Latest Patient stories Podcast Episodes
What do People with Rheumatoid Arthritis Need to Know about COVID-19 in 2024?
Arthritis Life - April 22, 2024 04:22 - 53 minutesDr Dave & Dr Campbell answer Cheryl’s burning questions about long COVID, vaccine efficacy and safety for people with autoimmune conditions, and potential links between autoimmunity and long COVID. They also talk about cutting edge research and new therapies including CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Ca...
“Disability is not a Dirty Word:” Catherine’s Story of Fierce Hope & Young Patient Advocacy
Arthritis Life - April 11, 2024 17:40 - 1 hourThrough sharing her own story publicly, Catherine learned the importance of disability representation and advocacy for young people. She also delves into why it is crucial to include the voices of young adults in the research and advocacy process. Cheryl and Catherine explore the process of di...
Overcoming Denial, Confronting Food Phobia, and Embracing Online Communities: Ray’s AS and OA Story
Arthritis Life - March 28, 2024 03:03 - 1 hourTrigger warning: orthorexia / eating disorders; fear of foods In Episode 122, Ray shares the shock and emotional turmoil he experienced upon receiving his diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and osteoarthritis (OA). He described the initial denial he felt and th...
Demystifying Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatic Disease and Long Covid: with Christine Stamatos
Arthritis Life - March 19, 2024 23:23 - 1 hourChristine highlights the importance of lifestyle methods to manage chronic conditions including sleep hygiene, stress management, anti inflammatory nutrition, exercise and more. They discuss the importance of focusing on what brings joy and meaning to one's life while managing chronic illness. ...
What’s it like to be an Adult Living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis? Rebecca Beesley’s Story
Arthritis Life - March 11, 2024 23:28 - 1 hourCheryl and Rebecca also share misconceptions and talk about the variability and fluctuations of symptoms, as well as reframing limitations and embracing flexibility. They explore the idea of living a "good life" with rheumatic diseases, acknowledging the challenges while emphasizing the possibil...
Dancing Through Deformities: Christine’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story
Arthritis Life - March 05, 2024 00:19 - 1 hourEpisode Summary ****Please see the episode trigger warning below. On episode 119 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Christine Troyano shares her journey of living, traveling the world and dancing with rheumatoid arthritis. She also opens up about pressures she experienced as a young person to trea...
Living through Diagnostic Purgatory and Rare Medication Side Effects: Rosemary’s Psoriatic Arthritis Story
Arthritis Life - February 25, 2024 15:56 - 1 hourRosemary also shares her experience with a mystery skin rash that ended up being a rare psoriatic arthritis medication side effect: leukocytoclastic vasculitis triggered by drug-induced lupus, and an eventual diagnosis of Palisaded Neutrophilic and Granulomatous Dermatitis. Throughout the epis...
How Can Exercise reduce Pain and Fatigue in RA? With Dr. Kimberly Steinbarger, Physical Therapist
Arthritis Life - February 19, 2024 18:33 - 1 hourCheryl and Dr. Kimberly discuss the importance of pain science education to help patients better understand and manage their pain perception. The also explore the importance of building a network of health professionals and support groups to empower patients to advocate for themselves and naviga...
From Dog Training to Occupational Therapy: Lauren’s Ankylosing Spondylitis Journey
Arthritis Life - February 07, 2024 23:34 - 1 hourIn episode 116 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Lauren Huffman shares her journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and how her passion for occupational therapy and dogs has brought her meaning even through challenges. She and Cheryl give insight into the “behind the scenes” of Arthritis Life, and wha...
From Confused to Confident with Psoriatic Arthritis: Chef Kate’s Story (Re-Release)
Arthritis Life - February 02, 2024 18:39 - 1 hourIn this episode, Kate shares her journey getting diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis while working as a chef in London. She opens up about her post-diagnosis emotional roller coaster and shares how joining Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE online support and education program helped her feel more confiden...
Living a Creative Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Julia’s Story of Dancing, Acting, Writing and More
Arthritis Life - January 24, 2024 22:49 - 1 hourEpisode at a glance: For full episode show notes go to the episode page here. Diagnosis story: Julia went from having a very active lifestyle, to becoming waking up with pain, fatigue, fever, and other symptoms. After initially thinking her symptoms were from a virus or pushing herself too har...
Are We Out of the Woods Yet? Taylor Swift Songs that Capture the Chronic Illness Experience
Arthritis Life - January 13, 2024 19:28 - 1 hourIn this episode, Cheryl discusses the major themes in Taylor Swift’s music that relate to the chronic illness experience, from the “Haunting” experience of a medication not working anymore to my own “Anti Heroic” immune system to the constant question of “Are We Out of the Woods yet?” when in a ...
From Medical Gaslighting to a Sjogren’s Diagnosis: Dr. Rebecca Hosey’s Story
Arthritis Life - January 05, 2024 15:51 - 1 hourCheryl and Dr. Hosey delve into the importance of accepting the unpredictability of life with chronic illness and redefining what constitutes a "normal" life. This includes a discussion about resilience, mindfulness, and the potential for personal growth in the face of chronic health struggles. ...
Five Things I wish I had Known When I was Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Update & Re-Release
Arthritis Life - December 15, 2023 21:09 - 41 minutesAfter discovering that episode 14 is the most downloaded of all my Arthritis Life Podcast episodes, I decided to release it with some additional insights from my perspective now. I also provide some updates after facilitating support groups for over 250 people in the last three years. This epis...
What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Arthritis? Panel Discussion #3
Arthritis Life - December 09, 2023 17:07 - 1 hourThis is a follow up to episode 45: “What’s it like to be on Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis?” Paulina, Jenny, Ali, and Ananthi share what’s changed and what has stayed the same with their medications, including whether they’re still on methotrexate. They also refle...
What is Remission for Rheumatoid Arthritis? With Dr. Isabelle Amigues
Arthritis Life - November 30, 2023 19:42 - 1 hourCheryl and Dr. Amigues touch upon the significance of accurately diagnosing RA and the potential for misdiagnosis, especially as this influences the ability to receive appropriate care. They give valuable insight into the journey of living with RA, and bring a positive perspective that thriving ...
Episode 108 - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 101, with Emily Taylor from Solve ME
Arthritis Life - November 16, 2023 20:07 - 57 minutesEmily explains what post-exertional malaise is, and highlights the challenges associated with diagnosing and managing ME/CFS. Emily emphasizes the need for personalized care and the critical role of patients in advocating for their own health. This conversation underscores the significance of cr...
The Benefits and Challenges of Publicly Sharing Your Chronic Illness Story: Insights from Brianna | Ep 107
Arthritis Life - October 26, 2023 18:40 - 1 hourCheryl and Brianna discuss the challenges and the benefits of sharing your chronic illness story publicly on social media, including how they deal with both positive and negative feedback from a growing audience. They also discuss the positive impact of finding support and inspiration online. ...
Art, Advocacy, Representation and Acceptance: Tyra Grove's Rheumatoid Arthritis Story
Arthritis Life - October 13, 2023 15:59 - 1 hourSummary: Cheryl and Tyra delve into Tyra's unique journey as a Black woman living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and her inspiring efforts to create a documentary about her experiences. Tyra, an actress and filmmaker, shared how her struggle with RA led her to embark on the documentary project....
Laura Simpson's Story and Autoimmune Community Summit Preview
Arthritis Life - September 29, 2023 01:36 - 37 minutesSummary: Chery and Laura discuss the importance of connecting with others in the autoimmune community to create a sense of belonging and empowerment. They delve into the diverse offerings at the Autoimmune Association’s upcoming event: the Autoimmune Community Summit. This includes sessions on...
What’s the latest in Autoimmune Research and How can You Get Involved?
Arthritis Life - September 22, 2023 13:57 - 56 minutesEpisode summary Rheumatologist Dr. Buckner emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and reassures patients that, although there might not be a cure yet, advancements in treatments have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with autoimmune diseases. She highlights the cr...
What’s it Like to Run a Thriving Business with Chronic Illness? Nikita Williams’ Story
Arthritis Life - September 18, 2023 13:56 - 58 minutesSummary: Nikita shares her personal journey of acceptance, self-compassion, and finding her center while navigating multiple conditions, including endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and Hashimoto’s. Their conversation delves into the power of mindset in managing chronic pain, the significance of self...
Episode 102 - What’s it Like to Live and Work with Axial Spondyloarthritis? Stella Levy’s Story
Arthritis Life - September 01, 2023 16:04 - 1 hourEpisode at a glance: Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment: Stella shares her journey of being diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis at a young age and the challenges of finding effective treatments. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking alternatives if a treatmen...
Climbing the Mountain of Chronic Pain: Dr Furlan on Pain
Arthritis Life - August 25, 2023 16:30 - 56 minutesEpisode at a glance: Relation to autoimmune arthritis: Dr. Furlan is a physician at a pain clinic, a scientist at the rehab institute, and assistant faculty at the University of Toronto. She is a physiatrist who specializes in pain. Understanding Pain: Dr. Furlan explains how pain science is c...
Cheryl's Diagnosis Story Twenty Years Later: Featuring Cheryl's Parents
Arthritis Life - August 07, 2023 18:02 - 50 minutesEpisode Summary: 🛑Trigger warning: discussion of eating disorders (I did not have one but was accused of lying about causing my weight loss and hiding an ED) 🛑 In this episode, my parents and I share our memories of my diagnosis story, which covers roughly 2001-2004.This includes a discussion ...
Finding a Realistic Sense of Hope While Juggling Multiple Chronic Illnesses: Katie’s Story
Arthritis Life - July 17, 2023 16:53 - 1 hourYou are not alone. In this episode, host Cheryl Crow and Rheum to THRIVE Graduate Katie Searfross discuss how to find a realistic sense of hope when coping with multiple fluctuating, complex chronic illnesses that are sometimes out of our control. Katie shares how she copes and finds ways to h...
How to Find Your “New Normal” with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Jennifer Weaver’s Story
Arthritis Life - June 22, 2023 18:43 - 1 hourJenni shares how her symptoms were initially dismissed before she got diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She then got her diagnosis and experienced a rare medication side effect: medically induced pustular psoriasis. Through it all, she also balanced being a mom, wife and friend. In this episo...
How to Track Symptoms Without Getting Stressed & Overwhelmed, with Dr. Millie
Arthritis Life - June 08, 2023 16:17 - 59 minutesEpisode at a glance: What is a naturopathic doctor? Naturopathic doctors use a holistic approach to patient care. They often include nutrition, mind-body medicine, exercise, and natural approaches to their treatment. Naturopathic doctors must take professional board exams in order to be license...
How does RA Affect Identity? Reflections on Gender, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and More with Psychotherapist Timothy Weymann
Arthritis Life - May 26, 2023 01:21 - 1 hourIn this episode, host Cheryl Crow and psychotherapist Timothy Weymann delve deep into the existential, philosophical questions that chronic illness poses. Is there hope without healing? Is it possible to “make peace with loss and change?” How on earth can you “access a sense of peace in the mid...
What Happens When Your Journey is an Autoimmune Soap Opera? Kelly Conway’s Story
Arthritis Life - May 10, 2023 19:23 - 1 hourKelly shares the long and winding road trialing medications and building her coping toolbox as she navigates an undetermined form of autoimmune arthritis. She shares what it’s like to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist while balancing her health needs, and reflects on the pros and cons of dis...
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