Category: patient

Daring to believe…

.Reading time 3 minutes.

I just recently started to feel like my new medication is working.  It’s kind of shocking.  My pain level is so much more tolerable.  I still have pain, but I can make it all day without taking extra meds.  My swelling is also getting better.  I still swell when I overdo it, but for the […]

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Oh the places we will go…

.Reading time 5 minutes.

I’ve not taken a proper vacation since my dog was diagnosed with diabetes.  I refused to leave her for over two years until this past September, when I traveled to Washington DC for 2 nights for a patient advocacy trip.  I admit that I was a wreck until I had her back in my arms. […]

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With a hope and a flare….

.Reading time 4 minutes.

This past week, I’ve been dealing with one of the worst flare ups of my disease in years.  I say the word “disease” because honestly, no one seems to know for sure what I have.  Sometimes I’m told I have rheumatoid arthritis.  Other times, I’m told I have psoriatic arthritis or spondyloarthopathy.  All I know….is […]

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Who knows best…

.Reading time 4 minutes.

Insurance is a blessing and a curse in my life.  I’m grateful to have coverage, but so frustrated a the antiquated system of step therapy that they industry still holds valid. I’ve written before about suffering for 7 years before finding a biologic drug that made me feel somewhat human again.  Why?  Because I had […]

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Four more weeks…

.Reading time 8 minutes.

I had my follow up for my broken foot (AKA 5th metatarsal fracture) today.  I’ve been trying my best to not bear weight on my foot since 11/1/2018.  The past 46 days have been difficult.  I’ve tried my best to not walk.  I admit, it’s so hard in my stair-filled house, so there are times when […]

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In the news…

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A few months ago, I was contacted by a writer looking to do a story about a patient for the American College of Rheumatology‘s online magazine, “The Rheumatologist“. She wanted to talk to someone who had attending the ACR’s annual Advocates for Arthritis event in Washington DC.  I was honored someone recommended me for the […]

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I hope you laugh…

.Reading time 2 minutes.

I spend time with a lot of kids.  In my work and in my life, I am surrounded by kids a lot. The other day, a kid came up to me and our conversation went something like this: Kid: I feel so bad for you. Me: Why? Kid: I read your book. Me: (thinking kid […]

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RA Blog Week 2018: Day 5 (Another Wildcard): Politics

.Reading time 7 minutes.

Honored to be a part of this 4th annual RA Blog Week 2018.  Thanks to Rick Phillips for organizing and inviting me to participate.  Today’s topic is not one I was able to respond to, so I decided to do another wild card.  Here is today’s prompt: Politics – Health is always a hot item for […]

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