From Terrified to Empowered: Erin & Heather’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Stories

<p>Erin & Heather share their diagnosis journeys for rheumatoid arthritis, and how Cheryl’s “Rheum to THRIVE” program helped them become more empowered and supported. </p><p>This conversation originally took place as an Instagram Live discussion in September 2021.</p><h2>Episode at a glance:</h2><ul><li>Erin shares her diagnosis story: originally ankylosing spondylitis, then changed to rheumatoid arthritis</li><li>Heather shares how she felt “desperate to find answers” after her rheumatoid arthritis worsened</li><li>Erin and Heather share how they became more empowered through joining the Rheum to THRIVE program</li><li>Heather shares how important it was for her to have access to a consistent set of resources and how she benefited from learning skills to “be the CEO of her care team!”</li><li>Erin shares what it meant to her to have a supportive community</li><li>Erin reflects on how she previously did not ask for work accommodations due to shame and guilt, before she became empowered and understood the power of counteracting your own internalized ableism</li><li>Heather reflects on how she used to “fake it til you make it” or “power through,” then she gained the courage to talk to her boss about her needs for accommodations at work</li><li>Erin and Cheryl reflect on how their experiences with Facebook “support groups” is different than  Rheum to THRIVE</li><li>Amy shares what she got out of Rheum to THRIVE</li><li>Cheryl answers some FAQs about the program</li></ul><h2>Medical disclaimer:</h2><p>All content found on <a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/">Arthritis Life</a> 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.</p><h2>Episode Sponsor</h2><p><a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/rheum-to-thrive/">Rheum to THRIVE</a>, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone t