Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Three Continents: Maria's Story

Episode at a glance

• Art and arthritis: Maria shares how she participates in artistic hobbies like photography and artwork despite hand pain from rheumatoid arthritis
• Diagnosis journey: Maria’s diagnosis journey with rheumatoid arthritis in Venezuela and her emotional reaction to the diagnosis at age twenty one
• Managing expectations: Maria and Cheryl discuss what it’s like to try to manage your expectations and plan your life when diagnosed with RA so young
• College and international studies: The difficulties of managing rheumatoid arthritis while being a college student in the USA, including barriers to medication
• Social media: Cheryl & Maria reflect on the benefits and drawbacks of social media, both having been diagnosed prior to social media
• Maria moves to Australia: the scarcity of medication and resources in Venezuala leads Maria and her husband to move to Australia
• Pregnancy and parenting with rheumatoid arthritis: Maria shares her journey with pregnancy and parenting her two girls with severe pain from rheumatoid arthritis
• Remission: Maria shares the happy news of her current remission and how that’s improved her quality of life.
• “Auch Revista” - Maria explains why she started this non-profit Spanish language magazine to share stories and tips for others living with chronic illnesses.

Speaker Bios:

Maria Gonzales has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since she was twenty one years old. Throughout the years she has lived on three continents with RA. She also graduated college and had two babies while managing rheumatoid arthritis. She has experienced everything from excruciating pain to a current remission. She enjoys sharing her journey with others and started the “Auch Revista” (translation: Ouch Magazine), a non-profit magazine for the Spanish speaking community living with chronic illness.

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

Episode Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a 6 month education and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist today!

Episode links:

• Maria’s links:
  • Instagram @auch.revista
  • AUCH Revista - Spanish language magazine focusing on ways to help people with chronic illnesses
• Things we mentioned in the episode:
  • Man’s search for meaning book
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life free resources:
  • Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook group
  • Free Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RA
  • Free Training: Arthritis Life Hack Crash Course

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.

Full Episode Details + Transcription

For a full transcription and more details about this episode, go to www.MyArthritisLife.net

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