<p>She shares her complex diagnostic journey across multiple autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, highlighting the uncertainty and overlap many patients experience. Cheryl and Lorraine discuss shifting from a “cure” mindset to one focused on management, the role of community (including Rheum to THRIVE), and how writing can be a powerful tool for processing and meaning-making.</p>
<p>Together, they explore how reframing expectations, finding connection, and letting go of the illusion of control can help people feel less alone and more capable. If you’re newly diagnosed, this conversation offers both validation and a gentle reminder that, over time, navigating your health and your life can become more manageable.</p>
<h2>Episode at a glance:</h2>
<ul>
 <li>00:00–03:00 Introduction + Lorraine’s background</li>
 <li>03:00–08:30 Diagnostic journey across multiple conditions</li>
 <li>08:30–12:30 Coping, loss of identity, and community support</li>
 <li>12:30–16:00 The “acceptance paradox” and letting go of cure culture</li>
 <li>16:00–20:00 Writing as a processing tool</li>
 <li>20:00–28:00 The concept of “body weather” and chaotic systems</li>
 <li>28:00–33:00 Environmental parallels and climate connections</li>
 <li>33:00–41:00 Inside the book’s metaphors and structure</li>
 <li>41:00–50:00 Writing advice and creative process</li>
 <li>50:00–54:00 Advice for newly diagnosed patients</li>
 <li>54:00–58:00 Tools, quotes, and recommendations</li>
 <li>58:00–End Thriving with chronic illness + closing thoughts</li>
</ul>
<h2>Medical disclaimer: </h2>
<p>All content found on<a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Arthritis Life</a> 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.</p>
<h2>Episode Sponsors</h2>
<p><a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rheum to THRIVE,</a></p>
<p> 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. </p>
<p><a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">See all the details</a></p>
<p> and join the program or waitlist now!</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

<description>&lt;p&gt;She shares her complex diagnostic journey across multiple autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, highlighting the uncertainty and overlap many patients experience. Cheryl and Lorraine discuss shifting from a “cure” mindset to one focused on management, the role of community (including Rheum to THRIVE), and how writing can be a powerful tool for processing and meaning-making.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Together, they explore how reframing expectations, finding connection, and letting go of the illusion of control can help people feel less alone and more capable. If you’re newly diagnosed, this conversation offers both validation and a gentle reminder that, over time, navigating your health and your life can become more manageable.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode at a glance:&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;00:00–03:00 Introduction + Lorraine’s background&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;03:00–08:30 Diagnostic journey across multiple conditions&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;08:30–12:30 Coping, loss of identity, and community support&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;12:30–16:00 The “acceptance paradox” and letting go of cure culture&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;16:00–20:00 Writing as a processing tool&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;20:00–28:00 The concept of “body weather” and chaotic systems&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;28:00–33:00 Environmental parallels and climate connections&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;33:00–41:00 Inside the book’s metaphors and structure&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;41:00–50:00 Writing advice and creative process&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;50:00–54:00 Advice for newly diagnosed patients&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;54:00–58:00 Tools, quotes, and recommendations&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;58:00–End Thriving with chronic illness + closing thoughts&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Medical disclaimer: &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All content found on&lt;a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt; Arthritis Life&lt;/a&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode Sponsors&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Rheum to THRIVE,&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; 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. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;See all the details&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; and join the program or waitlist now!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Cheryl talks with science writer Lorraine Boissinault about her new book Body Weather: Notes on Chronic Illness and the Anthropocene, which explores the parallels between chronic illness and environmental change. Lorraine introduces the concept of “body weather,” describing chronic illness as a fluctuating, hard-to-predict “chaotic system” that can be tracked but not fully controlled.

Body Weather: Making Sense of Chronic Illness in an Unpredictable Body

<p>Eileen and Gittel talk about why they’re passionate about leading support spaces, what those groups are really like (spoiler: welcoming, not intimidating), and how connection can make a huge difference. You’ll also hear gentle, practical advice for those early days like pacing yourself, adapting as you go, and redefining what it means to thrive.</p>
<p>It’s a comforting reminder that even with chronic illness, you can still build a full, meaningful life and you don’t have to figure it out alone. And if you’d like to join one of the latest Rheum to THRIVE groups, you can <a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">do so here. </a></p>
<h2>Episode at a glance:</h2>
<ul>
 <li>00:00 Meet the New Facilitators</li>
 <li>01:13 Diagnoses and Comorbidities</li>
 <li>04:35 Why Eileen Facilitates</li>
 <li>08:06 Why Gittel (GT) Facilitates</li>
 <li>12:09 Why Support Groups Matter</li>
 <li>15:27 Program Structure Highlights</li>
 <li>22:43 GT’s Teaching Style</li>
 <li>23:32 Creating Safe Space</li>
 <li>24:28 Alumni Group Exploration</li>
 <li>25:46 Eileen’s Facilitation Style</li>
 <li>33:42 Common Support Group Worries Addressed</li>
 <li>37:48 Importance of Diversity In Groups</li>
 <li>41:41 Reflections on Thriving With Arthritis</li>
</ul>
<h2>Medical disclaimer: </h2>
<p>All content found on<a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Arthritis Life</a> 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.</p>
<h2>Episode Sponsors</h2>
<p><a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rheum to THRIVE,</a> 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. <a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">See all the details</a> and join the program or waitlist now! </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Eileen and Gittel talk about why they’re passionate about leading support spaces, what those groups are really like (spoiler: welcoming, not intimidating), and how connection can make a huge difference. You’ll also hear gentle, practical advice for those early days like pacing yourself, adapting as you go, and redefining what it means to thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It’s a comforting reminder that even with chronic illness, you can still build a full, meaningful life and you don’t have to figure it out alone. And if you’d like to join one of the latest Rheum to THRIVE groups, you can &lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;do so here. &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode at a glance:&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;00:00 Meet the New Facilitators&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;01:13 Diagnoses and Comorbidities&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;04:35 Why Eileen Facilitates&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;08:06 Why Gittel (GT) Facilitates&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;12:09 Why Support Groups Matter&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;15:27 Program Structure Highlights&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;22:43 GT’s Teaching Style&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;23:32 Creating Safe Space&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;24:28 Alumni Group Exploration&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;25:46 Eileen’s Facilitation Style&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;33:42 Common Support Group Worries Addressed&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;37:48 Importance of Diversity In Groups&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;41:41 Reflections on Thriving With Arthritis&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Medical disclaimer: &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All content found on&lt;a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt; Arthritis Life&lt;/a&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode Sponsors&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Rheum to THRIVE,&lt;/a&gt; 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. &lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;See all the details&lt;/a&gt; and join the program or waitlist now! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

If you’re newly diagnosed, this episode feels like meeting two people who truly get it. Cheryl introduces new Rheum to THRIVE facilitators Eileen Davidson and Gittel Aguilar, who openly share their own diagnosis journeys and what led them to their roles as patient educators and support group leaders today. 


Introducing New Rheum to THRIVE Facilitators Gittel Aguilar & Eileen!

<p>The conversation also dives into the emotional side of chronic illness, including fear of movement, the importance of interoception (body awareness), and how to avoid the boom–bust cycle of overdoing it. Cheryl and Jamie reflect on the shift from a “warrior” mindset to one rooted in acceptance, adaptability, and long-term self-care. Ultimately, this episode offers a hopeful, realistic perspective: that thriving with arthritis isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about finding what works for your body and building a life alongside it, not in spite of it. </p>
<h2>Episode at a glance:</h2>
<ul>
 <li>01:27 Jamie’s Diagnosis Journey</li>
 <li>05:41 Processing The Reality Online</li>
 <li>07:05 Gender And Community Support</li>
 <li>11:50 From Isolation To Teaching</li>
 <li>19:12 Why Accessibility Matters</li>
 <li>22:59 Adaptations And Safer Strength</li>
 <li>31:58 Interoception Explained</li>
 <li>33:23 Proprioception and Arthritis</li>
 <li>36:02 When Awareness Becomes Sensitivity</li>
 <li>36:57 Progression Beyond Rehab Sheets</li>
 <li>39:55 Progressive Overload in Flares</li>
 <li>42:45 Just Right Challenge</li>
 <li>43:09 Accessible Training Tools</li>
 <li>45:47 Acceptance and Thriving</li>
 <li>48:58 Community and Uncertainty</li>
</ul>
<h2>Medical disclaimer: </h2>
<p>All content found on<a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Arthritis Life</a> 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.</p>
<h2>Episode Sponsors</h2>
<p><a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rheum to THRIVE,</a> 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. <a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">See all the details</a> and join the program or waitlist now! </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

<description>&lt;p&gt;The conversation also dives into the emotional side of chronic illness, including fear of movement, the importance of interoception (body awareness), and how to avoid the boom–bust cycle of overdoing it. Cheryl and Jamie reflect on the shift from a “warrior” mindset to one rooted in acceptance, adaptability, and long-term self-care. Ultimately, this episode offers a hopeful, realistic perspective: that thriving with arthritis isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about finding what works for your body and building a life alongside it, not in spite of it. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode at a glance:&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;01:27 Jamie’s Diagnosis Journey&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;05:41 Processing The Reality Online&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;07:05 Gender And Community Support&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;11:50 From Isolation To Teaching&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;19:12 Why Accessibility Matters&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;22:59 Adaptations And Safer Strength&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;31:58 Interoception Explained&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;33:23 Proprioception and Arthritis&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;36:02 When Awareness Becomes Sensitivity&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;36:57 Progression Beyond Rehab Sheets&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;39:55 Progressive Overload in Flares&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;42:45 Just Right Challenge&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;43:09 Accessible Training Tools&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;45:47 Acceptance and Thriving&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;48:58 Community and Uncertainty&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Medical disclaimer: &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All content found on&lt;a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt; Arthritis Life&lt;/a&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode Sponsors&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Rheum to THRIVE,&lt;/a&gt; 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. &lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;See all the details&lt;/a&gt; and join the program or waitlist now! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

On this episode, Cheryl sits down with personal trainer and yoga teacher Jamie Boder to explore how movement can be adapted for people living with inflammatory arthritis. Drawing from both his professional expertise and lived experience with axial spondyloarthritis and Crohn’s disease, Jamie shares how traditional fitness spaces often fail to meet the needs of fluctuating, unpredictable bodies. Together, they break down practical strategies for making exercise more accessible, sustainable, and personalized, from modifying movements to rethinking “progress” beyond just doing more.


Making Movement Accessible with Inflammatory Arthritis, with Jamie Boder

<p>Together, we walk through how to find reputable research, what “peer-reviewed” really means, and why one exciting study doesn’t equal a proven treatment. Dr. Li also explains key concepts like plain language summaries, the hierarchy of evidence, and how to spot common traps like cherry-picking data or misleading headlines.</p>
<p>Our goal on this episode is to give you some practical tools so you can feel more confident, informed, and supported in your health decisions. Because learning how to interpret research helps you build <i>realistic, evidence-based hope</i> that actually serves you long-term. </p>
<h2>Episode at a glance:</h2>
<ul>
 <li>Why “doing your own research” can feel empowering, but also confusing without the right tools</li>
 <li>Trusted places to start when looking for arthritis information (so you’re not relying on random posts or headlines)</li>
 <li>What “peer-reviewed research” means in plain language</li>
 <li>How plain language summaries make research more accessible (and why to look for them)</li>
 <li>Why not everything published in a journal is high-quality (and what “predatory journals” are)</li>
 <li>The truth about “one study says…” and why science is built over time</li>
 <li>What cherry-picking data looks like—and how it can lead to misleading conclusions</li>
 <li>The difference between correlation and causation (and why it matters for treatment decisions)</li>
 <li>Red flags to watch for when you see bold claims online</li>
 <li>Simple ways to feel more confident evaluating research, without necessarily needing a science degree</li>
</ul>
<h2>Medical disclaimer: </h2>
<p>All content found on<a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Arthritis Life</a> 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.</p>
<h2>Episode Sponsors</h2>
<p><a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rheum to THRIVE,</a> 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. <a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">See all the details</a> and join the program or waitlist now! </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Together, we walk through how to find reputable research, what “peer-reviewed” really means, and why one exciting study doesn’t equal a proven treatment. Dr. Li also explains key concepts like plain language summaries, the hierarchy of evidence, and how to spot common traps like cherry-picking data or misleading headlines.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our goal on this episode is to give you some practical tools so you can feel more confident, informed, and supported in your health decisions. Because learning how to interpret research helps you build &lt;i&gt;realistic, evidence-based hope&lt;/i&gt; that actually serves you long-term. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode at a glance:&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Why “doing your own research” can feel empowering, but also confusing without the right tools&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Trusted places to start when looking for arthritis information (so you’re not relying on random posts or headlines)&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;What “peer-reviewed research” means in plain language&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;How plain language summaries make research more accessible (and why to look for them)&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Why not everything published in a journal is high-quality (and what “predatory journals” are)&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;The truth about “one study says…” and why science is built over time&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;What cherry-picking data looks like—and how it can lead to misleading conclusions&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;The difference between correlation and causation (and why it matters for treatment decisions)&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Red flags to watch for when you see bold claims online&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Simple ways to feel more confident evaluating research, without necessarily needing a science degree&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Medical disclaimer: &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All content found on&lt;a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt; Arthritis Life&lt;/a&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode Sponsors&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Rheum to THRIVE,&lt;/a&gt; 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. &lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;See all the details&lt;/a&gt; and join the program or waitlist now! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Linda Li to break down a question so many people living with arthritis have: How do I know what information I can actually trust?
With so much conflicting advice online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, or even hopeful about claims that are ultimately  unfounded. 


Rheumer Has It:  Myths and Misconceptions About Arthritis Research: What Patients Should Know

<p>They also  reflect on how they’ve navigated the ups and downs of chronic illness life and share how grief and joy can co-exist. They also highlight the importance of  finding a supportive community with shared experiences. They also discuss their choices around how much to share on social media about their experiences.</p>
<p>Paulina, Jenny, Ali, and Ananthi each share wisdom that has guided them along this nonlinear journey; encouraging self-care, advocating, celebrating small victories, and approaching life one day at a time. They conclude with a discussion about how to balance acceptance and adapting with a “fixing” mindset.</p>
<h2>Episode at a glance:</h2>
<ul>
 <li>Methotrexate and treatment plans: what’s changed and what’s stayed the same?</li>
 <li>Pregnancy and medication decisions: Jenny and Cheryl discuss how their pregnancies affected their treatments, as methotrexate is unsafe during pregnancy</li>
 <li>The impact of a supportive community: the panel reflects on how important it’s been to find others who “get it”</li>
 <li>The coexistence of joy and grief: the panel reflects on how important it is to make space for both joy and grief</li>
 <li>Coping toolbox: each panelists shares what’s in her coping toolbox, including reflections on how living “one day at a time” helps cope with unpredictability</li>
 <li>Balancing Chronic Illness and Identity: Some participants share the challenge of balancing their identity with chronic illness. They expressed the importance of finding a balance between addressing health needs and living a full life.</li>
 <li>Social Media and Mental Health: The discussion touched on the impact of social media on mental health. Participants shared their experiences of navigating online spaces, stressing the need to set boundaries and avoid being consumed by the negativity that can sometimes arise.</li>
 <li>Acceptance and Adaptation: The conversation delved into the journey of acceptance and adaptation to life with chronic illness. Participants shared personal strategies for navigating challenges, such as making choices that enable a better quality of life and adjusting plans based on energy levels</li>
</ul>
<h2>Medical disclaimer: </h2>
<p>All content found on<a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Arthritis Life</a> 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.</p>
<h2>Episode Sponsors</h2>
<p><a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rheum to THRIVE,</a> 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. <a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">See all the details</a> and join the program or waitlist now! </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

<description>&lt;p&gt;They also  reflect on how they’ve navigated the ups and downs of chronic illness life and share how grief and joy can co-exist. They also highlight the importance of  finding a supportive community with shared experiences. They also discuss their choices around how much to share on social media about their experiences.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paulina, Jenny, Ali, and Ananthi each share wisdom that has guided them along this nonlinear journey; encouraging self-care, advocating, celebrating small victories, and approaching life one day at a time. They conclude with a discussion about how to balance acceptance and adapting with a “fixing” mindset.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode at a glance:&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Methotrexate and treatment plans: what’s changed and what’s stayed the same?&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Pregnancy and medication decisions: Jenny and Cheryl discuss how their pregnancies affected their treatments, as methotrexate is unsafe during pregnancy&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;The impact of a supportive community: the panel reflects on how important it’s been to find others who “get it”&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;The coexistence of joy and grief: the panel reflects on how important it is to make space for both joy and grief&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Coping toolbox: each panelists shares what’s in her coping toolbox, including reflections on how living “one day at a time” helps cope with unpredictability&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Balancing Chronic Illness and Identity: Some participants share the challenge of balancing their identity with chronic illness. They expressed the importance of finding a balance between addressing health needs and living a full life.&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Social Media and Mental Health: The discussion touched on the impact of social media on mental health. Participants shared their experiences of navigating online spaces, stressing the need to set boundaries and avoid being consumed by the negativity that can sometimes arise.&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Acceptance and Adaptation: The conversation delved into the journey of acceptance and adaptation to life with chronic illness. Participants shared personal strategies for navigating challenges, such as making choices that enable a better quality of life and adjusting plans based on energy levels&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Medical disclaimer: &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All content found on&lt;a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt; Arthritis Life&lt;/a&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Episode Sponsors&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Rheum to THRIVE,&lt;/a&gt; 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. &lt;a href="https://arthritislifeschool.thinkific.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;See all the details&lt;/a&gt; and join the program or waitlist now! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

On this encore episode, Cheryl checks in with a panel of patients who’ve taken methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. 
This 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.

What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Arthritis?  (Encore Episode)

Arthritis life features real patient stories, expert advice, life hacks and more to help you feel more empowered and less alone. Host Cheryl Crow shares her insights from both as a rheumatoid arthritis patient for over twenty years and as an occupational therapist, a health profession that focuses on empowering people with health challenges to function in their daily lives.

This podcast also includes reflections on how you can have the best quality of life possible despite chronic pain, anxiety and other challenging parts of chronic illness. 

My goal is to help you manage REAL life with arthritis, beyond joint pain. Let's get started!

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