I hope you enjoy this little guest post from Dana. Her imagination wanders in a way that’s similar to some other fun trips we’ve taken with Goldilocks, the Princess and the Pea, and others. Please visit Dana’s blog; she’s been a great ally to our effort here for a long time and significant voice of...Continue reading 28 Comments »
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RA Reality Versus “The Lie”
When everything looks normal but it’s all wrong
Countless times I’ve said that I would gladly be wrong about RA. I’d gladly be delusional instead of this sick. I often say “If only I actually were crazy. Then, I could take medication and at least believe I felt better.” Of course it’s a facetious remark, but...Continue reading 116 Comments »
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Do You Have Strange RA Symptoms?
What are the strangest symptoms you’ve had since the RA onset that you think are related to the rheumatoid arthritis / disease?
For some, strange RA symptoms like fevers, weight loss, and laryngitis turn out to be perfectly accepted historical symptoms of RA that patients just aren’t told about. However, sometimes people ask about unusual symptoms that I...Continue reading 329 Comments »
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Santa, Bring Her a Rheumatologist Please
Wanted: good rheumatologists
Sonya’s tweet brought me a smile. So much truth in so few words. Those of us with rheum diseases like RA need a good doctor the way most people need a reliable car mechanic. We might crash and burn without it.
This is short for two reasons:
1) I don’t have a long list of...Continue reading 57 Comments »
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Inflammation and Thomas the Tank Engine
Today, my Roo is six years old. Saturday, I went shopping with Mary Khris to buy supplies to create a little Thomas the Tank Engine party. Since I can’t draw characters with icing any more, we look for ways things can be used creatively. I found some lightweight rubber train engines (actually bath toys!) that we...Continue reading 37 Comments »
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I Want My Life Back
RA can hurt so bad that even tough guys cry. Lately, I’ve cried for a different reason. I want my life back so much.
I want to run on the beach, but I stumble running to the bathroom. I want to hold a tennis racquet, but most days can’t hold a TV remote properly. Want to...Continue reading 65 Comments »
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A Rheum Full of Contradictions
1) There’s “remission” when there’s no remission.
A newly published study says more pain is seen with an older conception of Rheumatoid Arthritis remission than with newer more stringent remission criteria. “Disease remission has become a feasible goal for most Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients; however, patient-reported symptoms, such as pain, may persist despite remission.” Remission is...Continue reading 29 Comments »
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ACR REF Rheum Research & Courage That Won’t Back Down
“Hey baby, there ain’t no easy way out… I won’t back down.”
We just got back from Miami from the ACR Research Education Foundation (REF) RA Investigators’ Meeting where important research topics were discussed such as
Lung disease of RA – our 2nd leading cause of death
Rheumatoid heart disease research
Porphyromonas gingivalis and the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
On...Continue reading 11 Comments »
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ACR’s Research Education Foundation Investigators’ Meeting
REF RA researchers focus on progress
The American College of Rheumatology’s Research Education Foundation has gathered over 50 researchers from across the U.S. to present their data from the Within Our Reach RA studies. They’ll be brainstorming ways to collaborate in finding a cure for RA.
The meeting will feature a wide range of RA research topics that...Continue reading 4 Comments »
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The Now-I-Understand Abbott Suit for Rheumatoid Arthritis
What’s the one thing I’ve said more than anything else over the last five years? “No one understands.”
I sigh it quietly. I mutter it under my breath. I exclaim it loudly in frustration. I struggle to say it through tears.
But I don’t think I’ve ever blogged it.
Who doesn’t understand? The professional people I associate with...Continue reading 33 Comments »
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Author Inspired by Cause of Death Rheumatoid Arthritis
Shocked to read Cause of Death Rheumatoid Arthritis (UPDATED)
I’m so lucky to live about an hour from Disney World. No, I don’t go park hopping! But, we can go meet people who come to Orlando for business or pleasure. Recently, Katie Beth and I drove over to meet with Carla Jones, author of Death by Rheumatoid...Continue reading 8 Comments »
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2 Reasons Monitoring Rheumatoid Arthritis Matters
This is the second in a short series of posts in honor of the blog’s 2nd birthday. We are looking at some significant topics that have surfaced over the last two years. I’m calling these “frying pan posts” since these issues are critical enough to patients to speak rather bluntly.
Why monitor Rheumatoid Arthritis?
You have your...Continue reading 17 Comments »
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