Don’t get down on yourself! It took me some time to realize and accept I have a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Who cares what anyone else thinks! They don’t have it. Also, medical marijuana is a game changer if used properly, especially edible gummies. I highly recommend taking advantage of any state laws. Here in Utah medical marijuana is legal. ✌️

I spent years with Heating Pads thinking it was the only way I was surviving... Until I switched to Ice. Actually reduced inflammation and greatly improved my ability to survive my "Bad Days". I was set in my ways and not open to the opinions / suggestions of those around me. So trust me when I say it took me reaching a breaking point to "Try Something New" and my only regret (that I'll never admit lol) is I didn't do it SOONER!
Even putting an ice pack inside the pillowcase we all use for knee or back support - helps a ton!

Listen to your body. Don't overdo you have nothing to prove. Pain is real

I'm grateful for my Rheumatologist.

After years of thinking I'd tried all the options, I thankfully decided to try a new Dr. In the first appt. I got a lot of answers and started on biologics - seeing an almost immediate improvement. Still not a perfect process and I'm in the middle of switching biologics, but having a knowledgeable caregiver gives you hope.

When it comes down to it, hope is what really keeps you going.

Get an electric blanket. Use it on when you’re aching, whether you are on the couch or in bed. It’s beyond soothing!