Arthritis Life

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! 

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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.

Cheryl and Dani dig into the diagnosis saga, evolving RA treatments, the role of acceptance, and why movement is essential to living well with rheumatic disease. For Dani, “movement” isn’t only physical; it’s emotional, spiritual, and educational. If you’re newly diagnosed, this conversation is a powerful reminder to make every day count.

• Dani’s Diagnosis Journey: Cheryl and Dani discuss Dani’s journey to being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
• How Dani Rebuilt her Life: Dani recounts how she rebuilt her life after her diagnosis by slowly reintroducing weights and working through mental health challenges. 
• The Importance of Movement: Cheryl and Dani discuss the importance of movement for those with arthritis, beyond physical movement.
• Make it Count for Dani: Dani and Cheryl delve into Dani’s non-profit organization which provides support and hope for those living with RA.

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 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.

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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.