Arthritis Life

It's Not Just Joint Pain, and 8 other Things Everyone who Loves Someone with Arthritis Should Know

Episode Summary

If you love someone with inflammatory arthritis, this episode is for you! Cheryl sheds light on how loved ones can best support people with autoimmune and auto-inflammatory forms of arthritis. This episode includes messages and insights from twenty-eight other patients.

Episode Notes

Episode at a Glance:

• 0:48: Episode intro
• 2:50: One -  We want you to learn what the disease is and isn’t.
• 9:55: Two - The fatigue can be just as bad as the pain.
• 15:48: Three - It doesn’t just affect the body - it also affects the mind and emotions.
• 20:20**: Four** - It affects EACH person differently.
• 22:50: Five - Daily symptoms are often unpredictable.
• 25:45**: Six -** We want credit for how hard we’re fighting, even when we seem “normal.”
• 27:54: Seven - Sometimes we need problem solving, other times we need empathy.
• 34:30: Eight - Managing the disease itself is a job that takes time and energy.
• 35:55: Bonus point: Take care of YOUR needs as the caregiver/friend
• 37:10: Concluding thoughts

Medical disclaimer:

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.

Episode Sponsors

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! 

Links to things discussed in this episode:

• Free webinar: How to Use Social Media and Online Information as an RA patient Without Wanting to Tear your Hair Out
• Free Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RA
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life Instagram
• Arthritis Life website
• @ArthritisLife on Tiktok
• Arthritis Life Facebook Page
• Cheryl’s free Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic Support
• Cheryl’s Twitter: @realcc

Thank you so much to episode contributors from Instagram:

@Sophialwebb_  , @mhaggerty_ , @mariavgi , @warriorsmovemountains , @worldofOT , @shelly_steele , _brittanbee_ , @theinvisiblemewarriorspbc , @znev.alia , @aimeefb, @mrs_Alix_Naber, @Lailaschneider, @kat.panning, @Annafitandbeautiful, @danicreegs, @floopilicious, @wsmommie, @house_of_spoons, @Bto22, @diana_rosas023,  @chaichat023, @kheartsphotos, @pdxfashionista, @stephanielabonte, @shelly_steele + numerous anonymous contributors!