What Arthritis Pain Feels Like

In October 2015, I had the opportunity to contribute to an article titled "What Arthritis Pain Feels Like" for EveryDayHEALTH . I just recently looked back at some of the things I shared in that piece and unfortunately, not much has changed. Here's an excerpt. Rheumatoid arthritis can be like the old “box of chocolates” adage … Continue reading What Arthritis Pain Feels Like →

Honestly Rheumatoid Arthritis

In 2016, Sanofi and Regeneron conducted a survey of 1,000 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients in the US, with hopes of getting a better understanding of patient needs. The survey, titled Honestly RA, resulted in data that can help others understand what those of us with RA are feeling. While I'm typically skeptical of pharma backed initiatives like … Continue reading Honestly Rheumatoid 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.

What keeps me writing?… YOU do

Too often, I get lost in my everyday routine... work, friends, family; LIFE so much so that I simply forget to write or writing just keeps moving to the bottom of my priority list. This is especially true when my RA is under control. But lately, my RA has been again flaring and so thoughtfully … Continue reading What keeps me writing?… YOU do →

Weather and Arthritis

I've written about the correlation between weather and arthritis in a few of my past posts, but felt the need to bring it up again since we've had record breaking weather conditions in Chicago and I'm feeling really crappy today. After two weeks of 70+ degree weather in Chicago this March (and feeling just freaking fantastic), it's barely reaching 50 … Continue reading Weather and Arthritis →

Metal Allergies and Rheumatoid Arthritis

I'm sick and tired. I'm tired of simply "dealing" with the pain caused by my RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Since my diagnoses at 23 years old, I've probably tried 30 different combinations of Rx's. Some have made me nauseous while others have made me feel great. It's strange to say that I've taken chemotherapy medication, but … Continue reading Metal Allergies and Rheumatoid Arthritis →

Unbroken – A Poem by Karen Burch

I just came across this poem on RA Warrior's facebook page and had to share. It is beautiful and describes RA and many other diseases in a way that I have never been able to. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. "Unbroken" I bend but I do not break. I crack but I … Continue reading Unbroken – A Poem by Karen Burch →

Vote KStew Vents about RA as #1 Health Blog in Chicago

Hi friends, I'm in the running for #1 most valuable health blogger in Chicago. Please do me a favor and vote! It only takes a second to click on the link to vote, and you can do so daily 🙂 VOTE NOW Keep your fingers crossed for me! Thanks and have a safe, painfree weekend, Katie

If Jeffrey Gottfurcht can climb Mt. Everest, I can make it to the gym once in a while

For the first time in known history, a fellow rheumie - AKA Rheumatoid Arthritis patient named Jeffrey Gottfurcht is going to attempt to climb Mt. Everest starting in late March 2011. This is mind-blowing to me. To think... RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) limits me from tackling certain things everyday like typing, unlocking my apartment door, buttoning my coat, etc. while this man with the same disease is going to climb … Continue reading If Jeffrey Gottfurcht can climb Mt. Everest, I can make it to the gym once in a while →