition like psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is challenging enough on its own. But often, these diseases come with additional...
View ArticlePracticing Self-Care…Even When It’s Not Exactly Fun
We often think of self-care as bubble baths, special treats, or an online shopping spree. An Epsom salt bath with a mug of jasmine tea is definitely near the top of my self-care list. For me, other...
View ArticleCAR T Cell Therapy: What It Is and What Patients Think About It
As advancements in medical treatments continue to evolve, CAR T cell therapy is emerging as a promising option for individuals with autoimmune diseases like lupus. What Is CAR T Cell Therapy? CAR T...
View ArticleHow I Get Started Exercising With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to starting and maintaining an exercise routine. However, regular exercise is essential for managing symptoms...
View ArticleHow I Cope With Loss From Chronic Illness
I often hear people say “health as well,” but what does that mean for those of us who have lost our good health? Living with chronic illness, I’m no stranger to loss. Since my diagnosis, I’ve...
View ArticleExploring the Benefits of Sauna Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
At this year’s American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence, Eileen Davidson shared her inspiring patient perspective on how sauna therapy has become a cornerstone of her self-management...
View ArticleHow “My Knee Notes” Can Change the Game for People with Chronic Knee Pain
Living with chronic knee pain is a challenging and often exhausting journey — just ask Tien Sydnor-Campbell. For over 40 years, she has contended with knee pain that began in sixth grade, initially...
View ArticleHow Systematic Research Helped One Patient Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis
As a Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) and someone living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis, I have always...
View ArticleA Milestone of Resilience: Writing 100 Personal Essays About Living with...
I started my blog, Chronic Eileen, in 2017. I was inspired by my rheumatologist, who told me to stay off the internet because “there’s too much misinformation out there.” I took that as a challenge to...
View ArticlePromising RA Treatment Unveiled at ACR 2024: Neuroimmune Modulation
At the 2024 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence, patients, clinicians, and researchers came together to discuss an innovative treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA): neuroimmune...
View ArticleManaging Gout: Tips for Today and Hope for Tomorrow
Gout is more than just a painful condition; it’s a chronic illness that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. But the good news is that with the right care, support, and even...
View ArticleBut Am I Disabled Enough? Battling Feelings of Self-Doubt
I lay in bed, having just canceled birthday plans with a close friend, overwhelmed by the guilt that followed. My mind spins, flooded with self-doubt. Should I have pushed my body to go, even though...
View ArticleHow to Know When You’re Overdoing It with Rheumatoid Arthritis
One of the biggest hurdles I experience living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is learning the delicate balance between activity and rest to avoid triggering painful flares. Overdoing it, whether due...
View ArticleHow to Prepare for Lupus Clinical Trials
Participating in a lupus clinical trial can be a valuable option if you’re living with this chronic autoimmune disease. These trials often provide access to potential new treatments that aren’t yet...
View ArticleFinding Emotional and Practical Support During Lupus Clinical Trials
Participating in a lupus clinical trial may be helpful if you have exhausted other treatment options or simply want access to study medications. It can also be rewarding if you want to contribute to...
View ArticleManaging Lupus Symptoms During a Clinical Trial
Joining a lupus clinical trial is a big decision, and one of many factors to consider is how it could impact your lupus symptoms. Living with lupus often involves trial and error with treatments and...
View ArticleWhat It Means When I’m in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare
One of the most challenging aspects of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is managing flare-ups — periods when symptoms suddenly worsen. These RA flares are unpredictable and disruptive, often...
View ArticleWhat You Need to Know About Clinical Trials
A clinical trial often represents the next step on the journey of medical progress. It’s like the bridge between lab tests and real-world impact. In these trials, researchers investigate the effects...
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