I live with several chronic illnesses. Today I am will be sharing about living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Keeping them straight with all the steps of the medical treatment and learning what the illness is and how to live well with it is overwhelming. One of the ways I am fighting for myself in 2026 begins with learning about my illnesses and how to live well. I am going to document what I am learning on both my personal blog JamieChasesButterflies.com and on WellnessWorksNW.com.
I bet you are wondering what the difference between Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis is. Arthritis, also known as Osteoarthritis, is caused by mechanical wear and tearing on your joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by a person’s autoimmune system attacking them. My immune system attacks my joints, eyes, voice box, skin, lungs, blood vessels, blood, and heart.
In my body, I have two illnesses that attack the same areas so it is hard to tell the difference sometimes. The areas affected for me include, voice box, eyes, joints, lungs, and blood vessels. I am not able to speak. I use a speaking device. There is no cure. There is no magic pill to make it go away or to cause less damage. I am learning to accept this reality.
Here is what I know for sure:
Eating nutritiously helps your body maintain a healthy weight. Being at a healthy weight helps your body function at its best.
Moving your body does not make the pain go away, but it does help your joints and muscles be strong and flexible. My goal with movement is being agile enough that I can get up on my own and walk enough so I do not have to rely on anyone to lift me. I don’t do giant exercise programs. I do the small rehabilitation exercises that my physical therapist gave me. I have the small tools that help me stay strong. Wellness Works NW will work with your physical therapist after they are done to keep your moving and encouraging as you navigate your wellness routines.
Rest is just as vital as moving your body. When you have an autoimmune disease your body is always thinking and fighting. When you are pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion you don’t allow your body a chance to heal or achieve wellness.
Finding the right tools that help you through the pain flares is valuable. These include: hot and cold compresses, essential oils, supplements, stress reduction meditations, massage therapy, acupuncture, topical products for pain, and other types of pain relievers out there.
Your attitude matters. It is hard to be in pain and be a positive person, but it is worth it. When your attitude is negative and grumpy pain levels go up.
Here are some links I would like to share with you:
If you would like help in creating a Wellness Plan, Karen and the Wellness Works NW Team are here to help you. Like our YouTube channel and our Facebook and Twitter pages and check out our website.
Related Articles:
- Learning About Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
- Learning About Juvenile Arthritis
- Moving With Juvenile Arthritis
- The Different Types of Arthritis
- Better Living Health Tracker by Arthritis Foundation
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Jamie Holloway is a co-owner of Wellness Works NW and she is also our Research Manager and writes our Chasing Wellness with Jamie Holloway and Dear Jamie columns. She lives in the Portland, Oregon area. Since October 2011 she has been sharing her Journey Toward Health and Wellness with Vasculitis through her blog at JamieChasesButterflies.com. We hope you are as inspired as we are with the raw candor Jamie uses in her writing. If you would like to help support Jamie’s writing efforts please Donate now.
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