You don't have to figure out how to THRIVE with rheumatic disease on your own!
In the Rheum to THRIVE course and support program, you'll go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.
From Overwhelmed to Confident.
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.
Think of me as your tour guide, or orientation leader for your new "job" of living a full, vibrant life with rheumatic disease. It's possible to thrive with rheumatic disease, but it's hard to figure out precisely *how* on your own. You deserve guidance and support!
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.
I have also lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over nineteen years, so I truly understand how difficult and overwhelming it can be to navigate everyday life with a rheumatic disease.
I've compiled all my best, evidence based lessons into a step-by-step guide in the THRIVE framework. During the self-paced lessons, you'll learn how to improve your quality of life and take control of your health while also coping with the inevitable ups and downs .
Save Time and Energy with my Step by Step Guides
Trying to sort through the endless amount of websites about rheumatoid arthritis is overwhelming - that's why I assembled my lessons in step-by-step that you can go through at your own pace on your own time.
You *could* spend your valuable time figuring this all out on your own, but I want you to get started on the right foot with RA as soon as possible!
My goal is to empower you to learn ways to not just live but THRIVE with RA. You don't have to do this on your own.
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? In the support group option, you get everything from the self-paced course PLUS access to a 12 week virtual support group.
On our live video calls, Cheryl facilitates a support group session where you'll connect to a group of people who truly *get* what it's like to manage a complex autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. You'll also have a chance to ask all of your burning questions and share your best tips for surmounting daily obstacles, from doing your hair with hand pain to explaining what your condition is to the same person for the fifth time!
Testimonials
What are people saying about Rheum to THRIVE and related programs?
"The wealth of information and the built-in support system are priceless."
Cheryl touches all the bases in this course, from the physical aspects of RA to how to manage the emotional side of this disease. Cheryl is approachable, relatable, and knowledgeable.
I HIGHLY recommend taking this course, especially if newly diagnosed. The wealth of information and the built-in support system are priceless.
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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!"
"Practical and Empowering"
"Every topic we covered in Rheum to THRIVE was practical and empowering! The support and acceptance I found in this group has changed my attitude about living with chronic illness. "
"I feel so much less lonely, and a lot more hopeful."
The journey of being diagnosed with a chronic illness is isolating, I felt lost trying to make sense of things on my own. This was my first experience of hearing real people talk about the real issues related to RA- and more importantly, how to cope.
I feel so much less lonely, and a lot more hopeful. Rheum to THRIVE has provided a much-needed sense of belonging to a community.
"I'm more confident and patient with myself"
"Before the program I would question myself and how I was feeling. Knowing that others feel similar has helped me to gain confidence in knowing my symptoms are not necessarily unique, imagined, or invalid. I am more confident that despite not having all the answers, I can be more patient with myself in approaching a solution."
"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
"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."
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 *with* rheumatic disease.
In this program, you will build a toolbox to help you THRIVE despite your condition.
Each unit, Cheryl will walk you through one of the THRIVE framework 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).
Course curriculum
Discover how to THRIVE with rheumatic disease during each step-by-step lesson.
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1
Welcome!
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Start Here: Welcome Video!
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Orientation to Thinkific Platform
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Welcome Slides: Downloadable PDF
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Meeting Schedule & Suggested Viewing Schedule
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Pre-Course Survey
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Link to Private Facebook Group
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Updated: Master Workbook (includes master toolbox and journal prompts)
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Unit 1: Let's Start with the Basics
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Lesson 1: Understanding Common Rheumatic Diseases & FAQs
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Lesson 2: Overcome Overwhelm with Health Literacy
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Lesson 3: You are not Alone - How to Assemble a Care Team
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PDF Download: All Presentation Slides for Unit 1
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Unit 2: Tools for Pain & Fatigue
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Lesson 1: What is Rheumatic Disease Pain?
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Lesson 2: What is Rheumatic Disease Fatigue?
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Lesson 3: How to Prevent Pain in Rheumatic Disease
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Lesson 4: How to Reduce Existing Pain in Rheumatic Disease
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Lesson 5: Preventing & Reducing Fatigue and "Day in the Life" of Pain & Fatigue
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PDF Download: All Presentation Slides for Unit 2
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Unit 3: Helpful Habits
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Lesson 1: Intro to Habits for Rheumatic Disease
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Lesson 2: Nutrition for Rheumatic Disease
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Lesson 3: Exercise and Movement for Rheumatic Disease
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Lesson 4: Sleep for Rheumatic Disease
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PDF Download - Unit 3 All Presentation Slides
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Unit 4: Relationships - Manage Social Life with Rheumatic Disease
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Lesson 1: Ways to Talk about Rheumatic Disease & Address Misconceptions
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Lessons 2-3: Focus on Friendships, Family & Romantic Relationships
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Lesson 4: Tips for Work and Work Relationships
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PDF Download: Unit 4 Presentation Slides
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Unit 5: Inner World - Manage Stress & Big Emotions
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Lesson 1 - Intro to Stress and Rheumatic Disease
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Lesson 2 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy & Mindfulness
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Lesson 3 - ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy)
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Lesson 4 - More Tools & Put Together your Coping Toolbox
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PDF Download - all Unit 5 Slides
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Unit 6: Values, Valued Activities and "Doing what Matters"
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Lesson 1: Defining my Values
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Lesson 2: Finding Joy & Problem Solving when Barriers Come Up
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PDF Download - Unit 6 All Slides
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Unit 7: Executive Functioning - Become the CEO of your Care Team
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Lesson 1: Intro to Executive Functions and tips for getting organized
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Lesson 2: Tips for Effective Appointments & Making Difficult Decisions.
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Lesson 3: Put it all together: How to advocate and become the CEO of your care team.
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PDF Download: Unit 7 All Slides
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Unit 8: THRIVE Toolbox & Course Conclusion
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Lesson 1 - Review Main Points & Master Toolbox
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Lesson 2 - Congratulations & options for more support
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Post Course Survey
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PDF Download - Unit 8 Slides
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Live Meeting Recordings
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Meeting Recording: March 8th
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May 15th Meeting Recording
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Meeting Recording: March 22nd
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Meeting Recording: March 29th
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Meeting Recording: April 5th
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Meeting Recording: April 19th
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Meeting Recording: April 26th
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Meeting Recording: May 7th
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THRIVE Bonus Meeting: Registered Dietitian Jenifer Tharani
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Meeting Recording: May 10th
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Meeting Recording: May 17th
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Meeting Recording: May 31st
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Meeting Recording: June 14th (Final Meeting Celebration!)
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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 / or 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 (for the support group option).
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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 alongside complementary or alternative medicine 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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What's the live meeting schedule for the support group?
You can choose from one of two groups, each of which meets 12 times for 60 minutes each over 3-4 months.
TUESDAY GROUP: Meets at 7:30pm EST / 6:30pm CST / 5:30pm MST / 4:30pm PST. This is and 7:30am on Fridays for those on China Standard time (GMT+8), and Fridays at 10:30am for those on Australia Standard time (GMT +10).
WEDNESDAY GROUP: Meets at 12:30pm EST / 11:30am CST / 10:30am MST / 9:30am PST. This is 5:30pm GMT (London time).
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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 (such as psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, lupus and other conditions).
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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When will the self-paced course be available?
All course materials will be available on Friday, March 3rd 2023. Cheryl is currently busy at work updating all course videos and materials to include the latest research and trends in rheumatic disease as of January 2023.
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Is this program 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. As Cristina said when she took the program in 2020, "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 particularly enjoyed the last section on intimacy and relationships. I recommend this course for the newly diagnosed to equip them with practical and evidence-based information that is rarely discussed in the rheumatologist's office."
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Can I join the support groups at any time during the year?
The live group programs are available to join once in the spring and once in the fall. Spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Enrollment for the Spring 2023 cohorts closes on March 2nd, 2023. Having a set start and end date and closed cohorts allows members to get to know each other and form a cohesive community and safe space to share.
If you miss out this time, you may join the waitlist for when registration opens again. Email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist for the next group!
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How many people are in each of the live support groups?
Each group has a maximum of 16 people. This allows for us to get to know each other and for each person to have a chance to share and connect.
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What if I would like support beyond the 12 week support group?
I also offer an ongoing weekly support group exclusively for people who've completed the Rheum to THRIVE course + support group. This group meets weekly and it's called "THRIVE Graduates." Since rheumatic diseases are chronic and ongoing, it's beneficial to surround yourself with consistent sources of encouragement, support, and information-sharing!
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What if I want a refund or wish to cancel?
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. If you are on the monthly payment plan and need to cancel before the full 6 months of payments is complete, I am happy to do that for you or pause your participation until a future group at a better time for you.
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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 and facilitating peer support. This program is not a substitute for individual or group occupational therapy services or other healthcare services.
Cheryl is licensed to provide occupational therapy services in Washington State and does so on very a limited basis at this time. More details can be found in the course medical disclaimer.
Instructor Bio & Credentials
Cheryl Crow is an award-winning occupational therapist who specializes in helping people with rheumatic diseases maximize quality of life in *all* areas, not just joint pain.
Course Creator
Cheryl Crow
Cheryl earned a Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2012 from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA.
Email
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.
In 2019 Cheryl formed Arthritis Life to educate, empower and inspire others with arthritis.
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"
Cheryl has also developed and facilitated a training for other occupational therapists titled: "Beyond Joint Pain: Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis from the Full Scope of Occupational Therapy."