From Dog Training to Occupational Therapy: Lauren’s Ankylosing Spondylitis Journey

Explicit content warning

02/07/24 • 74 min

In episode 116 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Lauren Huffman shares her journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and how her passion for occupational therapy and dogs has brought her meaning even through challenges.

She and Cheryl give insight into the “behind the scenes” of Arthritis Life, and what resources are available. They discuss the importance of support in navigating rheumatic disease, and how the comprehensive approach of Rheum to THRIVE fills gaps in the healthcare system.

Episode at a glance:

Diagnosis Story: Lauren recounts her journey with ankylosing spondylitis, and how the diagnosis was both a relief and overwhelming. She and Cheryl discuss tools and strategies for managing symptoms, including medication management and communication with healthcare providers.
Occupational Therapy: Lauren, OT student and Cheryl, OT talk about what occupational therapy is, and how it’s holistic approach relates to management of rheumatic disease
Arthritis Life: Lauren and Cheryl discuss the “behind the scenes” of Arthritis Life and Rheum to THRIVE,
Dogs: Lauren reflects on her background in dog training, and how this passion has brought her joy despite challenges. She shares her experience with dog sports and raising service dogs in training, and how this has given her insight into adapting to make life with a furry friend possible and meaningful.
Mental Health and Identity: Sometimes the unpredictability and dynamic nature of chronic illness can rob your enthusiasm, but it’s possible to thrive through acceptance, adaptations, and management strategies. Lauren shares words of wisdom to show up for yourself on good days and bad days, and to take care of yourself in a way that helps you to be resilient.
Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients: Lauren shares her perspective on Rheum to THRIVE, expressing the value of the comprehensive approach, connection to resources, and support from people who “get it”.

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.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

For full episode details plus a transcript

Go to the show page on the Arthritis Life Website.

Episode at a glance:

Diagnosis Story: Lauren recounts her journey with ankylosing spondylitis, and how the diagnosis was both a relief and overwhelming. She and Cheryl discuss tools and strategies for managing symptoms, including medication management and communication with healthcare providers.
Occupational Therapy: Lauren, OT student and Cheryl, OT talk about what occupational therapy is, and how it’s holistic approach relates to management of rheumatic disease
Arthritis Life: Lauren and Cheryl discuss the “behind the scenes” of Arthritis Life and Rheum to THRIVE,
Dogs: Lauren reflects on her background in dog training, and how this passion has brought her joy despite challenges. She shares her experience with dog sports and raising service dogs in training, and how this has given her insight into adapting to make life with a furry friend possible and meaningful.
Mental Health and Identity: Sometimes the unpredictability and dynamic nature of chronic illness can rob your enthusiasm, but it’s possible to thrive through acceptance, adaptations, and management strategies. Lauren shares words of wisdom to show up for yourself on good days and bad days, and to take care of yourself in a way that helps you to be resilient.
Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients: Lauren shares her perspective on Rheum to THRIVE, expressing the value of the comprehensive approach, connection to resources, and support from people who “get it”.

Medical disclaimer:

Episode Sponsors

For full episode details plus a transcript

Go to the show page on the Arthritis Life Website.

Previous Episode

From Confused to Confident with Psoriatic Arthritis: Chef Kate’s Story (Re-Release)

In this episode, Kate shares her journey getting diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis while working as a chef in London. She opens up about her post-diagnosis emotional roller coaster and shares how joining Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE online support and education program helped her feel more confident, empowered and supported.

She also details other programs that helped her including a mindfulness course and CBT therapy. The episode ends with Kate sharing what it means to her to live a “good life” with rheumatic disease.

This conversation was first recorded and released as episode 79 in 2022.

Episode at a glance:

Kate’s psoriatic arthritis Diagnosis journey: being unable to hold a fork; MRI of her hands showed erosions and inflammatory arthritis
Emotional Aftermath of Kate’s diagnosis
Finding community & support: after feeling isolated and not being able to find good answers on her own, Kate joined Rheum to THRIVE and felt more comforted, empowered and supported
Two other things that helped kate: Mindfulness course and CBT therapy
How Kate learned to advocate for her needs with her rheumatologists
Kate’s favorite life hacks for being a chef with arthritis, including a discussion about what dietary interventions have helped her

Medical disclaimer:

Episode Sponsors

For full episode show notes including a transcript:

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website.

Next Episode

How Can Exercise reduce Pain and Fatigue in RA? With Dr. Kimberly Steinbarger, Physical Therapist

Cheryl and Dr. Kimberly discuss the importance of pain science education to help patients better understand and manage their pain perception. The also explore the importance of building a network of health professionals and support groups to empower patients to advocate for themselves and navigate their treatment journey effectively. They conclude by discussing how to accept limitations while finding joy and adapting to new activities.

Episode at a glance:

Building Support Networks: Cheryl and Dr. Kimberly discuss the significance of building support networks, including health professionals, support groups, and reliable online resources to empower patients to advocate for themselves and navigate their treatment journey effectively.
Pain Perception: They explore the complexities of interpreting pain signals, and discuss strategies for managing pain perception through education and awareness.
Practical tips for Exercise for rheumatic disease: They share exercise tips, including to start slow, give yourself time to adjust, consider the pillars of physical activity, and try to be consistent. Some types of exercise to consider are aquatic exercise, hand exercise, or individually prescribed exercise from a physical therapist who understands your specific needs.
Which lifestyle interventions have the most scientific evidence: They discuss the 2022 ACR Integrative Guidelines for RA and how lifestyle interventions such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management can help reduce arthritis pain and fatigue.
Acceptance and Adaptation: They address the importance of accepting limitations while finding joy and fulfillment in adapting to new activities and experiences, encouraging patients to focus on what is still possible despite challenges.
Individual needs: They highlight the need for patients to understand their own bodies' rhythms and balancing interventions based on their unique needs.