text:
Superhero Wall of Fame
RA Guy says: Name: RA Guy
Age: 36
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: Almost five years.
Superhero Powers: Living with RA, writing this blog, design, photography, cooking, organizing this league of superheroes.
Superhero Headquarters: San Francisco & South America -
singlegalra says: Name: Sara, aka Single Gal with RA
Age: 30
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers: Living with RA all by myself, writing a blog/column, being a comic strip character, traveling the world, baking, supporting the work of contemporary artists in a capitalist world
Superhero Headquarters: New York City/Baltimore -
Jules says: Name: Jules (alias CharmedOne)
Age: 42
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Mom
Superhero Experience: 4 years and counting
Superhero Powers: Living with RA-but not suffering from it, writing a blog, spreading the word about good blogs, Super Wife, Super Mom, Super Daughter, crafting and staying positive
Superhero Headquarters: Kentuckiana -
cateepoo says: Name: Cathy
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: Five and a half years
Superhero Powers: Fighting the evil forces of RA medication free, blogging about the ups and downs of RA and alternative medicine among many other things, informing the world of the wonders of homeschooling two children, a wife (pretty amazing one too if you ask me), a woman learning to appreciate who she is, and much much more. More of my powers are realized each and every day.
Superhero Headquarters: Chicago Suburbs -
MissDazey says: Name: MissDazey
Age: 67, and counting
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal aka Dizzy, Your RA Super Humor Hero
Superhero Experience: 40 years
Superhero Powers: Making my life count for something more than RA,OA and being old. Encourager, cheerleader, shoulder to lean on for young people with arthritis and RA. Listener for the older crowd who have arthritis and RA. We are survivors of many thing including ails and pains.
Superhero Headquarters: Missouri Ozarks. -
mur says: Name: ms. mur
Age: 49
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis DIVA! LOL…
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers:DRAMA MAMA, 'multi media artist' (ok, I have ADD…I do a little of this, a little of that…),putting a smile on peoples faces,writing, baking cookies and spreading the word about my arch nemisis…the disease of Rheumatoid Arthritis!
Superhero Headquarters: Apopka, FL -
abbyjude2002 says: Name: Laurie
Age: 52
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 6 years
Superhero Powers: Cheerleader,dispenser of ((((HUGS)))) Mom to 2 grown boys and 3 felines. Blogger wannabe. Nurse by profession, medical researcher by necessity. Knowledge is POWER! Traveller on the RA journey, meeting new superheroes every day.
Superhero Headquarters: Orlando,FL -
Vicki C says: Name: Vicki C
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 14 years
Superhero Powers: Single mom of three superkids who manages to juggle soccer hockey baseball and golf schedules around flares, infusions and therapy, Restoring order in the kingdom is the primary objective of my "job" — disabled stay at home mom/taxi driver…hehe.
Superhero Headquarters: Northfield, Vermont -
holly says: Name: Holly
Age: 30
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 9 years
Superhero Powers: 2 kiddies under 3 (who understand that sometimes Mumma can't wrestle!), open to trying every unconventional RA treatment under the sun, supporting my 60 year old mum who has a brand new RA diagnosis and trying to get my pre RA fitness back!
Superhero Headquarters: NSW Australia -
aharmony says: Name: A-Harmony
Age: 34
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Tomboy (Gal ;-])
Superhero Experience: 6 1/2 years
Superhero Powers: Wife, Mom of 2 (1 preteen boy and 1 teenage GIRL), does not try to let RA stop her from joining in on everything that life throws at me.
Superhero Headquarters: Wisconsin -
jodimckee says: Name: Jodi
Age: 32
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: About 1 year
Superhero Powers: Photography, loving to puppies, wife of 10 years (!), loves to explore new cities, speaks Japanese, on this new quest to conquer RA.
Superhero Headquarters: New York City -
mom2three says: Name: Cammie
Age: 47
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 3 years
Superhero Powers: Mother of three college age boys, wife of 26 years, mom to 2 dogs, 2 cats, an assorted bunch of fish and any stray that happens our way. Loves to cook and to can Salsas. I love to sew and read books. I Can read, write and speak Spanish. On a mission to control RA and not to let RA control me.
Superhero Headquarters: Arizona -
Di says: Name: Diane
Age: 48
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis G'MA
Superhero Experience: 31 years
Superhero Powers: Accepting RA as a part of who I am. Finding peace and happiness despite the physical issues. Concentrating on the many joys and blessings in my life. Staying positive and happy is the best medicine!
superhero Headquarters: UTAH -
KellyC915 says: Name: Kelly
Age: 39
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 8 years
Superhero Powers: Making it through each day with RA, Fibromyalgia, Grave's Disease, and Sjogren's syndrome while working full time. It's a challenge that is worth fighting!
Superhero Headquarters: Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania -
AlenaShea says: Name: Alena
Age: 23
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 9 Months
Superhero Powers: Learning how to deal. Balancing life after college, my new career, a boyfriend, friendships, and family – all while maintaining the millennial pace.
Superhero Headquarters: Boise, Idaho -
thinkinpink says: Name: Stephanie
Age: 31
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
SuperHero Experience: 7 months
SuperHero Powers: As of now but could change : knowing what i can and can not do. I can take super naps!! I am a wanna be blogger and an ultimate crafter. I can make anyone laugh!!
Super Hero headquarters: Fullerton, Ca -
CoastieWife says: Name: CoastieWife
Age: 26
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: About a year and a half and counting
Superhero Powers: living with RA, learning how to accept RA, cooking & baking, photography as a hobby & stress reliever, being a PROUD military wife, having a wonderful husband, momma to a wonderful furbaby, having a positive outlook on life…more are added everyday as I realize what my mind and body are capable of!
Superhero Headquarters: Astoria, Oregon -
SmithW says: Name: Wende
Age: 39
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: Almost two years.
Superhero Powers: Living with RA, working full-time in the crazy hr/telecom world, mother to my three boys, figuring which medical concoction works for now, staying chipper despite wanting to go back to bed, recent subscriber of "arthritis today" which I thought was for "old" people, trying not to get fat, kissing my lovely husband
Superhero Headquarters: Seattle -
tharr says: Name: Tharr
Age: 51
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: 6 years
Superhero Powers: Carrying on a semi-normal lifestyle while living with RA. I work a 12 hour shift 4 days a week as a pressman (printing), take care of a 3.5 acre yard, ride off-road motorcycles and workout 4 days a week. Every superhero has a sidekick …right? My sidekick buddy that helps me is a Great Pyrenees with a mohawk named Frankie. (Frank's photo with his mohawk is on my blog page.)
Superhero Headquarters: Tornado Alley Oklahoma -
Lana says: Name: Lana
Age: 33
Superhero Type: Working Mother (with RA and Fibromyalgia)Who Loves Her Kids and never stops
Superhero Experience: two years
Superhero Powers: Living with RA and Fibro, being a mom, loving life
Superhero Headquarters: NE Ohio -
IamRaynydaze says: Name: Rayny
Age: 47
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 32 Years with remissions in there
Superhero Powers: Random thoughts, Laughing at the obsurd, Distraction, Working as much as I can. Keeping my sidekick (hubby with fibro) on his toes.
Superhero Headquarters: DFW Texas -
WarmSocks says: Name: WarmSocks
Age: 45
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: Two years
Superhero Powers: Living with ∞itis (RA, etc), blogging, running a home, homeschooling my kids, knitting, gardening…
Superhero Headquarters: Washington -
synovial sensation says: Name: Synovial Sensation
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Mum
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed 2008
Superhero Powers: Epidemiologist (lapsed), nurse (lapsed), swimmer (lapsed), good cook, good company, good enough mother and wife
Superhero Headquarters: London, UK -
khewitt says: Name: Kevin
Age: 29
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed 2008
Superhero Powers: Work long hours in a warehouse pulling orders, being a dad of a 12, 6, and 5 y/o. Have a great sense of humor when it comes to most things, always good for a few laughs.
Superhero Headquarters: Upstate NY -
bluelaurels says: Name: Laura
Age: 21
Superhero Type: Fibromyalgia Girl
Superhero Experience: 3 years (Officially? 3 weeks…)
Superhero Powers: Daughter of Diabetes Gal and niece to her sister, RA/FM Gal. Became Autoimmune Girl my freshman year of college and most recently leveled up to FM Girl. Working to support myself and being a student is hard but my will is strong. I'm also glad to be an advocate and voice for people with invisible disease to people of my age group.
Superhero Headquarters: Dallas, TX but relocating to Austin on 8/15/09. -
raandme says: Name: Ashley A.k.a Raandme
Age: 24
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 4 1/2 years
Superhero Powers: Just trying to get my body back in fighting order so I can finish college. I live with and care for my autistic brother. Have more hobbies than there are hours in the day. I love my life. R.A. or not.
Superhero Headquarters: Texas -
michigangal1 says: Name: Michigan Gal
Age: 63
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal a.k.a. Health Care Gal
Superhero Experience: 52 yrs (started out as Juvenile Arthritis Gal)
Superhero Powers: Super Grandma; A-1 wife; loving daughter; spent 20+ years as a nurse practitioner treating folks with R.A.; gardener; quilter; student; cat lover
Superhero Headquarters: Grosse Pointe, Michigan -
strebekah says: Name: Rebecca
Age: 39
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: about one yr (Diagnosed Oct 2008 but in serious pain since April 2008)
Superhero Powers: Mom of 8 great kids; homeschool; crochet; coupon shopping queen; Wife to one full time construction worker/college student
Superhero Headquarters: Savannah, GA -
lil_lupie01 says: Name:Lara
Superhero Type: Lupus +aPL/Fibro Gal
Superhero Experience: 10 years (finally diagnosed in 2007)
Superhero Powers: Supersonic hearing (Can hear any of her 3 children turn over in bed across a house); Super Strength (can amazingly hold 2 toddlers during a flare of Lupus and Fibro pain); Super Hyper-Hyperactivity (can clean house, cook food, care for children all without succumbing to the dreaded Uber Fatigue)
Superhero Headquarters: Garfield, NJ -
nat says: Name: Nat
Age: 31
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: Nearly 15 years.
Superhero Powers: Regularly uprooting myself and moving around the world; multilingual; musician; knitter; eternal student; EFL Teacher (just started full-time work again after a couple of years off).
Superhero Headquarters: Brand New HQ in Tunisia. -
JanGarcias says: Name: Jan
Age: 47
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers: Learning how to deal. Mom of a fabulous daughter with Down Syndrome who will always live with me! Worrying..Lot's of worrying. Working 12 hour shifts in the ER on my feet for 13 hours.
Superhero Headquarters: Summerville, South Carolina -
awamiba says: Name: Lisa
Age: 33
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia Gal
Superhero Experience: 5 years RA, brand new to fibro
Superhero Powers: Living with RA, writing a blog, Mom of Three Boys, living a God-centric lifestyle, MOPS steering team, Sabbath School teacher, & keeping sane through a lot of uncertainty.
Superhero Headquarters: East Texas -
turtlemom says: Name: Turtlemom
Age: 67
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia Gal
Superhero Experience: 25 years with fair control and regular flares
Superhero Powers: Excellent wife, good mother, good grandmother; running a business from home; nurse (lapsed); working with service dog; keeping track of 12 grandchildren; keeping sidekick (husband with heart problems and fibromyalgia) entertained; blogging; great sense of humor.
Superhero Headquarters: Metro Atlanta GA -
koddysmum says: Name: Koddysmum
Age: 56
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibro Gal
Superhero Experience: 19 years, very severe last 9 years
Superhero Powers: Excellent wife and mom and learning to be an excellent nana,disabled nurse, wonderful mom to 3 pom fur-kids, enjoy gardening, decorating and photography, counting my blessings and staying positive on this unexpected journey with many rocky roads and steep hills to climb.
Superhero Headquarters: Ontario Canada -
RockinRhea says: Name: Rheann, aka RockinRhea
Age: 51
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 20 years of many ups & downs
Superhero Powers: Continue the RA journey refusing to let it ruin my happy life; Mother of two grown children; Licensed Ins Agent, working full time in sales & marketing; Care, love & keep up with my 2 Doberman Pinschers; Care, love & keep up with my husband who started this journey with me only a few months after we married; I have a very large vegetable garden which brings me peace & self-worth; I love to read, swim, cook, bake, and take care of my home. I have a positive attitude & freely share it.
Superhero Headquarters: Mesquite/Texas -
joyejones says: Name: Joye
Age: 38
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: nearly 3 years
Superhero Powers: Mum to 3 year old girl and 8 month old boy, great wife, mother, cook, clean, taxi driver, fairygodmother. Going back to work in January… to be a great nurse again.
Superhero Headquarters: Hamilton, New Zealand -
lauraf says: Name: Laura
Age: 25
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Twentysomething
Superhero Experience: 6 years
Superhero Powers: Living with RA away from home, camping, understanding kids, making popcorn, expert pinochle player, and dancer.
Superhero Headquarters: Vashon Island, WA -
Mia21 says: Name: Mia
Age: 56
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid arthritis/lupus gal
Superhero Exoerience: (only dx July 09) around 4 years
Superhero Powers: working full time with children, taking care of family, husband and 2 daughters, dog walker (sometimes) enjoying what I have
Superhero headquaarters: London, England -
Wren says: Name: Wren
Age: 53
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid arthritis gal
Superhero Experience: 22 years
Superhero Powers: Worked full time as a journalist, raised a daughter, takes care of disabled husband, cooks, cleans, shops, gardens, and is a freelance writer and editor. Appreciates the gifts that the world offers each day to those who take the time to look…
Superhero headquarters: Camino, California -
RA Fire Guy says: Name: RA Fire Guy
Age: 40
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: Rookie, just diagnosed
Superhero Powers: Continued service while working as a firefighter and the ability to always make my daughter laugh and smile despite what my body feels like.
Superhero Headquarters: Cleveland, Tennessee -
themadcatlady says: Name: Barbarella
Age: 43 and a half
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis/Fibromyalgia Gal
Superhero Experience: 3 years (RA) / 15 years (fibro)
Superhero Powers: Feline & Other Animal Communications. No human partner, but living with her 3 Superhero Cats (Spider, Lugosi & Ruby) who she finds tolerate her chronic illness so much better than any human that she has met. Works from home as a web & graphic designer. Hobby (and sometimes paid) photographer (has a couple of photography websites to show off her pictures).
Superhero Headquarters: Lanzarote, Canary Islands (autonomous region of Spain off the West Coast of Africa). -
Pollyannapenguin says: Name: Pollyanna Penguin
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal/Fibro Gal
Superhero Experience: Depends who you ask. Officially seventeen months/five months
Superhero Powers: Living with (mild) RA, defying stupid RA-beating suggestions from well-meaning friends with a single squawk, running a small business full time, writing my blog, photography, embroidery, crochet, all sorts of needle-crafts, part-time feline management (three cats, one wonderful hubby who job-shares on the cat front)
Superhero Headquarters: Norfolk, UK (Which I love, love, LOVE!!! … just wish it wasn't so WET right now) -
bauerboy67 says: Name: Peter
Age: 29
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: Only eight long years
Superhero Powers: Living with RA (mild to moderate these days), educating people that not all people with Arthritis have Rheumatoid…ahem…anyways, working for the Government, chilling with friends, spending quality time with my family.
Superhero Headquarters: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada -
GlasgowGal says: Name: GlasgowGal
Age: 38
Superhero Type: Juvenile Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 30, yes 30, years and counting….!
Superhero Powers: surviving 2 hip replacements; being married ; working full time; employing Personal Assistants; getting on with life; cooking; crafting; educating people that disability is not something to be scared of! independence is a state of mind, not a list of tasks to be completed; watcher of Star Trek, especially Voyager
Superhero Slogan: make it so…..
Superhero HQ: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. -
RoboJo says: Name: RoboJo
Age: 43
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 17 years
Superhero Powers: Being crazy I love to make folks laugh and smile as it's a great medicine, having a bionic knee, hip, screws in feet, waiting on new shoulders and knuckles. Complete and utter geek lover of pooters and video games. Into Goth/Metal/Rock music. Do talks about RA to medical students and generally try to raise awareness.
Superhero Slogan: No I won't fix your computer..
Superhero HQ: Birmingham, UK. -
awellsdba says: Name: awellsdba
Age: 44
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 3 months that I've known about
Superhero Powers: Being just a little odd… being perpetually young at heart; having a dead guy (cadaver bone) in my 'boo boo' arm; would be marathon walker; being married; being a mom; believing that I can… and making sure that everyone I know knows about RA and knows that WE can.
Superhero Slogan: There are no girl toys, there are no boy toys, there are JUST toys… (RoboJo… I can SO relate… I'm a total geek too… dba stands for database administrator… and I'm the mom of a kind of goth)
Superhero HQ: Central Texas -
andyd says: Name: Andy
Age: 40
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: since Feb 2009
Superhero Powers: working full time and being a waterman ! my ability to mind surf as I can,t physically , YET !
Superhero Slogan: LOVE THE OCEAN , IN IT , ON IT OR UNDER IT
Superhero HQ: Perth , Western Australia -
Roz says: Roz
Name: Rosalyn
Age: 39 and a half
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 3 years
Superhero Powers: Enjoying every single day as you never know what life will bring, smiling through that Enbrel sting, learning about myself through travel and introspection, keeping weight on this body and running when my right foot will allow it!
Superhero Slogan: Enjoy..
Superhero HQ: San Jose, California -
Jillbellavance says: Name: Jill
Age: 42
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 20 years
Superhero Powers: Mother of two gorgeous and brilliant children (boy – 13, girl – 12) and one 3 year old Yorkie who sits on my lap and comforts me on my bad days. Owner of two titanium shoulders, with cadaver bone grafts, one fused wrist with metal rods, one foot with screws, the other foot -soon to be fused. Fatigue fighting and staying healthy are two Superhero Powers that I need work on. Close relationships with several amazing doctors/friends!
Superhero Slogan: One day at a time
Superhero HQ: Medfield, MA -
dandy_candi says: Name: Candi
Age: 22
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 10 years
Superhero Powers: Juggling a Uni degree with "aunty candi" duties and the prospect of joint replacement whilst keeping a smile on my face. Sitting at home while my friends go out and party/shop/be normal, continue living my life when I just want to amputate my body from my head and put it on Jessica Alba's body….
Superhero Slogan: Keep smiling
Superhero HQ: Victoria, Australia -
Sunita says: Name: Sunita
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Psoriatic and Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: Almost two years, but hard to say exactly.
Superhero Powers: Being a scientist, dealing with bent fingers, convincing NHS that I need anti-TNF therapy, getting anti-TNF therapy and have it revolutionize my physical being,abandoning walking stick…not knowing how long it'll last, smiling in the face of adversity, drawing, painting, cooking. My cat Rosie.
Superhero Headquarters: London. UK -
shweta says: Name: Shweta
Age: 26
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Basher
Superhero Experience: Six n a half years
Superhero Powers: A Law School Graduate….smiling, having fun and simply being fabulous…no matter what!!
Superhero slogan: Each day is a chance to say that I am not scared!
Superhero website: http://www.croppinghead.blogspot.com/
Superhero Headquarters: All over India -
ariel says: Name: Ariel
Age: 18
Superhero Type: Spondyloarthropathy Gal
Superhero Experience: 1 year
Superhero Powers: Full-time college student at a university. Big/little sister, and soon-to-be aunt. I'm a teenager living life to the fullest; no matter what my disease sends my way. Artist and writer, even on days when my hands hurt almost too badly to pick up a pencil. I've overcome my fear of needles with Enbrel. Also, raising awareness about all types of arthritis.
Superhero slogan: With each new day come challenges with bring new adventures and build strength.
Superhero Headquarters: Houston, TX -
DsPinkDays says: Name: Dannaliz Segrera
Age: 34
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 4 years
Superhero Headquarter: Miami, FL
Superhero Powers: Pink Energy that allows me to go back to school, work as a consultant, start dancing again, continue walking on the beach, taking long drives with hubby, and finally getting out of bed in the AM, getting dressed, bathing and walking without assistance. -
cscott3 says: Name: Christina
Age: 36
Superhero Type: RA mom, wife, student
Superhero Experience: 20 years
Superhero Headquarter: New Orleans, Louisiana
Superhero Powers: Fighting fatigue to keep going. Pouring from a gallon of milk, by using the edge of a table or countertop. Using a supercool electric toothbrush, because a regular one hurts to hold. -
squirelly666 says: Name: Swin (aka squirelly666)
Age: 38
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: 18 months
Superhero Powers: Losing weight, despite the Prednisolone, stopping the painkillers before I get addicted.
Superhero Headquarters: Lancashire, United Kingdom -
kirbir says: Name: Kirsten (kirbir)
Age: 22
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 18 years
Superhero Powers: only taking otc drugs, managing pain through meditation, working my butt off and hopefully getting my phd
Superhero Headquarters: Madison, Wisconsin -
Lene says: Name: Lene
Age: 47
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 43 years
Superhero Powers: Organizing pretty much anything, seeing the funny even in the dark, writing, photography, being positive
Superhero Headquarters: Toronto, Canada -
Mswillow says: Name: Rachel
Age: 40
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal Extraordinaire
Superhero Experience: 21 years
Superhero Powers: Ability to make a pun about just about anything (it's called Pununciation Disorder); love my friends and family, still working (though wish it wasn't so hard to wake up in the mornings), love my crazy cat Willow, and wish that I had the time and energy to write that novel that's been banging around in my head for years. One titanium knuckle, every limb decorated with delightful scarring from operations to straighten and fix limbs/joints, awaiting my first hip replacement. I am also a superhero because I survived two burst brain aneurysms 4 years ago – with no damage, unlike the RA. So hoorah for all of our superhero powers!
Superhero Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia. -
BaileyLovesYou says: Name: Bailey
Age: 15
Superhero Type: Spondyloarthropathy Gal
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed today, symptoms for 3 1/2 months
Superhero Powers: Academics (I want to be a rheumatologist), staying happy through everything (including giving up sports), taking painful Humira shots, and loving life(:
Superhero Headquarters: Texas -
TerTer says: Name: Terri
Age: 44
Superhero type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 35+ Years
Superhero Powers: Invisibility and positivity cloak; a more than full time exec at a fortune 500 that keeps a smile on her face and can find the silver lining in any situation; spurred on by the faces and love of two small grandchildren that remind me of what really matters in life – staying strong and positive so I can enjoy them for years to come
Superhelo Headquarters: Western Suburb of Chicago -
Seeking Solace says: Name: Seeking Solace
Age: 42
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 10 years
Superhero Powers: Former attorney practicing in the toughest area of law there is…family and matrimonial law. Currently a college professor corrupting young legal minds at an undergraduate college. Loving wife to the world's greatest husband/caregiver and mom to the world's coolest dog.
Superhero Headquarters: Elsewhere in the Southeast -
ChileKat says: Name: ChileKat
Age: 62
Su0erhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 16 years
Superhero Powers: Upbeat and nearly always smiling and happy. Work full-time and love it. I have 3 fabulous grandchildren who love me to bits and are my very heart and soul. RA will not take that away from me!
Superhero Headquarters: Bellevue, Nebraska -
Darby says: Name: Laura
Age: 29
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 1 year
Superhero Powers: Communicating how I'm feeling and what I'm going through to the people in my life, without guilt. Not being afraid to tell my non-loved ones (co-workers, aquaintances) that I have RA, and explaining what it is so that they might better understand me.
Superhero Headquarters: New York City -
Missy says: Name: Missy
Age: 21
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: Beats me. I got diagnosed 5 days ago.
Superhero Powers: Living with RA. Working full time. Loving my baby sister "Hermanita" (Spanish version of "Sis" – pronounced like air-mon-eat-ah). Learning to speak Spanish. Gardening (when I can).
Superhero Headquarters: Utah & Arizona -
tamale102280 says: Name: Tammy
Age: 30
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: Not too much yet, diagnosed just over 2 months ago, still learning how this works.
Superhero Powers: Taking care of my 1 and 3 year old boys and a husband with massive heart problems. Learning how RA works and fighting it in my mind and body.
Superhero Headquarters: Milwaukee, WI
Presh81 says: Name: Carla
Age: 29
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 14 months
Superhero Powers: Learning to live with RA, Positive thinking, Telling people about RA, Loving life, My pets, Finding the right
treatment so I can go back to work, My very understanding partner and friends, My walking stick and wheelchair.SuperheroHeadquarters: Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
aifmsraibscfs says: Name: Arlene
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Autoimmune Gal
Superhero Experience: 8 years
Superhero Powers: Living with Fibromyalgia, RA, IBS, CFS, and anemia, working as a full-time high school English teacher and a mother of 6 children, coping with people who lack understanding about the degree of my pain and how debilitating it can be at times, helping others, and thinking positively
Superhero Headquarters: Victoria, Texas USA -
Halo_Jones says: Name: Claire
Age: 28
Superhero Type: RA adventurer
Superhero Experience: 7 months
Superhero Powers: Ultra runner turned weightlifter when possible – even if the weights have to be strapped on when the grip strength isn't there! Martial artist who's figuring out how to practice from an occasional wheelchair. It's cane-fu. Super powers of patience recently learned, mainly used to explain RA. New powers also include the ability to work full time whilst really just wanting a job in a sleep lab.
Superhero Headquarters: Birmingham, UK. -
LORIKIER says: Name: Lori
Age: 44
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 3 Years
Superhero Powers: Learning to live with RA and my new "needs". Learning that medication is a "need" now. No more missed doses. Learning to make exercise a "need" now. The wrong kind does do harm. Learning to eat specific foods is a "need" now. Learning that I "need" help in that catagory. Learning I need help with not being so afraid of the future RA has for me.
Superhero Headquarters: Florida -
talltennisgal says: Name: Mariellen
Age: 50
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 8 years.
Superhero Powers: Learning to live with pain. Loving my active life in spite of this stupid disease. Counting my blessings and thanking God for each and every day.
Superhero Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia -
tedsgrl69 says: Name: Lizz
Age: 30
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Working Mom
Superhero Experience: Almost 3 years.
Superhero Powers: Having patience with the people around me trying to understand my disease, Learning my new limitations and learning how to not let them limit me!
Superhero's Superhero: Any one who lives with pain and still carries on!!!
Superhero Headquarters: McCleary, WA. -
katgirl says: Name: katgirl
Age: 39
Superhero Type: rheumatoid arthritis gal
Superhero Experience: 14 years
Superhero powers: loving life in so much pain, patience with understanding and explaining RA, self-forgiveness when I have to do less than I'd like, laughing, laughing, laughing!
Superhero's Superhero: Tim King & everyone who keeps on keeping on with pain and fatigue.
Superhero Headquarters: Oakland, CA -
R. Jay says: Name: R.J.
Age: 27
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: 8 years
Superhero Powers: playing guitar, writing songs I sing only for me and close friends and family, teaching 2nd grade at an international private school in the Middle East, having the energy to wake up at 5AM every morning to teach 22 needy 7 year-olds life-long learning skills, writing a blog about my travels and experiences abroad.
Superhero Headquarters: Kuwait City, Kuwait and Seattle, WA (for summer vacations) -
Rosie says: Name: Rosie
Age: 53
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Widowed Lady
Superhero Experience: 15+ years
Superhero Powers: Living with RA, Psoriasis & Fibromyalgia. I love to paint with acrylics and enjoy photography. And adore my grandson who's 2 and brightens my day more than anything else can. Learning to except that I may not be able to work much longer and trying to figure out what will I do if disability don't kick in quick enough. One thing for sure, the pain reminds me that I'm very much ALIVE. Counting my BLESSINGS.
Superhero Headquarters: New Orleans, LA. (Meraux, LA.) -
bonniegknight says: Name: Bonnie
Age: 60
Superhero Type: rheumatoid arthritis gal
Superhero Experience: 3 years
Superhero powers: Wonderwoman Nana of 6 incredible grandchildren whom I adore, proud mother of 2 fantastic grownup children, Flea Market junkie, treasure hunting at thrift store maniac, collector extrodinaire, techno freak, lover of learning, Facebook fanatic finding old friends galore and Farmvilling myself to death, avid reader and online searcher for RA information and waitng for THE CURE! Most of my RA days are not so bad at all, taking MTX and occasionally prednisone for flare ups, ignoring any pain until it gets too bad to ignore any longer, going on about my life as best I can, keeping my glass half full rather than half empty, looking forward to warm weather. I have been working in education for a number of years until I lost my most recent position at a college via the underground, beaurocratic railroad I didin't know existed until then. Finished a Master's Degree in educational technology in May 2010 in an attempt to find a better paying job which has been elusive since my graduation. My age does not help with that situation, but I keep looking and applying to positions all over the warm parts of the US. Anyone need a brand new educational/instructional technologist?
I don't like having RA, but it has not changed me all that much. There are some things I can't do very well any more, but that's okay – my daughter, bless her heart, comes over to help me out 2 days a week and I get the pleasure of her company and that of her 2 little ones when she is here. My husband does not understand that I now have some limitations and still expects me to be able to do things I used to do with ease, which I can't always do. He does not "get" RA at all and is not willing to educate himself about this disease no matter how many articles I print out for him to read. That's the hardest part of having RA for me, family not getting it and not trying to learn and understand what goes on in this body of mine. Right now I am doing pretty well except for some pain in my left hip joint, some parethesia in my fingertips (maybe a B-12 deficiency), huge Vitamin D deficiency for which I am taking massive doses extra D (I have a hard time dealing with the cold we've had this winter and don't got out much when it is freezing out there, thus the lack of D), and perhaps a pinched nerve in my lower back that tends to make my left foot and leg go numb at times. But heck, I'm almost 61 and doing okay for an RA gal – no use to complain, it could be much worse. I also have Osteo Arthritis which began at an early age after losing an argument with a horse and ending up on the ground knees first. Three scopes and 2 knee replacements later, the knees are in much better shape than they have been for many years. It seems as though the RA can no longer get inside those knees, but it does sometimes flare up around them. However, it can no longer keep me from being able to walk since the joint is now metal – HA! I win! For anyone considering knee replacemnt, I can't recommend it enough. It is a very painful procedure, but the pain is easily managed and eases off pretty quickly. Physical therapy is a must to get back as much movement and walking ability as possible – yes, that is painful, too – but well worth the effort in the long run. I have been cane free (mostly) since a few months following the last knee replacement. I would not recommend having both knees done at the same time – it's much too painful, and very dangerous to do that as the surgery alone can lead to killer blood clots – and we don't want that!
I have 2 wonderful little dogs that adore me, a feeling that is entirely reciprocated – I love my little dogs! And added benefit to me is that they help keep my feet warm on the sofa when it's chilly in the house – much better than a blanket or heating pad could ever be! The only real complaint I have is that standing at the sink to wash dishes when I have to can be painful without taking breaks every so often – it tends to make my lower back hurt a lot, which has begun to be affected by the RA more than it was before.
I am not a complainer at all, so if anyone hears me moan or burst out with an OUCH! occasionally, they know something actually is hurting me quite a lot. They do then become empathetic and understanding. Maybe I should start complaining more often – you think that would help them understand what RA and living with it is all about?
Neverthe less, I am in pretty good shape with RA right now. My Rheumatologist wants me to begin Orencia infusions to try to aleve the pain in my right foot that RA is causing, making it difficult to walk at times with shooting, knifelike pains when I've been on my feet too long. I'll try it, but if any of you has had experience with Orencia, I'd appreciate a post somewhere to share your knowlege of the treatment and outcome from it. Thanks so much for doing that.
Meanwhile, life is pretty darned good right now. I hope it is for you as well. RA stinks, but we don't have to let it run out lives, we need to let it know who is in charge here and make sure that is US!
Superhero Headquarters: Harleyville, SC (near Charleston) -
shrek60 says: i'm Dan. Have had R/A since 1982. I work part time when able driving a Tour Bus. Times like last week make life difficult. All joints are involved. I live alone and don't like asking for help but sometimes just need too.I to love it when someone say's your to young to have Arthritis. I say tell that to the kid's that have this miserable illness.
Brookezlinne says: Name: Brooke
Age: 30
Superhero Type: Autoimmune Gal
Superhero Experience: Just Starting with RA, Other Autoimmunes since 2001 and before
Superhero Powers: Mommy to the best kid ever, Ability to escape death-defying medical crisis, Making broke-down and pathetic look good since 1999.
Superhero Headquarters: Michigan, USA -
TravelingSouthernGirl says: Traveling Southern Girl
Name: Carol
Age: 54
Superhero Type: RA Lady
Superhero Experience: 8 years
Superhero Powers: Still working as PR director for a national hospital company and traveling as much as possible with my wonderful hubby
Superhero Headquarters: Wylie, Texas, USA -
TexasTerp says: Name: Jamie
Age: 44
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 3 years
Superhero Poweres: Sign Language interpreter working with deaf students in grades K-12, also interpreting for the Deaf at church and in various settings. My husband is Deaf and I have a son getting ready to graduate from High School and go into the Marines.
Superhero Headquarters: Lubbock, TexasI was diagnosed with RA in 2008. I have moderate to severe, probably more severe because of the rate at which RA affected me. Within 1-2 months of being diagnosed I was using a cane to walk and could barely get around. I still went to work every day, but in a great deal of pain and limited mobility (which made it difficult to do my job as an interpreter). Thank the Lord the medications I take does help keep it under control, Humira and Methotrexate. I have complete mobility now, but still suffer the occassional flare ups, but nothing like I did before. Right now I am experiencing a lot of neck pain that I had not had before, so we'll see how I deal with this. I try not to let RA bother me, but I must admit there are times when I hurt, or ache (the kind that you really can't describe, but you know its there) that I want to cry and wonder if it will get worse. At tmes I do worry about the future and what is in store for me, but this usually only happens when I have a bad day; otherwise, I don't dwell on it. I like this website and so glad I found it. I put the link to the 60 Second Guide to RA on my Facebook page and I hope that my friends and family will read it and finally understand that this is not your "normal" arthritis that grandma or Auntie Jane suffers from, it is far different from that, and that my stiffness and aches and pains are not like your aches and pains. So hopefully they will get a better understanding of RA.
nLaRosa says: Name: Nicolette
Superhero Type: Juvenile Arthritis Gal/ Spondyloarthropathy Gal
Superhero Experience: 2 years officially diagnosed but it's really more like 7 years
Superhero Powers: Being on swim team and color guard even though the doctors said I wouldn't be able to, being able to get through weekly methotrexate treatments, and getting through a solid 7 year flare with no remissions or breaks.
Superhero Headquarters: USA -
SaitenMar says: Name: Joseph
Age: 22
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: Eleven years since diagnosis.
Superhero Powers: Not sure I have any.
Superhero Headquarters: Dudley, United Kingdom. -
allensgirl says: Name: Sherry
Age: 59
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis,Lupus, Sjogrens(show-grens), Peripheral Neuropathy, Spondylitis, and Clinical Depression.
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed in 1998, symptoms were mild at first, flares consisted of achy joints, fatigue, low grade fever. Then in 2000 I walked into the tornado, and it flattened me. Guess I thought things would always be the same. Not!
Superhero Powers: Having the smarts to get to a MD pdq, When I hear the tornado coming! Didn't do that one time, woke up in ICU with a intubation tube in my throat. I had been there three days,
after an overdose of sleeping pills. I am sorry, and I'll never do it again, but I never thought I'd do it the first time. I found a great psychiatrist that helped me understand the chemical changes in the brain when you have chronic disease, I am on Meds,and I do call her immediately, if I feel out of control at all. SOoo,I guess useing the phone is my super power!!!
Superhero Headquarters: Southeastern shore of NC, USA -
Karrotcake says: Name: Kary
Age: 39
Superhero Type: R.A.w/sjogrens
Superhero Experience: 24 years
Superhero Powers: living with r.a. and it's deformities, fatigue, taking care of my family (3 kiddos), baking:), cooking, managing to exercise and eat right (even though I love my sweets:)) Still wishing I could make some people understand some days I just can't do as much as I'd like~
Superhero Headquarters: Willowick (Cleveland), OH -
denus says: Name:Denus
Age: 34
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Gal
Superhero Experience: I've had RA since i was 5yrs old
Superhero Powers:I've been living with the deformaties and the fatigue for years but i dont let it stop me…i'm a single mom of two beautiful kids and a nurse and i wil continue to fight this illness with all have for as long as i can
Superhero Headquarters:New Jersey -
KateBug says: Name: Kaitlin
Age: 18
Superhero Type: JRA & fibromyalgia gal
Superhero Experience: 4 years
Superhero Powers: Finding the strength to entertain my 9 month old baby brother. Trying to stay positive. NOT laying in bed all the time even though I am so tired. Getting threw the day without sleep. Being able to continue my day even though I could scream from the pain. I am unbreakable
Superhero Headquarters:Sweet Home Alabama -
nan says: Name: Nan Hart
Age: 57
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 15 years (yeah that sucks!)
Superhero Powers: Being absurdly and at times, annoyingly positive
Superhero Headquarters: Rutland, Vermont -
Star says: Name: Star
Age: 35
Superhero Type: RA/Fibro Gal
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed in 2003, still not well controlled
Superhero Powers: Seeing the potential joy in everyday
Superhero Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA -
Peppermint Patty says: Name: Peppermint Patty
Age: 58
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed in 2000, eleven years ago
Superhero Powers: wife, mother, grandmother; working 20 hours a week as a fundraiser for a non-profit; trying to accept that I cannot do what I used to do BUT can still do alot and thankful for that. Blessed with a wonderful family, great friends and a very supportive church family.
Superhero Headquarters: Lancaster County, PA -
stefbear says: Age: 43. Age at diagnosis: 35.
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 8 years
Superhero Powers: wife of 3 boys, work on my feet 8 x 40. The feat of doing things that have become difficult and somehow managing most of the time.I am also an avid crafter. Scrapbooking, cross stitching, etc. Just went through having my right foot completely re constructed. Hopefully in a month I am waling again and not on wheels! Wrists, shoulders, knees, feet, ankles, and any other joint that decides to join the battle!
Superhero Headquarters: Harlan, Indiana. Suburb of Fort Wayne, Indiana -
hscherrer says: Name: Heather Scherrer
Age: 33
Superhero Type: RA
Superhero Experience: 6 years
Superhero Powers: Mom to two, heartbreaker to many. Professional swearing machine, and people watcher.
Superhero Headquarters: Pacific NW -
MissieBird says: Name: Missie Bird
Age: 39
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 9 yrs
Superhero Powers: I can twitter faster than the speed of light, I make a better BBQ than Bobby Flay, My mom powers rival that of June Cleaver, I swear better than any trucker I know and my pop culture knowlege is mindbending.
Superhero Headquarters: Lafayette, IN. -
amykate129 says: Name: Kate
Age: 22
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 12 years
Superhero Powers: Being a WSU alumni (GO COUGS!), enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and getting a one up on my disease instead of the other way around!
Superhero Headquarters: The always lovely, Port Townsend WA -
Lucecita says: Name: Diego
Age: 3 años
Superhero Type: rheumatoid arthritis guy
Superhero Experience: 1 año y medio
Superhero Powers: hacer feliz a mi familia, jugar sin importar nada más, sonreir siempre, hablar sin parar, mirar en lo profundo del alma de las personas, dar abrazos que te dan profunda paz y te alegran el corazón
Superhero Headquarters:Lima Perú – Sudamerica -
Dadwithra says: Name: Dadwithra
Age: 37
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy
Superhero Experience: 7 years
Superhero Powers: Dad, husband, writer, translator, belief in exercise, wish the Force could be used to banish RA…
Superhero Headquarters: Amersfoort, the Netherlands -
RisingPhoenix says: Name: Rising Phoenix
Age: 38
Superhero Type: Tattooed Rheuma-gal
Superhero Experience: 12 years
Superhero Powers: Mum, wife, friend jewellery maker, Fab Xbox gamer, love of family, friends and nature. Loving & accepting what I have (except RA!).
Superhero Headquarters: Cornwall, UK -
Jan says: Name: Jan
Age: 60
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: diagnosed May 2011
Superhero Powers: Love of learning, especially (now) RA. Also, sharing what I learn through blogging and teaching. Learning to accept the present moment.
Superhero Headquarters: Corpus Christi, TX -
okjoan says: Name: Joan
Age: 49
Superhero Type: Super Teacher (with RA)
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers: Kicking RA's a$$, mom, wife, lover of corgis, teacher of English to 13 year olds.
Superhero Headquarters: Oklahoma! -
deb aka murphthesurf says: Age: 54
Superhero Type: RA, Osteo
Superhero Experience: 13 years
Superhero Powers: Love to learn, traveling with ra, blogging, Mom, Wife, Gramma, Auntie, believing that the glass is always half full and laughter truly is the best medicine.
Superhero Headquarters: Wilmington, NC…until the next possible move -
Bunyip says: Name: Bunyip
Age: 39
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: Have lived with RA for 8 years but have watched my mother who has had RA since I was 5 so have dealt with RA for many years.
Superhero Powers: "denial" it gets me through some days, having a warped sense of humor, loving and living life to the fullest.
Superhero Headquarters: Echuca, Victoria, Australia, Earth -
Kel says: Name: Kelly "Kel" Bolden
Age: 34
Superhero Type: OkRAgUy
Superhero Experience: 8.5 years
Superhero Powers: "Steriod Strength"……just lokie Popeye and his spinach, when I take my Prednisone I am invincible. You combine those with all my pain pills….MOVE OVER Superman. Unless I am fighting my nemesis "Sir Flash Flare", I am down for the count and the battle is over.
Superhero Headquarters: Tulsa, OK USA. -
TamaraSarahi says: Name:Tamara S. Vasquez
Age: 24Superhero Type: Fabulous RA Gal!
Superhero Experience: 6 yrs!!
Superhero Powers: Live,Love and definitely laugh…I have RA, RA does NOT have me! I have a life to live regardless of the pain, Single momma of two beautiful boys, full-time employee for a preschool!
Superhero Headquarters: Alvin,TX
mema-joly says: Name: Mary Joly
Age: 51
Superhero Type: RA gal
Superhero Experience: 6 years
Superhero Powers: Wife, mother, mema and sister. Get up everyday no matter how hard it is and make the best of my day. Try to spread the truth about autoimmune diseases….now if I could just get people to listen!!! And helping my daughter and son in law run our very fun dog business.
Superhero Headquarters: Massachusetts -
gibby says: Name: Amanda Gibson
Age: 25
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 15 years diagnosed, sufferer for 23 years.
Superhero Powers: Mom to 2 cats, studying to be a teacher, currently web developer. It's my hope to one day work with superheroes of all different sorts at the elementary level.
Superhero Headquarters: Twin Cities, MN -
Brandy de Cusack says: Name: Brandy de Cusack
Age: 46
Superhero Type: Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis – depending on which day of the week it is.
Superhero Experience: Over ten years apparently but the disease really started to kick in over the last three years. Firm(ish) diagnosis two years ago.
Superhero Powers: Working, writing horrific gore and sci-fi, photography, organic gardening, dressing up as movie characters and supervillains (!) to scare people for charity
Superhero Headquarters: UK -
Radiantmeg says: Name: Meghann Holcomb
Age: 31
Superhero Type: RA MamaSuperhero Experience: 18 months
Superhero Powers: mom to 3 kiddos, knitter, super fast bookworm. Trying to find away to manage my life with RA.
Superhero Headquarters: massachusetts -
jowendyno says: Name: Tia Canadian
Age: 22
Superhero Type: J.R.A.
Superhero Experience: 7 years
Superhero Powers: I love to cook with my adapted tools. I'm a university student juggling intense school work with the pain and fatigue of J.R.A.. I keep a Positive Mental Attitude about my disease. I'm addicted to tattoos and Monty Python films. Excitedly looking forward to my first full hip replacement. Hoping to one day to help Superheros as a physician. I live with a great team of Superheros; my parents and brothers.
Superhero Headquarters: near Montreal, QC, Canada. -
MamaNym says: Name: MamaNym
Age: 36
Superhero Type: Psoriatic Arthritis Mama
Superhero Experience: Many years, but recently diagnosed
Superhero Powers: Mama to 5 unschooled kids, childcare provider to up to 4 more, volunteer extraordinaire, advocate, and activist … striving to find balance between being and doing, between taking care of others and taking care of myself – and doing it all with a sense of humor.
Superhero Headquarters: Bristol, CT -
IR says: Name: IR
Age: 27
Superhero Type: Psoratic Rheumatoid Arthritis (knees, hands, feet)
Superhero Experience: 7 years
Superhero Powers: Active electronic musician that is classically trained by the Royal Conservatory of Music, Canada. I'm also pretty much a geek. I've been into computers since I could walk. I have college training as a network administrator, technician and security analysis. I run a few websites on top of that.
Superhero Headquarters: Ottawa, Canada -
deeutz68 says: Name: Gail Utz
Age: 42
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Woman
Superhero Experience:1 month officially, unofficially 10 years,
Superhero Powers: Super mom of 3 and wife. Home heathcare provider until recently. Being a wildlife rehabber, Fighting RA with my magic lasso, Working on being an RA blogger to help spread awareness of this disease.
Superhero Headquarters: Virginia -
mckilty says: Name: Dannie
Age: 45
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Chick
Superhero Experience: 2 months diagnosed, been living with chronic pain for years, ignoring it and hoping it will heal itself.
Superhero Powers: Snarky little witch, Dog Trainer and WordPress Wizard. Working almost full time
Superhero Headquarters: New Zealand -
melindawinner says: Name: Melinda
Age: 49
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis , plus four other forms and a birth injury
Superhero Experience: diagnosed 25 plus years , however; had from a teen
Superhero Powers: Cooking , baking , Author of self help arthritis cookbooks
Superhero Headquarters: Tampa Florida, Gulfport Ms, -
Melia_Sue says: Name: Melissa
Age: 30
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis, secondary Sjogren's Syndrome & bilateral hip bursitis
Superhero Experience: "Officially" diagnosed end of June/11, diagnosed in February/11 by GP. Been in pain from bursitis for nearly four years, RA pain for about a year. Dry eyes & mouth that is greatly annoying (I need to drink upwards of 15 cups of water/day to help the dry mouth).
Superhero Powers: I can work 40+ hours a week and then have enough energy to make it back to my apartment to fall into bed and sleep 9 – 10 hours! Sometimes I can manage to knit, enjoy activities outside of the apartment and spend time with friends. On most days I can laugh at myself and what I'm no longer able to do and that helps as much as my meds sometimes I think! When I can't get out of bed on weekends from working all week I watch a lot of documentaries.
Superhero Headquarters: The lovely Maritimes (east coast of Canada) with it's extremely wacky weather which frequently makes my RA worse but I love it here! -
SKRDad says: Name: SKRDad
Age: 43
Superhero Type: RA, FM
Superhero Experience: 5 Years and counting…
Superhero Powers: Work 60+hour/weeks as a Logistics Manager. Father of 3 beautiful children. 16, 13 & 10 years old in order. Coach & on League's Governing Board for my son's soccer team. Band Booster's VP for Daughter #1′s Marching Band. Chaperone for out of town Band Trips for Daughter #2′s middle school band. Husband to the Love of my Life for the past 17 years and counting… Battle the RA Monster but more importantly work very hard so that Husband and Father define me first…
Superhero Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona. -
DrKaren says: Name: Dr Karen
Age: 52…although some days I feel a tad older (other days younger)
Superhero Type:RA, SLE, FMS, APLS, Celiac,
Superhero Experience: Since 1994
Superhero Powers: I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, work as a Shrink specializing in Depression and PTSD, and, of course, CHRONIC ILLNESS! I am a single mum of a 16 y/o w/FMS and a Standard Poodle, Molly, who works with my patients. I write 2 blogs (The Couch Trip and "Shrinking" Chronic Illness both on blogspot), am rebuilding my business website for the 8th time!, I tweet, run a FB Page, and try to keep my social media guilt to a minimum.Helping my daughter w/Macrame to sell for The Girl Effect which is her IB BIG project.I am on Retuxin and recently started Cannabis (about 7 weeks ago – yes I am in a state where it is legal for me) which has made a HUGE difference in pain (BUT eat it, don't smoke it so you get BOTH passes of the medication). I only use it before night so it doesn't interfere w/my practice. It is great (haven't needed breakthrough pain meds since I started as well as other things – write me and I'll explain)
Superhero Headquarters: Denver, Colorado (but I am from DC, VA, NY, OH, IN too). -
stmprkb says: Name: Kim Byrne (Stmprkb)
Age: 48
Superhero Type: RA and Crohns Gal
Superhero Experience: dx 18 mos ago, still a newbie!?
Superhero Powers: MUST MAINTAIN my POSITIVE ATTITUDE. My goal is to return to work full time as a special ed teacher, Aug 16th. I fear the fatigue will prevent me from being on my A game.. ok, so I need to re evaluate, do I need to be on my A game? I tend to over do, so my A game, may be too high of a goal. I am a dog lover and my black lab has the title of Physical Therapist in the house. She gets me up and moving every day. Whether it be swimming or walking. I was in the competitive ventures of dog sports, but have to let them go.. the dogs seem to love to be with me, competing or not. So, I think this was probably MY GOAL and not their goal! My caregiver, is my wonderful husband, Tom, of 26 years, he is in the learning curve with me, and has taken over a lot of the house chores, he is a retired FF. He is totally in to taking naps, and never complains! I am honored to be on the Superhero Wall of Fame!
Superhero Headquarters:West Palm Beach FL in the pool! -
nkelliher says: Name: Nikki
Age: 21
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 12 years, officially diagnosed at age 9
Superhero Powers: Studying criminal justice in college, working as a legal assistant and bearing through the pain I wake up to every day to reach my goal of graduating and becoming a paralegal. Also accepting the fact that heels will never be a part of my ensomble!
Superhero Headquarters: Vienna, Virginia -
knittymad says: Name: Sally
Age: 29
Superhero Type: JIA/RA
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed 20 odd years ago.
Superhero Powers: Living and growing up with JIA. Went to uni with JIA, did a masters with JIA….erm…did lots with JIA. Worked as a music teacher for a year after graduating but I had to stop because of my arthritis. So now I still sing a bit and knit a lot. I also work voluntary for arthritis care as and when I can. I've just had my 3rd joint replacement and waiting for a date for my 4th but life it good.
Superhero Headquarters: Staffordshire, United Kingdom.
embarrassedtobehuman says: Name: Faris
Age: 20
Superhero Type: RA/Fibro
Superhero Experience: 17 months
Superhero Powers: Still a great cook/seamstress/musician…when I'm able. I'm a lot more valuable then this disease has made me feel.
Superhero Headquarters: alberta, canada -
OnlyGodKnowsWhy says: Name:Dawn
Age: 36
Superhero Type: Think I'm going to save the world with my Sarcoidosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Girl
Superhero Experience: Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and spreading since October of 2008…Newly diagnosed Rheumatoid Girl..Summer 2011
Superhero Powers: Can still barely do my own housework, have my BSN in Nursing and will be going back to online college for a degree in political science to lobby for animal rights, autoimmune disease funding and research, starting a recommended exercise program, spread faith and hope when I can, try to find the humor in situations, take care of my animals, empathy for others and try to reach out when I can.
Superhero Headquarters: Audubon, Iowa -
sallymander says: Name: Sally Farrington
Age: 45
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: dx just 4 mos ago
Superhero Powers: Christian Mom to 3 amazing daughters, Oma to a genius 2 year old, able to homeschool, coach volleyball, cook, scrapbook, & crochet for short bursts of time, amazingly talented at naps and making sarcastic remarks.
Superhero Headquarters: Fayetteville, NC -
JennyP says: Name: Jenny Pettit
Age: 25
Superhero Type: Sjogren's, Localized Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia, Dysautonomia, Raynaud's
Superhero Experience: 10 years (since diagnosis)/23 years (symptoms)
Superhero Powers: Health Activist for "invisible illnesses" doing online and IRL (in real life) activism on my own and with others, also run my parish youth group and – my most amazing power – hanging onto my job as an auditor (didn't think I could do it when I was in school)! Also married to wonderful caregiver.
Superhero Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA -
kittycat says: Name: Cat
Age: 37
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 2 months
Superhero Powers: Being an awesome mommy and wife!!
Superhero Headquarters: Scotland -
SpoonieChic says: Name: Spoonie Chic
Superhero Type:Wonder Woman (lyme,RA,fibro -to be continued)
Superhero Experience:jumping leaps and bounds since 2010 to find the right doctor to hopefully get the better treatment.
Superhero Powers:Belief in God! Seeing the positive in situations,keeping stress to a bare minimum, loving people that don't understand autoimmune diseases.
Superhero Headquarters:my couch -
Angella13 says: Name: Angella
Age: 46
Superhero Type: Psoriatic arthritis girl, fibro girl and ostoerthritis girl
Superhero Experience: Pain..Fatigue…Life changing…Feel like the tin man…Rheumatologist thinks I hit the arthritis jackpot…isolation…professional pin cushion…did I mention PAIN!!
Superhero Powers: My sidekicks-my son,sister,my therapist and my rheumatologist. invisibility-able to say no ans stay "invisible" if my body says so.
Superhero Headquarters:the "dungeon" a meditative little place in my basement where Hemlock(my son's black cat) and I go to chill. There is music, candlelight and a chair. also a cot if the chair is not so welcoming. -
juleeme says: Name: Jules (aka juleeme)
Age: 42
Superhero Type: RA Gal and Caregiver Gal (with a smattering of other illnesses)
Superhero Experience: 20 years (RA), almost 2 years (Caregiver)
Superhero Powers: Patience, writing, design, photography, sarcasm, caregiving, did I mention patience? In my pre-RA-flaredom, I was a technical writer, graphic designer and web designer with a penchant for painting, making jewelry and crafting stained glass. Also I enjoyed yoga, camping and hiking.
Superhero Headquarters: North Carolina -
jjbluejay says: Name: Jackie
Age: 32
Superhero Type: Woman with RA and food allergies
Superhero Experience: 15 years
Superhero Powers: Wife of 5 years, mother to our energetic and strong-willed toddler son, caretaker of our cat and aquarium fish, cook, piano player, music lover, nature lover, hiker/walker, and traveler. Walked a half marathon (13 miles) 4 years ago and hope to try it again someday. Still learning to live through the ups and downs with RA as naturally as possible—diet, exercise, and alternative medicine, but occasionally resorting to over-the-counter pain relievers. Not interested in prescription drugs and their side effects! Still working on my attitude and trying to stay positive. It is very challenging being a mother to a young child who can't understand what I go through everyday and how hard it is to keep up with him! Patience is also hard to have when you're hurting. Lucky to have a very understanding and supportive husband to help with childcare duties (especially doing the heavy lifting)—He's MY superhero!
Superhero Headquarters: Michigan (metro Detroit area) -
autoimmunegirl says: Name: Autoimmunegirl
Age: 46
Superhero Type: Autoimmune Peripheral Neuropathy, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Superhero Experience: 10 + years, 4 years (so far)searching for a diagnosis
Superhero Powers: Ability to say no, I can't do that and not feel guilty that I'm letting someone else down. 40 hr week IT professional, Mother of 3 (21, 16, 11); Co owner of catering business, amateur photographer, dog owner, Temple webmaster, Temple Board member. Usually just enough energy to get through the week and then do as little as possible on the weekends. Supported by my Superhero FF husband and children, who are learning to live with the new me.
Superhero Headquarters: Quincy, Ma -
mariefnp says: Name: Marie
Age: 53
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Baby Boomer
Superhero Experience: 4+ years and possibly longer???
Superhero Powers: Healthcare professional still working full time – loving my job, but harder every day to commute 1 hr each way/work 8+ hours, keep up with the house, cooking, etc. Recently dx'd with food allergies – wheat/dairy/eggs and learning to adjust to a new way of eating
Superhero Headquarters: Southern NH, USA -
kimberlycollison says: Name: Kimberly Collison
Age: 45
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Trooper
Superhero Experience: 2 years 'hands-on' crash-course work experience (&feet&ankles&knees&neck&shoulders)
Superhero Powers: RED HAIR! Tenacity, Determination, will power of a god,Survival skills extraordinaire, embracer of change,life long ability to get what I want- current chapter facing my arch nemisis!
Superhero Headquarters: Temporary quarters Chester, Connecticut- then who knows where is next! -
wovensongs says: Name: Susan Laswell
Age: 62
Superhero Type: AutoImmune Gal
Superhero Experience: Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes… eyes and ears, a mouth and a… well the nose is still doing well!
Superhero Powers: stubborn as a Missouri mule
Superhero Headquarters: Southern Part of Heaven, NC -
Dannywv67 says: Name: Daniel Harris
Age: 44
Superhero Type: Uncle Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: officially since 1994
Superhero Powers: Live with RA, care for my elderly parents and add Bipolar to the pot. I also care for our two little dogs, Nacho and Precious Oh, and trying to keep a good attitude!
Superhero Headquarters: Spencer, WV. -
midenianscholar says: Name: Alyssa
Age: 20
Superhero Type: RA Girl
Superhero Experience: Three years and counting.
Superhero Powers: Living with RA whilst working on an undergrad degree (English/Creative Writing), working full time during summers/holidays and part time through the school year. Creative writer, photographer and traveler.
Superhero Headquarters: Georgia, USA. -
Kayleigh Payne says: Name: Kayleigh
Age: 24
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 11 years
Superhero Powers: Positive thinking!
Superhero Headquarters: Ireland -
Adrienne says: Name: Adrienne
Age: old enough!
Superhero Type: Adrienne's Disease/RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 20 years
Superhero Powers: Being able to laugh through it all, being positive when others are down, and dreaming of all the things I am going to do before I can't do them!
Superhero Headquarters: In a destination city in the USA -
Frances says: Name: Frances
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed last week
Superhero Powers: Living with several chronic illnesses, writing, cooking, 12 step recovery, service to others, self care, sharing & receiving hope
Superhero Headquarters: Portland, Oregon -
Anna Beth says: Name: Anna Beth
Age: 20
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: 5 years
Superhero Powers: Being able to work 25 hrs a week while going to school full time for my BFA with an emphasis in Drawing! I am a strong, positive thinker who loves the arts! As a superhero, I have to give my side-kick some credit too! My fiance, Troy has helped me through my toughest times with my RA! Together we can conquer the stairs!
Superhero Headquarters: Nashville, TN -
Cammie says: Name: Cammie
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: 4 years officially diagnosed under doctors supervision. 1+ years managing it on my own.
Superhero Powers: Mom to 3 college age sons and to my disabled brother. Part time cook and baker. Singer in my church praise team. Work a 40 hour job. Positive outlook in every situation. Try to remain focused on the good and not the bad. Encourager to others.
Superhero Headquarters: Warm and sunny Valley of the Sun USA -
Cammie says: Name: Cammie
age: 50
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: 4 years officially diagnosed under doctors supervision. 1+ years managing it on my own.
Superhero Powers: Mom to 3 college age sons and to my disabled brother. Part time cook and baker. Singer in my church praise team. Work a 40 hour job. Positive outlook in every situation. Try to remain focused on the good and not the bad. Encourager to others.
Superhero Headquarters: Warm and sunny Valley of the Sun USA -
HayWire0831 says: Name: HayWire0831
Age: 35
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 6 years experience, but only recently recognized the face of my enemy about a week ago.
Superhero Powers: Exercise, being a full time working mom with RA, music, movies, games, family time, super regenerative capabilities and RA invisibility.
Superhero Headquarters: Dallas, TEXAS! -
Sennazus says: Name: Sennazus
Age: 46
Superhero Type: RA Mom
Superhero Experience: 5+ yrs
Superhero Powers: Living w/ RA, Migraines & staying positive; mom to 4 (22, 19, 17, 14); JP+ Distributor and firm believer; corgi owner; prayer shawl knitter; youth praise team co-leader w/ hubby; singer; empath to those who are hurting
Superhero Headquarters: Dallas, Texas -
BettyBoop says: Name: BettyBoop
Age: 47
Superhero type:RA gal & Osteoaethritis
Superhero experience:13 plus yrs
Superhero powers:Living with RA,suffering most days but still get up and fight it and take one day at a time,help others,cooking,educate other people on RA
Superhero headquarters:Granite Falls,NC -
Kris10 says: Name: Kris10
Age: 26
Superhero type: Super Tall Gal with RA & Diabetes
Superhero experience: Almost 1 year
Superhero powers: Wife of 6 years, using every spare moment when my hands cooperate to work on my photography, carrying on with my life, trying to stand tall (6'2″ to be exact) in the face of disease, I may stumble but I will win!
Superhero headquarters: Farmington, New Mexico -
D. Leach says: October 8, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Name: Debbie
Age: 46
Superhero type: RA & Sjogrens Diva!
Superhero experience: 10 years
Superhero powers: Wife, mother of three boys, work a full time job, cook, clean, love to go camping and crocheting. But losing the ability to crochet, can only do that on a "good" day.
Superhero headquarters: Exton, Pennsylvania -
WriterChick says: Name: Marcy
Age: 47
Superhero type: RA, Sjogrens & Raynauds Diva!
Superhero experience: 17 years
Superhero powers: Wife, step-mom, writer, nurse, cook, clean, love to travel and go on cruises.
Superhero headquarters: Odessa, Texas -
Marija says: Name: Mileva
Age: 63
Superhero type:RA & Hashimoto Lady
Superhero experience: 24 years
Superhero powers:worked for 14 years as a manager after diagnosis, recovered from a hip fracture, always made up and dressed up, working around the home, loving and loved mother, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor…
Superhero headquarters:Belgrade, Serbia -
Erika says: Name: Erika
Age: 32
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal.
Superhero Experience: Five years.
Superhero Powers: Living with RA and a gaggle of other autoimmune issues, Being the best Mommy I can be, Cooking my pants off, Looking after other people's children and hopefully influencing them well and LEARNING!!!
Superhero Headquarters: Calgary, Alberta, Canada -
Tess says: Name: Theresa aka Tess
Age: 49
Superhero Type: RA Mum-Mum
Superhero Experience: 35 years
Superhero Powers: Living with RA and a host of other autoimmune issue for many years, Trying to bring a brighter outlook to folks with chronic illnesses by sharing stories through Fail First Hurts, Global Healthy Living Foundation; IAAM and other various websites and blogs.
Superhero Headquarters: Cherry Hill, NJ and Bradenton, Florida (I'm a snowbird) -
Theresa says: Name: Theresa
Age: 31
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 3.5 years
Superhero Powers: Living with RA in New England, high school teacher, college professor, baker, cooker, preserver, writer/blogger (http://theresas-kitchen.blogspot.com/), sister, daughter and friend. I try not to let it rule me, but some days it's harder than others. I have two cats and a yellow lab Unconditional love is the best from family, friends AND pets! -
Samantha Renae says: Name: Sam
Age: 20
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero experience: 8 long years
superhero Powers: Playing guitar every day for the last 8 years of my life, being a full time college student, educating those individuals who think I'm too young to have this disease
Superhero headquarters: Durango, Co -
Del says: Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis old fart
Superhero experience: 15 years
superhero Powers: Trustee for a disabled bikers charity
Superhero headquarters: Sutton Coldfield UK -
Jenny Bourgeois says: Name: Jenny
Age: 41
Superhero Type: RA Mommy
Superhero Experience: 4 years
superhero Powers: Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist, Dance & Gymnastics Mommy, wife to amazingly supportive husband, educating others about living with RA
Superhero Headquarters: New Boston, New Hampshire -
Diana says: Name: Diana
Age: 55
Superhero Type: SuperGramma with chronic transformed migraines, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, GAD, OCD, depression, AND caregiver for disabled husband who has his own superhero status
Superhero Experience: Lifetime for the migraines, 3-30 years for the rest depending on what we're talking about
Superhero Powers: I'm a mom/gramma who loves her family dearly, loves the Lord as her Savior, is a former graphics designer (recently had to give it up due to what the fibro and arthritis are doing to me), trying to come to terms with how my body is betraying me even more these past couple years. (My blog: http://heartofknzus.com)
Superhero Headquarters: in the heart of KansasI applaud all the SUPERHEROS listed here! Bravo! Bravo! \o/
Denise says: Name: Denise
Age: 46
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromylagia, Myositis Gal
Superhero Experience: RA for almost 9 years, Fibro for 3 years, Myositis discovered in Oct, 2011 while in the hospital for a staph infection in my blood.
Superhero Powers: Elemantary school teacher for 20+ years. Dog rescuer. Kind and caring person.
Superhero Headquarters: Huntington Beach, CA -
Fi'Ra' Fighter Gal says: Name:SueD
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Fi'Ra' Fighter Gal
Superhero Experience: Living with RA for 6+ years; Dx since 3yrs
Superhero Powers: Fighting the fires of inflammation, the sparks of pain and the smokey plumes of fatigue… All while helping to care for four family cats (from rescue sites)and going back to school to study to be a Nutrition Practicioner (post-grad).
Superhero Headquarters: Ontario and 'Newfoundland & Labrador', Canada -
Lisa says: Name:Lisa aka the ref of the household
Age: 33
Superhero Type: RA Lupus
Superhero Experience: Living with RA for 3+ years; Lupus 1 1/2 year cluster headaches 8 years
Superhero Powers: Fighting the pain, and 2 daughters who would make the pope swear
Superhero Headquarters: Shullsburg Wisconsin aka drunken cheese town -
Wayney says: Name: Wayney
Age: 34
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Girl
Superhero Experience: 27 yrs
Superhero Powers: Living with:RA, FMS, OA, osteoporosis, Facet joint Arthritis; Learning to walk again after not walking for 3+ yrs; Reading; Cooking; Writing
Superhero Headquarters: Myrtle Beach, SC -
Sarah says: Name: Sari
Age: just 16
Superhero Type: JRA Gal, Fibromyalgia
Superhero Experience: 5 years
Superhero Powers: hope in the future, do my a level, swimming riding and dancing (despite pain , make ironic remarks and jokes with other people, tease my little brother (sometimes), inject myself, be happy
Superhero Headquaters: Münster, Germany -
Jamie says: Name: Jamster
Age: 47
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 1 year
Superhero Powers: Determined to fight my nemisis RA without the aid of medications while also battling it's evil sidekick Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I'm a wife and mother who continues to work full time while educating myself and others about these 2 evil diseases. Can keep a smile on my face even when the pain gets so intense that I just want to cry.
Superhero Headquarters: NW Indiana -
Sandi says: Name: Sandi AKA Sparky
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 6 years
Superhero Powers: Maintaining my sense of humour through all this pain and fatigue and realizing I really am not a superwoman and my home doesn't need to be clean 24/7. And fighting COPD on top of all, this I have tons of inside jokes. Working full time doing Daycare keeps me strong and keeps my mind occupied. Keeping sane through the pain,,, Knowing Im not alone and finding this wonderful sight with people that really understand why I cant open jars and need help with daily living skills has been a god send, God bless us all
Superhero Headquarters: NW Pennsylvania -
Sammi says: Name: Sammi (just Sammi)
Age: 40
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Boy
Super Hero Experience: 6 years
Super Hero Powers: Assistant Director of a teenage suicide prevention website, Director of a new RA Chat site, Professional Photographer, Full Time Positivity Coach and the list continues
Super Hero Headquarters: Perth Australia -
Tracy Richards says: Name: Trace
Age: 32
Superhero Type: Inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis
Superhero Experience: 17months
Superhero Powers: Mom of 2,optimism, positive thoughts and to stay as strong as possible, keep smiling and not letting arthritis beat me.
Superhero Headquarters: Worcestershire/UK -
Christi says: Name: Christi
Age: 47
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Woman
Superhero Experience: 15 years
Superhero Powers: Wife, and Mother of 2 wonderful daughters. I continue to work full time and I try to stay active and keep a positive outlook, while living with RA.
Superhero Headquarters: Plano, Texas -
Erin says: Name: Erin
Age: 30
Superhero Type: RA Chick
Superhero Experience: diagnosed 1.5 years ago though my doc suspects I've had it since childhood
Superhero Powers: kicking insurance company reps' butts into approving meds, staying positive despite my pains, being a loving & patient momma to my very active 2 & 4 year olds, supporting my caregiver husband (who is an RN at work & also cares for me at home) as best as I can
Superhero Headquarters: Florida -
Gillian Pidler says: Name: Gilly
Age: 43
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: Almost twenty years.
Superhero Powers: Living with RA, raising 3 gorgeous kids,running an RA/AI support group & practicing yoga.
Superhero Headquarters: Devon United Kingdom. -
Jessica says: Name: Jessica
Age: 34
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Girl
Superhero Experience: 2 years (since diagnosis, but have had longer)
Superhero Powers: Living with RA and secondary Sjogrens. Staying sane through the pain and fatigue. Daughter, sister, and wife of 7 years to an amazing husband, mom to 2 doggies.
Superhero Headquarters: Fargo, North Dakota -
Alicia Cedillo says: Name: Alicia
Age: 42
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Mom & Peripheral Neuropathy Fighter
Superhero Experience: 8 years with RA, 2+ years fighting excruciatingly painful neuropathy
Superhero Powers: Divorced and living with both diseases while raising 4 boys, oldest three are 18+ now, youngest is 13. Fighting for SS Disability after quitting 18 years of working with Dept of Defense.
Superhero Headquarters: NE Florida -
Amber Dietrich says: Name: Amber
Age: 41
Superhero Type: RA/AS Girl
Superhero Experience: 8 yrs
Superhero Powers: Appearing to handle it all (3 busy kids and a husband) and trying to be Superwoman while smiling through often excruciating pain..also kicking RA/As's @$$ everyday!
Superhero Headquarters: Allen, TX -
Barbara says: Name: Barbara
Age: 56
Superhero Type: Inflammatory Osteoarthritis Gal (possibly RA Gal, but doctors haven't agreed on that yet)
Superhero Experience: 5 years
Superhero Special Powers: Living with constant hip pain and slowly twisting, painful fingers, refusing to resort to drugs, uses acupuncture and swimming to help keep mobile and healthy
Superhero Headquarters: Stratford, Canada -
Melissa says: Name: Melissa
Age: 37
Superhero Type:RA Gal and OA Gal
Superhero Experience: 5 years
Superhero Special Powers: Mom of 3 with #4 on the way (first pregnancy w/ RA). Homeschooling mom, teach arthritis self help class, part-time swim coach, on board for local Arthritis Foundation, staying positive.
Superhero Headquarters: Pittsburgh, PA -
Ang says: Name: Ang
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers: Fighting through the pain, fatigue, nausea, etc., working full-time from home, mom of two teenagers and five furry kitters, and trying to find the positive in each day/situation – luckily have a wonderful, supportive partner!
Superhero Headquarters: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania -
SolRBL says: Name: Little Miss Sunshine!
Age: 39
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Princess
Superhero Experience: Sero-Negative RA for 20+ years, but only diagnosed a few years ago. It was only through determination and perseverance that I finally got a Dx and am now moving forward in my treatment!
Superhero Powers: Complete & total Awesomeness! Strength, perserverence & Rebel to the core! Crafty, all around artistic & creative Domestic Goddess with punk flair, Lucky mommy to two amazing sons 22 & 4, both also struggle with auto-immune disorders, they are my reason for breathing & bring light into every day! Blessed to have found my soulmate, my other half, the love of my life! And he 'gets it'! Takes care of me and spoils me to no end, even washes my hair for me when I don't have the strength to do it myself! I refuse to give in, never give up, never surrender!
Superhero Headquarters: Western Oregon -
Merri Lewis says: Name: Merri
Superhero Type: Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: 4 months
Superhero Powers: Mom of 4 beautiful kids. Boy/Girl twins age 9, Boy age 6 and Girl age 5 months. Both boys have Autism/ADHD, possible Tourettes for one and anxiety disorder. When I say ADHD, I mean, they redefine the H part LOL. I am a writer and seeker of treasures in the bad times of life…Hence, the name of my blog is Treasures in the Dust. Trying to regain less pain so I can go back to crafting. -
Janine says: Name: Janine
Age: 39 and holding (actually 56, but feels more like 96 at times…)
Superhero type: RAvishing RA monster, induced by GW1 in all probability
Superhero Experience: 15 years officially
Superhero Powers: am virtually indestructable-survived war, renal failure X2, blood clots and intestinal obstruction. -possess over 10 yrs experience as RN. My mottos? 'GO DOWN FIGHTING' and also 'LET 'EM FEEL YOUR PAIN!!'
Superhero Headquarters: Blanchard USA (OK) -
Karen Austin says: Name: Karen
Age: 55
Superhero Type: RA
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed age 46 but I know I've had it off and on since I was a child.
Superhero Powers: Raising 4 children – 3 of which already have RA; keeping my body mobile and flexible even on days where my body is screaming at me to just stop and lay down; keeping up my drawing and painting skills; never giving in to it all.
Superhero Headquarters: Houston, TX area for 23 years but will always be a San Francisco girl! -
Moselle says: Name: Moselle
Age: 26
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 5 Years
Superhero Powers: Living with extremely aggressive RA, being a mom to two boys, discovering hidden strength when none seems to be available, being a supportive wife, making my house into a home.
Superhero Headquarters: Fredericksburg, VA, but home will always be Italy to me. -
Tania says: Name: Tania
Age: 41
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 7 months
Superhero Powers: Living with moderate RA, raising 3 teenager sons who are everything to me, trying to think positive about what Life now holds for me! Hoping to be able to stay in my Job as long as I can as it's a great distraction for my RA.
Superhero Headquarters: Victoria Australia -
Alicia says: Name: Alicia
Age: 45
Superhero Type: Very progressive, agressive RA/CFS/Fibro – My RA is like pac man – chomping my bones and ligaments…dirty rat! Knock it off!
Superhero Experience: 11 years – almost 2 years firm dx of RA (finally!)
Superhero Powers: Hugging! Mom of mostly grown kids! Partner of the world's best supporter! Certified Life Coach for Teens and Adults, I have a book in the process for Coaching Teens. I love Yoga (chair yoga now!)! Disabled over-achiever….trying to figure out how to manage my new life with RA…instead of just being a Type A! Oh…laughter, humor – you must have it to survive this life. Reading, music, eating m&m's! Hugs to all the superheros.
Superhero headquearters: New Hampshire, USA -
Brenda says: Name: Brenda
Age: 52
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 20 years
Superhero Powers: Holding down a full time job. Writing a blog, as I am also a brain tumor survivor of 3 years. Fighting everyday even though the pain is with me 24/7. It will never beat me. I am stronger than this disease.
Superhero Headquarters: Bismarck, North Dakota -
Jill says: Name: Jill Tague
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Girl
Superhero Experience: 19 Years
Superhero Powers: Accomplishing anything ANYONE else can do…even if it takes me more time and I use different tactics or orthopedic tools! Persistence wins the race, every time!
Superhero Headquarters: Mt. Pleasant, SC -
Lariana says: Name: Lariana Storms
Superhero Type: PAN (once diagnosed with RA then re-diagnosed)
Superhero Experience: 10 years
Superhero Powers: Educating others, coping with PAN with grace, inner strength and love
It all comes down to how you deal with things!
Superhero Headquarters: Philippines -
Dreamzncolor says: Name: Kristy Lugar
Age: 31
Superhero Type: RA Defender
Superhero Experience: 13 years
Superhero Powers: Raising two kids, fighting RA, writing, garndening, and a new found ability to bake and bake well.
Superhero Headquarters: Northwest Indiana, USA -
Hillary says: Name: Hillary
Age: 37
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 10 years
Superhero Powers: Single Mom of 2 kids, fighting depression and RA, staying positive, being happy, attempting to beat Ironman in arm wrestling
Superhero Headquarters: Rochester, NY, USA, Earth -
Libby Schou-Kristensen says: Name: Libby Schou-Kristensen
Age: 52
Superhero type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 32 years
Superhero Powers: God has turned my tragedy into a triumph! I enjoy encouraging and inspiring other RA sufferers and so far I have done this by public speaking, writing a book 'Seeing the Unseen', making a DVD '10 Life Lessons'and a CD. I am currently contacting the 51 Rheumatologists in South Africa and placing posters/flyers in the waiting rooms in order to make contact with other RA patients. 13 surgeries (mostly joint replacements) and 9 hip dislocations have not succeeded in making me a victim of this disease. I am winning the war with God's help and currently experiencing amazing restoration. Life is more than our bodies and I have discovered the joy of a healthy soul and spirit.
Superhero Headquarters: Mtunzini, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa -
Darrell says: Name: DJ / Darrell
Age: 23
Superhero type: Rheumatoid Arthritis POTSie Dude
Superhero Experience: about 3 years
Superhero Powers: Maintaining a full time job (w/ some accommodations thankfully) while having RA along with an autonomic dysfunction known as POTS, which adds to the list of symptoms.
Superhero Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio -
Harsh Singal says: Name: Harsh Singal
Age: 31
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Basher
Superhero Experience: 3rd Year
Superhero Powers: A Software Engineer.smiling, having fun. A passionate gamer by heart. What I am restricted to do in real life, I can do it in games
Superhero slogan: Really do not have any!!
Superhero website:
Superhero Headquarters: India (Chandigarh, Bangalore) -
akathemom says: Name: Rebecca aka "the Mom"
Age: 37
Superhero type: JRA mom
Superhero Experience: 1 day
Superhero Powers: Raising and homeschooling 7 children including superheroes with ADHD, convergence insufficiency, and now JRA!, driving in Dallas (what? the traffic here is terrible)
Superhero Headquarters: Wylie, TX just outside of Dallas -
Anne says: Name: Anne-Fleur vD
Age: 31 (almost 32)
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 1 year and 3 months
Superhero Powers: Living with RA, being a tester bunny for all sorts of drugs which my sidekick, Rheumatology Kid (Specialist) signs me up for, Studying Environmental Science, being hypermobile, swimming, walking, smiling, living
Superhero Headquarters: London, United Kingdom -
Craig says: Name: RAd Boyfriend Guy
Age: 25
Superhero Type: Supporter of RA Girlfriend
Superhero Experience: 3 years
Superhero Powers: Crazy-Mad Warm Compress Skills, Able to open jars with a single twist, regularly rescues his RA damsel from pain and sadness, able to access RA facts and knowledge with lightening speed to educate others, superb cuddler, craftsman, writer.
Superhero Headquarters: Fort Myers, FL -
Troy Davies says: Name: Troy
Age: 49
Superhero Type: Working dad and partner. Ex british paratrooper
Superhero Experience: 10 years
Superhero Powers: A complete loony, a great dad to my kids, hard working, national union disablity committee member, and a champion to those less fortunate, great at giving love a cuddles to others.
Superhero Headquarters: Coventry United Kingdom -
Becky says: Name: Becky
Age: 38
Superhero Type: RA Gal battling Clinical Depression w/Anxiety Disorder
Superhero Experience: 7 months
Superhero Powers: A complete goofball; mother to a very active 7 year old; wife to a wonderful, supportive husband; 50% redneck, 50% sophisticated; 100% hillbilly
Superhero Headquarters: Williamstown, WV -
Andrea says: Name: Andrea
Age: 33
Superhero Type: RA Super Duper like Gary Cooper Gal
Superhero Experience: 7 years
Superhero Powers: Academic nut (not to be confused with macadamia) working on yet another Master's, this time in the field of Healthcare Administration. Artist, educator, blogger, and fiancee. Power to be out there.
Superhero Headquarters: Raleigh, NC -
Lindsay Holland says: Name: Lindsay Holland
Age: 29
Superhero Type: Single feminist mother with Rheumatoid Arthritis juggling my career and volunteering to make this world a better place
Superhero Experience: almost 8 years
Superhero Powers: Activist – not afraid to stand up for what is right and tell like it is
Superhero Headquarters: Ontario, Canada -
Margery says: Name: Margery
Age: 54
Superhero Type: RA Gal with secondary Sjogrens
Superhero Experience: 5-plus years
Superhero Powers: Wife and mother; writer, editor; handweaver and fiber artist.
Superhero Headquarters: DeWitt, New York
Motto: You are unlimited. -
Britney says: Name: Britney
Age: 25
Superhero Type: RA chic working on my 3rd post-secondary degree in the fight against human rights abuses
Superhero Experience: 7 years
Superhero Powers: Working at a job that requires standing for over 5 hours, occassional swimming, yoga, bike riding and hikes, awesome studying skills
Superhero Headquarters: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada -
Carolina says: Name: Carolina
Age: 37
Superhero Type: RA on early stage, and high blood presure.
Superhero Experience: 3 months.
Superhero Powers: Positive thoughts, excercise, absolutely convinced that I will archive the remission of my RA on my next doctor's appointment. I Believe on Angel's healing powers.
Superhero quote: "make and keep your life fun and positive, amazing things can happen!"
Superhero HeadQuarters: Bogotá, Colombia -
Katrina says: Name: Katrina
Age: 26
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis (diagnosed), Bipolar rapid cycling and Epileptic (undiagnosed).
Superhero Experience: 5 months of RA, 18 years of depression, 1 month since my first seizure…
Superhero Powers: Gardening, even when in pain. Swimming and giving others motivation to push through the pain! Yoga and cupcakes. Massage therapist and hopefully Acupuncturist someday.
Superhero quote: "Never doubt. Never regret. NEVER… forget"
Superhero HeadQuarters: Orlando, Florida. -
Vismajor says: Name: Vismajor
Age: 40
Superhero Type: Supportive wife of an RA Superhero Guy
Superhero Experience: Seven years
Superhero Powers: Cheering the successes & giving empathy for the tough days; being mindful of flares & appreciating the good days.
Superhero Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA -
Anne says: Name: Anne
Age: 52
Superhero type: Rheumatoid Arthritis queen, Sjogren's syndrome sweetie
Superhero experience: 34 years
Superhero powers: right hip replacement plus 3 revisions due to infection; left hip replacement with 3 revisions due to dislocations; left knee replacement; right knee replacement–all within 4 years (my orthos says I'm the first patient on whom he's ever done 4 different joints!) Still teaching and (mostly) enjoying it after 28 years!
Superhero headquarters: Roswell, NM (no, I haven't met any aliens!) -
Becki says: Name: Blue eyes
Age: 19
Superhero type: Rheumatoid Arthritis warrior!
Superhero experience: 3 years
Superhero powers: Changing the world, reminding people how beautiful it is. Getting tattoos to remind me of my own strength and to keep going, on the days that I need reminding.
Superhero headquarters: Darkroom, developing photos by day… -
Jessica Emmons says: Name: Jessica
Age: 39
Superhero type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal!
Superhero experience: 3 years
Superhero powers: Dealing with uncontrolled RA, Fibromyalgia, Celiac, and Sjogren's. Writing, blogging, cooking, photography, gardening, travel, raising my son, and marrying my partner in NYC this fall. Enjoying a beautiful life in a broken body!
Superhero headquarters: Tampa, FL -
tgal76 says: Name: tgal76
Age: 36
Superhero type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero experience: 6 years
Superhero powers: dealing with semi-controlled RA, anxiety and depression. Brand new to blogging this week, reading, researching and looking after my spoiled rotten fur baby, honey dog Learning to enjoy life, because it's not all about work. Working on finding ways to enrich and increase my quality of life through health and nutrition. Happy to see I am not the only superhero out here
Superhero headquarters: Vancouver, BC, Canada -
SuperNdn says: Name: SuperNdn
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Daughter (acronym: RAD!)
Superhero Experience: 3 years of flares, finally DX 2 weeks ago with CCP
Superhero Powers: Still working at my dream job as a
National Park Park Ranger
Superhero Headquarters: Joshua Tree, CA & Fort Washakie, WY & Lodge Grass, MT -
Sally says: Name: SuperSally
Superhero Type: RA Dakini
Superhero Experience: 15 years – RA, hypothyroid, osteoporosis.
Superhero Powers: Have special bionic knee with super-swelling powers! Working as a mild-mannered technical writer by day. Mom, wife, Buddhist teacher training student by night.
Superhero Headquarters: Seattle area, WA
Favorite quote: "Always rely on a happy mind alone." -
Susana says: Name: "Anisoptera" Mendes
Age: 20
Superhero Type: Behçet's Syndrome with RA-like complications.
Superhero Experience: Almost four years.
Superhero Powers: Living with chronic illness whilst fighting to become a wildlife veterinarian, being president of Group FAUNA, singing, drawing and mediating every brawl my family's ever had.
Superhero Headquarters: Portugal -
Mike H. says: Age: 48 years
Superhero Type: THE OVER-DOER
Superhero Experience:18 yrs battling RA & DX'D with Fibromyalgia last year…just to make the war more interesting
Superhero Powers: To laugh instead of cry; build & still work (although not as much); incredible abilities include: raising awareness of the invisible diseases, and strentgh to battle with this predator for almost 2 decades now! I will not be defeated!!!! muahahahaha!!
Superhero's Lair: Flies between Chicago, IL and SE Wisconsin
"Own the day… 1 day at a time… some days u win… others u lose… remember those WINNING DAYS and applaude your accomplishments!" MDH~God Bless You All~
Qadosh2Him says: Superhero type:Severe Psoriatic Arthritis, Schizophrenia/depression
Superhero experience:5 years PsA, 30 years SZ
Superhero Powers: Never ever giving up; keeping my lap available for my cat; drawing/painting using a graphics tablet
Superhero Headquarters: Pocono Mountains, PA -
Andrea says: Name: Andrea AKA Fluffy (name given by my friends from weight gain on prednisone)
Age: 17
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal + predisposed Lupus chick
Superhero Experience: >1 year (official dx 2 weeks ago, symptoms 2 years)
Superhero Powers: Working hard towards my nursing degree while being positive and starting a group at my college for people with illnesses affecting everyday life.
Superhero Headquarters: Tennessee, USA -
Sasha says: Name: Mommy blogger
Age: 36
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: Symptoms 21yrs, diagnosed 15yrs, a family member to someone with RA for a lifetime.
Superhero Powers: Blogger for RAmyWay.me to raise awareness and provide support for myself and others, Mom of 2 crazy wonderful toddlers living with an RA mommy, Triathlete, and an over achiever that learned to let go of a high paced job to better my, and my family's, lives!
Superhero Headquarters: Denver, CO -
Riko Stan says: Name: Riko Stan
Age: 44
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: Was diagnosed almost a year ago.
Superhero Powers: Can go from my bed to the couch in a single crawl. Still in the work force, but looking at long term disability.
Superhero Headquarters: Upstate NY -
Tammy says: Name: Tammy
Age: 42
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: Symptoms since 2001, Diagnosed in August 2010. Finally found a Doctor who helped me!
Superhero Powers: Raising 2 children, who are now 16 & 18 and I'm a very proud mama, work full time as a Certified Pharmacy Technician which consists of long days on my feet, some days are good, some are bad and some are very bad.
Superhero Headquarters: Navarre, Florida -
Julie P says: Name: Super Jules
Age: 43
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Superchick, Bipolar Awesomewoman
Superhero Experience: Almost 10 years of diagnosed RA, over 15 years of symptoms, and 27 years of sheer sparkly madness coupled with a terrific sense of gallows humor.
Superhero Powers: Full-time worker, superdaughter, supporter of two less-than-super sidekick men, BFF extraordinaire, internet toughgirl.
Superhero Headquarters: Little Rock, AR -
Carrie Huber says: Name: Carrie (Not always Super, but never gives up)
Superhero Type: RA warrior, since 07..
Superhero Experience: Mother of 5 boys, wicked laughter,community volunteer, full time Hospice worker.
Superhero Powers: Never thought I had any, always felt as if I was just living in the now, working towards the simplistic goal of raising my boys, lifting others when I can.. The day I knew I was a hero. I found a college essay my son wrote for a scholarship to define a hero, or leader.. He talked of me, he had noticed how each day I woke up in pain but managed to still work, volunteer, and lead them towards their future, it wasn't always this perfect as you all living with this disease know.. He realized that I was showing them the way, God Forbid they ever encounter an obstacle like this, I was showing them how to deal, how to grieve,and, how to fight, how to continue to just be… That is my superpower. -
Kiran says: Name: Kiran
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was 11. I recently started a blog to help people better understand arthritis. I'm not a doctor so I won't be able to tell you what medications are good or bad, but I will be discussing exercises, diets, and my experience with different treatments. No one should feel alone in this, especially a child.
http://kiranchattha.wordpress.com -
Maggie May Mizar says: Name: Maggie
Age: 27
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis, blogging fool & craft-inista (like barista but with crafts!
Superhero Power: Im just full of powers. I started a pretty amazing blog about a year ago when I was hurting so bad I had to quit sewing and crafting because of pain, buring and stiffness. It started as a way to keep things I wanted keep in order but was too tired to print out and keep with me (think recepies). It has just kind of taken off. I now write about my adventures with my everyday troubles and funnies, including my side effects on meds. If you cant laugh and share your daily pain-in-the-arse then all you can do is cry. No reason you cant be beautiful, have a good sense of humor AND have chronic pain. If I can handle pain like this I can handle anything, well, except for a week without naps. That I could not handle. I hope I can brighten someone's day. -
Annie says: Name: Annie
Age: 49
Superhero Type: RA,OA,FM,and Bipolar warrior
Superhero Experience: 12 years
Superhero Powers: Wife, mother, stepmother, daughter, friend, emotional caregiver for fellow bipolars, author, dog lover, volunteer (teach 1st graders to read). I have educated myself on all my conditions and fight them with medication, diet, limited exercise, and faith. I have a good support system and my conditions are fairly well controlled, although I am in pain everyday at least a 4, usually more. I am a support system to my friends with bipolar and RA. It helps to have something positive and productive to do to offset the fact that I can no longer work. -
Jonathan Jagger says: Name: Jonathan Jagger
Age: 18
Superhero Type: JRA (I guess its now RA since I'm an adult ), and Bipolar
Superhero Experience: 12 years
Superhero Powers: I've tracked all over America, fighting for people who have RA. From being on TV, in the newspapers and magazines countless times, meeting the senate, and eating diner with the OU football couch Bob Stoops, at a banquet with the wealthiest people in my state, Oklahoma. I've spent countless nights up till the break of dawn, in pain so bad I cannot sleep, let alone move (on 1-10, normally an 8~9, my normal pain is around a 6, but i have a high tolerance, and many many cooping skills, such as video games). I've been the only brother to 4 sisters, most are drastically younger than me, and look to me as an example. Even though I'm in a wheelchair, and cannot move 75% of my body, I've had to be a support for my mother at the hardest of times. I do my best to make people laugh, as I believe everyone should. I try to be a role model, and to just be a good person, even when battling with mental troubles, depression, and addiction to my only form of true relief, Morphine. Even when all feels lost, I keep a smile on my face. And I spread one truth that I have learned to trust more than all, "If you have Optimism, you have everything". And so, I will always have hope, even when the worlds crashing down around me, and so should you. -
Sam L. says: Name: Samantha
Age: 30
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: Almost six years.
Superhero Powers: Working full time, Living with RA, Riding horses and blogging about it at http://justaplainsam.blogspot.ca/.
Superhero Headquarters: Nova Scotia, Canada -
Andrew says: Name: Andrew
Age: 51
Superhero Type: RA Guy
Superhero Experience: Since 2009
Superhero Powers: RA Blogging,Working full time, raising 4 children, battling multiple surgeries, fishing
Superhero Headquarters: Seattle, Washington -
Diana says: Name: Diana
Age: 30
Superhero Type: RA Warrior
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers: Cherish now, living today as if it is going to be my last, constantly questioning and looking for answers, coaching on healthy living, writing my blog http://www.myradiary.com/ to help make a difference in lives of people with RA, learning new knowledge everyday,enjoy Korean TV series and lastly, looking good and feeling positive
Superhero Headquarters: Brunei -
Jim Rucquoi says: Age: 74
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: Four or so years in ankles; advancing to hardly walking over past 2 months or so
Superhero Powers: Yes, living w/ RA at same time as pumping pedals and creative juices
Superhero Headquarters: Sanford, Florida -
Gwen says: Superhero Type: RA
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed almost a year ago; suffering for a few years before that.
Superhero Power: Mother of three; Middle School teacher; wife of husband who has risen to challenges he never bargained for when he said, "..in sickness and in health…I do." Fatigue fighter, multi-tasker, sister, friend, and daughter. My real superhero power is getting up each day and making lemons out of lemonade.
Superhero Headquarters: Dakota Dunes, SD -
Jeannie says: Age: 60 and proud
Superhero Type: RA & Osteo Arthrosis (look that one up)
Superhero Experience: 9 years & counting
Superhero Power: 3 grown children, 4 grandchildren, 2 dogs, 1 cat. Pushing myself to do what I can. Laughing at how hard it is to do things, it cracks me up to try to open my hands wide when they want to stay fists. Haha. Darnedest thing I've ever seen.
Superhero Headquarters: Southern Colorado -
Arusa says: Name: Arusa S.
Age: 33
Superhero Type: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Superhero Experience: Almost all my life. As far as I can remember, I already had it.
Superhero Powers: I live my life as a normal people do, photography, trekking, golfing, any kind of sport activity which i can handle my pain.
Superhero Headquarters: Bangkok Thailand -
Brenda says: Age 51
Superhero type: RA and osteoarthritis
Superhero experience: 14 years of RA; the fatigue bothers me the most because it makes me fell lazy and I'm not.
Superhero Powers: I do live my life as normally as possible. I have been a teacher for 29 years, RA didn't stop that dream. I have 3 grown kids that accepted the things I wasn'r able to do without complaint. (Like run in the parent vs. kids softball game). REalizing that despite RA I am a lucky.
Superhero headquarters: Sussex county, Delaware -
Nicole Merensztein says: Name: Nicole Merensztein
Age: 18 (although at time i feel 85)
Superhero Type: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Fighter!
Superhero Experience: 5 years.
Superhero Powers: I try to live my life as a normal people would, fighting through the pain and being the most understanding supportive and caring person i can be. When i feel like giving up i like to think two things: one, that i have good days and bad days, today is a bad day but i know that there are good ones to follow. And two, i may have it bad but people have it worse. RA is a disease that you can live a fairly long and normal life with if you fight hard enough. I am lucky to have such an understanding support system.
Superhero Headquarters: New York -
sandy says: Name: Sandy
Age: never did grow up..someone told me I was 51 but I still don't believe them.
Superhero type: RA, Osteo and "don't quite fit in the usual pigeonholes"
Superhero Experience: 5+ years since I went bionic 2+ years since I officially got my RA cape – though I've been dealing with it for I can't remember how long!
Superhero powers: I can make security scanners go beep with my bionic titanium bits and cause mayhem… men in uniform then rush to get a hold on my superhero body. Yay.
Superhero HQ: South-East UK, though I am Welsh. -
Rachel1009 says: Name: Rachel
Age: 20 in July
Superhero Type: RA and other weird undiagnosed things
Superhero Experience: 2 Years in July
Superhero Powers: Living with RA,Fighting through going to college full time, Trying to live as normal as possible. Love photography. I went hiking the other day for the first time since before my diagnosis and felt amazing for being able to make it through it when I was done.
Superhero HQ: Arkansas -
Lior says: Name: Lior
Age: 29
Superhero Type: Sero-negative RA
Superhero Experience: 8 years
Superhero Powers: Constantly fighting to continue my education, finish my Master's degree, hopefully going on to a Ph.D. program. Fighting the insurance company to get coverage for RA treatment. Wanting to be an advocate for underinsured RA'ers out there.
Superhero HQ: North Texas -
Corey says: Corey
July 15, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Superhero Type: Juvenile RA, Diagnosed at age 18, Have been fighting ever since.
Superhero Experience: 36 Years, But the last two tears have been the worst.
Superhero Powers: Having to deal with the depression that for me is just as painful as anything my joints can do to me. Being so drained after work I can't even find the energy to clean house, or do the dishes! Being over weight and hating it but not finding the strength to change it. Not taking care of my body when it has failed me so many times. Wanting to change but not having the strength.
HQ: Springville UT -
Dori says: Name: Dori
Age: 40-ish
Superhero Type: RA Gal & Fibro Gal & Rheumatoid Lung Disease Gal
Superhero Experience: 4 years since diagnosis, (suspected superhero for 15+ years)
Superhero Powers: Able to keep a smile on my face while struggling to walk and breathe because I am grateful to be alive. Always finding the bright side in every dire situation and inspiring others to live to the fullest. Trying to find a way to bring awareness & make a difference so that someday children will not have to suffer RA.
Superhero Headquarters: Near Milwaukee, WI -
Tammy says: Age: 47
Superhero type: RA diagnosed 4/10/11
Superhero Experience: Been a struggle
Superhero Powers: Patience! I'm on my 5th drug cocktail trying to find one that will work. All have stopped being effective after 3 months. And now it seems that I'm getting Rheumatoid Nodules on my ankles. I have a great Rheumy who is wonderful and doing his very best to put this thing into remission. Trying to give up wheat and processed sugar to help with the inflammation too. It's always something with this disease! -
Sue P says: whoops, forgot all the details
Name: Suzy
age: the big 5 – 0
Superhero Type: RA
Superhero Experience: diag in 96, but prob had RA since 73
Superhero Powers: Super Mom, Super wife, Super daughter and sister! Was controlled w Enbrel from 1999-2006, great, miraculous run – total remission… then…. no more have tried MANY bios since then. surprisingly, Cimzia seems to be working for me now!
Superhero Headquarters: New York -
Merri Lewis says: July 15, 2013
Name: Merri
Age: 43
Superhero Type: Sudden On-set Aggressive RA
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers: raising a family with 4 kids (ages 10,10,8,2), two of whom have autism. Surviving raising a surprise baby 2 years ago (right before the sudden onset of RA), Blog writing, Creating MOPS Newsletters, Jesus in me is the biggest super powerSuperhero HQ: Maine
Linda Basta says: Name: LindaB
Age: 61
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 17 years.
Superhero Powers: Living with RA, never quitting, inspiring others, raising awareness, teaching (blogging) about chronic pain, marketing a pain cream, giving to others, forgiving my family, getting closer & trusting my Lord.
Superhero Headquarters: Buffalo, NY -
Katie says: Age: 28
Superhero Type: psoriatic arthritis
Superhero Experience: years – I've had fibromyalgia since early 2000′s, and have had symptoms of the arthritis for around three years – two severely until it was finally diagnosed a month ago.
Superhero Powers: keeping everything balanced. I also have mental health issues, which are exacerbated by the pain, so it's all a balancing act. I try to maintain my house (my boyfriend works full time) as well as possible and do the shopping when I can.
Superhero HQ – Northwest England -
Denise Radtke says: Name: Denise
Age: 22Superhero Type: Autoimmune Girly-girl
Superhero Experience: Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis + Lupus 2012
finally after 6years of medical obscurity
Superhero Powers: Stand up everyday without giving up and try to live a
"normal" autoimmune life as far as possible. 20mg MTX
injections + 4 sulfasalacine + folic acid + pred +
painmeds + sleepmeds inclusive and waiting for my
first biologic therapySuperhero Headquarter: Wilhelmshaven, north sea coast, Germany
Sara says: July 16th, 2013 at 1.45pm
Name: Sara
Age: 42
Superhero Type: RA Gal
Superhero Experience: 1 year
Superhero Powers: Living with RA, being a single Mum, raising a child on the Autistic Spectrum, being creative – crochet, embroidery – when possible. Helping raise awareness of RA and of Autism.
Superhero Headquarters: Buckinghamshire, UK -
Ms. Rants says: Name: Ms. Rants
Age: 34
Superhero Type: Many autoimmune diseases including connective tissue disease, Hashimotos, PCOS, Raynaud's
Superhero Experience: 22 years of symptoms, 11 years since first diagnosis
Superhero Powers: Living independently, writing my blog, smiling on all but the worst days, giving emotional support to friends even when I can't give physical support
Superhero Headquarters: Boston, MA -
Melanie says: Name: Melanie
Age: 32
Superhero Type: RA / Lupus / Fibro Girl
Superhero Experience: years but recently aggressive and diagnosed 2013
Superhero Powers: Super Mom, Super wife and caregiver to wounded warrior husband, Super Teacher who loves teaching (it's my passion!!), Living with RA, Lupus, and Fibro
Superhero Headquarters: Texas, U.S.A. -
Tammy says: Age: 40
Superhero Type: RA Rookie with purple cape of optimism
Superhero Experience: Officially 2 weeks, wondered what the heck was wrong since January.
Superhero Powers: Courage to fight hard since it was caught early and not be afraid to blast it, I will run, walk or crawl the marathon that has been my goal since taking up running 3 years ago, be open about my illness so I can educate others and empower myself, take care of my body, mind and spirit so the bad days are bearable, find humour in the fact that after 40 years of great health my immune system got bored and is trying to eat me And retire my stubborn, independent Taurus status to accept help, encouragement and love. RA is brutal buts it's taken me a few days of scrolling to read that I'm in the company of other Superheros to be inspired by. THANK YOU, I needed this.
Superhero Headquarters: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada -
Natalie says: Age: 31
Superhero Type: Scleroderma and Fibromylgia secondary to Chronic Graft Versus Host disease, caused by stem cell transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (allo-immune rather than auto-immune, but presentation is exactly the same as auto-immune so I hope it's ok that I'm adding myself to this list!)
Superhero Experience: 7 years
Superhero Powers: Invisibility when necessary, mind reading when possible, super strength about 90% of the time. Am a daughter to the perfect mum, sister to the perfect brother, and married to the perfect man… And I'm still here, so my greatest power is luck.
Superhero Headquarters: Brisbane, Australia
You are all amazing.
Sarah M says: Name: Sarah
Age: 42
Superhero Type: RA Girl
Superhero Experience: 3 years but recently aggressive not responding to treatment and living with all the side effects that make me sicker than the RA does.
Superhero Powers: Trying to work 25 hours per week which is a struggle, Mum to 3 children 11, 10 and 6 who are Superheros themselves as they are having to help alot more but they love it.
Superhero Headquarters: Christchurch, New Zealand -
Aubrey says: Name: Aubrey
Age: 22
Superhero type: RA Girl
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers: Division 1 College athlete who went from not being able to take care of myself to finishing college career making All Conference and being only 1 game away from the NCAA tourney. Living a fun life that included traveling, takings classes, and working as a Designer.
Superhero headquarters: The beautiful, busy city of Chicago! -
Barb says: Age: 54
Superhero Type: RA Girl
Superhero Experience: 2 years
Superhero Powers: Multitasking Mum, grandmum, wife, ICU nurse, fledgling blogger and trying to live a somewhat skewed version of a normal, balanced life.
Superhero headquarters: NSW, Australia. -
Elizabeth says: Name: Elizabeth
Age: 16
Superhero Type: JRA girl
Superhero Experience: 4 1/2 years
Superhero Powers: high school student living up to the daily challenges, started an arthritis club for the total of two people I know with JRA (one being myself, we meet for infusions), surviving many medical mysteries, multiple surgeries, spreading the word about JRA, starting a new arthritis blog, playing flute (even when the pain is unbearable), living each day to its fullest
Superhero Headquarters: Texas -
Rena McDaniel says: I am a Feltys syndrome patient as well a 24/7 caregiver to my mom who has Alzheimer's. Its a lot but we manage with one rule: Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy and deal with the rest
Crystal says: Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Champion
Superhero Experience: Five Years
Superhero Powers: High School Teacher (Early Childhood Education, Clothing Design, and Human Development, Earned Masters Degree AND Principal Certification (principal cert was when RA first appeared), Foster Parent, Coordinator for Walk Me Home (a walk to raise funds for foster care), Mom (currently three year old), Wife, Yogi, Scrapbooking, Sewing, Coach, Friend, leader in education-expert on teaching with iPads and integrating them to schools! Bam!What's that RA? I can't hear you I'm too busy being awesome!
Janet Minchin Hanna says: Name: Janet (AKA Teflon Woman)
Age: 50 – just
Superhero Type: Multitasking RA/PsA/Spondylitis/FMS/SjS/coeliac Gal
Superhero Experience: probably 30 but only just diagnosed (!)
Superhero Powers: My Teflon shield allows me to wipe it off and stand up to fight another day. 30 adult years of searching not counting mother's search before that. The search hasn't changed the experience so I'm an experienced fighter who has had no banner until this week! Motivated to share my experiences with those who don't understand invisible illness and to support and advocate for those still searching.
Wife, mother of three grown teflon hatchlings, public service manager, church committee chair chic, musician and a little bit crafty. -
Jenn says: Name: Jenn
Age: 27
Superhero Type: Rheumatoid Arthritis Gal
Superhero Experience: 6 months
Superhero Powers: Designer, wife, sister, dog lover, maintaining an active lifestyle, and learning to live with RA.
Superhero Headquarters: Canada
- Accepting Chronic Pain: Is it Necessary?March 27, 2015 - 9:09 am
- Harvard Gazette: A Journey Into IllnessJanuary 12, 2015 - 4:19 pm
- Health.com: 11 Famous People With RAOctober 1, 2014 - 9:50 am
- Arthritis Broadcast Network: Spotlight On Arthritis SuperheroesSeptember 10, 2014 - 7:34 pm
- The New York Times: Actress, Artist, Sometimes Both At OnceMay 20, 2014 - 10:29 am