Arthritis Life

• Tiffany’s diagnosis journey: from initial diagnosis of RA to eventual diagnosis of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
• How Tiffany learned the importance of patient advocacy
• Why Tiffany formed AiARTHRITIS -  International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis”
• What is precision medicine and why is it important?
• Tiffany’s best advice to newly diagnosed patients
• How you can get involved in patient advocacy and volunteer work at her organization

Tiffany Westrich-Robertson

I am the CEO of the International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis, "AiArthritis" for short. I am also a person living with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, after originally being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I dedicate my time to running the organization, which has a unique mission to help other patients have a voice, alongside all other stakeholders, as equals. Together, we can solve problems and develop innovative solutions that positively impact education, advocacy, and research.

Cheryl Crow

Cheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for nineteen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Rheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. The next group starts in Spring 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.

For full episode details go to the episode page here! 

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

• Colleen shares what it was like to grow up with one hand.
• Colleen’s diagnosis story for rheumatoid arthritis and treatments that have helped.
• How Colleen met her husband and her tips for chronically ill relationships.
• How Colleen maintains a “glass half full” attitude and a brief discussion of “toxic positivity.”
• Pain management strategies that helped Colleen after over 4 joint replacement or fusion surgeries.
• Colleen’s favorite adaptations and gadgets that help her function with one hand affected by rheumatoid arthritis .
• Cheryl & Colleen discuss what brings them joy and how they’ve found meaning in “fandom” communities.
• Colleen’s fertility journey and how she relishes her current role as a “bonus mom” to her best friend’s children.
• Colleen’s best advice for people newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Colleen Hood:

My name is Colleen Hood.  I am a housewife and have been with my husband 34 years.  I was diagnosed with RA age 20 and it started on my hands and knees.  I was born with a limb difference of having just one hand.  But honestly,  I love every part of myself, even the RA.  It makes me ME.  I have always been determined,   strong, “I will get this” type person.   RA just made things a little harder,  but never stopped me.  

I am my own bionic woman.   I had my 4 knuckles replaced through surgery, my wrist and ankle fused surgically, my right hip was replaced and I’ve had lots of rheumatoid nodules removed from my feet, fingers, and my little arm elbow.  

OT and PT have helped me a lot since I have one hand. I use gadgets and tools and just practice makes progress.  I did develop cataracts at age 37 and early osteoporosis in my mid 30s due to long and large steriod use.  But no complaints... I am all good now.  

I love the infusion meds... been on different ones since 2008 and things have been way better since.   I did stop working in 2014 as just having one hand and 2 functional fingers,  I put my health first.  I worked 28yrs and am proud of it.  So now I just care for my hubby and did care for my mom before she died in 2019.  I am everyone's cheerleader and grateful I joined instagram last January. 

Cheryl Crow

Cheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for nineteen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Colleen’s Channels
  • Instagram channel - https://www.instagram.com/mad4minnie/
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:
• Arthritis Life website - https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/
• Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislife
• Instagram @arthritis_life_cheryl - https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/
• TikTok @arthritislife - https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislife
• Arthritis Life Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFE
• Cheryl on Twitter: @realcc  https://twitter.com/realcc
• Arthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupport
• Arthritis Life Program Links

Join the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. The next group starts in Spring 2022!

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with 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.

See www.MyArthritisLIfe.Net for a full episode transcript! 

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

• Natalie’s diagnosis stories for fibromyalgia, migraine, celiac, cold urticaria, Hashimoto’s, and other conditions
• What does fibromyalgia feel like?
• Cheryl & Natalie discuss how useful the “faulty battery charger” metaphor is for explaining fatigue
• How Natalie uses humor to cope with her chronic illnesses, and how that led her to create funny T-shirts and ultimately the Unchargeables community
• Natalie’s tips for making invisible illness more visible (including how she formed the “Chargimals” plushies and wrote books to spread awareness)
• Cheryl & Natalie discuss the value of using entertainment, storytelling and fun to educate people about disabilities
• How Natalie deals with negative feedback on social media
• How Cheryl & Natalie navigate being entrepreneurs with chronic illness
• Natalie’s advice for newly diagnosed patients with any chronic health condition

Natalie is a chronically ill online entrepreneur, living her best life despite all the health challenges. She lives with Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's disease, and a bunch of other conditions ever since she was a young girl. She lives on a sunny island with her family and pets. 

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Natalie’s channels
  • https://www.instagram.com/wearethechargimals/
  • https://Facebook.com/thechargimals  
  • https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevL8Tqk/  “The Unchargeables by Natalie”
  • Unchargeables shop: https://www.theunchargeablesshop.com/pages/links
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:
• Arthritis Life website - https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/
• Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislife
• Instagram @arthritis_life_cheryl - https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/
• TikTok @arthritislife - https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislife
• Arthritis Life Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFE
• Cheryl on Twitter: @realcc  https://twitter.com/realcc
• Arthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupport
• Arthritis Life Program Links

Join the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. The next group starts in Spring 2022!

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with 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.

Go to MyArthritisLife.Net for a full episode transcript

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

• 0:00 - 3:25: Lene’s journey with juvenile idiopathic arthritis from diagnosis at age 9 to using a power wheelchair starting at age 16 to now
• 3:25 - 10:40: What is ableism, and how does it relate to other forms of descrimination such as racism or sexism?
• 10:40 - 17:51 - What is health privilege?
• 17:51 - 24:30 -  What is internalized ableism and how might it manifest in a person with chronic illness?
• 24:30 - 30:00  - How to dismantle internalized ableism: disentangling worth from productivity, not being ashamed to use mobility aids or daily living aids
• 30:00 - 34:50 - How Lene is not “wheelchair bound” but in fact a wheelchair is liberating and a helpful tool for everyday life
• 34:50 - 41:00 - The social model of disability and how external barriers are often more limiting to quality of life than the disability itself
• 41:00 - 46:50: The differences between living with an invisible versus visible disability
• 46:50 - 48:10: TRIGGER WARNING (suicide): Brief discussion of assisted suicide as it relates to disability
• 48:10 - 52:50 - How the tropes of disabled people in media (movies, books) are often incredibly over simplified
• 52:50 - 55:30:  What does it mean to have a “dynamic disability” with fluctuating symptoms?
• 55:30 - endUniversal design versus accessibility

Lene (pronounced Lena) is an award-winning writer and rheumatoid arthritis advocate living in Toronto, Canada. Born and raised in Denmark, Lene has had autoimmune arthritis since childhood and has used a power wheelchair since her teens. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work and writes books about living well with RA and other types of chronic illness. Lene shares her home with a cat and too many books.  

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Go to the Arthritis Life website at: www.MyArthritisLife.Net

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

In this episode I share why I became an occupational therapist (spoiler alert - it wasn’t about arthritis initially!), answer your “just for fun questions” (including my favorite Taylor Swift songs), answer your arthritis related questions and share insights about coping with the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies chronic illness life. 

I’m beyond honored and touched to have reached fifty episodes and almost 30,000 downloads of the Arthritis Life podcast! 

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Things mentioned in this episode;
  • Podcasts I like:
    • Maximum Fun podcast network - artist owned, listener supported independent podcast network
    • Judge John Hodgman podcast
    • We Got This with Mark and Hal podcast
    • This American Life Podcast
    • Sarah Putt - OT4Lyfe Podcast
  • Past episodes I mentioned
    • Best advice for newly diagnosed patients
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:
• Arthritis Life website - https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/
• Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislife
• Instagram @arthritis_life_cheryl - https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/
• TikTok @arthritislife - https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislife
• Arthritis Life Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFE
• Cheryl on Twitter: @realcc  https://twitter.com/realcc
• Arthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupport
• Arthritis Life Program Links

Join the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. The next group starts in Spring 2022!

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with 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.

Coming soon to the Arthritis Life webpage for this episode! 

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

• Ashley’s rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis story: getting the diagnosis at age twenty-seven after being told she was “too young” when she first presented with symptoms
• Faith: How Ashley’s different kinds of faith help her: faith in God, and faith in herself that she can persevere and achieve her goals, and faith that she can change her mindset.
• Fitness: Ashley’s journey becoming a personal trainer in 2018, even when those close to her questioned whether she could succeed in that field while having RA
• Food: How Ashley found a food plan that worked for her to help manage her weight and overall healthy lifestyle
• Cheryl & Ashley discuss different ways to approach a healthy diet in a balanced way that supports quality of life rather than a restriction mindset
• From sedentary to active: Ashley’s fitness journey was kickstarted with Jazzercise, then a gym membership and then personal training. How fitness helped decrease her pain.
• Tips for exercising and improving fitness with rheumatoid arthritis: think movement if exercise is intimidating; celebrate what you *can* do and do more of that; make it convenient for you;
• What is it like to work with a personal trainer?
• What are some adaptations or modifications for strength training with rheumatoid arthritis when your fingers or wrists hurt?
• Shame & Comparison: Cheryl & Ashley discuss how to avoid the “comparison trap” on social media, and Cheryl discusses the shame she feels at times due to being a former athlete who now is not in as good of shape as she used to be, and how her identity has shifted away from an identity as an athlete.
• Positive mindset without minimizing negative emotions: Cheryl & Ashley discuss ways to focus on the positive while not minimizing or delegitimizing the true negative feelings we have
• Ashley’s entrepreneur experience: starting RA Warrior Fitness LLC two months before the pandemic in 2020
• Advice for newbies: either newly diagnosed, or people who are new to fitness & RA

My name is Ashley Nicole and I am a RA Warrior! I've lived with RA for 17 years and counting. It is now my mission to empower women living with rheumatoid arthritis to improve their quality of life through faith, food and fitness.

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Ashley’s channels
  • IG: @ashnic_rawarriorfitness, @rawarriorfitness
  • FB: RA Warrior Fitness, LLC
  • Website: https://www.rawarriorfitness.com/
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:
• Arthritis Life website
• Youtube channel
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook Page
• Twitter
• Arthritis Life Podcast Facebook 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.

Available on 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.

Natasha and Cheryl discuss her treatment journey, how her social life was affected by JIA, the importance of diet and stress management in her treatment plan, and why Natasha formed the nonprofit Take a Pain Check.

• Natasha’s diagnosis story and early experiences with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Different treatments Natasha has tried, including steroid joint injections, methotrexate, biologic medications, nutrition and dietary changes, Ayurvedic medicine, meditation and other lifestyle changes
• How Natasha’s mother helped support and advocate for her when it felt like “nothing was working” in her treatment plan
• How Natasha navigates peer pressure to drink
• Ways Natasha manages stress while living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• The importance of cultural representation and what it means for Natasha to see other South Asian people in the chronic illness community
• Things that bring Natasha joy, including singing
• Natasha’s inspiration for forming the nonprofit Take a Pain Check
• The importance of patient involvement in research and advocacy

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Submit an “Ask me Anything” question to Cheryl in honor of the Arthritis Life Podcast reaching 25,000 downloads! Email at info -at- MyArthritisLife.Net or on the social media links below by Saturday, November 6th.
• Natasha and Take a Pain Check’s channels:
  • ALL RESOURCES AND PODCAST: https://instabio.cc/takeapaincheck  
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeapaincheck
  • Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRF07SYaN-9fbatNCKhL08g
  • Website: www.takeapaincheck.com   
• Other orgs mentioned
  • Cheryl on Take a Pain Check podcast 
  • Cassie & Friends: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Support & Resources
  • Research projects - JIA option map at University of Ottowa (research)
  • PACER - patients doing reserach on other patients 
  • Chronic Eileen
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:
• Arthritis Life website: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/
• Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislife
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislife
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFE
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/realcc
• Arthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupport

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.

Transcript: go to MyArthritisLife.Net for full episode details and a transcript.

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

• Occupational therapy (OT): Why Lindsay became an OT, and Lindsay & Cheryl’s definitions of the profession. (1:00-6:00)
• Things to think about when accessing a home when you have arthritis: steps, ramps and more, plus tips on aging in place.  (6:00-14:29)
• Tips for the Bathroom with Arthritis: wiping, bidets, toilet seat height, grab bars, shower gadgets, drying hair and more.  (14:30 - 30:25)
• Tips for the Kitchen with Arthritis: opening aids, considerations for how you organize items within the kitchen, refrigerator design considerations, kitchen design tips, stools, fatigue mats and chopping aids.  (30:30 - 51:00)
• Tips for the Bedroom and Dressing with Arthritis: power assist beds, bed rails, pivot grabs, bed ladders, dressing sticks, dressing aids, bras, and more. (51:17-1:01:00)
• Tips for Living Rooms and Dining Rooms with Arthritis: recliners, arm rests for chairs, round versus square tables and more. (1:01:00 - 1:07:45)
• The emotional side of adaptive equipment: Tips for coping with shame and other emotions around needing adaptive equipment or assistive devices (1:07:48 - 1:17:09)
• For a full list of links to everything Lindsay discussed in this episode, go to this special page of her website here https://www.equipmeot.com/arthritislife/.
• Check out Cheryl's "Favorite Arthritis Items" page for links to some of the things she discussed on this episode: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2020/03/17/my-favorite-arthritis-products/

Lindsay DeLong: As an occupational therapist, I have spent years treating and supporting individuals dealing with all forms of arthritis. I have been challenged to find creative solutions for individuals to help them maintain their independence, self worth and joy in every day life! I’ve learned so much from the arthritis community and am thrilled for the opportunity to give back in any way I can.

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in Spring, 2022! 

• Lindsay’s EquipMeOT channels:
  • Website: EquipMeOT.com
  • Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/EquipMeOT
  • Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/equipmeot/
  • For a full list of links to everything Lindsay discussed in this episode, go to this special page of her website here https://www.equipmeot.com/arthritislife/.

Check out Cheryl's "Favorite Arthritis Items" page for links to some of the things she discussed on this episode: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2020/03/17/my-favorite-arthritis-products/

• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Pages:
• Arthritis Life website: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/
• Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/arthritislife
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislife
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ArthritisLifeCheryl
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/realcc
• Arthritis Life Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupport
• Arthritis Life Program Links
  • Join the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE,  6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. The next group starts in Spring 2022!
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this 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.

See arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com for full episode details, including a transcript

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

• Full transcript and additional notes available at the Arthritis Life website here.
• 1:00 - 7:30 Unity’s shares her diagnosis story at 15 months old and details her young childhood experiences growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
• 7:30 - 15:00: How Unity became more active in her care management as an adolescent and explored alternate ways of managing JIA including nutrition, reiki, shamanism, and meditation.
• 15:00 - 23:00  The importance of meditation and managing stress in Unity’s JIA journey, including a discussion of some of Unity’s favorite books.
• 23:00 - 30:00 Unity explains what it means to be a “wounded healer” and what “healing” means to her. She also explains her Seasons of Self Energy Report framework.
• 30:00 - 37:00  Unity explains the importance of addressing mindset and mindfulness while living with a health condition.
• 37:00 - 40:00 Unity explains the inspiration behind S.O.S. Energy Report: A Survivor's Guide to Self-Healing Breakthroughs
• 40:00 - 43:00 Unity shares about her experience becoming a mother and now parenting two teenagers while managing her JIA.
• 43:00 - Unity & Cheryl discuss the many cost benefit analyses they do as patients, and when it’s worth it to do an activity even when it causes pain

Unity Schmit: Born into a near-death experience, and diagnosed with chronic childhood illness, in the form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), Unity awakened to seek self-healing growth and the powerful meaning behind her unusual life start. On her path, she sought to understand how to bring pain to purpose, and how to follow her inner calling to experience her dreams, even though she was told they were unattainable. 

By studying self-healing, energy work, reiki, psychology, world religions and shamanism, Unity reached her dreams, and studied with healers and shamans from Canada, the United States and Australia. Through her experiences, Unity has become an author, teacher and 'faery godmother' life coach who seeks to help others awaken their own self-healing breakthroughs to reach their dreams, no matter the storms present or ahead.

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist today for the next group which starts in Spring, 2022! 

• Unity’s Links:
  • https://www.instagram.com/unityschmidt/
  • ‘S.O.S. Energy Report Experience - this is a special link Unity created for Arthritis Life podcast audience members to allow you to access her “Survivor's Guide To Self-Healing Breakthroughs” for free. As a health provider I am not endorsing any claims from this website but am passing along the opportunity for you to experience it if you are interested, in hopes that it will be helpful.
• Books Unity Recommended in this episode
  • The Power of Myth - Joseph Campbell 
  • The Brain that Changes Itself - neuroscience book
  • Barbara Brennena - Hands of Light
  • Mindfulness, by Dr. Ellen Langer 
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:
• Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook group
• Cheryl &  Arthritis Life on Instagram
• Cheryl’s website: Arthritis Life
• Arthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife 
• Arthritis Life Facebook Page
• Cheryl’s Twitter: @realcc 
• Arthritis Life Youtube channel

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.

Full transcript and additional notes available at 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.

In this episode, eight women share their journeys with methotrexate as of July 2020. You can hear an update from Jo, Ananthi and Paulina from October 2021 in episode 58.

• Introduction to Episode with Methotrexate facts (0:00-5:00)
• Patient introductions (5:00-10:00)
• Patient stories about being on methotrexate: Paulina, Cheryl, Ali & Ananthi (10:00 - 41:00)
• Discussion about natural methods versus medications and decision making around that (41:00 - 47:40)
• More patient stories about being on methotrexate: Jo, Aashi, Kristen, Jenny  (47:40 - 1:09:00)
• Patients share tips on injecting methotrexate or other rheumatic disease medications (1:09:00 - 1:31:00)
• Tips for coping with “miracle cures,”  unsolicited advice & medication shamers (1:31:00 -

• Aashi Bhimani @solo_spoonie on Instagram
• Cheryl Crow @Arthritis_Life_Cheryl on Instagram
• Ananthi Ramachandran @ar_versus_ra on Instagram
• Ali Digiacomo @anotherdaywithRA on Instagram
• Kristen Brogan @warriorsmovemountains on Instagram
• Jo Mistreanu @thejosphere on Instagram
• Jenny Parker @cute_n_chronic on Instagram
• Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

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! 

• Resources to learn more about Methotrexate:
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis “In the Clinic” - Annals of Internal Medicine Article (2019)
    • ““In most patients, RA is a chronic, progressive disease character-ized by episodes of disease flares or long-term chronic inflamma-tion. Only a few patients achieve long-term remission without the need for long-term medications.”
    • “About half of all patients treated with methotrexate have little or no radiographic progression, although 30% will require addi-al DMARDs (like biologics):
  • Global Healthy living Foundation research into how prominent methotrexate side effects are
  • Methotrexate Side Effect Stats from the Arthritis Foundation
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• Cheryl’s website: Arthritis Life
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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.

For additional details including a transcript, please go to www.Arthritis.TheEnthusiasticLife.Com

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