Mourning the loss of a loved one is especially painful during the holiday season. We talked to CreakyJoints community members and Laurie Ferguson, PhD, for advice on managing the emotional and physical toll of grief.
There’s a flood of long COVID research emerging, but there are still challenges ahead in determining causes and treatments for the condition.
The Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll reveals that for the 65 percent who have had COVID, 44 percent have been diagnosed with long COVID.
Asthma itself and the medications often prescribed to treat it can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis — but fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your bone health.
Ten years of self-injections have made me despise my weekly methotrexate injection — here’s how I’m coping.
Cancer itself — and its treatments — can increase your risk of this common bone condition. Here’s why, and how to protect your bone health.
As these monoclonal antibodies become less powerful in preventing COVID-19, other measures like getting the new bivalent vaccine booster are even more crucial for immunocompromised patients.
If you have inflammatory bowel disease, bone health may not cross your mind — but IBD has been linked with osteoporosis. Here’s why, and how to protect your bones.
“It’s safe to say that life has thrown a lot of shit at all of us these last three years — and it has had a profound impact on my physical and emotional health and habits.”
If you live with arthritis, getting dressed for cold weather can be tricky. Here are a few tips to make it easier on your body.
Whether you are looking for seasonal recipes or inspiration for the upcoming holidays, we hope you enjoy these delectable fall recipes.
"Doing contract work at home allows me to move at my own pace and it gives my joints the time they need to get going...I stay busy but self-care is prioritized over work."
If you have osteoarthritis, here’s what you need to know to protect your joints and your bone health. Read more.
From virtual reality to precise blood work, patients are discovering more ways than ever to manage their disease.
Two new studies explore the unique health journeys, perspectives, and needs of Spanish-speaking patients with RA.
Getting a diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis brought feelings of relief and disbelief for patient and researcher Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam.
Patient advocate Wigna Cruz shares her experience participating in an advisory board for Spanish-speaking patients with RA — and how it evolved into a flourishing support group.
How rheumatoid arthritis patient Vanessa Kerr overcame the challenges of limited access to care in a rural area.
For patient advocate Ashley Krivohlavek, collaborating in her health journey has led to fewer symptoms and greater quality of life.
Patient advocate Stephanie Aleite explores how calculating an event’s value could help people living with chronic illness prioritize how they expend energy and improve their social support and well-being.
For patient advocates Zoe Rothblatt and Cheryl Crow, social media has become a dynamic platform for social support, validation, and empowerment in their chronic illness care.
New study shines light on the need to address cardiovascular disease in people living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Two new studies provide important insights and key topics for research on vaccination in people who are receiving (or choose not to receive) vaccinations.
“My diagnosis of RA came with significant loss. Several years later, I can proudly say I have gained more than I lost. I am a better person because of the things that RA took away.”
Mental health and osteoporosis have a two-way relationship. Here’s what you need to know to protect your bones and overall well-being.
This year brings with it new preventive options, but also new challenges, for the immunocompromised looking to mitigate their risk.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority said they will celebrate in person with close family and/or friends who are vaccinated, boosted, and tested negative.
If you experience migraine, bone health may not be top-of-mind, but these types of headaches may be linked to osteoporosis.
Chronic disease and depression often go hand in hand. To the rescue: Real-life tips on how to manage both.
"Finding that balance between too much and too little is a true artform that takes years to learn with rheumatoid arthritis."
If you have arthritis, it’s important to take steps to keep joints healthy. But here’s why you should prioritize bone health, too.
Long COVID has been called the next public health disaster in the making — it’s common, disabling, and comes at high personal and societal costs.
Whether in the beginning, middle, or end, the school year can be exhausting for parents with chronic illness. Try these tips to help you save energy and stress.
Mental health mainstays like walking outside aren't an option if you're bed- or housebound — but these creative alternatives can help.
Despite previous research showing lower antibody levels after vaccination in immunosuppressive individuals, the COVID-19 vaccines still appear to be highly effective at keeping this community of patients out of the hospital.
We asked rheumatologists what they want their patients to know on World Arthritis Day (and every day) and here is what they had to say.
New study finds that patients can likely switch between biosimilars of the same original biologic without any adverse effects or changes in how well their treatment works.
New research shows that your susceptibility to long COVID may be at least partly based on how healthy your mind is.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 94 percent reported they have gotten (or plan to get) their flu shot this fall/winter season.
Looking for a way to remind yourself about daily goals, self-care, and overall good mental well-being? Here's how a game-like app can help.
Rheumatoid arthritis patient and family nurse practitioner Stefanie Remson shares how she’s managed the feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and inadequacy that came with her diagnosis.
“No matter how strong I think I might be, or no matter how tough or stoic, the relentless grinding and repetition of this waiting cycle wears on me as a patient. It used to dig into me until I began to bring sensory items with me to help me cope.”
Here’s what you need to know about getting the latest COVID-19 booster and flu shot this fall.
In honor of World Heart Day, JP Summers, Patient Advocate, Community Outreach Manager at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, shares her experience with heart failure — and what lessons you can take away too.
“Trying to give a number to my pain makes me feel like I’m minimizing the experience of what pain really means in my daily life.”
Here’s what our patient community shared about the challenges surrounding accessing consistent and quality treatments for chronic health conditions.
New report finds New York is the best place to live for people with rheumatic disease; Wyoming is the worst.
Patient advocate Shelley Fritz shares her infusion day diary, including what she does before, during, and after each infusion and what lessons she's learned over the past decade.
“Having RA has given me an opportunity to be kinder to myself, love myself unconditionally, and to help so many more people in the RA community find this place of peace."
Here's how patient advocate Zoe Rothblatt and the chronic illness community feel social media has helped their health, and what a recent article got wrong about people who post about their disease.
Board-certified rheumatologist and internist Samantha Shapiro, MD, clears up common misconceptions about treating and managing rheumatic disease.
New updated COVID-19 boosters are now available. Here’s what you need to know if you’re immunocompromised.
Psoriasis and eczema share some symptoms, so getting a proper diagnosis is key to treating and managing both conditions.
Fighting afternoon fatigue may be even more challenging for people with chronic illness. Try these real-life, research-backed solutions to feel more energized and balanced throughout your day.
Studies find TB vaccine might help in the fight against COVID, however more research is needed and getting a COVID vaccine is still a must.
It’s not unusual to have both conditions. Here’s why and what you can do to make it easier to manage migraine and RA.
Our latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll reveals that 70 percent report feeling unsafe due to new, less restrictive COVID guidelines.
Here’s what to know about this phenomenon that can result in a positive COVID-19 test, even after treatment.
For patient advocate Jennifer Walker, the emergency room is not a safe, welcoming space. Here’s why — and how other patients with multiple chronic illnesses can learn from their experience.
In fact, more than half of study participants say their workplace support needs are not being fully met, even after they share details about their condition with a supervisor.
Patient advocate Eileen Davidson finds these all-too-common phrases rude, naive, and unsupportive — and you may too.
Fewer jabs and more effective treatments could be in your future.
New study points to the importance of working with your doctor to monitor your heart health for months after a gout flare.
"Much like my basil, I don’t do well in the heat either. I joke with friends that there are only a few months out of the year that my body really likes — in the winter my bones ache from the cold, and in the summer heat, I wilt as fatigue and deep muscle exhaustion sets in."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 guidance, loosening restrictions on social distancing and quarantining. Here’s what our community thinks — and how to keep protecting yourself.
Here’s your guide to how the vaccine works, who’s eligible, and what it means for those with weakened immune systems.
The American College of Rheumatology has issued new guidance about how to use flu, pneumonia, zoster (shingles), and HPV vaccines, including indications and medication timing around vaccination.
Treatments for scalp psoriasis often don’t account for the textures, hair care regimens, and styling techniques common among Black people. Here, solutions for advocating for yourself and finding relief.
When the slightest thing goes wrong, do you instantly jump to the worst-case scenario? Unfortunately, that can kick-start a damaging anxiety spiral. Instead, try putting a stop to it with some tried-and-true tips.
New research makes a case for expanding the authority of pharmacists to administer all available FDA-approved or CDC-recommended vaccines to improve access in low-income communities.
Learn how the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for RA and OA differ — and why this information can help you work together with your doctor to get the best care.
A new review from CreakyJoints provides recommendations for how providers can guide patients who are interested in cannabis for pain treatment.
“COVID-19, the Uvalde school shooting, and now Roe vs. Wade has been overturned…I am bone tired. Tired from the inside out of my bones.”
Here’s what you should know about this outbreak if you’re immunocompromised because of an autoimmune or inflammatory health condition or taking immunosuppressant medication.
Fortunately, you have more ways to keep yourself safe today compared to when the pandemic began.
More studies reporting sex-disaggregated outcomes are needed, but early clues shed light on how your risk may differ based on your assigned sex.
This go-to medication has become harder to access for some, making it a good time to re-evaluate your treatment plan.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, only 25 precent of respondents said they have already received their fifth COVID-19 vaccine dose, and some are waiting for a variant-specific booster.
Living with chronic illness is costly, so when the economy looks bleak it's natural to feel anxious about health care expenses. Here's help.
In honor of Disability Pride Month, we talked to our patient community about what they wish others knew about being disabled.
New study finds drug formularies often have exclusions that could harm your health or cost you more money.
The chronic illness community may be experiencing an unexpected side effect of abortion restrictions — issues accessing methotrexate.
Odds are your rheumatologist won’t ask about your sex life, so if you’re having troubles, you’ll need to put aside your embarrassment and get the convo started. Here’s help.
From spoonie to painsomina to brain fog, find out common terms used by those living with arthritis and chronic illness.
That’s not just the name of Gigi Robinson’s podcast — it’s the driving force behind the 24-year-old’s messages about chronic illness, body image, resilience, and confidence.
We're raising awareness with our LGBTQ+ patient community on the unique challenges they face as people at the intersection of multiple identities.
“As June comes to a close, I may be putting away my rainbow romper and unicorn headband, but I’ll be unapologetically stepping out with my cane and posting about my disability on social media.”
New study finds that people who use NSAIDs to treat an episode of low back pain are more likely to end up with chronic pain.
Here’s what our patient community said about diagnosing, treating, and navigating life with more than one chronic disease.
If you’re immunocompromised, you may be due for a booster if it’s been four months since your last dose. Here's what to know.
More than 40 percent of patients reported at least moderate sleep disturbances and nearly 70 percent reported at least moderate fatigue.
Andy Pendergrass believes in leading by example. And he’s showing sons Cal, 5, and Freddy, 1, that when life throws you a curveball you can still hit it out of the park.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, only 30 percent of respondents said they feel more comfortable doing activities in public this summer compared to last summer. That said, they were most comfortable planning gatherings with close family and friends.
Researchers hope new studies will shed light on these questions for those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID.
“I think because this kind of disability is, in most part, an invisible one, people think we should just plow through,” says Will Taylor, who lives with osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. “I don't think there's much public understanding of what it does to the body.”
See answers to all of your questions about this antiviral pill — from how it works to side effects and more.
From prior authorizations to refills, find out the many ways a specialty pharmacist can help in your psoriasis treatment journey.
Protect your joints and maybe even shave some shots off your score with these doctor- and pro-recommended tips.
For Arthritis Awareness Month, we asked the Global Healthy Living Foundation and CreakyJoints community to share their public service announcements to highlight how arthritis impacts more than just your joints.
"Today it isn’t my body keeping me in bed, but rather my brain," says patient advocate Angie Ebba. You see, in addition to these physical health conditions, I also live with complex PTSD and major depressive disorder, the symptoms of which can also be completely debilitating."