Living with chronic illness for almost 30 years gives one a thick skin. I've met so many people who love to give me free advice. For the most part, it's all good intended suggestions, but I often feel stumped on how to respond. Today someone said, "My friend says those infusions you take are bad,... Continue Reading →
In today's episode of “Whatever Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger”: Insurance + PBM vs. Me I’ve learned that a lot of people don’t actually know what a PBM is. It stands for Pharmacy Benefits Manager—the middleman between insurance companies and patients that’s supposed to keep drug prices low (spoiler: they don’t) and make private insurance more affordable. It’s... Continue Reading →
Wow, my fingers feel rusty. It's been a hot minute since I've blogged. I took what I haven't allowed myself to take in a long time.....a break (sort of). My health has been horrible over the past three years. In addition to my autoimmune arthritis, I've had to deal with grief, depression, pneumonia, multiple bouts... Continue Reading →
I have a diagnosis of an adjustment mood disorder: better known as depression. It started when I first got sick. It made sense that living in chronic pain would cause some serious mood issues. For the past 20 years, I've struggled to balance the negativity in my head with the life that I want to... Continue Reading →
In my final installment of honoring both Autoimmune Disease Awareness and Women's History month, some people I consider the rock stars of advocacy. First up: MarlaJan Wexler-Gormley from Luck Fupas. I met MarlaJan at a Wego Health conference in which she was the Conference Host and featured speaker. Her health issues are quite overwhelming ranging... Continue Reading →
The disability community is up in arms about statements made by a woman who is described as "American conservative author, talk show host, political commentator, and producer." I will NOT be identifying this woman by name because it's obvious she lives for these moments where she feels she is being unfairly vilified so she can... Continue Reading →
I was scrolling through facebook today and saw a post for "walk 50 miles with your dog this month" for XYZ charity. I looked at my dog and said, "When this new medication makes me feel better, we can do this." A friend asked me to go to a large mall in the area, and... Continue Reading →
A few weeks ago, I wrote about taking time to focus on getting healthier. My pain levels have been excruciating. So much so, that I requested an x-ray to make sure nothing is wrong inside (other than what I know is already wrong). I'm hoping to get that done next week. Until then, I thought... Continue Reading →
I used to joke that if I ever woke up without pain, I'd think I was dead. I should clarify that I often wake up without pain, but as soon as I attempt to move... YOWZA This past summer, my diagnosis changed from rheumatoid arthritis to non-radiographic ankylosing spondylitis. My back has been killing me... Continue Reading →
The holidays can be both enjoyable and stressful when you are dealing with a chronic illness. I've learned that boundaries are important. I'm not always the best at enforcing my boundaries, but after being sick for the past four months, I need to be extra cautious with my health. 🎄You may want to do everything... Continue Reading →
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