Category: Chronic Life

Topics related to living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other chronic health conditions. Staying healthy and active.

Motivation Tips for an Active Life

Priscilla McKenney

Today, a good friend who wants to be more active, asked me, “how do you stay motivated with training?”I responded with this reflection. Five years ago, you would not have found me rising by 5:30am to get an early morning work out before going to work. I would do it later in the day and sometimes skip it because I was too tired after work. Now I do get up early and prioritize my workout that I regard as self care. Currently, almost everyday, I start my day with either…

Curve Balls: A Lesson in Self Care

Priscilla McKenney

Over the past two months, I have been tending to an inflamed cornea in my left eye, related to my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), that was triggered by the smoke from the Napa/Sonoma County fires, north of San Francisco. I have had eye related flare ups two other times in recent years. My first eye incident was in spring of 2013. I was preparing to depart for a long awaited ocean paddle training camp in Hawaii. I had to cancel. I had an infected ulcer on my retina that was serious.…

Ouch! 6 Lessons Worth Sharing

Priscilla McKenney

Every week my spouse, Andrea, gives me a shot of Enbrel to control my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). I hate the sharp pain of the needle going into my arm, wincing every time, and most times yelling, “Ouch” or even swearing! Moments later the stinging pain is gone. I thank Andrea, because for her, it is difficult to inflict pain on the one she loves. She suffers along with me. We have shared this weekly ritual for 14 years now. I remind myself the short term pain is the trade off…