top of page
THE TAPC
BLOG
New post every month!
Are you tired of feeling like your voice isn't heard in the rheumatic disease community? Do you want to connect with others who understand what you're going through and offer guidance on navigating life with a rheumatic condition? Our platform is the perfect place for you to share your experiences and insights. Whether you want to discuss your relationship with arthritis or delve into niche topics that are often overlooked, we welcome your contributions. So don't hesitate - submit a blog today and join our supportive community. Need some inspiration? Check out our blog page for a wealth of stories, perspectives, and resources.
Search
Having To Change With The (Rheumatic) Times
I got diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2023. Before getting sick, I was always busy. But once my symptoms started to appear, I simply could not keep up with such a packed schedule. Keeping up with college was impossible and I had to take a semester off, my social life had to be reduced to almost a non-existing one and I was not able to do house chores either. My abilities had suddenly changed, and I did not know how to manage this new body. I could not control when or h
Isabel López
6 hours ago4 min read
Rheumatic Disease & Medical Trauma
As I sat waiting for my most recent medical tests, my anxiety amped up. I was required to fast and wasn’t even allowed to drink water in preparation. And of course, I needed to get an IV. When I was younger, I wasn’t bothered by needles, bloodwork, or IVs. But as my medical care for Vasculitis and Crohn’s has required more interventions over the years, my veins have also become more scarred. Previously, this has meant multiple “attempts” since my veins are tricky to get on a
Stacey Ivits
Nov 19, 20254 min read
Accessing Accommodations in Post-Secondary: What I Wish I Knew
Finishing high school and starting university or college is an exciting time. You get to choose classes, find your community, and learn to navigate adulthood. However, if you have a chronic illness or a disability, it can also feel overwhelming. In high school, parents and teachers often coordinated support. Now, that responsibility quickly shifts to you. The good news? Support systems exist, but you need to know how to access them. What are Accommodations? Accommodations are
Dr. Stephanie Garner
Oct 23, 20253 min read
To Get Loud or Not to Get Loud? That's the Question.
Life has a way of testing us in ways we never imagined. For me, that test came in the form of a chronic, invisible illness called...
Michael Santillo
Sep 19, 20253 min read
The Eternal Uncertainty of Being Chronically Ill
Being chronically ill has many challenges. There's the obvious part of it, where you feel exhausted and drained, living in a body that...
Isabel López Carrasco
Sep 3, 20254 min read
Dating in Your Teens vs. Your 20s
When I was a teenager, I thought love was supposed to feel like a full-blown Taylor Swift music video, all-consuming, heart-racing, “I’d...
Jenna Kedy
Aug 20, 20252 min read
Pain, Fatigue, and the Dentist’s Chair: When Doing ‘Better’ Isn’t That Simple
“Your gums are inflamed—are you brushing and flossing twice a day?” It’s a common question, often asked with good intentions. But for...
Dr. Natalia Trehan
Jul 24, 20253 min read
From Patient to Future Practitioner: How a Scholarship is Fueling My Dream to Help Others
Receiving the Take a Pain Check STEM Without Limits Scholarship has reminded me of just how far I’ve come, not just as a student or...
McKinley Penninga
Jul 9, 20253 min read
Acute Trauma Injuries with JIA
This morning, I realized something I've never contemplated before—probably because I've never had a reason to. I'm not an athlete, so the...
Pamela Jarvis
Jun 25, 20252 min read
Biomarkers in Arthritis: Helping You and Your Doctor See the Full Picture
If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), you know that these conditions can be...
Nima Mazinani, PhD
May 28, 20254 min read
Nourish, Protect, Thrive: Unlocking Musculoskeletal and Immune Health with Vitamins D, A & C
When it comes to building strong bones and joints and maintaining a balanced immune system, three vitamins stand out as key...
Dr. Nadia Luca
May 14, 20254 min read
Arthritis Isn't Just Physical
The mental health struggles of arthritis
Jenna Kedy
May 1, 20252 min read
Frequently asked questions
bottom of page