Tag: arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fatigue

It's no secret that catching major Z's can be virtually impossible when you have RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), especially when your disease is flaring. Whatever the reason for not being able to sleep; pain, stress, anger, all of the above; sleep is so important for your overall health. In fact, insomnia can further damage an already … Continue reading Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fatigue →

Kristy takes control of her Rheumatoid Arthritis before it takes control of her

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSMtEtfxPbY This is a pretty inspirational video on a young Australian woman diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Not only does it prove that arthritis doesn't discriminate as she was young, fit and active when her symptoms began, but it also shows how a positive outlook and quick action can help make this chronic disease more tolerable.

Arthritis Weather Index

As most of you Rheumies know, a slight change in weather can lead to some of the nastiest flare ups. While my Rheumatologist swears up and down that there is no tie between RA and rainy or cold weather, I simply beg to differ. My hips can usually predict when storms are a brewing. If you weren’t granted this unwanted weather girl (or boy) gift, check out the Arthritis Weather Index. It is a cool site that can help determine what your joints can expect based on barometric pressure and temperature changes in your local area.

Yoga Helps Control Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain – in Your Mind and Your Body

I’ve personally found yoga to be a God send in my RA treatment plan. Not only does it make my body stronger while increasing my energy levels, but it also calms my mind and picks up my spirits. Yoga is an emotional getaway for many people, especially those with chronic diseases. If you allow your practice to take over your mind and your body, you can truly escape to a place where pain and other negative feelings are non-existent… even if just for an hour.

The Role of Vitamins in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although there are some miracle prescription drugs on the market which can help curtail the crippling effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), there is still no cure for this chronic disease. No one knows exactly why some people end up permanently crippled while others can live somewhat normal lives with few minor adjustments. No matter the severity of the RA, we must continue balancing our lives to the best of our abilities. This means we must work, raise our kids, nurture romantic relationships, maintain friendships, deal with finances and go to school… Yes, all of the easy "normal people things" must still be managed while undergoing those ever annoying surprise RA flare-ups and constant pain.

A Day in the Life… Rheumatoid Arthritis

This blog is the first of a series on what it’s like to be diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of those infamous invisible diseases…if you’re lucky. If you’re lucky, the doctors diagnose you in a timely manor so physical aspects of the disease don’t begin to mutilate your body. If you’re not lucky, your fingers and toes begin to curl up and take on a new form which you cannot control. It repulses you to look at your own joints and limbs. You want to crawl into bed and cover your head without ever making a public appearance again. Unfortunately you can’t do this as you’re a single 23 year old girl with bills to pay.