Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness Archives | Page 6 of 13 | Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior

What’s the Big Deal about Rheumatoid Disease?

Just how big of a deal is this disease? I suppose the fact that I’ve written several hundred pages about it is a clue to my opinion. Yet, most of those articles were written with intentional restraint, avoiding hyperbole, at times even understating my own symptoms in an attempt to be more judicious. Many view Rheumatoid...Continue reading 37 Comments » Read more

Laura’s CVS Commercial with Kelly’s CVS and the “a” Word

January 23, 2012May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 40 Comments Methotrexate, Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness

Once upon a time, a family switched insurance companies. Mother went to Target to pickup groceries methotrexate with a $10 coupon. When she went to the counter to pay, the insurance had “denied” coverage for the medicine. In the age of cell phones, mother figured she could cure this problem in a moment right there...Continue reading 40 Comments » Read more

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Is about Medical Care, Not Sympathy

January 20, 2012May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 18 Comments Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness, Rheumatoid Patient Foundation, Talking to doctors

My Bear had an appointment to see his terrific pediatrician today again about his swollen finger joints. She was home with a cold, but we waited an hour to see an alternate. The fellow didn’t seem to welcome my questions or opinions. I was in the familiar context of my pediatrician’s office – 6 years with...Continue reading 18 Comments » Read more

We Refuse to Be Mislabeled: Updating Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) to Rheumatoid Disease (RD)

January 3, 2012April 20, 2019 Kelly O'Neill 100 Comments Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness, Rheumatoid Disease (RD) better name for RA, Rheumatoid Patient Foundation

Three years ago, I saw Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients insisting that the name of the disease needed to be changed. They argued that until the “a” word is removed from the name, confusion about the disease will continue. When asked, I said that we could not wait around for that to happen; let’s work for...Continue reading 100 Comments » Read more

When Should People Living with Rheumatoid Disease Use a Wheelchair?

December 30, 2011May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 67 Comments Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness, Rheumatoid arthritis disability, Rheumatoid arthritis support

Or give in to using a cane? Or pain medication? Or a handicapped tag? There was an interesting discussion about wheelchairs and canes on my Facebook post yesterday. At the same time, there were a few other discussions going on about pain medicines. There is such a wide range of needs. But there are some things...Continue reading 67 Comments » Read more

Pass the Pickles – and the Croutons

December 28, 2011May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 24 Comments Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness, Rheumatoid arthritis fatigue

Did 2011 seem about four months long? If it were an all-you-can-eat salad bar, I’d want a refund. It went by so fast I think I only got to the pickles. This month I’ve been more sleepy and fatigued than usual. It might be recovery from traveling the last few months. Or it could be this...Continue reading 24 Comments » Read more

Response to An Identity Crisis for RA by Dr. R. Franklin Adams

August 31, 2011May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 55 Comments American College of Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness, Rheumatoid Patient Foundation

Recently, I read an article in The Rheumatologist (preceding a new PR campaign by the American College of Rheumatology), “An Identity Crisis for RA: A few suggestions to bring rheumatic disease the recognition and respect it deserves.” I strongly recommend that you read the article since I cannot quote it entirely here. It was written...Continue reading 55 Comments » Read more