Welcome to The Rheuma Mill!

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Hello out there and welcome to my Rheumatoid Arthritis blog!

The Rheuma Mill was born in 2020 as a result of my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis in 2019. It began as a means for me to write about my condition which had altered my life immeasurably. For those who have RA, you know what I’m talking about. I needed an avenue to vent and to write about my struggles. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a very lonely disease. I had never heard of it before I got it, I didn’t know anyone who had it and no-one around me had every heard of it either. No-one. Not one soul knew the pain I was in and how utterly I was destroyed, physically and mentally, as a result of it.

I wasn’t sure initially where I wanted to take The Rheuma Mill. Initially, I just felt the urge to get all my feelings down. They say that it feels better to talk about things. Well, I had no-one to really talk to about it, no-one I felt I could burden with invitations to my pity party. Hence, I spoke to the virtual universe via The Rheuma Mill. I thought maybe if I could help one less person out there with rheumatoid arthritis feel a little less lonely then it would all be worth it.

In the past 2 years, The Rheuma Mill has had hundreds of thousands of visitors, a good presence on social media, 1000 members in our Facebook support group, sponsors and articles that have been shared far and wide. I would like to thank each and every one of you for visiting and for growing The Rheuma Mill into what it is today. Through it, I’ve been able to try different things, learn some new skills and meet some incredible people. The success of The Rheuma Mill surpassed all my expectations – not that I really had any. It has certainly made me feel a little less lonely and a little more useful.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

I guess if you’re reading this page, then you probably already have an idea of what rheumatoid arthritis is. I’ve created a video to explain a little about it anyhow and you can find that at the bottom of the page.

I’ve come to learn through my time on The Rheuma Mill that rheumatoid arthritis is like a spectrum. The way in which it affects people is so different. What you will find on The Rheuma Mill is ways in which it has affected me. You will also find information that has helped me and others.

The question I want to answer is not ‘what is rheumatoid arthritis?’ but ‘what do I want you to know about rheumatoid arthritis?’

I want you to know that it can be life altering. I know for me it was. My life was completely thrown off it’s current trajectory and thrusted into a completely different orbit. It may sound a little dramatic but it really took my life off course. I want you to know that it can often be an invisible disease. You often can’t see it, but it is there. It can also be excruciating and I can attest to that.

It’s important for people to know that rheumatoid arthritis is not just arthritis. There are actually over 100 types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis being the second most common behind osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which can affect every joint in your body, including those microscopic ones in your eyes!

The Rheuma Mill’s new look in 2022!

I am currently updating The Rheuma Mill with a new look and new focus.

It will be a work in progress with no set completion date. You will still have access to all the articles I’ve written through All my Rheumas and I will continue to add content.

What you can do!

Go through all the information on The Rheuma Mill here. Have a specific question or request? You can join our Facebook support group or contact me!

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82 thoughts on “Welcome to The Rheuma Mill!”

  1. Hi I’m just trying to figure out whether I should be tested or go to a rheumatologist, I started looking into why my eyes are so blood shot and hurting all the time, regular eye dr. Can’t figure it out. then as I read on, I have a lot of symptoms, swollen 1rst knuckles in my hands, pain in both feet, nodules in my arches, pain in my big toe joints, numbness in toes and fingers, Carple tunnel in both hands, and fatigue and the list goes on any comments or thoughts would be appreciated, thank you

  2. Hi Lauri! From what you’re describing, I definitely think it’s worth going to see a rheumatologist. Symptoms of RA can get very bad very quickly and it’s important to start treatment early to control the inflammation, if that is the cause of your ailments. You definitely do not want to let it get out of hand. If it is rheumatoid arthritis and it’s not being treated, it can lead to permanent joint damage. I am actually just finishing an article about how to get the best out of your first appointment with a rheumatologist which I will publish in the next few days. You may want to come back to read up on that or subscribe so you can be notified. Keep in touch and let me know how you go, I’ll help any way that I can. Can you also let me know how you found The Rheuma Mill?

  4. What a great blog! Thank you so much for shining a light on RA. I really like your sense of humor and have ordered Omegawalk shoes based on your recommendation. I can’t wait for them to arrive! I need some motivation to start walking and exercising again.

  6. What a great blog! As someone who has had RA for many years, it’s great to have a centralized platform to find relevant information pertaining to our disease. Thank you for your time and efforts.

  7. Hi Brandon! Welcome to The Rheuma Mill and a big thank you for your contribution. It means so much to have your support.

  8. Hi Maly,
    Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog and the time you take to help me on my journey. You’ve made it so much easier and less stressful. Your resources page was a Godsend when I needed it most. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

  9. Great blog! Thanks for shining a light on our disease. It’s great to see someone taking time to help others in our shoes. Looking forward to learning more.

  10. Hi Manat! Thank you so much for your contribution and kind comments. It’s my absolute pleasure! I’d love to hear more about your journey. Please share it in The Rheuma Room or email me. Best wishes.

  11. Hi Marilyn! Thank you so much for your kind words. It means so much to me. It validates what I’m doing and pushes me to keep going. Always here for you or anyone who needs it.

  12. Lots of great resources here for RA. Thank you and keep it up warrior! I’m going to be a regular of your resources page.

  13. Hеllо! Great blog. Nice to have something not so girly. RA affects us men too. Subscribed and got my handy guide. Thanks

  14. Just purchased your book and thought I’d check out your blog. Really enjoying the book. It’s a great little resource especially for beginners looking to add natural remedies to their lifestyle.

  15. Thank you for shining a light on rheumatoid arthritis! Great blog. Subscribed.

  20. Thank you for shining a light on my disease. I found your article about explaining rheumatoid arthritis to loved ones really helpful. I purchased your compression gloves. So much cheaper than every where else. Hopefully it will give my hands some relief.

  21. What a great blog for RA! Thank you for all the resources. Really thankful that I’ve stumbled across this. All the information I’ve gathered so far has been incredibly helpful. Thanks!

  22. Hi Paula! Thank you for your comments and feedback. I’m so happy that you have found the information and resources helpful. I hope you’ve subscribed to the free subscription!

  23. Hi Amanda! Thank you for your comments and feedback. It’s so humbling to know that my experiences are helping others. Please leave a review for the gloves once you get them! Everything from the The Rheuma Mall is cheaper than anywhere else, I get them straight from the supplier/manufacturer and I pass the savings on to all my readers. Thank you for supporting the initiative!

  24. Thank you for your dedication in raising awareness to RA. This is a great resource for us!

  26. I’m so glad I found this page. Wish I had found it before buying compression gloves and therapy putty though, your site sells them for half the price. Will be doing your hand exercises. Thanks!

  27. Hi Teresa! Thanks for your feedback and comments. I get my products straight from the supplier so they are a lot cheaper. Spread the word! Would also appreciate feedback on the exercises. Thanks!

  28. Thank you for this blog. As an RA sufferer of over 25 years, I wish I had something like this when I was diagnosed. Keep up the good work.

  29. Hi Jenny! Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback. It is much appreciated. I am always looking for guest writers for The Rheuma Mill. Please contact me if interested.

  30. I love your sense of humor and have enjoyed reading all your article. Thank you for making it easier for me to live with rheumatoid arthritis. I highly recommend the pink compression gloves that I bought from your store!

  31. Hi Charlie! Thank you so much for your compliment and feedback. I’m so glad you have found support on The Rheuma Mill. The pink compression gloves are so incredible popular. I think it’s color helps ease the pain a bit too.

  32. Great blog! I don’t have RA but a host of other autoimmune conditions but similar enough. Your recommendations are still very valid for me and I appreciate all the links. Thank you!

  33. Great blog. I like that it offers more than the usual positivity dribble which. Sound advice mixed and humor. I enjoy the movie quotes, keep them coming!

  34. Hi James! Thanks so much for your feedback, it is much appreciated. I’m glad someone gets my humour and enjoys the movie quotes as much as I do!

  35. Hi Christine! Welcome to The Rheuma Mill and thank you for your comment. It’s great to know that The Rheuma Mill helps others will chronic illness too not just those with rheumatoid arthritis. Thank you!

  36. Awesome blog, great and relevant content and comes from a good place. Thank you for your honesty and passion. It’s great that you have pink compression gloves but how about something other than black/grey for us boys?

  37. Hi Jason! Thank you so much for your comment and feedback. I appreciate it very much. About the compression gloves, I believe that only real men wear pink. 😉

  38. Love your blog! I’m newly diagnosed and your blog was just what I needed. Still lots to learn and you have covered a lot of stuff. I’ve bookmarked to read more later. Thank you!

  39. Found your blog when looking for shoes for my RA. I just received my Omegawalk shoes and LOVE them. Thanks for the recommendation.

  41. Hi Heather! Thank you for your contribution to The Rheuma Mill. Feel free to contact me if you want me to cover anything specific. Otherwise, you can join our Facebook support group. We’d love to have you!

  42. Came upon your blog through Pinterest and purchased your CBD oil. I can now sleep better and can go pain free most days. Thanks so much for recommending. I’m so excited about the $5 promo I just saw!

  43. Hi Monique! Thanks so much for your feedback and comment! I’m so glad CBD oil has bought you some relief. I hope many take advantage of the $5 promo. Where else would you get good quality organic CBD oil for $5?! I’m not sure how long the promo will run for so my suggestion is to get in quick!

  44. Just wanted to give feedback on the CBD oil that I bought from you. The pain in my knees has reduced since using them, took about 3 days. Back to buy more while they’re $5. Thank you my dear.

  45. Fantastic blog. Have subscribed so I can learn more about my condition. Thank you!

  47. Hi James! Thank you so much for leaving feedback that I’m sure will help many of my readers. I’m glad they’re giving you relief! Bless you x

  48. Love the videos. Such a good way to spread awareness. How can I share them?

  50. I love your sense of humor and optimism despite living with RA. I was diagnosed last year and your positivity has given me hope Thanks

  51. What a great source of information for those living with RA. I’m newly diagnosed so this is really helpful for me. Thanks

  52. I stumbled upon your blog through Facebook. Thanks for compiling all this information for us who live with this crappy disease. It’s nice to have a patient perspective and resources compiled by those actually living with rheumatoid arthritis.

  53. Hi Beshie! Thank you for your comment and feedback. I’m sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. Be sure to subscribe so you can be notified of all my new articles.

  54. Hi Daniel! Thanks so much for your comment and feedback. It is greatly appreciated and means so much coming from fellow spoonies.

  56. Have spent the last 2 hours going through all your articles. I am newly diagnosed and it is so good to have a place like this to go to. Thanks for all the great advice. You’ve given me hope. I felt so lost before I found this blog.

  57. Thanks for the honest account of your experience and finding a positive and helpful way to deal with it. I’ve been feeling really down since my diagnosis and hearing of your optimism and positivity has inspired me lighten up a little. Enjoyed all the movie quotes you’ve somehow managed to include in your articles.

  58. Hi Naydia! Thanks so much for your feedback. I’m sorry about your current circumstances but so happy that The Rheuma Mill has given you a bit of hope. Not all is lost and you will be okay! Happy to chat to you further either via email or through the support group if you need.

  60. Just wanted to pop on and give feedback for the knee brace I purchased. Very impressed with the product given that I only paid $7! Thanks

  63. Super interesting. My mom was just diagnosed so I’m just reading up on it. Great resource!

  64. Fantastic blog. Your words are so powerful and inspiring. You’ve given all those living with rheumatoid arthritis hope

  65. What a great service you are providing to your fellow RA warriors. Love how candid and funny you are!

  66. Awesome site. Thanks so much for putting together all that information and resources. I certainly feel less alone in my battle. Rheumatoid arthritis is horrible but you’ve made it a little more tolerable. Thank you

  67. Hi Alperin! Thanks so much for you comment. It is my absolute pleasure and it’s a great feeling knowing that my experiences are helping others to feel that they are not fighting alone.

  74. Thank you for sharing your story. You will inspire many of those with rheumatoid arthritis to keep fighting!

  75. What a great read! I’ll be sharing with my friends who have RA. Much appreciated!

  76. This really opened my eyes to what my son is living with. Thank you for sharing!

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