“My first shout out is to Cheryl’s group Rheum to THRIVE…I gotta tell you, that group and ya’ll got me through a really tough time…I was at kind of a turning point just...
Videos
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: If you’ve ever been told you’re “too young to have arthritis,” this episode is for you! Co-hosts Cheryl & Eileen, both of whom live...
Podcast, Uncategorized
Introducing Rheumer Has It: Busting Myths and Highlighting Evidence for Rheumatic Diseases
Episode 1: Rheumer Has It, Episode 169 – Arthritis Life Podcast Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Welcome to the very first episode of Rheumer Has It! Hosts Cheryl...
I recently started jogging again, after not consistently running for ten years. Today, my mile time is 11 minutes. This is twice as slow as my fastest time in high...
General Education, rheum to thrive
Celebrating 5 Years of Rheum to THRIVE Rheumatoid Arthritis Empowerment Program!
You are not alone Just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and feeling totally overwhelmed? I see you. I created a program to help people like you! Five years ago...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Becoming Immune Confident with Sjogren’s Disease and MCAS, with Dr. Kara Wada
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Feeling overwhelmed by autoimmune symptoms like Sjögren’s and MCAS? You’re not alone — but you can become “immune confident...
General Education, Life Hacks
Life Hacks for Arthritis – Episode 127 of the Live Yes with Arthritis Podcast!
I was recently honored to be featured on the Arthritis Foundation’s “Live Yes with Arthritis” Podcast to talk about one of my favorite topics:...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Navigating the Shift: From Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology with Dr. Jenna Thomason
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Getting diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis in your teens or early 20s comes with a whirlwind of changes—and one of the biggest is...
General Education, Injection Videos
Why am I OK with Being on Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications for the Rest of my Life?
“I don’t want to be on meds forever—how are you so okay with it?” When I first started posting injection videos, this question came up a lot. Honestly? After taking RA...
After 15+ years of volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation, I finally made it to my first Pathways Conference—and WOW, what an unforgettable weekend in Chicago! 💙✨...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Managing Gout, Osteoporosis, and Arthritis: Insights from Dr. Arinola Dada
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease can feel overwhelming, but small, consistent steps can make a big difference. In this...
General Education
Should I do an “arthritis 101” webinar for friends and family members of people with RA?
The other day in one of my Rheum to THRIVE support group meetings, someone shared an amazing idea:“Cheryl, I wish you could talk to my friends and family about RA so...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Why are Integrative Approaches (like nutrition and exercise) so important for RA? Insights from Dr. Diana Girnita
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: On this episode of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl sits down with rheumatologist Dr. Diana Girnita for an in-depth conversation on how...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, General Education
Beanless Sweet Potato Chili: My Favorite Crockpot Recipe
One of my favorite easy, quick crockpot meals is this “Beanless Sweet Potato Chili,” also known as a “Brainless Chili” thanks to my phone’s auto-correct feature (haha)...
General Education, Podcast, rheum to thrive
Best Advice for People Newly Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ep 155 Arthritis Life Podcast)
Listen now Episode Summary Know someone recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? I made Episode 155 of The Arthritis Life Podcast just for them! A new RA...
Patient Stories, Podcast, rheum to thrive
Advocacy, Mindset and More: Chrissy’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Journey
Watch Now: Listen Now Summary: In episode 154 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Chrissy shares her journey from the frustration of diagnostic delays to finally receiving a...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, General Education, Mental Health
My #1 Trigger for Anxiety with Rheumatoid Arthritis (and How I Cope!)
The first question people newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis usually ask One of the most frequent questions people with with rheumatoid arthritis ask me is: “Will...
General Education, Injection Videos
How I give myself Methotrexate Injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis without hurting my thumb
I can’t believe it’s been six years since I started my Arthritis Life YouTube channel! Today I’m highlighting one of my most popular videos. Honestly...
Podcast, Uncategorized
Riding the Chronic Illness Roller Coaster with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Endometriosis and Cancer: Stephanie’s Story
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In episode 152 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl and Stephanie discuss Stephanie’s journey learning to live with endometriosis...
Are you struggling to adjust to your “new normal” with rheumatoid arthritis, or a similar condition like psoriatic arthritis or spondyloarthritis? If you answered yes...
General Education, Podcast
It’s Not Just Joint Pain: Let’s Talk about Sleep, Fatigue, Cognitive Dysfunction, and Mental Health with Rheumatic Disease
Listen Here: Watch Here: Summary: On episode 148 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl and Eileen dive into their “It’s Not Just Pain” presentation from the American...
This Kitchen Mama one touch opener is super arthritis friendly, and I LOVE that it fits in a drawer which saves counter space! Here’s a demonstration video of me using...
General Education
What is Internalized Ableism and How Does it Relate to Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients?
Have you heard of ableism, or prejudice and discrimination against people with health conditions or disabled people? Today I want to talk about some of the more subtle...
Listen Now: Watch the Video: Summary: In episode 142 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl Crow and Eileen Davidson delve into an often confusing topic: rheumatoid...
General Education, Patient Stories
World Arthritis Day 2024: Reflections from 22 Years Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
What's it like to live with rheumatoid arthritis for 21 years? Cheryl shares her story.
Listen Now: Watch the video Summary: In episode 141 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, James opens up about his decision to publicly share his rheumatoid arthritis journey...
General Education, Podcast
What’s so Funny about Rheumatoid Arthritis? Insights from Comedian Jessica Michelle
Listen Now: Summary: On episode 140 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, comedian Jessica Michelle shares what it was like to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her mid...
Come with me to get tear duct plugs (“punctal plugs”) for dry eyes! Did you know that your tear ducts are where the tears flow INTO, not out of? Your tears come out of...
General Education, Patient Stories, Podcast, Provider Interviews
What’s it like to be a Doctor with RA and Vasculitis? Elena’s Story
Listen Now: Summary: On episode 139* of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Dr. Elena shares her personal journey of balancing a demanding medical career with managing...
General Education, Podcast, Provider Interviews
The Power of Strength Training for Rheumatoid Arthritis, with Kinesiologist Dr. Jasmin Ma
Listen now: Summary: You might have heard that strength training is important for rheumatoid arthritis, but wondered: where to start? On episode 138 of the...
Listen now Watch video Summary: Imagine being told at age 4 that you likely wouldn’t live past 21 due to severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Now, on the eve of his...
General Education, Patient Stories, Podcast, rheum to thrive
“Healing is a Messy Process:” Sonia’s RA and Graves’ Disease Journey
Listen now Video of conversation Summary: In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Cheryl and Sonia discuss the power of mindfulness, self-compassion and community...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, General Education
Reflections on Stress and Uncertainty in Chronic Illness
Every August, I reflect on my “diagnosis-aversary,” or the anniversary of my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. Surprisingly, the most difficult part of my journey has...
General Education, Podcast, Provider Interviews
What’s it Like to Truly Partner with Your Doctor? Shared Decision Making, with Dr Liana Fraenkel
Summary: In this episode, Cheryl Crow and Dr. Liana Fraenkel dive into the crucial concept of “Shared Decision Making” (SDM) in rheumatoid arthritis care...
Patient Stories, Podcast
“It’s Like Managing a Circus”: How Maggie Thrives with Multiple Chronic Illnesses
Listen Now Video Episode Summary What’s it like to carve out a rich, meaningful life while managing multiple chronic illnesses? In this episode, Maggie shares valuable...
General Education, Mental Health
Three Ways to Manage Stress and Thrive with Chronic Illness: Free Webinar!
I’m excited to host a free webinar on Wednesday, August 28th: Three Ways to Manage Stress and Thrive with Chronic Illness! Register at: bit.ly/chronic24 This won’t be...
General Education, Podcast
It’s not Just Joint Pain and 8 things Everyone who Loves Someone with Arthritis Should Know (Re-Release)
Summary If you love someone with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or any other form of autoimmune arthritis, this episode is for you! Back in January 2021, I...
Advocacy, Patient Stories, Podcast
Elevating the Patient Voice in Rheumatology Research: Cheryl and Jen’s Stories
Listen now Watch the video: Summary: What is the role of the patient voice in scientific research? Rheumatoid arthritis patient advocates Cheryl Crow and Jennifer Weaver...
Listen Now Watch the Video Summary Have you ever been diagnosed with something like carpel tunnel, only for your eventual diagnosis to be a more systemic condition like...
General Education, Injection Videos
That Feeling when you add Sparkle and Fun into your Methotrexate Injection Routine!
You know what they say, never waste time on people who negatively judge you for taking a medication like methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis! Inspired by some of my...
Listen now Video of Conversation Episode Summary Have you ever read a love story that features someone with chronic illness? In this episode, author Marissa Eller shares...
I love my Jiffy Twist under counter opener, it’s one of my favorite kitchen gadgets for arthritis! Here are my favorite features: 1) It significantly reduces the...
General Education, Life Hacks
Three tips for Making Friendship Bracelets More Easily if you have Arthritis or Hand Pain!
Friendship bracelets are all the rage right now thanks to Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour,” but making them can be hard if you have arthritis or hand pain...
Listen now: Watch Video: Summary: What’s it like to suddenly go bald at age 22? In this episode, Cheryl interviews Colleen Kydd, who speaks candidly about living with...
General Education, Life Hacks
3 Hand Stretches to do on the Airplane to decrease Arthritis Pain and Stiffness!
Earlier this month, I flew to Denver for a Rheumatology Research Foundation event – here are the 3 arthritis hand stretches I did on the airplane to prevent hand...
Today I’m sharing 3 occupational therapist-approved tips for kids with JIA (juvenile idiopathic arthritis) to improve their quality of life! These are inspired by my 21...
Listen now: Watch the interview: Summary: Have you ever found humor to be therapeutic in your chronic illness experience? In this episode, Katie Farrell shares her...
Listen now: Video of Conversation: Summary: In this episode, Cheryl sits down with rheumatologist Micah Yu and passionate patient advocate Dr. Bonnie Feldman to discuss...
Patient Stories, Podcast
What’s it like to run Half Marathons with Autoimmune Disease? Episode 126, Arthritis Life Podcast
Listen now: Video of conversation: Summary: Gretchen Schoenstein shares how she pursued her dream of running half marathons despite an autoimmune diagnosis of...
When I first started sharing my methotrexate injection videos, my goal was simply to help people see a “real patient” doing it and to feel less scared of the...
Patient Stories, Podcast
How Mindfulness Helped Paulina Reconnect with Her Body and Thrive with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Listen now: Video: Summary: Mindfulness seems to be a hot topic in chronic illness circles, but many wonder: what does it really look like in practice? On episode 125 of...
I’m so honored to be speaking at the 6th Annual Global Spondyloarthritis (SpA) Summit, hosted by the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA)! Grab your FREE...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
What do People with Rheumatoid Arthritis Need to Know about COVID-19 in 2024?
Listen now Video of Discussion Episode Summary: Cheryl sits down with immunology researcher Dr. Campbell, PhD and Rheumatologist Dr. Dave, MD to learn what people with...
Patient Stories, Podcast
“Disability is not a Dirty Word:” Catherine’s Story of Fierce Hope & Young Patient Advocacy
Full audio Video of conversation Episode Summary: What’s it like to be a young person living with chronic illness? On this episode, Chronically Catherine shares her...
Patient Stories, Podcast
Overcoming Denial, Confronting Food Phobia, and Embracing Online Communities: Ray’s Story
Listen Now: Video of Cheryl & Ray’s Discussion: Summary: Trigger warnings: orthorexia (obsession with eating “healthy foods”), / eating disorders;...
Today I’m celebrating 150,000 downloads of the Arthritis Life Podcast – a milestone I could barely imagine just four years ago when I pressed “publish” on my first...
Real life footage of me, pumping myself up for my weekly methotrexate injection! Are you scared to Give yourself a Methotrexate Injection? I know that injecting yourself...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Demystifying Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatic Disease and Long Covid
Listen now Video of conversation: Episode Summary: Christine Stamatos is a nurse practitioner who specializes in non pharmacological methods to manage chronic pain...
Patient Stories, Podcast
What’s it like to be an Adult Living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis? Rebecca Beesley’s Story
Listen now: Video: Summary: In Episode 120, Cheryl and Rebecca discuss what it’s like to live with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as a child and as an adult...
General Education, Life Hacks
Deep Dive into the Taylor Swift Handwriting Grasp: Helpful for Arthritis, Hypermobility and More!
Here’s an even more in depth look as to why someone might use an adaptive tripod handwriting grasp, a.k.a. “the Taylor Swift grasp!” Thanks so much for tagging me in...
Listen now* *Trigger warning for this episode*: Between minute 29:00-34:00 there is a discussion of emotional abuse, sexual assault, rape, and abortion. Summary*:...
I recently learned that one of the top search questions people ask about rheumatoid arthritis is: “How does rheumatoid arthritis feel?” When most people ask...
Patient Stories, Podcast
Living through Diagnostic Purgatory and Rare Medication Side Effects: Rosemary’s Psoriatic Arthritis & Vasculitis Story
Listen now Video: Summary: In this episode Rosemary, a registered nurse, shares her journey with “diagnostic purgatory,” or the experience of having an unclear...
Patient Stories, Podcast, Provider Interviews
How Can Exercise Reduce Pain and Fatigue in RA? Episode 117, Arthritis Life Podcast
Listen now Video of Conversation: Summary: Occupational Therapist Cheryl Crow and physical therapist Dr. Kimberly delve into the complexities of managing chronic pain...
General Education, rheum to thrive
Occupational Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Similar Conditions: Cheryl’s Interview on ACR on Air
Listen now: Summary: I recently had the pleasure of sharing all about occupational therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions on the ACR on Air podcast! It...
Patient Stories, Podcast
From Dog Training to Occupational Therapy: Lauren’s Ankylosing Spondylitis Journey
Summary: Lauren Huffman shares her journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and how her passion for occupational therapy and dogs has brought her meaning even through...
Patient Stories, rheum to thrive
What does the Rheum to THRIVE Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group Feel Like?
Someone recently asked me: “What do the Rheum to THRIVE support group meetings feel like?” I’ll be honest with you, it’s hard for me to put into...
Patient Stories, Podcast
From Confused to Confident as a Chef with Psoriatic Arthritis: Chef Kate’s Story (Re-Release) – Episode 115
Summary: Can you imagine working over 15 hour days as a chef, then not being able to comfortably use your hands due to psoriatic arthritis pain? In this episode, Kate...
Morning stiffness is one of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It also occurs in other “inflammatory” forms of arthritis like psoriatic...
Have you grabbed your ticket yet for the FREE Arthritis Life Hack Extravaganza, on February 3rd, 2024? At this live, virtual event I will help...
Patient Stories, Podcast
Living a Creative Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Julia’s Story of Dancing, Acting, Writing and More
Video of conversation Summary: Julia (J.G.) Chayko shares her story of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a dancer, actor, and writer. She reflects on the joy...
Anyone who lives with an invisible health challenge, from rheumatoid arthritis to anxiety to brain injury, has most likely encountered some difficulty in explaining...
Let’s talk about the MOST most underrated tool for RA fatigue: exercise, or integrating movement into your daily routine. What does the research say about...
Are you looking for an arthritis friendly unbuckling aid for child car seats? When my son was little, I really struggled to unbuckle his car seat due to my rheumatoid...
Cheryl explains how the modified tripod grasp, also known as the adaptive tripod or “Taylor Swift Grasp,” can help people with arthritis and hand pain. Have...
If you’re looking for an arthritis friendly salt grinder, I have two great options for you! The simple task of twisting the salt grinder can be super painful if...
If you’re feeling lost and overwhelmed trying to manage life with autoimmune arthritis, I have good news for you: it’s possible to love your life with...
It’s not surprising that handwriting with arthritis can be painful or difficult! The good news is, there are so many small muscles, tendons and joints in the hand...
Patient Stories, Podcast
What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis? Episode 110 Arthritis Life Podcast
Summary: In this episode, Cheryl checks in with a panel of patients who’ve taken methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. This is a follow up to...
Straightening your hair can be painful if you have hand arthritis, particularly inflammation at the base of the thumb! Have you been looking for an arthritis friendly...
Putting in eye drops can be HARD if you have hand pain from arthritis or difficulty with hand stability & coordination!Here are two arthritis friendly eye drop...
Video of conversation Summary: Cheryl Crow interviews Dr. Amigues, who is both a rheumatologist and a cancer survivor. Dr. Amigues explains what remission for...
Blog, General Education
Cheryl’s 8 Big Takeaways from the 2023 ACR Convergence Rheumatology Conference!
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the American College of Rheumatology’s “Convergence” conference, where I learned some of the latest rheumatology research and...
General Education, Podcast
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 101, with Emily Taylor from Solve M.E.
Video of conversation Summary: Did you know that not all fatigue is created equal? In this episode, Emily Taylor provides a detailed overview of myalgic...
Patient Stories, Podcast
The Benefits and Challenges of Publicly Sharing Your Chronic Illness Story: Ep 107, Arthritis Life Podcast
Listen now Watch the full interview Summary: Brianna shares what it’s like to live with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, which is is a rare autoimmune disease that...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, General Education
I’m Speaking at the 2023 ACR / ARP Convergence Annual Meeting / Conference
I’m thrilled to have been selected to be a panelist on two presentations at the 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and Association of Rheumatology Professionals...
Let’s revisit one of my most popular posts on social media, which is all about how people determine which lifestyle pillar will give them the most “bang for...
Patient Stories, Podcast
Art, Advocacy, Representation and Acceptance: Tyra Grove’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story
Listen now Watch the video Summary: On Episode 106 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl and Tyra delve into Tyra’s unique journey as a Black woman living with...
Listen now Watch the Video Summary: Laura shares her personal journey with a generalized diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa, a more rare...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
What’s the Latest in Autoimmune Research and How Can You get Involved? Ep 104, Arthritis Life Podcast
Listen here Watch the video here Summary Cheryl and her guests, Dr. Buckner and Dr. Mikacenic from the Benaroya Research Institute, discuss the latest in autoimmune...
Patient Stories, Podcast
What’s it like to run a thriving business with chronic illness? Nikita Williams’ Story
Listen Now Watch the Video Episode Summary: In this insightful and candid conversation, Cheryl and Nikita explore the challenges and triumphs of living with chronic...
Patient Stories, Podcast
What’s it Like to Live and Work with Axial Spondyloarthritis? Stella Levy’s Story
Video Episode Summary Stella shares her journey of being diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis at 15 years old, navigating various treatments, and other experiences...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
“Climbing the Mountain of Chronic Pain” with Physiatrist Dr. Andrea Furlan
Listen now: Summary: On Episode 101 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, host Cheryl Crow, OT and Dr. Andrea Furlan, MD discuss the latest in pain science and help...
I’m excited to announce that I’m hosting a free webinar on Monday, September 11th: Three ways to Manage Stress & Thrive with Chronic Illness! Kinds of Stress with...
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the many “too good to be true” claims that seem to flourish within the online autoimmune wellness space. After living with...
Patient Stories, Podcast
Cheryl’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis Story, Twenty Years Later: Featuring Cheryl’s Parents
Video of Conversation – Includes childhood photos and photos from the time of diagnosis / immediate year afterwards Summary: I could not think of a better way to...
Patient Stories, Podcast
Finding a Realistic Sense of Hope While Juggling Multiple Chronic Illnesses: Katie’s Story
Summary: Have you ever done “everything right” and still had pain, fatigue or other symptoms of your chronic illness? You are not alone. In this episode, host Cheryl...
Patient Stories, Podcast
How to Find Your “New Normal” with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Jennifer Weaver’s Story (Ep 98, Arthritis Life Podcast)
Summary: Have you ever struggled to find your “new normal” after a diagnosis like rheumatoid arthritis? Have you ever found it difficult to advocate for yourself when...
Cheryl shares her favorite gardening tools for arthritis, as an occupational therapist living with rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years!
Podcast, Provider Interviews
How to Track Symptoms Without Getting Stressed & Overwhelmed, with Dr. Millie: Episode 97 of Arthritis Life Podcast
Listen now Summary: Have you ever been overwhelmed with how to track your symptoms? In this episode, Dr. Millie Lytle (ND) and Cheryl share their best tips to make...