From singing to trying nine different medications in five years, to embracing the THRIVE framework from Cheryl’s Rheum to Thrive Program, Alice shares the ups and downs of life with rheumatoid arthritis. Ultimately, Alice reminds us that living fully with RA doesn’t mean giving up on what matters—it means finding new ways to engage, and finding a way to balance grief for what you’ve lost with gratitude for what you still have.

If you’re newly diagnosed, her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of connecting with what matters and striving to thrive, even if the path looks different than you expected.

• Adjusting to Life with RA: Alice shares her journey of adapting to a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and how it has impacted her daily life and passions.
• Coping with medication ups and downs: Alice shares the emotional roller coaster of trying nine different medications in five years in search of one that would put her RA into a lasting remission.
• Music & Resilience: How Alice found creative ways to stay connected to music, including learning Gaelic to sing a special song.
• The THRIVE Framework: Practical strategies Alice uses to maintain joy and purpose despite physical challenges.
• Redefining Limitations: Encouraging insights on shifting perspectives and embracing new ways to engage with what you love.
• Message of Hope: Alice’s advice for newly diagnosed individuals: you can still live a full, meaningful life—it just may look different than expected.

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! 

Cheryl and Helen dive into the often-overlooked mental challenges of inflammatory arthritis, which can sometimes feel harder to navigate than the physical symptoms. They explore mindset strategies and mental tools that have helped them, including approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The conversation also highlights the importance of balance, such as steering clear of extreme “healthy” habits—like overly restrictive diets—that can add unnecessary stress. Cheryl and Helen share how they’ve learned to set boundaries and overcome the tendency to be people pleasers.

With insights on managing self-talk and practicing self-compassion, Helen offers a refreshing perspective for anyone navigating a chronic illness. Tune in to discover practical tips for embracing progress over perfection and living well with a chronic condition.

• Helen’s Journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Helen shares her diagnosis story, the challenges of managing a chronic condition, and how it shaped her coaching approach.
• The Power of Balance and Listening to Your Body: Discover how Helen found relief by embracing balance in nutrition, self-care, and daily habits, prioritizing what feels good for her body.
• Creative and Compassionate Stress Management: Learn Helen’s unique strategies for managing stress, including reframing thoughts, setting realistic expectations, and practicing self-compassion.
• Practical Tools for Pain and Fatigue Relief: Helen discusses her go-to tools, like hot water bottles and ice packs, and explains how listening to her body guides her choices.
• Inspiration for Thriving with Chronic Illness: Helen’s mantra, "Progress over perfection," and advice for newly diagnosed individuals provide hope and actionable steps to live a fulfilling life despite limitations.

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! 

Together, Cheryl and Dr. Ortiz debunk common myths about RA and tackle important topics like medication hesitancy, lifestyle interventions, and the balance between the two. Dr. Ortiz reassures listeners that while factors like nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management can help, “just because lifestyle can help doesn’t mean lifestyle caused it.”

They also discuss how to make the most of your doctor’s appointments—because being prepared can help you feel more confident and in control. Plus, they dive into the emotional side of living with a chronic illness and the uncertainty that comes with it. Dr. Ortiz shares strategies doctors can use to provide reassurance, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.

Finally, they explore concierge medicine and why Dr. Ortiz transitioned to this model of care. And as a reminder to anyone feeling overwhelmed, Cheryl and Dr. Ortiz leave listeners with this thought: “Everyone’s got something.” RA may be part of your story, but it doesn’t define you—you can still build a life that feels full and thriving. 

• Why Dr Ortiz Became a Rheumatologist: The importance of building a long term relationship with your patients and searching for answers in the gray areas of medicine.
• Tips for patients and doctors to communicate and connect better: Dr Ortiz shares practical tips for improving your connection with your doctor.
• Medication Hesitancy and Lifestyle: Dr. Ortiz and Cheryl reflect on the importance of understanding medication efficacy, and how some evidence-based lifestyle interventions can be an important adjunct in your care.
• Busting myths about rheumatoid arthritis: Dr. Ortiz and Cheryl address common misconceptions Dr. Ortiz has found in her Connected Rheumatology YouTube channel and Cheryl has found on her Arthritis Life social channels
• Empowering Mindset for a New Diagnosis: Your diagnosis is not your fault, but you do have control over how you respond.
• Shifting perspective: “Everyone’s got something” – you’re not alone in this journey.
• Living a Full Life with RA: Thriving means building a life beyond your condition.

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! 

Alison and Cheryl also explore the impact of the pandemic on rediscovering creative passions and the power of storytelling in raising awareness. Alison’s new children’s book, Kenzie’s Little Tree, is not only a meaningful read but also a way to support arthritis and chronic illness foundations.  

If you're newly diagnosed, this conversation offers reassurance, practical tips, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey. 

• Alison’s Diagnosis Story: Alison shares how she got diagnosed with AS after the birth of her child
• Creative Outlets & Chronic Illness: How writing, reading, and creative hobbies help manage symptoms and mental well-being.
• Practical Comfort and Pain Relief Tools: Favorite small but effective tools like heating pads, cushions, and ergonomic adjustments.
• Navigating Life Post-Diagnosis: The emotional impact of an IBD and ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis and finding ways to adapt.
• The Power of Storytelling: How Alison’s book, Kenzie’s Little Tree, raises awareness and supports chronic illness communities.
• Finding Connection & Support: Encouragement for those newly diagnosed, emphasizing that they’re not alone in this journey.

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! 

Cheryl and Tina emphasize the need for increased education, representation, and awareness about autoimmune conditions and treatment options to reduce stigma and support patients globally. 

Cheryl and Tina also discuss Tina’s advocacy work, including her blog Own Your Crohn’s and contributions to South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA), focused on creating community and amplifying patient voices across diverse populations.

See full episode show notes including a transcript here! 

• Tina's Diagnosis and Journey: Initial struggles with chronic illness and delayed acceptance of modern treatments like ostomies; challenges navigating cultural stigmas and family expectations in South Asian and other communities of color.
• Addressing Stigma and Cultural Barriers: The impact of cultural stigmas on seeking timely medical care; Advocating for education, awareness, and representation in autoimmune and chronic illness spaces.
• Advocacy Work: Founding Own Your Crohn’s to share her experiences and connect with others; Contributions to SAIA to amplify patient voices and support global IBD communities.
• Key Messages: The importance of community, education, and acceptance in improving quality of life for patients; Breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in chronic illness narratives.

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! 

Click here for full episode show notes including a video of this conversation and transcript.

A new RA diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of emotions and uncertainty. In this episode, I share my best advice for navigating this new reality—offering practical tips on mindset, building a strong support system, and avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation.

You'll also hear from fellow RA patients who share their personal insights and heartfelt encouragement, helping you approach your diagnosis with renewed hope—and, if you’re lucky, some evidence-based optimism.

Drawing from my 20+ years of living with RA and my expertise as an occupational therapist, I revisit key lessons from Episode 4 (originally released in 2020) and add fresh reflections from my last five years of running patient support groups and educational programs.

Tune in for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation designed to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website!

• Coping with the Initial Shock – Practical tips to help you process the emotions that come with a new diagnosis and adjust to this new chapter of your life.
• Educating Yourself Without Overwhelm – Learn how to find reliable information about RA without falling into endless internet rabbit holes or misinformation traps.
• Building a Strong Support System – How to connect with the right people—both in real life and online—so you feel supported, understood, and less alone.
• Working with Your Medical Team – Strategies for communicating effectively with your doctors and advocating for the care you deserve.
• Finding the Right Treatment Path – A guide to exploring treatment options with confidence, so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs.
• Managing Stress & Protecting Your Mental Health – Simple, effective ways to care for your mind and body while adjusting to life with RA.
• A Message of Hope & Encouragement – You're not alone in this. Hear words of support and reassurance to help you move forward with confidence.

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 - you don’t have to figure it all out on your own, I’m here to guide and support you!

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website!

Chrissy recounts the challenges she faced seeking medical care for persistent swelling and joint pain. Despite visiting multiple doctors, she was repeatedly told she “wasn’t sick” before ultimately receiving her RA diagnosis. She reflects on the mix of emotions she felt—relief at finally having a treatment plan and the hope it brought, alongside fears about the long term implications of a progressive disease like RA.

Chrissy also dives into the importance of mindset. She explains how maintaining a positive outlook helps her navigate life with RA, while being careful to steer clear of the pitfalls of “toxic positivity.”

Her diagnosis, while life-changing, also brought unexpected opportunities. Chrissy discusses how it inspired her advocacy and fundraising efforts, including an incredible bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to support the Arthritis Foundation.

This heartfelt conversation between Cheryl and Chrissy is a reminder that, even with a chronic illness diagnosis, it’s possible to thrive and find purpose in new and meaningful ways.

• Chrissy’s Journey to Diagnosis: From frustrating delays to finally being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Emotional Ups and Downs: The relief of finding a treatment plan and the challenges of accepting life with a chronic illness.
• Mindset Matters: Balancing positivity while avoiding the pitfalls of "toxic positivity."
• Advocacy in Action: How Chrissy turned her diagnosis into a mission, including fundraising for the Arthritis Foundation.
• Inspiring Adventures: Chrissy’s empowering bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to support RA awareness.
• Finding Purpose and Adapting: Cheryl and Chrissy discuss thriving, adapting and finding purpose after an RA diagnosis.

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! 

Gabi highlights the accommodations that have been instrumental during her college experience, including adaptive tools and flexible scheduling. She shares how other young people with chronic illness can advocate for the accommodations they need to succeed in school.

Cheryl and Gabi also discuss the vital role of peer support groups, such as Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program, and emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and maintaining a positive outlook. 

For those newly diagnosed, Gabi offers invaluable advice: seek reputable resources, stay informed, and embrace the mindset that thriving with a chronic illness requires adapting, planning, and finding joy amidst challenges. This inspiring conversation celebrates resilience, community, and the power of living well with a chronic illness.

• Navigating Life with Spondyloarthritis and palatal tremor: Gabi shares her personal journey and how she manages the challenges of living with inflammatory arthritis. She also shares what it was like to try different medications and switch due to side effects.
• Key Tips and Tools for School and Work: Cheryl and Gabi discuss accommodations available through organizations like the Arthritis Foundation and adaptive tools and strategies for daily life.
• The Power of Self-Advocacy: Gabi highlights the importance of advocating for yourself in medical and personal settings.
• Creating a Supportive Environment: Gabi shares about finding community and encouragement through groups like Rheum to THRIVE and about the importance of building a network of understanding family, friends, and peers..
• Advice for the Newly Diagnosed: Lean on trustworthy resources, Stay informed and learn to adapt, and Focus on maintaining joy and living life fully despite the diagnosis.

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! 

Stephanie and Cheryl also reflect on the “roller coaster of acceptance,” or their journeys towards self compassion and acceptance in the face of fluctuating, unpredictable conditions.  They also delve into the challenges of living with cognitive dysfunction or “brain fog” and Stephanie shares how she copes with this while serving as an adjunct professor.

Stephanie also shares resources that have helped her in her chronic illness journey, including her work with Atlas Assistance Dogs and her impactful writing on disability identity.  Together, Cheryl and Stephanie show how living with chronic conditions can foster resilience, deepen self-awareness, and lead to a fulfilling life despite challenges.

Trigger warning: miscarriage

• Personal chronic illness Journeys: Stephanie shares her experiences of living with rheumatoid arthritis and the emotional challenges of a new diagnosis after surviving cancer and endometriosis.
• Developing resilience and adapting to the ebb and flow of symptoms.
• Building Community: The value of connecting with others who understand and the role of a support system in managing arthritis.
• Practical Advice: Learn how adapting and being less rigid can improve quality of life despite chronic illness.
• Coping with difficult symptoms like brain fog
• Service animals: Stephanie shares the impact of animal assisted therapy and tips for caring for a dog when you have rheumatoid arthritis.

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! 

 They also discuss the importance of support and community, and Amber shares her experience in Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program. Cheryl and Amber emphasize the importance of adaptability, finding joy in everyday activities like cooking and cheering for their favorite sports teams, and embracing flexibility in the face of unpredictability. 

• Personal Stories of Resilience: Amber shares her journey of managing psoriatic arthritis while balancing work, friendships, and her love for cooking and sports.
• The Power of Adaptability: Embracing flexibility and pivoting when necessary is key to maintaining a fulfilling life despite chronic illness challenges.
• Therapeutic Insights: Cheryl and Amber discuss the importance of therapy, setting boundaries, and giving up some control to better manage health and wellness.
• Support Networks: Amber highlights resources like her counseling practice, the Welcome Project PA, and a peer support group for those living with chronic illness.
• Lighthearted Moments: Fun anecdotes about Amber's Taylor Swift-themed party, her love for the Eagles, and her relatable Instagram posts featuring her dog and food.
• Encouragement for Listeners: Cheryl and Amber leave listeners with hope, showing how living a good life with arthritis is possible by focusing on joy, adaptability, and meaningful connections.

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!