The 5 Ways My Artwork Helps Me Cope with My Multiple Chronic Diseases
‘Art enables me to face my body and my life with courage.’ Chronic 24/7 pain, fatigue, swelling, and a host of other symptoms are all part of my journey with…
Posted inArthritis Fibromyalgia Rheumatoid Arthritis
Medical Marijuana for Arthritis: Does Legal Status Affect Whether Patients Use It — or Talk to Their Doctor About It?
No matter who you talk to in the chronic pain, arthritis, and musculoskeletal disease community — patients, clinicians, researchers, public health experts — medical marijuana is controversial. Is it safe?…
Posted inArthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis
These Are the Methotrexate Side Effects That Make Arthritis Patients Stop Taking It
Methotrexate (MTX) is considered a “first-line” therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis (PsA). But despite the well-known benefits of helping to reduce symptoms…
Posted inArthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Arthritis Symptoms That Matter to Patients May Not Always Be the Ones They Discuss with Their Doctor
One of the main reasons people with arthritis visit the rheumatologist frequently — every three months is common among patients with inflammatory arthritis — is for doctors and patients to…
Posted inChronic Awareness Fibromyalgia Lupus
Fibromyalgia vs. Lupus: What’s the Difference?
Fibromyalgia and lupus are both chronic diseases with no cure, can both cause some similar symptoms, and can both take a long time to get the right diagnosis. But fibromyalgia…
Fibromyalgia Symptoms: 10 Clues You Might Be Ignoring
If you’ve had a nagging sore throat, your doctor may take a swab to check for strep. If you’re suffering from a high fever and bad cough, your doctor may…
Posted inChronic Awareness Fibromyalgia
Does Fibromyalgia Cause Back Pain?
Fibromyalgia — a disorder that causes widespread chronic pain and tenderness — affects 2 to 4 percent of women and men in the United States (women ages 20 to 50…
Posted inFibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia vs. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Differences in Signs & Symptoms
Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis are both chronic diseases with no cure. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis can both cause some of the same symptoms. They can both take a long time…
Fibromyalgia Information (FAQ)
Fibromyalgia is by any measure a complex syndrome. As I have written (and continue to write) the many articles in the website, I work to answer any question that you…
What is Fibromyalgia (and What Is It Not)?
First, it is important to know that fibromyalgia is characterized by wide-spread muscle pain and specific tender areas of the body. However, it doesn't stop there, because fibromyalgia affects multiple…