The removal of mask mandates from public modes of transportation has left many high-risk patients feeling more vulnerable. Find out what steps you can take to stay safe if you're planning to travel.
All isn’t lost when you have to say goodbye to your rheumatologist. Take these steps to find the next partner in your care.
“With intuitive eating I no longer feel like I’m restricting myself. I no longer feel shame or guilt while eating, or like I’ve somehow failed myself. Rather I now know I’m loving myself and my body through my food choices,” says patient advocate Angie Ebba.
Lack of access to care during the pandemic impacted pain intensity, functionality, and quality of life in those with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic lower back pain.
“I refuse to smash my emotions down inside myself so I can put on a happy face and make other people feel better. I will not pretend like I have learned a fantastic lesson when my body and my life are falling apart in this moment — I need time to cry and scream into a damn pillow," says patient advocate Jennifer Walker.
"Instead of returning to the old normal, let’s create a new normal, a future that includes access and accommodations, and multiple ways of experiencing and moving through the world," says patient advocate Angie Ebba.
According to the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, lack of access and lack of doctor recommendations are among top reasons why patients aren't receiving Evusheld.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug, upadacitinib (Rinvoq), for people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), making it the second JAK inhibitor approved for AS.
Here’s what research says about how long COVID lung disease, mental health, brain fog, and more may impact people who are immunocompromised.
The greatest gift you can give a mom with arthritis is love, understanding, support, and rest — and here are a few more gift ideas to share with your loved ones.
Raising awareness, connecting with peers, promoting research, staying motivated, and setting boundaries are just a few of the many reasons why patient advocate Eileen Davidson shares her health struggles and wins on social media.
Members of the CreakyJoints and the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) patient community shared their answers in a recent #CreakyChats.
The answer to this question can empower you to feel good about mask-wearing, even as others toss theirs aside, shares Laurie Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist and Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation.
“A lot of people with physical disabilities don't understand chronic illness, and vice versa,” says rheumatoid arthritis and lupus patient Melanie Rivera Waldman, who lives with limb difference. “But I have the perspective of both.”
It’s the first study to quantify the effectiveness of the vaccines for this population in a real-world setting.
The Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll reveals that for the 20 percent of those who reported getting COVID since being vaccinated, fatigue, headache, and sinus congestion were the most common symptoms.
Plus, why it’s perfectly okay not to “learn a lesson” at all.
People often think of stress relief as yoga or journaling — but our patient community shared that their furry friends are perhaps the best remedy for managing the emotional and physical ups and downs of living with a chronic illness.
You may have a sense of being left behind as the rest of the world returns to normal activities, but connecting with other immunocompromised patients may help you feel less alone.
"I hope my story humanizes the experience of having COVID for people," says disability advocate Tinu Abayomi-Paul, who lives with multiple chronic conditions and cancer. "Those of us at high risk aren’t abstract people you’ve never met. We’re people you know and love, and we might die because you won’t wear a mask."
While researchers find pausing methotrexate for two weeks resulted in more protection from the COVID vaccine, it also led to increased disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Do seasonal allergies seem to bring sneezing and sniffling as well as body aches, joint pain, and fatigue? Here are some possible reasons why — and how to best manage these symptoms.
The American Rheumatology Association offers new medication guidelines aimed to better balance the risk of flares and infection for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.
Here are the symptoms you may encounter — and what steps to take to set yourself up for the best health possible.
Our psoriasis warriors and mental health experts agree: You can't control the stares, but you can control your reaction and how you choose to respond.
The news shouldn’t stop you from taking your medication, but you should talk to your health care professional about how to best protect yourself.
The unpredictable nature of chronic illness can make staying confident a challenge — but these patient-approved confidence boosters can help you hold your head up higher.
Plus, how to lower your risk if you’re around school-aged children.
Taking care of mental health may be important for achieving relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and in turn, feeling better may help improve your mood and emotions.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 90 percent of immunocompromised patients said they would continue to wear masks indoors in public settings —but they may be less strict when socializing with trusted loved ones.
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) physical therapist Zack Rogers, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, addresses arthritis-friendly exercises, modifications, safety tips, and more.
Patient advocate Zoe Rothblatt gets real about chronic pain — and how to take the power back when pain-free days mess with your emotions.
Eating healthy is crucial when you live with chronic illness — but rising grocery costs can make good nutrition feel like a challenge. To the rescue: A few smart shopping strategies and food swaps.
Researchers suspect inflammation may play a key role in both depression and psoriatic arthritis.
Now eligible for a fourth dose, immunocompromised people who got a third dose as part of their primary series last fall experienced improved protection from the coronavirus, CDC research shows.
Plus, better ways to take care of your mental and physical health.
Immunosuppressant medications for inflammatory arthritis can reactivate the hepatitis B virus, which could cause liver damage. It’s important to know your hepatitis B status first.
Now eligible for a fourth dose, immunocompromised people who got a third dose as part of their primary series last fall experienced improved protection from the coronavirus, CDC research shows.
We’ve all had that moment when we’ve left the doctor’s office and realized we forget to ask a question or bring a topic. Here’s what patients and doctors say you can do about it.
Learn the best way to test at home for COVID-19 infection, which is especially important if you're at increased risk for severe illness because of underlying health conditions.
“I was overwhelmed,” says Angie Ebba, a person living with ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, and migraine. “Not only did I not feel well, but I also realized that meant for 20 days I would need to rely on others to help me with food, medications, and anything else I needed.”
With mask mandates rolling back, it’s important to stay protected with a high-quality mask in crowded indoor public places if you’re at high risk for COVID complications. Here’s how to find free masks and make sure masks you purchase are not fake.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 96 percent of respondents said they have already received their fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose within weeks of it being recommended.
These inspiring insights, usually learned the hard way, are the perfect reminder to treat yourself to self-love today — and every day.
There are many benefits of journaling for people with chronic illness, but what if arthritis or painful joints are making it hard to make this self-help activity a habit?
These Global Healthy Living Foundation members — who live with a wide range of chronic illnesses — are sharing their stories and speaking up for fellow patients in marginalized communities who too often feel voiceless.
Living with a chronic illness, such as rheumatic disease, can make you feel like your body is out to get you. We asked mental health experts and patients to share what helps when you feel betrayed by your body.
“Disabled people aren’t often seen as the decision makers in their care, let alone younger disabled people,” says Derek Schmitz, who has cerebral palsy and spondyloarthritis. “But I’m the one living the experience in my body.”
Winter is hard — even downright cruel — on Jennifer Walker’s body, mind, and spirit. Here’s how they deal with the darkness.
This mint-based natural remedy isn’t a substitute for other arthritis treatments, but menthol may help with temporary pain relief for some people.
These simple stretches can help soothe pain and stiffness when it may feel challenging to even get up — let alone get moving.
Anxiety is up again for many people with chronic illness. It’s time to implement some basic techniques to quell your worry and increase your capacity to cope, says Laurie Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist and Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation.
If you’re trying to eat better to help better manage your chronic disease, make sure to follow these practical and proven habits for better nutrition and easier meal prep.
The findings support the need for extra vaccine doses and mitigation efforts in at-risk groups.
Omicron is not mild and COVID is still very much a threat for people with high-risk medical conditions. Here, read immunocompromised patients’ pleas for everyone to stay vigilant.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, it’s clear that people who are high-risk because of underlying medical conditions are struggling to be understood and feel safe during the Omicron surge.
We talked with rheumatoid arthritis patients and rheumatologists to find out how this shortage is physically and mentally impacting our community — and what to do if you can’t access Actemra right now.
The findings underscore the need for preventive measures and chronic disease management in immunosuppressed adults — even after COVID vaccination.
As the CDC updates its mask guidance, patients are left with a few important facts and questions to consider about mask wearing.
If you’re immunocompromised, you may be eligible for a fourth booster dose five months after your third dose. Here’s what to know.
The Omicron variant may be milder, but people at high risk for COVID-19 should remain cautious and concerned. Here’s what to know about protecting yourself during this stage of the pandemic.
Positive self-talk can make a big difference when fatigue makes exercise feel nearly impossible. Here are a few phrases to help motivate you to move.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 80 percent of immunocompromised patients said they are moderately to very worried about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 — and it’s affecting their everyday behaviors and habits.
“You have to learn a brand-new way of being in the world after your diagnosis,” says Kevin Thomas, who has ankylosing spondylitis. “And once you find others going through it, too, you realize it's just not you trying to accept a new reality.”
Experts are hopeful that this preventive medication, taken before any exposure to COVID-19, will provide an extra layer of protection to those who may not mount a full immune response to the vaccine.
Studies of people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis show that physical activity led to less pain, fatigue, and disease activity compared to people who are less active.
The approval makes Xeljanz the first JAK inhibitor approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis and Rinvoq the second approved for psoriatic arthritis.
News about rising cases may trigger feelings of grief, helplessness, and anxiety. But there are actionable steps you can take to reduce stress and better manage this phase of the pandemic.
Living with a chronic illness can feel completely overwhelming. These tips can help ease these feelings so you can have the headspace to control what you can.
Experts say these treatments — which can help prevent complications if taken soon after you’re infected — will be particularly important for high-risk patients with weak immune systems.
New boxed warnings caution about cardiovascular and cancer risks and recommend that people take a TNF inhibitor biologic before trying a JAK. Here’s what this news means for you.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of respondents are not satisfied with their ability to socialize with others.
Read the latest about infection rates, complications, long COVID, and more, based on the latest research presented at the ACR Convergence, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.
Read the latest about emerging data on vaccine effectiveness and how it is affected by various immunosuppressive medications, the risk of flares, and more, based on the latest research presented at the ACR Convergence 2021, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.
Rheumatologists and CreakyJoints community members offer top tips for getting through a flare — and preventing flares in the first place.
Key barriers include increased fear and anxiety and lack of motivation during the pandemic.
Although more research is needed, the results show that medication use, underlying conditions, and smoking may potentially play a role.
If you are immunocompromised, chances are you’re feeling anxious about the 2021 holiday season. What’s safe? What’s not? Here’s some guidance for navigating tough decisions.
Inflammation of the tendon sheath is common among people with inflammatory arthritis — and may even be a sign that your current medication regimen needs a tweak.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of patients said their holiday plans include COVID-19 safety measures, such as proof of vaccination, outdoor gatherings, masks, and more.
After the world shut down in March 2020, rheumatoid arthritis patient Chantelle Marcial was looking for a way to connect with other people — specifically other RA patients. Enter CreakyKitchen — a virtual cooking show that helped Chantelle build a community and better manage her disease.
Trusted, tailored information from the Global Healthy Living Foundation and open doctor-patient communication helped Deen feel less concerned and more confident getting vaccinated.
Navigating the pandemic as a single parent with a new immunocompromising condition has not been easy for Alexis Mobley. But with the COVID vaccine now available for her child, she’s finally feeling some anxious relief.
New findings shine light on the importance of tracking your emotional health during COVID-19 and beyond.
In a new study, a diverse group of rheumatic disease patients opened up about the factors that have affected their decision-making and behavior over the course of the pandemic.
Experts hope these findings can help physicians and patients communicate better when making decisions to stop medication for inflammatory arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.
Should you exercise? Nap? Caffeinate? Here's what experts and patients recommend for boosting your energy when fatigue from chronic illness takes control.
It’s been a journey for Jennifer Walker to figure out that anxiety and related depression was no longer something they could manage with self-care alone. Here’s how they’re getting help and moving forward.
From brain fog to irritability, here are some subtle signs that your inflammatory arthritis is causing fatigue.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of patients said they got or plan on getting their flu shot this year, as well as the third COVID-19 vaccine dose.
A recent study shows that while patients with immune-mediated and inflammatory conditions get tested for COVID-19 more than the general population, their risk of contracting the coronavirus does not seem to be higher.
If you have or suspect you could have Sjögren’s syndrome, your sense of smell may provide a clue about how well your condition is being managed.
With new vaccine doses in the picture, timing your shots with your regular medications can get confusing. Here’s what experts recommend to stay safe and protected.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of patients who have children or spend a lot of time around children regularly said they will feel more protected against COVID-19 once the vaccine becomes available for 5- to 11-year-olds.
Breakthrough infections can be worrisome — especially for those who are immunocompromised — but here’s some good news: People who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to experience long COVID and be hospitalized if they experience a breakthrough infection than those who aren’t vaccinated.
If you’re at increased risk for COVID-19 complications because of underlying health issues, you may be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Got questions? Read on.
In a new study, about 30 percent of people with long-haul COVID seemed to meet the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia.
There are actionable steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved one safe, especially if you may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19.
Trying to navigate the latest guidance for additional COVID-19 vaccine doses and COVID-19 booster shots when you are immunocompromised isn’t easy. Here is what we know so far.
Tocilizumab (Actemra), which is used to treat rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, is in short supply due to its emergency use authorization (EUA) as a COVID-19 treatment. Here’s what to know about the issue and what to do if you have trouble getting treatment.