On this special episode* of 'Rheumer has It', hosts Eileen and Cheryl are joined by renowned rheumatologist Dr. Loreto Carmona from Spain. The discussion centers around the concept of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), highlighting the differences between medical and patient perspectives on what constitutes remission. Dr. Carmona emphasizes the importance of communication between patients and doctors, the role of medications and lifestyle factors, and the myths surrounding RA remission.

This insightful conversation is part of the Canadian Talk Over RA campaign, aimed at providing hope and clear knowledge to those living with RA. See the full show notes on the Arthritis Life website for more details.

00:31 Meet Dr. Loreto Carmona
01:31 Defining Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis
04:26 Misconceptions About Remission
07:38 Factors Influencing Remission
11:30 The Importance of Communication
14:48 Historical Perspectives on RA Treatment
16:12 Final Thoughts and Resources

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

AD - Talk Over RA is more than a campaign — it’s a call to action. This podcast episode is part of the Talk Over RA 2025 campaign and is sponsored by AbbVie Canada. All content and opinions are Eileen Davidson, Cheryl Crow and Dr. Loreto’s own and are not intended to promote any specific pharmaceutical products.

Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just speak through pain and fatigue — it interrupts plans, drains energy, and creates uncertainty even when symptoms are quiet. The Talk Over RA initiative encourages people living with RA to take back control by speaking up, sharing their experiences, and working with healthcare providers to set meaningful treatment goals.

Eileen’s role in this campaign is to provide tools that help you prepare for appointments, explore what remission could look like, and connect with others who truly understand.

Don’t let RA speak louder than you. Explore the campaign and download the guide here.

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website here.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, Emily and Cheryl discuss how they've come to terms with the fluctuating, non-linear, dynamic nature of rheumatoid arthritis. 

After being a fierce athlete and playing Division 1 water polo, Emily was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 22.  She shares lessons learned while working as a night shift nurse for 12 years and having three children.  

Emily opens up about using cannabis as part of her care, the importance of mental health support, and why community has been so vital, especially through Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program. Together, Cheryl and Emily reflect on coping with uncertainty, redefining identity, and what it means to live a good life with RA. 

This is an encore presentation of episode 85, which first appeared in December, 2022.

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Diagnosed at just 15, Zac opens up about the difficult shift from being an active athlete to facing disability caused by arthritis and its complications. He shares how strength training became a turning point and helped him regain mobility, lose weight, and rebuild a fulfilling life. He also explores how his background in strength training helped him survive a near death experience with macrophage activation syndrome.

Together, Cheryl and Zac explore the role of exercise in managing arthritis, offering practical tips, tools, and encouragement for others navigating similar challenges. Zac highlights the importance of pairing medical treatment with disciplined strength training to enhance both health and quality of life.

• Zac’s Diagnosis Journey: Zac Spinosa, 28-year-old personal trainer living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), shares the challenges of shifting from active athlete to living with disability. 
• Turning Point: How strength training helped Zac regain mobility, lose weight, and rebuild his life
• Practical Takeaways: Tips, tools, and advice for using exercise to manage arthritis effectively
• Holistic Approach: The importance of combining medical treatment with disciplined strength training
• Inspiration for Listeners: Finding resilience, strength, and quality of life while navigating chronic illness

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheryl shares her powerful journey of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at just 21 years old and reflects on what it was like to go from being a healthy, athletic college student to suddenly navigating pain, fatigue, and disbelief from doctors. She opens up about the emotional toll of feeling dismissed, the relief of finally getting a diagnosis, and the lessons she’s learned about acceptance, self-compassion, and living fully despite chronic illness. She also shares how her experiences led her to create the Rheum to THRIVE educational program and support group, so that no one has to navigate life with RA alone. 

Cheryl and Dr. Hassett explore the realities of RA that often go misunderstood, from unpredictable flare-ups, invisible symptoms, and the mental health challenges of chronic illness. Cheryl also shares the strategies that help her thrive today: pacing her energy, building community, protecting sleep, and seeking out moments of joy.  If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed after your own diagnosis, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone, and that it is possible to find purpose, hope, and connection while living with RA.

This conversation originally occurred in 2024 and first appeared on the "Chronic Pain Reset” podcast, hosted by pain psychologist Dr. Afton Hassett. 

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Go to the show notes page on the Arthritis Life Website. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheryl and Gittel explore the importance of being mindful with our social media use. While they highlight the risks of falling into negative patterns that can lead to isolation, they also emphasize social media’s powerful potential for connection and support among those living with chronic illness.

Gittel shares how participating in online support communities like Rheum to THRIVE has strengthened her self-management and coping strategies. Together, Cheryl and Gittel stress the importance of setting intentional goals for social media use, fostering connection, protecting mental health, and ultimately avoiding the trap of isolation.

• Milestone guest return: Gittel joins the podcast for her fifth appearance and reflections on her journey with Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Rheum To Thrive: Gittel reflects on how her relationship with the Rheum to Thrive program has grown over time.
• Mindful social media use: Comparing patterns of use, misuse, and abuse to drug use.
• The double-edged sword of social media: Exploring both its risks (isolation, negative cycles) and benefits (connection, support).
• Personal impact: Gittel’s story of how online support communities improved her coping and self-management.
• Practical takeaways: Setting intentional goals for social media to foster connection, protect mental health, and avoid isolation.

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Liew  shares her personal journey to becoming a rheumatologist inspired by a friend's diagnosis. She then discusses the condition in detail, addressing common misconceptions such as it being exclusive to white men and always showing up on imaging. 

Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the challenges of diagnosing this condition, social determinants affecting diagnosis, and reliable resources for further information. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the labyrinth of rheumatic diseases, providing hope and knowledge to help you thrive.

• 00:00 Introduction to Rheumer Has It Podcast
• 00:26 Meet Dr. Jean Liew: Expert on Axial Spondyloarthritis
• 00:40 Understanding Axial Spondyloarthritis
• 01:41 Dr. Liew's Journey into Rheumatology
• 04:16 Busting Myths: Axial Spondyloarthritis and Demographics (it’s not just men!)
• 06:50 Challenges in Diagnosing Axial Spondyloarthritis
• 10:27 The Role of HLAB 27 in Axial Spondyloarthritis
• 12:26 Imaging and Axial Spondyloarthritis
• 14:38 Final Thoughts and Resources

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheryl and Melissa discuss her experiences in the healthcare system, driven by frustration to become a self-advocate. This led Melissa to write the book Invisible: a Nurse Turned Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease, aiming to provide validation and resources for others facing similar struggles. 

Cheryl and Melissa also touch on the challenges of advocating for oneself, misconceptions in the medical field, the impact of invisible illnesses, and the importance of finding purpose and joy while living with chronic conditions.

• Melissa’s Journey: Cheryl and Melissa discuss Melissa’s long diagnosis journey.
• Navigating the Healthcare System: Melissa shares what it was like to navigate the healthcare system as a nurse turned patient.
• Self-Advocacy: Cheryl and Melissa discuss the importance of self advocacy. 
• Melissa’s Book: Melissa shares her journey of writing her new book, Invisible: a Nurse Turned Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease.

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, they dispel common myths such as the notion that diet alone can treat RA, and also highlight the evidence for some nutrition approaches like the Mediterranean diet as a reliable starting point. 

The episode underscores the importance of integrating diet and other lifestyle approaches alongside medications for optimal well-being. Whether you're newly diagnosed or navigating your journey, this episode offers clarity on an often confusing topic.

• Myth #1: Diet is all you need to treat / cure RA
• Myth #2: Dietary interventions are more effective and safe than medications
• Myth #3: It’s an either or - -you have to do diet OR medications

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this honest and inspiring episode, Cheryl and Chelsea talk about the emotional toll of chronic illness, the power of having a solid support system, and how Chelsea went from feeling isolated to becoming a voice for others. Chelsea opens up about how sharing her story online, especially as a Hispanic woman, helped her find connection, purpose, and strength.

If you’re newly diagnosed and feeling overwhelmed, Chelsea’s story is the reminder you need: you’re not alone, and your voice matters. Tune in for talk on therapy, faith, coping tools, and how advocacy can become part of your healing.

• Chelsea’s Diagnosis Journey: Chelsea shares her experience being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, scleritis, and PCOS all in her early 20s.
• Emotional Rollercoaster: The mental toll of chronic illness and how it impacted Chelsea’s daily life.
• The Power of Support: Why having a strong support system made all the difference in Chelsea’s chronic illness journey.
• From Isolation to Advocacy: How sharing her journey online helped Chelsea find connection and purpose—especially as a Hispanic woman navigating the healthcare system.
• Your Voice Matters: Encouragement for those newly diagnosed—you are not alone, and your story is powerful.
• Coping Tools: Therapy, faith, and mindset shifts that helped Chelsea regain control.
• Advocacy as Healing: How turning her pain into purpose became part of Chelsea’s recovery.

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE,

 an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. 

See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, Cheryl & Eileen talk with sleep expert and researcher D. Deborah Da Costa about evidence based interventions to improve sleep in people with rheumatic conditions. Dr. Da Costa explores how sleep challenges are deeply entangled with social and emotional wellbeing as well as pain, fatigue and cognition for those living with rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions. 

She also overviews Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI), which is the the gold standard for treating sleep disturbances. Whether it’s resisting social pressure to stay up late or coping with fatigue while caregiving, this episode explores sleep-related struggles and provides specific tips for improving sleep.

• Sleep Is a Critical Yet Underrecognized Component of Arthritis Care: Despite its profound impact, sleep is often neglected in both patient and provider conversations. Poor sleep can worsen arthritis symptoms such as pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction—even when the disease is otherwise well-managed.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) Is a Promising Non-Pharmacological Treatment: CBTI is considered the gold standard for treating insomnia without medication. It helps patients reframe negative beliefs about sleep and adopt healthier sleep behaviors, such as limiting screen time in bed and creating a relaxing pre-sleep routine. Internet-based CBTI programs tailored for arthritis patients are currently being piloted.
• Sleep Challenges Are Deeply Intertwined with Social and Emotional Wellbeing: The podcast highlights how sleep difficulties affect social life, relationships, and self-advocacy. From navigating social pressure to stay up late to managing fatigue while caregiving, the conversation emphasizes the need for greater awareness and support around sleep in the context of chronic illness.

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.