I’m happy to share NINE new onset stories with you! People write to me all the time about how helpful it is to find these when searching for a diagnosis or trying to understand a new diagnosis. They paint a much more accurate picture than the textbooks have so far.
Andrea’s Rheumatoid Arthritis story
Amanda N.’s Rheumatoid...Continue reading 2 Comments »
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The End of the Methotrexate Shortage, Thanks to Pfizer?
Pfizer addresses U.S. methotrexate shortage that hurts RA patients
Earlier this year the FDA approved an abbreviated new drug application, securing Pfizer’s right to sell injectable methotrexate in the U.S. Recently, Pfizer says they began shipping to customers. This move by Pfizer addresses an urgent shortage of methotrexate in the U.S. that has affected many Rheumatoid...Continue reading 21 Comments »
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Never Mind! 3 Lessons for Evidence-based Medicine and RA
Clash between patient voices and science?
Previously, we talked about a controversy over evidence in medicine with the withdrawal of Avastin for breast cancer. It was also a vigorous discussion of how evidence-based medicine relates to RA so I hope you’ll read it again – I did. Today, we see a couple of news stories where...Continue reading 7 Comments »
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Accessing a “Controlled” Medication (Carisoprodol) – a Pain in the Neck
One of the most insidious barriers to proper treatment of Rheumatoid Disease, and other painful diseases, is something that has become a touchy topic and a political hot potato: the controlled status of various medicines to treat disease symptoms. For the past few years, I’ve encouraged patients to recognize and consider options for both disease...Continue reading 59 Comments »
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4 Benefits of a New ACPA Rheumatoid Arthritis Test
IS there a reliable Rheumatoid Arthritis Test?
One question I often answer is about tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis. (Actually, one of the videos that was lost addressed that question! See Postblog below!) The short answer is “There is no RA test.” RA is diagnosed and monitored based on a combination of tools, including several tests....Continue reading 8 Comments »
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Lessons from a Dumb Phone & a Disabled Computer
Last month I ordered a lightweight keyboard to use with an iPad. I planned to get one to downsize for travel, so I'd be more able to manage my briefcase alone when needed. I'm typing on that keyboard today from my sofa for another reason...
Almost 2 weeks ago, I went through a Microsoft upgrade process...Continue reading 30 Comments »
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What If Rheumatoid Disease Were Recognized, Properly Funded & Medically Understood?
Just think. What if you told people you have RA and they actually knew what that meant instead of dismissing it? What difference would it make if Rheumatoid Disease had comparable NIH research funding to understand what causes RA? What if there were treatments that worked for all RA patients? What if newly diagnosed RA...Continue reading 17 Comments »
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Is Not Just Being Tired
Recurrence of Rheumatoid Arthritis fatigue
A couple of days ago an old friend came to visit: Rheumatoid Arthritis fatigue. All of a sudden on Monday afternoon, it felt like it was 2 a.m. and I should be in bed. It looks like it may want to stay over for awhile.
At first, I thought I was just...Continue reading 78 Comments »
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5 Tricky Questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis / Disease
Five tricky questions I’m asked about Rheumatoid Arthritis with the shortest answers I can muster. What tricky question do people ask you about RA? And how do you answer?
1) Can I quit taking my Rheumatoid Arthritis medication now that I feel better?
No. Unfortunately, Rheumatoid Arthritis is not like the kinds of cancer that can be...Continue reading 45 Comments »
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Burning Question of Hormones: Breastfeeding, Contraceptives, & Menopause in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Effects of hormones on Rheumatoid Arthritis severity
In a search for understanding of the influence of hormones on the course of Rheumatoid Disease, Swedish investigators examined “Early menopause and severity of rheumatoid arthritis in women over 45 years of age,” Arthritis Research & Therapy. Do hormones influence the severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis? Are there hormonal predictors...Continue reading 21 Comments »
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Five Things I’ve Learned about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Neck
I promised to write about what’s going on with my neck. It’s hard to sort out what would help others to know, so I made a list of five things I’ve learned. Sometimes, it’s about sharing our journey too.
Here are 5 things I’ve learned about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the neck
1) Do not ignore Rheumatoid Arthritis...Continue reading 49 Comments »
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Sample Size: 1 of Every 100 RA Patients in U.S. Are Members of Our Facebook Page
Transparent objectives of a patient community
As the author of this blog, I’m completely transparent about why I’m here: Stunned at learning what so many RA patients endure, I committed to doing everything possible to change that. The 3 specific goals have been the same for 3.5 years on the About Page, as created during the first...Continue reading 18 Comments »
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