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.

July 12, 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...

May 21, 2024

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...

April 25, 2024

Deborah Romero

Empowering Intimacy: 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...

April 22, 2024

Ellen McDowell

Advice on Parenthood from Parents with Chronic Illnesses

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 11, 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 1, 2024

Ellen McDowell

Your RA 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...

February 28, 2024

Ellen McDowell

Flare Survival Guide: What I Do At The Start Of A Flare

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...

February 22, 2024

Ellen McDowell

4 Ways to Simplify Your Life in a 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...

February 16, 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...

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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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