Cheryl and Carrie discuss Carrie's diagnosis of hip dysplasia which led to osteoarthritis, her hip replacement surgeries in 2022 and 2023, and her experience running the Boston Marathon. Carrie emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, having a strong support and care team, and setting mini goals during recovery. 

They also candidly talk about the emotional struggle with post-marathon blues and how time, support, and new goals helped Carrie overcome it. Overall, Carrie aims to give hope to others facing similar medical challenges.

• Carrie’s Arthritis and Double Hip Replacement Journey: Cheryl and Carrie discuss Carrie’s arthritis diagnosis and how that led to having double hip replacements.
• Carrie’s Experience Running the Boston Marathon: Carrie shares her experience of running in the Boston Marathon in April 2025. 
• The Importance of Self-Advocacy and a Support Team: Cheryl and Carrie discuss the importance of advocating for yourself and having a strong support system to help you overcome challenges.

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! 

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Together, they break down common myths about fragility, rest, and “wear and tear,” while explaining why tailored exercise programs are not only safe but essential. Dr. Andonian also offers practical guidance for managing fatigue, using slow progression, and finding trustworthy exercise resources. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how movement can improve whole-body health with RA.

• 1. Exercise is far more than “movement” - it directly supports immune health, slows accelerated aging, and improves disease activity in RA.
  Dr. Andonian explains how aerobic and strength training influence inflammation, cellular metabolism, and mitochondrial function in ways that go far beyond joint comfort.
• 2. RA is a whole-body immune disease, so exercise must be tailored, not avoided.
  Listeners learn why joints are actually a secondary issue in RA, why “too fragile to exercise” is a myth, and how the right mix of aerobic, strength, and mobility work can support the cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems.
• 3. There is no one-size-fits-all exercise plan; successful programs must be personalized.
  Dr. Andonian breaks down how arthritis type, disease location, comorbidities, and fatigue shape exercise prescriptions, and why slow progression and “exercise snacks” are essential for many patients.

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! 

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 She explains the key role nurse practitioners play in rheumatology and highlights the lifestyle habits, like movement and nutrition, that have made a real difference in her own health. Cayla also offers practical advice for communicating with healthcare providers and supporting yourself after a new diagnosis.

Her story is an inspiring reminder that living well with a chronic illness is not only possible, but achievable.

• Cayla’s personal journey with axial spondyloarthritis and the challenges of getting diagnosed young
• How nurse practitioners support patients in rheumatology
• Lifestyle tools Cayla uses to manage her condition, including exercise and nutrition
• Tips for communicating effectively with healthcare providers
• Encouragement and practical advice for those newly diagnosed
• Insight into living a full, meaningful life while managing 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! 

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They also reflect on new insights into mental health, cognitive dysfunction, and  the importance of the microbiome as part of lifestyle interventions. This episode offers hope, practical advice, and the latest research to help manage your condition more effectively.

• 00:00 Introduction to Rheumer Has It
• 00:30 Importance of the ACR Annual Conference
• 03:02 Sessions on Patient Health Literacy and Support Groups
• 07:10 Dietary Interventions and Microbiome Research
• 10:54 Mental Health and Fatigue in Rheumatic Diseases
• 15:50 Innovative Treatments: CAR T-Cell Therapy and Vagus Nerve Stimulation
• 19:50 GLP-1 Medications and Their Benefits
• 25:23 Cognitive Dysfunction in Rheumatic Diseases
• 29:22 Spotlight on Sjogren's Disease
• 31:50 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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.

They share words of wisdom for individuals newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, emphasizing kindness, self-compassion, and love. Helen also discusses the highlights of her experience in the Rheum to THRIVE program and how it helped her adjust to her new normal. 

Helen also shares how using the PERMA model from positive psychology (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning & Accomplishment) helps keep her life and condition manageable. She encourages taking it day by day and continuously asking oneself how to love and support oneself through the journey. 

This episode is a great reminder for anyone with chronic illnesses to focus on self-love to navigate the challenges of the condition.

• Helen’s Journey with Arthritis: Helen describes diagnosis and treatment journey as gloriously imperfect.
• Self Compassion: Helen and Cheryl discuss how having self-compassion is a great coping mechanism for those with chronic illnesses.
• PERMA Model: Cheryl and Helen discuss what the PERMA model is and how it can be helpful in chronic illness management.
• Rheum to THRIVE: Cheryl and Helen discuss Helen’s experience with the Rheum to THRIVE support group.

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.

They discuss how they became Rheum Champions, their personal journeys with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, PCOS, and more, and the importance of community and support. The episode also highlights significant takeaways from the meeting, including research updates, the passion of the researchers, and the heartwarming sense of community. 

This podcast serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is to integrate the patient voice into rheumatology research.  

*This episode was originally recorded for the My Spoonie Sisters podcast. 

• 00:00 Welcome to the Rheum Champions Tell All
• 01:59 Introducing the Rheum Champions
• 03:55 Sharing Our Stories: The Journey to Advocacy
• 07:13 The Impact of Community and Support
• 10:55 Becoming a Rheum Champion
• 16:09 Highlights from the 2025 Investigators Meeting
• 24:52 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved

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.

Beyond her personal battle, Deb has established a global support group for those with osteonecrosis and actively participates in the Arthritis Foundation's Live Yes! Connect groups. 

Highlighting the power of community support and advocacy, Deb's story is an inspiring testament to resilience and the importance of helping others navigate similar health challenges.

• Deb’s Journey: Cheryl and Deb discuss Deb’s journey with osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis.
• The Power of Community: Deb shares how having a community is important for support and connection in the chronic illness world.
• Deb’s Support Groups: Cheryl and Deb discuss Deb’s global support groups and the Arthritis Foundation’s Live Yes! Connect groups. 

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. Edens debunks common misconceptions, such as vaccines causing autoimmune diseases or always triggering flares. She explains that while mild immune responses are normal, serious complications are extremely rare and the benefits far outweigh the risks. 

Dr Edens emphasizes that vaccines not only prevent infections but also certain cancers, making them an essential part of care for immunosuppressed patients. The discussion also explores vaccine timing with medications, the dangers of misinformation, and how to talk about vaccine hesitancy with empathy and evidence.

• Guest Expert: Dr. Cuoghi Edens, dual-trained adult and pediatric rheumatologist at the University of Chicago.
• Myth #1: “Natural is better than vaccines” — Debunked; vaccines dramatically reduce child and adult mortality from infectious diseases.
• Myth #2: “Vaccines cause autoimmune diseases” — Overwhelming evidence shows they do not.
• Myth #3: “Vaccines always cause flare-ups” — Possible but uncommon; most patients tolerate vaccines well, and disease prevention outweighs brief discomfort.
• Risk–Benefit Balance: Vaccines protect against infections and cancers (HPV, hepatitis B) that can worsen or complicate autoimmune diseases.
• Timing & Medications: ACR guidelines suggest coordination with treatments like rituximab and high-dose steroids, but partial protection is better than none.
• Health Literacy Tip: “Doing research” means reviewing credible scientific evidence—not social-media opinions or cherry-picked studies.
• Social Stigma: Addresses misinformation, polarization, and “anti-vax” rhetoric, highlighting the need for compassion and critical thinking.
• Trusted Resources: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia vaccine education site and American College of Rheumatology guidelines.
• Key Takeaway: Vaccines are safe, vital, and empowering tools for people with autoimmune diseases.

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! 

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website for full details including a transcript and video! 

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Together, they unpack common myths surrounding food and autoimmune conditions and share practical, real-life strategies for self-management. It’s a conversation packed with practical advice and empowering insights for anyone looking to make nutrition more manageable while living with an autoimmune condition.

• Common misconceptions about diet and autoimmune diseases: Cheryl and Dr. Singla discuss common myths about diet and nutrition for autoimmune diseases.
• How Dr. Singla adapts her kitchen for comfort and efficiency: Organizing items to avoid reaching or bending, using pre-chopped ingredients to reduce strain, utilizing assistive kitchen tools (many available on Amazon)
• Creative, real-life kitchen strategies: Wearing weightlifting gloves for cutting tough vegetables, prepping water ahead of time to avoid lifting heavy pots

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.

They share examples of how misinformation can lead to physical harm, wasted money, and delayed treatment, and emphasize the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. The hosts introduce practical tools such as the “CRAAP test” for evaluating sources and encourage listeners to seek balanced, evidence-based hope rather than false promises of cures.

Episode at a Glance — Main Themes

• 🌐 Why misinformation spreads: Emotional vulnerability after diagnosis, grief, and the appeal of “quick fixes.”
  
   
• ⚠️ Common myths: “Natural is better,” “medications are worse than the disease,” “vaccines cause autoimmune issues,” and “dietary cures can reverse disease.”
  
   
• 💊 Real risks: Financial loss, physical harm (e.g., liver damage from supplements), and worsening disease due to delayed or stopped treatment.
  
   
• 🧠 Critical thinking tools: Using the CRAAP test, recognizing cherry-picking and predatory journals, and assessing conflicts of interest.
  
   
• 💬 Empowered decision-making: Encouragement to “go to the source,” value science-based hope, and stay informed through credible experts and patient advocates.

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.