You don't have to figure out how to THRIVE with rheumatic disease on your own!
In the Rheum to THRIVE support group and educational program, you'll go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.
From Alone to Supported
Most people with rheumatic diseases are given only one 20-minute appointment with a doctor every 3 months. They're left alone to figure out how to actually live with their condition, which leads them feeling lost and overwhelmed!
You *could* spend your valuable time figuring this all out on your own, but I want you to get started on the right foot as soon as possible.
That's why I designed this program around two pillars: education and support. You'll learn ways to not just live but THRIVE with chronic illness. You don't have to do this on your own.
Learn from a fellow patient and expert
After earning a Masters in Occupational therapy and completing hundreds of hours of additional training, I've learned tools that are scientifically shown to help you manage pain, function in daily life, cope with stress and give you a sense of control over your disease.
That's why the first pillar of this program is education. The more proactive you are now, the better you will feel in the future!
Approximately once a week, Cheryl or guest speakers provide a live mini-lesson about one way to manage how your rheumatic disease affects your quality of life (e.g. pain, stress, or friendships).
From Alone to Supported
Have you ever felt alone on your chronic illness journey, or wished you could connect with someone who's going through the same thing? Rheum to THRIVE includes a supportive community, so you can connect to others on similar journeys.
On our live video calls, Cheryl facilitates a support group session where you'll have the chance to gain and provide support from a group of people who truly *get* what it's like to manage a complex autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis!
Testimonials
What are people saying about Rheum to THRIVE and related programs?
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"Valuable Tips, Close Community Atmosphere"
"Rheum to THRIVE is just what I had been craving since my RA diagnosis nearly two years ago. No more spinning my wheels over researching and overthinking.
Cheryl shares tools, tips and good information for living well with an autoimmune disease in a close community atmosphere. I am so grateful I joined this group!"
"Everyone trying to thrive while battling RA deserves to have a toolbox and supportive community."
The (program) gave me so many new tools to help manage my RA and validated so many of my feelings and the experiences I have encountered since being diagnosed. What has become just as valuable is the community that I have become a part of.
Everyone trying to thrive while battling RA deserves to have a toolbox and a supportive community as amazing as what Arthritis Life has created for me."
"Compassion, Support & Resources"
"Before Rheum to THRIVE, I thought I had to suffer in silence. I felt so alone and didn't know where to begin with researching my options for living with ankylosing spondylitis.
The group has offered so much compassion, validation, and encouragement, as well as a safe space to share. I've made new friends and also had access to additional resources and information for how to live with AS. I now know I'm not alone." - Anonymous, June 2021
"I now feel so much less alone and way more confident in managing my illness."
"I had so many questions about my symptoms and how to manage this disease that I wasn't able to ask my medical team. Getting valuable information each week about the things that really matter to me from someone who gets it was so helpful.
It's obvious that Cheryl really cares about the people enrolled and goes out of her way to answer questions and give explanations. I now feel so much less alone and way more confident in managing my illness."
Validating and Empowering
"I am SO grateful for you and can not say enough wonderful things about Cheryl! I’ve been on this journey since 2016 with no idea what I’m doing and it feels crippling at times to just be so out of control in your own body. I have learned so much, not just incredible tips for day to day, but also about the disease itself!
I cried so many tears of relief because I feel validated for the very first time. It was such an empowering opportunity to learn from you- I wish I had this years ago but I’m so happy to have it now!"
From lost to empowered.
"I felt so lost with my new RA diagnosis. I found Cheryl to be a wonderful, compassionate source of information. She encourages, supports, and offers insight to this new way of life. I feel more empowered now, more confident in myself and the choices I make for my health. The learning is non-judgmental, and leave you feeling stronger."
"Practical information that is rarely discussed in the rheumatologist's office."
"I wish I had access to this information when I was diagnosed with RA 17 years ago. The coping tools provided by Cheryl are useful even for a seasoned patient like me.
I recommend it for the newly diagnosed to equip them with practical and evidence-based information that is rarely discussed in the rheumatologist's office."
The THRIVE framework:
Live a full life despite rheumatic disease
In this six month-long program, you will build a toolbox to help you THRIVE despite your condition.
Each month we will learn tools from each of the THRIVE pillars:
T = Tools for pain & fatigue
H = Habits (exercise, sleep, nutrition & more)
R = Relationships (managing social life with rheumatic disease)
I = Inner world (stress and mental health management)
V = Valued Activities / Hobbies (how we can connect to our main values and still do things we love despite our condition)
E = Executive functions (how to be the CEO of your care team).
Program Schedule
This includes recordings from past meetings.
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Get Started Guide!
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Welcome and Orientation Video
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Master Meeting Schedule: 2021-2022
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Live Meeting Rules & Agreements
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Subscription and Payment Details
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Link to Private Facebook group
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Pre-THRIVE Program Survey
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Copy of Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
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Call Schedule
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Meeting Recording 12/18 - Friendships
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Meeting recording 12/10 - Romantic Relationships
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Meeting Recording 12/4 - How to deal with misconceptions
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Meeting Recording from 12/30: Work & Family Relationships
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Just for Fun - Virtual Pictionary Gathering 12/30/21
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Problem Solving Pain & Fatigue Tools in Real Life: 10/21/21 meeting
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Tools for Fatigue - Recording from 10/16/21
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Tools for Pain - recording from Oct 7, 2021
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Welcome Call Recording - 10/2/21
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Symptom Tracking: Recording from 9-2-2021
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Meeting Recording 9/11: Effective Appointments
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Making Difficult Medical Decisions: Meeting Recording 9/16
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Becoming the CEO of your care team: Recording from 9/27
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Show and Tell: Favorite Hobbies & Things That Bring Joy
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Exploring Valued Activities & Hobbies with Rheumatic Disease: Recording from 8/6/21
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Problem Solving - Hobbies, Activities & Things that Bring Joy: Recording from 8/12/21
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New Member Orientation: Meeting Recording from 7/1/2021
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Tools for Stress - Overview: Meeting Recording from 7/8/21
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Supplemental material from 7/8/21 meeting: questions to ask when stressed
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Mindfulness & ACT: 7/15/21 meeting
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Mindset and CBT strategies: 7/24/21 Meeting
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Building a Coping Toolbox: 7/29/21 Meeting
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Focus on Friendships - Call on 6/19/21
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Focus on Family & Work Relationships - call on 6/27/21
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Romantic Relationships: Call Recording from 6/10/21
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How to Cope with Misconceptions: Call from 6-3-21
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Master THRIVE Toolbox
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Meeting Recording - Thursday, April 1st - Welcome Meeting
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Meeting Recording - Saturday April 3rd - Bonus Welcome Meeting
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Meeting Recording - Thursday April 8th - Tools for Pain
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Meeting Recording - Saturday April 17th - Tools for Fatigue
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Meeting Recording - Thursday April 22nd - Problem Solving: Pain and Fatigue tools in everyday life
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Focus on Sleep: meeting recording from May 8th
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Meeting Recording - Saturday May 1st - How to stick with a new healthy habit?
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Focus on Exercise and Movement: Recording from May 13
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Nutrition: Recording from May 22
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Call Schedule
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Focus on Exercise: Video Recording from 11/4/2021
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Meeting Recording from Saturday 11/13/21
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Focus on Nutrition - Meeting recording from 11/19/21 - Guest Speaker Jenifer Tharani, Registered Dietitian
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How to start a new habit: meeting recording from 11/27/21
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Arthritis Life Hack Crash Course: Replay
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Yoga with Paulina - 60 minute class (Oct, 2020)
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Optional Survey: Rheum to THRIVE Program Feedback
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About this course
- $172.00
- 53 lessons
- 46.5 hours of video content
Is Rheum to THRIVE a good fit for me?
This program is for you if:
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You have a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, or a chronic illness that involves pain and fatigue.
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You are overwhelmed with figuring out how to manage your condition in your daily life.
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You feel alone, and/or would like to connect with others in a supportive environment.
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You are interested in learning how to manage the disease through coping strategies and lifestyle choices (such as mindfulness, exercise and altering how you approach tasks).
Who is not a good fit for Rheum to THRIVE?
This education and support group isn't for you if:
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Your primary goal is to cure your condition. This program can be taken in conjunction with complementary therapies, but this program does not claim to teach a way to heal or cure your disease. The focus is on minimizing symptoms, adapting to what's occurring in the present moment, and maximizing our quality of life *despite* our condition.
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You don't want to commit the time and energy required to learn how to manage your condition.
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You don't believe that mindset changes or daily living change will make a difference, or you believe you will feel badly no matter what you do. This course is for people who believe they *can* make an impact on their quality of life through their choices.
FAQ
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When does the Rheum to THRIVE program start?
This program is offered twice a year, once with fall start and once with a spring start. For those who join in fall 2021, the first meeting will be in October. You will have access to the Welcome modules as soon as you purchase the program.
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What if I would like support beyond this 6 month program?
Starting in 2022 I will be offering an ongoing weekly support group exclusively for people who've completed the 6 month Rheum to THRIVE program. Since rheumatic diseases are chronic and ongoing, it's beneficial to surround yourself with consistent sources of encouragement and support!
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Can I purchase this program at any time or does registration close on a certain date?
There are 2 open enrollment periods per year, once in the fall and once in the spring. This allows members to get to know each other and form a cohesive community and safe space to share. The next open enrollment period will be in late September 2021.
If you miss out this time, you may join the waitlist for when registration opens again in the spring of 2022. Email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist!
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Does this program only apply to rheumatoid arthritis? What about other chronic illnesses?
The THRIVE toolbox, which is the cornerstone of this program, applies to many chronic illnesses. The "inner world, relationships, valued activities and executive functions" are applicable to all chronic illnesses, while the "tools for pain and fatigue" and "healthy habits" are designed for rheumatic, autoimmune diseases that involve some degree of pain and fatigue. Please email me at: [email protected] for specific questions and I can help you determine if this course is the right fit for you!
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What if I want a refund or to cancel my membership subscription?
You are welcome to request a refund at any time within the first 30 days of the program. I will just will ask you to provide feedback so that I can learn and continue to make this program the best it can be.
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Is this relevant even if I've had a rheumatic disease for many years?
Yes! Because many patients never are given adequate education or support in the tools discussed in Rheum to THRIVE, it can benefit those who've had their diagnosis for years.
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If I join this program am I receiving occupational therapy services from Cheryl?
No. Cheryl has training as an occupational therapist, but in this program she is providing general education. This program is not a substitute for individual or group occupational therapy services. Cheryl is licensed to provide these services in Washington State and does so on a limited basis at this time. More details can be found in the course medical disclaimer.
Facilitator Bio
Cheryl Crow is an award-winning occupational therapist who specializes in helping people with rheumatic diseases have the best quality of life possible.
Course Creator Cheryl Crow
Cheryl Crow is a passionate advocate for addressing the full spectrum of needs for people with rheumatic diseases—far beyond just joint pain. Having lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over two decades, she became an occupational therapist and founded Arthritis Life to educate, empower, and support others navigating life with arthritis.
Email
She is the host of Arthritis Life Podcast and leads Rheum to THRIVE, an online self-management course and support group where she helps people adjust to their conditions and build meaningful, fulfilling lives. Cheryl frequently is asked to share her expert opinion on ways people can successfully manage daily living challenges with rheumatoid arthritis. She has written articles and/or been interviewed for: Everyday Health, RheumatoidArthritis.net, AnkylosingSpondylitis.net, Creaky Joints, The Mighty, and Mamas Facing Forward.
Cheryl has devoted many additional hours to continuing education in the area of chronic disease management and rheumatoid arthritis specifically, including:
- Certification as an educator for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
- Completion of USC's "Introduction to Lifestyle Redesign" training
- "Systematic Review of Educational Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis"
- "Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review"
- "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Beginners" (Psychwire)
- "Fatigue Management Occupational Therapy for Individuals with Autoimmune Disease"
- "Arthritis of the Upper Extremity"
- "Occupational Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy"
- "Persisting Pain: Understanding why Things Hurt"
Learn more on Cheryl's Arthritis Life website at: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/