Other Archives | Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior

Stand Together

October 27, 2016October 5, 2019 Kelly O'Neill 5 Comments Encouragement for living with RA

How do we stand together? The next installment of the same hearing about Roo’s health and well-being is Friday. I’m not able to share details, but the decisions before the court are crucial for my son. As I write this update to you, it feels like the Friday the 13th movie series. Is there really one...Continue reading 5 Comments » Read more

Church Bells Ringing True

August 7, 2016February 10, 2020 Kelly O'Neill 3 Comments Inspiration for living with RA

Church Bells by Carrie Underwood rings true for many Someone sent me a link to Carrie Underwood’s Church Bells music video (below) when it came out. I watched a large crowd with an incredible response. Then I learned the lyrics and I watched the song climb the charts to number one. I wondered aloud whether so...Continue reading 3 Comments » Read more

PCORI, Is It Worth It to Include Patients?

November 9, 2013May 14, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 6 Comments e-patient, Patient advocacy, PCORI

The patients who read this blog are like dear brothers and sisters to me. I’ve met many in person and it’s like a family reunion. The RAW website and blog obviously speak to others as well – lay and professional caregivers, rheumatology industry, and sometimes the larger patient engagement movement. We’re working hard for change...Continue reading 6 Comments » Read more

Generic Thyroid Medication & a Levoxyl Recall

April 15, 2013May 14, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 54 Comments Living with chronic illness like RA

This is a managing illness story that’s currently unfolding. A lot of people with Rheumatoid disease also have thyroid disease. I’ve been a thyroid patient for over 30 years, but I seldom discuss it because it was so well managed until… Getting the right thyroid medication dose Thyroid medication doses are very individual. Levoxyl comes in 11...Continue reading 54 Comments » Read more

$10,000 Matching Opportunity for Rheumatoid Awareness Day

January 28, 2013May 14, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 4 Comments Living with chronic illness like RA, Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness

Another patient's story about what Rheumatoid disease is really like Last month, I shared what it’s like to live with full-blown Rheumatoid disease, taking the gloves off. To provide a glimpse into a world that most will never experience, I described a few hours of trying to move and manage with people who don’t understand what the...Continue reading 4 Comments » Read more

New England Compounding Center and Beyond: Medications Warnings and Dangers

October 25, 2012May 14, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 8 Comments Methotrexate, Rheumatoid Arthritis spine

When there are warnings of dangers related to medication, there is greater risk to chronic disease patients for two reasons: First, we may be more likely to use the drugs in question. And second, we are more vulnerable because we have a systemic illness. Several news reports over the past few weeks are especially relevant...Continue reading 8 Comments » Read more

Win a Pentax Camera! While You Spread RA / RD Awareness!

October 20, 2012May 14, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 1 Comment Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness, Rheumatoid Patient Foundation

The PRIZES! FIRST Prize: Pentax Optio RS1500 Digital Camera 2 SECOND prizes: one of 2 $25 iTunes Gift Cards The CONTEST! What’s the contest about? For years, people who live with Rheumatoid Disease (PRD) have suffered because of confusion that RA is just a type of arthritis. Extremely low research dollars for RA Need for accommodations in employment situations Lack of understanding...Continue reading 1 Comment » Read more