Arthritis Life

Dr. Girnita explains how estrogen and other hormones influence the immune system, why perimenopause can be particularly confusing for people living with rheumatic diseases, and what patients should know about distinguishing hormonal symptoms from an autoimmune disease flare.Cheryl and Dr. Girnita also discuss the evolving evidence around menopause hormone therapy (also known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT), including whether it's an option for people with RA, lupus, and Sjögren's disease. They explore the importance of protecting bone health, maintaining muscle strength, finding knowledgeable healthcare providers, and advocating for yourself when symptoms are dismissed. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that menopause is a normal life transition, not a disease, and that people living with autoimmune conditions deserve individualized, evidence-informed care to help them thrive through every stage of life.Episode at a glance:Hormones and autoimmunity: Why estrogen and other hormones influence inflammation, joint health, and autoimmune disease.Understanding perimenopause: When it can begin, how long it can last, and why symptoms can be difficult to recognize.RA flare or perimenopause? How overlapping symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and sleep disturbances can complicate diagnosis.The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause: How hormonal changes may contribute to joint pain, tendon problems, and other musculoskeletal symptoms.Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): What people with RA, lupus, and Sjögren's should know about potential benefits, risks, and individualized treatment.Finding the right healthcare team: Why menopause expertise, rheumatology knowledge, and shared decision-making matter.Protecting your long-term health: The importance of bone density, strength training, exercise, and healthy habits during midlife.Self-advocacy and empowerment: Tracking symptom patterns, asking questions, seeking second opinions, and rejecting the idea that menopause is something to fear.Medical disclaimer: 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.Episode SponsorsRheum 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.

Alex shares how humor, honest storytelling, and finding small moments of joy have helped her cope with serious health challenges.  They also discuss navigating marriage when one partner has a chronic illness, Alex's  pregnancy journey, challenging ableism and misconceptions about invisible illnesses, and redefining productivity to include rest. Throughout this heartfelt and often hilarious conversation, Alex and Cheryl reflect on how living well with chronic illness isn't about pretending everything is okay, but about embracing the full spectrum of life, including the hard moments and the beautiful ones. Episode at a glance:Alex’s diagnosis journey: From childhood arthritis symptoms to diagnoses of lupus, mixed connective tissue disease, and vasculitis.Love, marriage, and chronic illness: How Alex and her husband Cooper navigate caregiving, communication, and maintaining a strong relationship through health challenges.Pregnancy with lupus: Alex shares her pregnancy journey, including fertility concerns, preparing for IVF, and how pregnancy has affected her autoimmune symptoms.Finding humor and hope: How Alex uses comedy, storytelling, and her Calling in Sick podcast to help others feel seen and less alone.Challenging ableism and misconceptions: Why invisible illnesses are so often misunderstood and how sharing authentic patient experiences can help change perceptions.Navigating identity, grief, and relationships: How chronic illness affects friendships, boundaries, and self-image, including the differences between growing up sick and being diagnosed as an adult.Redefining productivity and embracing rest: Why rest is productive, how to release guilt, and the importance of adapting activities to meet your body's needs.Finding joy amid uncertainty: Why living well with chronic illness doesn't mean ignoring the hard days, and how to embrace the possibility that good things can still happen.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 SponsorsRheum 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 explore why there’s no single “perfect” diet for rheumatoid arthritis, what “plant-forward” eating really means, and why lifestyle changes should complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical treatment. Dr. Bhanusali also breaks down common concerns about gluten, dairy, nightshades, beans, and supplements, while emphasizing that individual responses to food can vary widely. Most importantly, she shares a realistic, flexible approach to nutrition that focuses on adding nourishing foods, paying attention to your own body, and letting go of perfection. Episode at a glance:Why there is no single “best” diet for rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatic diseasesWhat research, including the Plants for Joints study, suggests about plant-based nutrition, exercise, and stress managementWhy medications and lifestyle changes are partners, not competitors, in managing inflammatory rheumatic diseaseWhat “plant-based, plant-predominant, and plant-forward” actually mean, and why eating plant-forward doesn’t necessarily mean going veganDo you really need to eliminate gluten, dairy, nightshades, beans, or other commonly blamed foods?How to distinguish a food that simply doesn’t agree with you from assumptions that it is increasing systemic inflammationThe truth about supplements for arthritis, including why “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe or effectiveWhy nutrition matters even if you don’t notice specific food-related flares, including its role in overall and cardiovascular healthNutrition considerations for people taking GLP-1 medications, including protein intake, exercise, and preserving muscleHow to make nourishing choices on high-pain, high-fatigue days without falling into an all-or-nothing mindset Medical disclaimer: 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.Episode SponsorsRheum 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.

Lauren shares practical insights on adapting meaningful activities (including caring for and training dogs!), conserving energy, finding realistic hope, and building a life around what matters to you. Plus, Lauren shares why she’s excited to bring this perspective to her newest role as a Rheum to THRIVE certified facilitator.Episode at a glance:How occupational therapy shaped Lauren’s approach to life with ankylosing spondylitisWays to make dog care and training more accessibleTips for pacing, energy conservation, and joint protectionCoping with the uncertainty of inflammatory arthritisThe value of community and evidence-based supportAdvice for people newly diagnosed with inflammatory arthritisWhat it means to thrive with ASWhy Lauren became a Rheum to THRIVE facilitatorMedical 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 SponsorsRheum 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, Marisa, Alice, Gittel, Meg and Annette reflect on the profound impact of community, the invaluable educational components of the Rheum to THRIVE program, and the collective wisdom that has helped them cope and thrive.  The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, shared humor, and the supportive environment of the Rheum to THRIVE group, which empowers members to navigate their health challenges and advocate for themselves. This episode first appeared as episode 172 in June 2025. Since then, Cheryl has trained 4 additional Rheum to THRIVE Certified facilitators to continue offering more support to those living with rheumatic disease and inflammatory forms of arthritis.  Episode at a glance: Celebrating 5 Years of Thrive: Cheryl reflects on the origins of the Rheum to THRIVE program and members share how they found the group and what drew them in. Support Group as Lifeline: Members describe Rheum to THRIVE as a uniquely supportive and safe space that offers emotional validation, practical advice, and deep connection. Power of Peer Support & Representation: Cheryl and Rheum to Thrive members share how hearing others share similar stories helps members feel less alone and seeing others thrive with chronic illness is empowering and inspiring. Tools for Thriving: Members reference helpful resources like the THRIVE Framework, webinars, and guest speakers. The Joy of Community & Shared Identity: Cheryl and the Rheum to Thrive members discuss how inside jokes, celebrations, and shared experiences strengthen group bonds. Lasting Impact of the Program: The Rheum to Thrive members tell Cheryl that they pursued careers in counseling or advocacy inspired by their journey and that Rheum to Thrive supports lifelong learning and personal growth. They also reflect on how the group has helped members through isolation and uncertainty. 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!    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this encore episode, Dr. Liew  shares her personal journey to becoming a rheumatologist inspired by a friend's diagnosis. She then discusses the condition in detail, addressing common misconceptions such as it being exclusive to white men and always showing up on imaging.  Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the challenges of diagnosing this condition, social determinants affecting diagnosis, and reliable resources for further information. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the labyrinth of rheumatic diseases, providing hope and knowledge to help you thrive. Episode at a glance: 00:00 Introduction to Rheumer Has It Podcast 00:26 Meet Dr. Jean Liew: Expert on Axial Spondyloarthritis 00:40 Understanding Axial Spondyloarthritis 01:41 Dr. Liew's Journey into Rheumatology 04:16 Busting Myths: Axial Spondyloarthritis and Demographics (it’s not just men!) 06:50 Challenges in Diagnosing Axial Spondyloarthritis 10:27 The Role of HLAB 27 in Axial Spondyloarthritis 12:26 Imaging and Axial Spondyloarthritis 14:38 Final Thoughts and Resources Medical disclaimer:  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. 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!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Along the way, they talk about the comfort of pets, the importance of finding friends who truly understand, why kids with invisible illnesses deserve to be believed, and the hope they've found through the Arthritis Foundation community. Whether you're raising a child with JIA, living with arthritis yourself, or simply want to better understand what these young patients experience, this conversation is a powerful reminder that no one has to face arthritis alone.  Episode at a glance: 00:00 Welcome and JIA Basics 01:05 Meet the Kids 02:38 Diagnosis Stories 06:49 Treatments and Trial Error 11:05 School Friends and Uveitis 15:41 Coping on Hard Days 20:26 Advice for Newly Diagnosed 23:33 What Adults Should Know 26:42 Final Thoughts and Foundation 29:51 Rapid Fire Favorite Books 33:41 Wrap Up and Goodbye 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Drawing from their own lived experiences, they discuss everything from when to disclose a diagnosis while dating to navigating rejection, communicating with partners, managing physical intimacy, and recognizing relationship red flags. They also share practical advice for building healthy partnerships rooted in honesty, empathy, and mutual support. Along the way, Cheryl and Eileen examine what research tells us about chronic illness, loneliness, and relationship outcomes, while challenging the myth that arthritis inevitably harms romantic relationships. Instead, they argue that although chronic illness can create real challenges, it can also deepen connection, vulnerability, and resilience with the right partner. Above all, they emphasize that the strongest foundation for any relationship is cultivating self-compassion, self-worth, and a healthy relationship with yourself first. Episode at a glance: 00:00 Welcome and Premise 00:33 Why This Topic Matters 01:02 Eileen and Cheryl Backgrounds 03:05 When to Disclose Illness 06:26 Cheryl Dating Lessons 10:36 Myth vs Fact Impact 12:56 Self Love and Breaks 18:34 Sex and Intimacy Tips 27:28 Relationship Styles That Work 30:30 Loneliness and Health Research 34:19 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up Medical disclaimer:  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. 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!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this updated introduction, I share how my response to this question has changed, the importance of exploring internalized ableism, and why I think a better question is: Can I build a joyful, meaningful life with rheumatoid arthritis along for the ride? After these reflections, you'll hear the original 2021 episode and see what has changed, and what has stayed the same in my thinking over the years. This is very much informed by the rich discussions I’ve had with people in the Rheum to THRIVE communities and the Arthritis Life community at large, whether on social media, email or in person. I would love to hear your thoughts on this question after listening to the episode!  Episode at a Glance 2026 updated thoughts: 00:00 Why Revisit Normal 02:16 Redefining Normal Life 06:05 Ableism And New Goals 08:50 Acceptance Not Giving Up 17:24 Thriving Without Remission 19:28 Toolboxes Fixing And Adapting 22:22 Community And Imperfection 2021 original audio:  26:08 Origins Of The Question 29:43 “Normal Compared To What?” 33:25 Uncertainty And Remission Paths 34:44 Truth Bombs And New Normal 41:43 Pain Versus Suffering 44:34 ACT In Practice 50:43 Rheum To THRIVE Framework 53:22 Final Takeaways 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Hazelwood emphasizes the importance of balancing risks and benefits and provides insights into how modern treatments can significantly improve quality of life. The episode emphasizes the safety and necessity of these medications and highlights the benefits of starting treatment early to prevent long-term complications.  This episode is particularly valuable for anyone newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who is navigating the complexities and concerns surrounding medication. Episode at a glance: Meet Rheumatologist & Researcher Dr. Glenn Hazelwood: Busting Myths About Medications Challenging Stigmas Around Advanced Treatments Addressing Misconceptions About Medication Use Medical disclaimer:  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. Episode Sponsors Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl Crow, OT 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.