Colleen shares her unique journey of navigating life with rheumatoid arthritis after also being born with one hand. She shares how she maintains a glass half full attitude despite multiple health challenges including joint replacement surgeries. She also shares her favorite adaptations and gadgets that help her function in daily life.
Colleen Hood:
My name is Colleen Hood. I am a housewife and have been with my husband 34 years. I was diagnosed with RA age 20 and it started on my hands and knees. I was born with a limb difference of having just one hand. But honestly, I love every part of myself, even the RA. It makes me ME. I have always been determined, strong, “I will get this” type person. RA just made things a little harder, but never stopped me.
I am my own bionic woman. I had my 4 knuckles replaced through surgery, my wrist and ankle fused surgically, my right hip was replaced and I’ve had lots of rheumatoid nodules removed from my feet, fingers, and my little arm elbow.
OT and PT have helped me a lot since I have one hand. I use gadgets and tools and just practice makes progress. I did develop cataracts at age 37 and early osteoporosis in my mid 30s due to long and large steriod use. But no complaints... I am all good now.
I love the infusion meds... been on different ones since 2008 and things have been way better since. I did stop working in 2014 as just having one hand and 2 functional fingers, I put my health first. I worked 28yrs and am proud of it. So now I just care for my hubby and did care for my mom before she died in 2019. I am everyone's cheerleader and grateful I joined instagram last January.
Cheryl Crow
Cheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for nineteen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.
Join the waitlist for Rheum to THRIVE, 6-month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. The next group starts in Spring 2022!
Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
See www.MyArthritisLIfe.Net for a full episode transcript!