Rheumatoid Arthritis - NewLifeOutlook

Whether you've just been diagnosed or have had RA for years, you'll find expert advice, valuable resources and a supportive community.

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Nutrition and rheumatoid arthritis go hand-in-hand. Read the full article to learn more!

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Applying for Disability with RA

If you have a severe form of RA, it is possible you may qualify for social security disability benefits. Social security disability payments help when you are no longer able to work due to a serious illness or disability.

To qualify for disability benefits, you will need to show the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you are no longer able to perform a job consistently. And if your joint pain or any deformities make it difficult and impossible for you to do your job, you may qualify for disability benefits.  

Read the rest of ‘Applying for Disability’

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By Lara Parker with art by Charlotte Gomez.

[youngchronicpain]

I’m really happy to have such an amazing community. I started my journey alone at 13 and watched as my ability and mobility declined year after year, surgery after surgery. I don’t know where I’d be without all of the understanding and support I’ve found here. 

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I know it’s been hard and draining and almost unbearable, believe me, I know. But I also know you are stronger than you will ever admit. You are only met with obstacles you have the capability of conquering. That is one thing I know for sure.

[whatshouldwecallchronicillness]

People feel rested after only 8 hours of sleep a night?!?

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Restless legs syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two distinctive conditions, but they actually may occur together in many cases. Read our infographic above to learn more!

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When someone asks you if your chronic illness is gone yet:

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How to respond when someone keeps telling you how to "cure" your uncurable illness...

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This RA community member is wondering if a car accident could cause rheumatoid arthritis. Do you have any advice or insight?

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[stanleylt]

Just a set of quick photos I did for class.

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Chronic illness 101.

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This is a simple yet beautiful depiction of thousands of people’s daily lives. Everyone who does not understand the Spoon Theory or chronic illness (physical or mental) needs to see this kind of thing.

Some days I start my day in that half-drained yellow stage. Some days I start my day even lower.

[spooniedollie]

Tis the season where my joints are crying every morning

Even under a soft blanket and super warm pajama bottoms

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Most of us already know that stress can have a negative impact on our overall health. Stress can lead to physical symptoms, such as headache, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, and muscle tension. Stress can also affect your mood, sex drive, appetite, and your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis and stress tend to go hand-in-hand. In addition to the physiological stress of pain, inflammation, and fatigue, there are a number of ways RA can increase your mental and emotional stress.

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What Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Feel Like?

When I was first asked to write about what it feels like to live with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I thought it would be pretty easy. After all, I’ve been living with RA for the last eight years — that should give me enough experience to explain what it’s like.

But as I really started thinking about it, I realized it was more of a challenge than I expected. RA is something that impacts every day of my life — and yet it does not define me.

I spend a huge portion of my time thinking about my body and focusing on my health — and yet I often feel I can’t trust my own body and I rarely consider myself healthy. How do you explain what that feels like to someone who hasn’t personally experienced it?