Advice & Practical Tips

A collection of lessons and tips from myself and guest authors. I hope these help you on your journey.

Have a story to tell or advice to give? Contact me to become a guest author.

March 27, 2025

Ellen McDowell

My Journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Remission

It all started in the fall of 2010, during my freshman year of college. I noticed an unusual stiffness in my hands while walking with a friend one evening. I joked about it, not realizing this would..

December 13, 2024

Stella Paukku

Unpacking the Grief of Chronic Illness

Grief is something we’d typically associate with the death of a loved one, but it’s a set of emotions we can feel in response to any loss. Chronic illness is a loss. It’s a loss of a healthy body...

March 27, 2025

Ellen McDowell

The Unexpected Superpower: Chronic Illness and the Strength it Brings to Parenthood

There are quite a few similarities between living with a chronic illness and the experience of parenthood. While these experiences are vastly different, almost like comparing apples and oranges...

March 27, 2025

Deborah Romero

Navigating Sexuality with Disabilities

I was recently talking to a loved one and was surprised by their sincere curiosity about my sexuality. This loved one knows how difficult my life has been struggling with the physical challenges...

March 27, 2025

Ellen McDowell

Parenting with Chronic Illness: Advice from Real Parents

One of the most difficult questions someone with a chronic illness can face is the question of parenthood. Millions of questions, doubts, and insecurities flood our mind when we start thinking of...

March 13, 2024

Ellen McDowell

ASMR as a Pain Reliever for Rheumatoid Arthritis

While many know ASMR for its ability to induce tingling sensations and relaxation, its potential as a pain reliever, sleep aid, and anxiety reducer for RA patients is often overlooked...

March 27, 2025

Ellen McDowell

Your RA Flare Starter Pack

If you're just beginning your RA journey, there are some products that I would argue you absolutely need. You'll need them because even though they won't take away your pain or symptoms, they will...

March 27, 2025

Ellen McDowell

How I Deal with Flares: An RA Survival Guide

I've got to give my husband credit for this entire post. You see, I'm a Taurus: lazy at heart, not much of a planner, carefree to the point of self-sabotage. Thankfully, I married a Virgo moon...

March 27, 2025

Ellen McDowell

4 Ways to Simplify Your Life in a Chronic Illness Flare

It's week two of a horrible flare. You're sleep deprived and feel like a shell of your normal self. There are some things that just don't matter when you're in survival mode, but they aren't always...

May 24, 2024

Ellen McDowell

4 Ways to Effectively Communicate with Your Doctor

I've dealt with social anxiety for most of my life. When I started seeing a rheumatologist regularly, I struggled to effectively communicate. I was afraid of talking too much, saying the wrong...

Contact

Have questions about Flare Family? Need advice about living with Rheumatoid Arthritis? I'm here to connect with you and answer your questions!

Are you a writer? Do you have a story to tell or advice to give? I'm always looking for guest authors. If you're interested in writing a blog post for Flare Family, contact me via email or this form.

ellenwitharthritis@gmail.com

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