“It’s a Moving Target:” From Athlete to ER Nurse to Life with RA, Emily’s Story
Arthritis Life18 Syys 2025

“It’s a Moving Target:” From Athlete to ER Nurse to Life with RA, Emily’s Story

On this episode, Emily and Cheryl discuss how they've come to terms with the fluctuating, non-linear, dynamic nature of rheumatoid arthritis.

After being a fierce athlete and playing Division 1 water polo, Emily was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 22. She shares lessons learned while working as a night shift nurse for 12 years and having three children.

Emily opens up about using cannabis as part of her care, the importance of mental health support, and why community has been so vital, especially through Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program. Together, Cheryl and Emily reflect on coping with uncertainty, redefining identity, and what it means to live a good life with RA.

This is an encore presentation of episode 85, which first appeared in December, 2022.

Medical disclaimer:

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

For full episode show notes:

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jaksot(212)

Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis, PCOS and Scleritis: Chelsea’s Story

Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis, PCOS and Scleritis: Chelsea’s Story

In this honest and inspiring episode, Cheryl and Chelsea talk about the emotional toll of chronic illness, the power of having a solid support system, and how Chelsea went from feeling isolated to bec...

31 Heinä 202547min

Rheumer Has it: Tips for Sleep, with Dr. Deb Da Costa

Rheumer Has it: Tips for Sleep, with Dr. Deb Da Costa

On this episode, Cheryl & Eileen talk with sleep expert and researcher D. Deborah Da Costa about evidence based interventions to improve sleep in people with rheumatic conditions. Dr. Da Costa explore...

24 Heinä 202517min

Never Give In, Never Give up, Never Let Go, and Just Keep Fighting: Estela Mata’s Story

Never Give In, Never Give up, Never Let Go, and Just Keep Fighting: Estela Mata’s Story

She and Cheryl also discuss the complexities of symptom tracking and diagnosis, challenges of treatment, and the importance of self-advocacy and support groups. Estela also highlights her nonprofit or...

17 Heinä 20251h 2min

Rheumer Has It: 6 Types of Unsolicited Advice and How We Respond

Rheumer Has It: 6 Types of Unsolicited Advice and How We Respond

Eileen and Cheryl break down six types of unsolicited advice, including lifestyle interventions, toxic positivity, unqualified medical advice, predatory marketing, wild suggestions, and even well-mean...

10 Heinä 202523min

Navigating Psoriatic Arthritis in Alaska: Dawn’s Story

Navigating Psoriatic Arthritis in Alaska: Dawn’s Story

From navigating a complicated healthcare system to managing symptoms in a remote location, Dawn opens up about the real challenges she’s faced, and the tools that help her cope.Together, Dawn and Cher...

3 Heinä 202544min

Rheumer Has It: Busting Medication Myths with Dr. Hazelwood

Rheumer Has It: Busting Medication Myths with Dr. Hazelwood

The discussion addresses concerns about medication side effects, the importance of treating rheumatic diseases early, and the false stigma that using advanced treatments indicates more severe disease ...

26 Kesä 202524min

Advocacy, Humor and Purpose: Seth’s Spondyloarthritis Story

Advocacy, Humor and Purpose: Seth’s Spondyloarthritis Story

Seth discusses the challenges and lessons learned from his condition, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and humor as coping mechanisms. He also reflects on the 25-year journey of Creaky Join...

19 Kesä 20251h 1min

Turning Pain into Purpose, with RA Warrior Cristina Schaefer

Turning Pain into Purpose, with RA Warrior Cristina Schaefer

Cristina and Cheryl reflect on how RA has shaped their lives, and the deep sense of purpose they’ve found in supporting others on a similar path. They highlight the power of self-advocacy, the comfort...

12 Kesä 202553min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
adhd-podi
psykologia
rss-rahamania
rss-narsisti
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-valo-minussa-2
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
kesken
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
rss-tietoinen-yhteys-podcast-2
rss-psykalab
rss-niinku-asia-on
rss-monarch-talk-with-alexandra-alexis
rss-luonnollinen-synnytys-podcast
rss-rentotapaus
rss-lasnaolon-hetkia-mindfulness-tutuksi
rss-arkea-ja-aurinkoa-podcast-espanjasta