Shows
Arthritis LifeWhat Happens When Your Journey is an Autoimmune Soap Opera? Kelly Conway’s StoryKelly 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 The International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis and is the author of the blog As My Joints Turn: My Autoimmune Soap Opera. Cheryl and Kelly talk about the benefits of spending time with pet...
2023-05-101h 07
Arthritis LifeIt’s Not Just Dry Eyes: Deep Dive into Systemic Sjogren’s Disease with Dr Kara WadaDr. Wada and Cheryl delve into the connection between Sjogren’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis, discover what’s in Dr. Wada’s disease management toolkit, and share insights into living a full, vibrant life with chronic illness.Dr. Wada and Cheryl also share insights into how mental health can be affected by chronic illness, and reflect on how the “overachiever” lifestyle is not always helpful. They encourage listeners to focus on making decisions that align with their values and target living well with chronic conditions rather than focusing on total symptom elimination. They encourage listeners to find ways to live a...
2023-03-161h 14
Arthritis LifeHow to Cope when your Diagnosis Changes: Clare's Myofascial Pain Syndrome StoryClare and Cheryl share tips for how to cope with periods of no diagnosis or changing diagnosis. Clare also provides insights from her unique perspective as someone diagnosed with autism as an adult, soon after her myofascial pain syndrome diagnosis.Cheryl and Clare discuss the importance of perseverance in seeking help, building a personalized treatment plan, and ways to find joy in the midst of chronic illness while accepting that it’s okay to feel sad or angry too. The episode concludes with a discussion about how pain, brain fog, anxiety, and burnout are hard, but...
2023-02-281h 13
Arthritis LifeFrom Burlesque Dancing to Support Groups: How Marisa Thrives with Rheumatoid ArthritisIn this episode, Marisa shares what it was like to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis around her thirtieth birthday after thinking her wrist pain was only carpel tunnel syndrome. She opens up about her mixed emotions after her diagnosis and shares what helps her cope and thrive, including burlesque dancing, group fitness, the Rheum to THRIVE support group program and more. The episode concludes with a discussion about how Cheryl and Marisa learned to be kind to themselves.Episode at a glance:Diagnosis journey - thought it was carpel tunnel in both hands, turned out to...
2023-02-0254 min
Arthritis LifeYoga is a Philosophy, Not Just an Exercise: Demystifying Yoga for Arthritis with Dr. Steffany MoonazYoga therapist and researcher Dr. Steffany Moonaz and host Cheryl Crow discuss the many benefits of yoga for people with inflammatory arthritis. They also bust common myths and misconceptions about yoga, including that it’s just an exercise or series of physical poses. Dr. Moonaz shares her best tips for patients newly diagnosed with arthritis and explains how the philosophy of yoga can help people with arthritis fully embrace the present moment and improve overall wellbeing. Dr. Moonaz is the founder of Yoga for Arthritis, which aims to bring evidence-informed and heart-centered yoga practices to people living wit...
2023-01-0456 min
Arthritis LifeHow to Cope With Comorbidities: Jan's StoryIn this episode, seasoned patient and registered nurse (RN) Jan Hempstead shares her best tips for managing stress and living a fulfilling life with multiple comorbidities. Jan lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobile type (EDS), hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HAT), Dysautonomia, and more. This includes discussions about the importance of support (including Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program) and mindfulness, meditation and Stoic Philosophy in Jan’s journey.Episode at a glance:Diagnosis story: Jan shares how her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis was very difficult due to her comorbid conditions: EDS Ehler-s danlos syndrome, dysautonomia, and hereditary alph...
2022-10-101h 05
Arthritis LifeComputer Programming, Medical Retirement and the power of Art: Lessons from Wendy HawkinsEpisode at a Glance:Wendy’s diagnosis story of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as a babyGrowing up in the 1970s and 1980s with JRA: Wendy shares her ups and downs, from acceptance in grade school to isolation in high school and young adulthood (when she first met someone with her same condition at age 26)Treatments: Reflections on how treatments have changed in the current era as compared to the 1980sCareer choices with JRA: Wendy’s shares how she managed a career as a computer programmer at Hewlett Packard after initially hoping to become an artist.Disability and “medical retirement:” Wendy wan...
2022-09-3059 min
Arthritis LifeFrom Confused to Confident with Psoriatic Arthritis: Chef Kate’s StoryIn 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 course and CBT therapy. The episode ends with Kate sharing what it means to her to live a “good life” with rheumatic disease.Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels...
2022-09-202h 37
Arthritis LifeLoving Your Body through Fitness and Sexual Intimacy: Insights from Liv LooContent Warning - This episode contains profanity and explicit sexual content Episode at a glance:Liv’s diagnosis story for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and uveitisHighlights and lowlights of growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritisLiv’s Fitness and self-advocacy Journey: switching jobs to protect her energy and stress levels and finding her own personal training business MovetoLivWhen to push and when to rest?Mindfulness and being present even in pain discussionBusting the biggest myths about arthritis-friendly / flare friendly workoutsWhy is intimacy is so important for spoonies - learning to connect with our bodies, trust them, and communicate with p...
2022-09-021h 11
Arthritis LifeRiding the Rheumatoid Arthritis Rollercoaster: Methotrexate, Medication Changes and More with Ali DiGiacomoAli and Cheryl discuss how overwhelming medication changes can be, and Ali describes what it was like to switch doses of methotrexate, switch to a new biologic medication and add prednisone and NDSAIDs in the mix. Ali & Cheryl also discuss what it’s like to have costochondritis and how they cope with unresolved health issues while still trying to live a full, joyful life. This episode also includes reflections about how to cope with social media jealousy within the chronic illness community, how to set boundaries with friends and loved ones during Covid times, and more. This inte...
2022-07-2528 min
Arthritis LifeWhen the Doctor Becomes the Patient: a Pediatric Rheumatologist’s Journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis Dr. Saimun Singla shares her journey first becoming a pediatric rheumatologist (a Pediatrician who further specializes in rheumatology), then becoming diagnosed with adult rheumatoid arthritis after the birth of her second child. Dr. Singla’s experiences as a patient changed her approach to her patients, and led her to pursue a fellowship in integrative medicine. She shares what’s in her personal RA management toolbox, from sleep and meditation to medication and exercise. She also reflects on how her experiences ultimately led her to open up her own private practice in Houston, TX.Episode at a glan...
2022-06-071h 03
Arthritis LifeHypermobility, EDS and POTS 101, With Occupational Therapist Emily RichPeople living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and related autoimmune forms of arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) are at greater risk of developing hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Emily and Cheryl discuss ways for people living with arthritis and EDS or POTS to manage the day to day of their conditions and cope with the ups and downs and uncertainties that come with fluctuating chronic illnesses. They also discuss the role of occupational therapists in helping people with these conditions improve their self-management abilities and confidence in building a meaningful li...
2022-05-301h 02
Arthritis LifeTips for Making Difficult Medical Decisions with Nurse Practitioner Kori DewingKori and Cheryl discuss ways to approach assessing the risks versus benefits of medications from the "shared decision making" model. They also explore how insurance barriers in the United States can make medication decisions all the more complex. Kori shares her tips for getting prescription medication support, as well as her words of wisdom for diagnosed patients. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the latest research developments Kori is most excited about in the world of rheumatology.Episode at a glance:What is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)? What is the role of the n...
2022-05-241h 12
The MSing Link62. How to Reduce Fatigue w/ Occupational Therapist Cheryl CrowJoin me as I sit down with guest Cheryl Crow to chat about ways to reduce fatigue, amazing mindset tips, and "work arounds". Rheumatoid arthritis is actually similar to MS in the way that fatigue can affect your day to day life, so Cheryl really has not only learned these tools/techniques, but has also implemented them into her own life as well.
Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who’s lived with rheumatoid arthritis for nineteen years. Cheryl founded Arthritis Life with the mission of educating, empowering and supporting people with arthritis. She hosts the Arthritis Li...
2022-05-1830 min
Arthritis LifeMedical Cannabis & Arthritis 101 with Registered Dietitian Cristina MontoyaEpisode at a glance:How Cristina’s postpartum flare up and difficulty with pain control led her to delve into medical cannabis; helped especially with fibromyalgia. Cannabis, CBD & THC 101: How the endocannibinoid system (within our body) helps with homeostasis, memory, pain, mood, inflammation and even skin.The difference between cannabis, help, THC, CBD, endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoidsWhat people with arthritis might want to know about how cannabis affects pain, inflammation, sleep, anxiety, appetite and mood (including a discussion of what risks there are versus benefits) What are the different methods of consumption for cannabis (Sublingual, Topical creams, Transdermal patch, Oral...
2022-05-0954 min
Arthritis LifeFrom Medical Gaslighting to Patient Advocacy: Meggie's StoryMeaghan shares her journey growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which turned into psoriatic arthritis (PSA) in her twenties. She busts common myths about PSA and delves into the importance of advocacy, mental health, sharing our stories and more.##Episode at a glance:Meaghan’s Diagnosis story / saga for JIA and then PsA: medical gaslighting, delays in care, learning to advocate for herself and moreWhat does Meggie Wish People Knew about PSA? Dispelling common misconceptionsMeggie’s advocacy journey: from insurance step therapy to formal advocacyRelationships: Meggie reflects on dating with arthritis and shares how her husband supp...
2022-04-301h 04
Arthritis LifeFrom Lonely and Broken to Feeling Strong: Jen Blair’s Story of Juvenile Idiopathic ArthritisAs a child and teenager growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Jen Blair often felt lonely, isolated and "broken." Fast forward to the present: Jen is a mother of three, accepts her "new normal" and has come to see herself as strong rather than broken. This episode delves into Jen’s story and includes details about her different prescription treatments, how she came to embrace exercise and dietary contributions to her health, her pregnancy and parenting journey and her experiences both with working and being on disability.Episode at a glance:Jen’s diagnosis story of juve...
2022-04-2553 min
Arthritis LifeThe Power of Lifestyle Changes for Rheumatoid ArthritisEmily Johnson, the Arthritis Foodie, shares her journey from medical gaslighting to a diagnosis of seronegative arthritis during her university years. She and Cheryl discuss how they combine lifestyle changes with western medication to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Emily also explains how her experiences inspired her to write a book about lifestyle changes for rheumatoid arthritis, called “Beat Arthritis Naturally.” Cheryl and Emily discuss the wisdom of a “both/and” rather than an “either/or” approach to combining pharmaceutical with lifestyle approaches to disease and symptom management. They also share insights on how they cope with fluctuating symptoms and difficult...
2022-04-1956 min
Arthritis LifeHow We Cope with Rheumatoid Arthritis Stress, with Chronic EileenCheryl and Eileen’s personal stress management toolboxes include: formal therapy, delegating tasks, prioritizing self care, snuggling with their pets, acceptance, mindfulness, addressing past traumas, advocacy and more.This conversation originally took place as an Instagram Live discussion in March 2022.Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people wit...
2022-04-041h 00
Arthritis LifeFrom Overwhelmed to Confident: Camille & Gittel’s Rheumatoid Arthritis StoriesCamille and Gittel share how lost and overwhelmed they felt trying to manage rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis on their own. They describe how Rheum to THRIVE helped them not only on a practical level but also emotionally, and share their best tips for managing flare-ups.This conversation originally took place as an Instagram Live discussion in September 2021.Episode at a glance:Camille’s journey getting diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (Camille is at https://www.instagram.com/camilledemere/ on Instagram)Gittel’s journey with ankylosing spondylitis: diagnosed in 2018 after a lifetime of chronic pain (Gittel...
2022-03-2455 min
Arthritis LifeFrom Terrified to Empowered: Erin & Heather’s Rheumatoid Arthritis StoriesErin & Heather share their diagnosis journeys for rheumatoid arthritis, and how Cheryl’s “Rheum to THRIVE” program helped them become more empowered and supported. This conversation originally took place as an Instagram Live discussion in September 2021.Episode at a glance:Erin shares her diagnosis story: originally ankylosing spondylitis, then changed to rheumatoid arthritisHeather shares how she felt “desperate to find answers” after her rheumatoid arthritis worsenedErin and Heather share how they became more empowered through joining the Rheum to THRIVE programHeather shares how important it was for her to have access to a consistent set of reso...
2022-03-1644 min
Arthritis LifeWhat’s it like to be a Nurse with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Endometriosis? Catina's StoryEpisode at a glance:Catina’s Diagnosis journey/saga for endometriosis, RA, fibromyalgia: was initially told it was “growing pains,” not believed for yearsHow Catina managed to push through pain and work as a nurseCatina’s experiences as a black woman managing multiple chronic conditionsHow Catina’s experiences inspired her to form the Nurse Loves Essentials company, community and coaching servicesCatina’s mindset tips for coping with chronic pain and chronic illnessMedical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substit...
2022-03-0950 min
Arthritis LifeWhat’s it like to be a Lawyer with Rheumatoid Arthritis? Amy’s StoryAmy shares what she’s learned while managing a fast paced, mentally taxing career as a lawyer while living with rheumatoid arthritis. Amy & Cheryl share their experiences in peer support groups, and explore how they've both learned how to challenge their internalized ableism and overcome shame through connecting with others in Cheryl's Rheum to THRIVE support group. Episode at a glanceAmy’s diagnosis journey during the Covid19 pandemic- after severe fatigue, brain fog and pain, Amy gets preliminary diagnosed with RA by her primary care doctor but faces a long waiting time to see a Rheum...
2022-03-0156 min
Arthritis LifeWhat is Ableism? With Lene AndersenEpisode at a glance:0:00 - 3:25: Lene’s journey with juvenile idiopathic arthritis from diagnosis at age 9 to using a power wheelchair starting at age 16 to now3:25 - 10:40: What is ableism, and how does it relate to other forms of descrimination such as racism or sexism?10:40 - 17:51 - What is health privilege?17:51 - 24:30 - What is internalized ableism and how might it manifest in a person with chronic illness?24:30 - 30:00 - How to dismantle internalized ableism: disentangling worth from productivity, not being ashamed to use mobility aids or daily living aids30:00 - 34:50 - How Lene is not “wheelchair bound” but in f...
2021-11-301h 01
Arthritis LifeWhat’s it like to be a Teenager with Juvenile Arthritis?Natasha and Cheryl discuss her treatment journey, how her social life was affected by JIA, the importance of diet and stress management in her treatment plan, and why Natasha formed the nonprofit Take a Pain Check.Episode at a glance:Natasha’s diagnosis story and early experiences with juvenile idiopathic arthritisDifferent treatments Natasha has tried, including steroid joint injections, methotrexate, biologic medications, nutrition and dietary changes, Ayurvedic medicine, meditation and other lifestyle changesHow Natasha’s mother helped support and advocate for her when it felt like “nothing was working” in her treatment planHow Natasha navigates peer pressure...
2021-11-0151 min