This is a re-release of Arthritis Life Podcast Episode 38, which pulled from a live webinar Cheryl presented in June 2021. To view the recording of the presentation which includes the slides, please go to bit.ly/flaretools (case sensitive). Episode at a glance: Updated intro from 2024: Cheryl introduces some additional resources for managing and preventing flare ups! Definition of a Flare-Up of a rheumatic disease (which includes ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthrit...
Nov 07, 2024•58 min•Ep. 146
Cheryl and Ayesha also delve into the devastating impact fatigue can have on their lives and share tips for managing and preventing fatigue. Above all, they urge listeners to validate their own feelings and aim for full acceptance, with the hope that brighter days are ahead. Episode at a glance: Ayesha's Diagnosis Journey: Ayesha opens up about her personal experience living with psoriatic arthritis and reflects on the role of race and gender on her treatment. She, highlights the importance of a...
Oct 30, 2024•52 min•Ep. 145
Cheryl and Sarah also discuss practical strategies for managing RA symptoms while maintaining productivity, from pacing your workday to leaning on support systems. They also explore how to prioritize self-care and flexibility, so you can successfully lead a business without compromising your health. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating business ownership with RA. Episode at a glance: Sarah’s rheumatoid arthritis story: Sarah shared what it was like to get diagnosed in her ...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 144
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, their stories will remind you that you're not alone, and life can be fulfilling with the right appro...
Oct 17, 2024•41 min•Ep. 143
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 with Arthritis: James shares tips for traveling with arthritis. Male Experience in Chronic Illness Com...
Oct 10, 2024•58 min•Ep. 141
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 cope with rheumatoid arthritis. She also explores what it was like to have a joke about rheumatoid a...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 140
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 the conversation, Dr Elena and Cheryl emphasize the value of prioritizing what's important and showin...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 139
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 favorite mantra, "control the controllables and enjoy the enjoyables," which is a great reminder to focus on...
Sep 21, 2024•51 min•Ep. 138
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 and joy despite the challenges of living with arthritis. Together, they emphasize the importance of ...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 137
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 sacred spaces where individuals can fully engage with their emotions, be witnessed without judgment,...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 136
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 discussion also touches on the role of education in SDM, especially when it comes to understanding the pros...
Aug 24, 2024•51 min•Ep. 135
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 and finding joy in daily experiences. They also discuss their best coping skills for times when managi...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 134
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 anything? Let me know in the comments! Episode at a glance: One – We want you to learn what the disea...
Aug 09, 2024•42 min•Ep. 133
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 journeys living with rheumatoid arthritis, and the importance of support groups in navigating life with ch...
Jul 21, 2024•44 min•Ep. 132
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 therapeutic benefits of humor.They also discuss how they view assistive devices in a positive light, ...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 131
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 like to be an author with RA, including strategies to accommodate her needs and how writing can be a th...
Jul 05, 2024•55 min•Ep. 130
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 and new role as an entrepreneur. Throughout the episode, Cheryl and Colleen discuss acceptance, self ...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 129
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, believing in oneself, prioritizing needs, and having a support system to thrive with chronic illness. Medica...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 128
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 for people living with autoimmune disease. Overall, our passion for reimagining autoimmune care shin...
May 21, 2024•52 min•Ep. 127
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 and encourages others to be gentle with themselves while navigating life with autoimmune diseases. Gre...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 126
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 acceptance. They also emphasize seeking support while navigating the challenges of chronic illness. Medi...
May 02, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 125
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 emphasizes the need for precision medicine approaches in treating autoimmune diseases like RA, wh...
Apr 22, 2024•53 min•Ep. 124
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" life. They also challenge the idea that disability is necessarily a “bad” word. They emphasize the ...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 123
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 family. Cheryl and Ray discuss coping strategies, the role of social media, and finding a supportive...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 122
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 management that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the patient's well-being. Episode at a ...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 121
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 Awareness: Cheryl and Rebecca emphasize the importance of advocating for individuals with juvenile idiopa...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 120
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 manage her RA over the past 32 years. Christine shares stories of her travels through South Korea and I...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 119
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 also emphasize the importance of finding the right medications, lifestyle strategies, and the role of...
Feb 25, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 118
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 finding joy and adapting to new activities. Episode at a glance: Building Support Networks: Cheryl and D...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 117
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 how the comprehensive approach of Rheum to THRIVE fills gaps in the healthcare system. Episode at a gl...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 116
