Arthritis Life

Dr. Birnbaum also addresses common early fears, including confusion about autoimmune disease and anxiety around immunosuppressive medications, reframing treatment as dialing down an overactive immune response rather than taking away your immune system. 

Throughout the episode, he encourages self-advocacy, realistic hope, and partnership with your care team, and shares insights from his book“Living well with autoimmune diseases”  A Rheumatologist's Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health. The takeaway is empowering and hopeful: we’re living in a “golden era” of RA care, with more effective treatments and real reason to believe a full, meaningful life is possible alongside this diagnosis.

• 00:20 Dr. Burnbaum's Background and Passion for Arthritis & Neurology
• 05:19 The Diagnostic Process in Rheumatology
• 08:59 Understanding Inflammatory Arthritis
• 15:22 Explaining Autoimmune Diseases and Inflammation
• 23:11 The Role of Immunosuppressive Therapies
• 28:16 Personalized Treatment Plans in Rheumatology
• 30:50 Understanding Diagnostic Criteria and Nuances
• 31:31 Dealing with Diagnostic Ambiguity
• 32:57 Empowerment Through Patient-Doctor Partnership
• 38:10 Practical Tips for Patient Empowerment
• 46:03 Realistic Hope and Coping Strategies
• 56:34 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

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.

Listeners will learn how to reframe movement as something personal, enjoyable, and adaptable, because sustainable behavior change comes from doing what fits your life, not from chasing perfect routines. The biggest benefits come from starting small, not from hitting rigid guidelines like 10,000 steps or 150 minutes per week.  

Episode at a glance:

• Why movement matters (and what counts): How physical activity supports pain, stiffness, fatigue, mood, and mental health, and why movement doesn’t have to mean gym workouts, strict guidelines, or 10,000 steps to be beneficial.
  
   
• How to move with arthritis - realistically: Practical guidance on starting (or restarting) movement during flares, fatigue, anxiety, or depression, including pacing, rest vs. movement, muscle soreness vs. joint pain, and why short “movement snacks” can be both effective and sustainable.
  
   
• How to make it stick: Building lasting movement habits by keeping them personal, flexible, enjoyable, and supportive, plus a walkthrough of the free, arthritis-friendly Just One Move resource, including flare-friendly options and habit-building tools.

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.

Tori also highlights the vital role of creative expression, through painting and poetry, in coping with chronic illness and reclaiming parts of her life. Listeners will be inspired by her powerful poems, descriptions of her artistic adaptations, and advice for living a meaningful, purpose-driven life despite chronic health challenges. This episode is particularly resonant for those recently diagnosed with RA and looking for ways to find healing and joy in their new reality.

• 00:00 Welcome and Introduction
• 00:20 Tori's Background and Diagnosis Journey
• 10:49 Creative Expressions as a Lifeline
• 13:36 Poetry and Personal Reflections
• 18:09 Cultural and Familial Challenges
• 24:40 Redefining Healing and the Hero's Journey
• 25:57 The Rollercoaster of Life with RA
• 27:28 Creativity as a Form of Healing
• 28:35 Adapting Artistic Practices
• 32:52 The Power of Letting Emotions Out
• 33:35 A Poem: Not That Girl
• 37:59 Words of Wisdom for the Newly Diagnosed
• 45:33 Conclusion and Where to Find More

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. Stamatos explains why fibromyalgia is absolutely real, how it commonly overlaps with inflammatory diseases like RA, and what’s actually happening in the brain, nerves, and spinal fluid of people with fibromyalgia. She offers practical guidance for telling the difference between an RA flare and a fibromyalgia flare, explains why opioids often make fibromyalgia pain worse, and reframes treatment as a whole-person, multi-tool approach, not a single pill, diet, or supplement. 

This conversation is especially powerful if you’ve ever felt dismissed, blamed, or overwhelmed by mixed messages about pain, fatigue, brain fog, sleep, or mental health. You’ll walk away feeling validated, better informed, and more confident in navigating life with both conditions.

• Why fibromyalgia is a real, biologically based condition (and what the science actually shows)
  
   
• How common fibromyalgia is in people with RA and other chronic illnesses
  
   
• What functional MRI, nerve studies, and spinal fluid research reveal about fibromyalgia pain
  
   
• Why opioids often worsen pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia instead of helping
  
   
• How trauma, prolonged untreated pain, and stress can “turn on” fibromyalgia
  
   
• Practical ways to tell the difference between RA inflammation vs fibromyalgia pain
  
   
• The critical role of sleep, mental health, and stress regulation in pain management
  
   
• Why fibromyalgia treatment is a constellation of strategies, not a magic fix
  
   
• A compassionate explanation of catastrophizing — and how to work with uncertainty
  
   
• How to explain fibromyalgia to friends and family (including the Spoon Theory)
  
   
• Trusted resources for learning more, including The Chronic Pain Reset by Dr Afton Hassett

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 shares the origin story of the podcast, how it has evolved over time, and why storytelling remains at the center of her mission: helping people feel less alone, more informed, and more empowered to live well alongside chronic illness.

Cheryl then walks through nine core themes that keep resurfacing across these conversations, including: validation and belonging, coping with uncertainty, the power of community, navigating medication decisions, redefining “normal,” and why self-compassion, acceptance, identity, and joy still matter after diagnosis. 

This episode is an honest reflection on what it really means to “thrive” with arthritis, not as a one-size-fits-all outcome, but as a deeply personal, evolving process rooted in realistic hope, credible information, and human connection. 

• 01:31 The Origin Story of the Podcast
• 06:27 Challenges and Reflections on Running the Podcast
• 13:50 Nine Core Themes from 200 Episodes
• 14:04 Theme 1: You Are Not Alone
• 17:12 Theme 2: The Challenge of Uncertainty
• 20:28 Theme 3: The Power of Community
• 22:41 Theme 4: The Importance of Credible Education
• 26:35 Theme 5: Emotional Medication Decisions
• 29:01 Theme 6: Redefining Normal
• 30:52 Theme 7: Acceptance and Self-Compassion
• 32:58 Theme 8: RA as a Whole Life Condition
• 33:59 Theme 9: Identity, Purpose, and Joy

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 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! 

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

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! 

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

 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! 

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

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.