Tag: Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Mindset Shift That Saved Her Life: Felicity’s RA + Chronic Fatigue Journey

Posted on by Karin W

The Mindset Shift That Saved Her Life: Felicity’s RA + Chronic Fatigue Journey

Karin W

December 3, 2025

Living with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, and central sensitization syndrome (CSS) can completely transform a person’s world.

For many, that transformation feels like loss. But for Felicity—known online as @the_dead_arthritic—it became the catalyst for an unexpected mindset shift that ultimately saved her life.

In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Felicity opens up about the moment everything changed, the coping tools that pulled her out of a dark place, and why she believes our thoughts have far more power than we realize.

This is one of the most honest, surprising, and uplifting conversations we’ve ever had—and if you’ve ever struggled with fatigue, pain, identity shifts, or finding hope again, you’ll want to hear every second.

From Reformed Cynic to Unexpected Optimist

When Felicity was diagnosed with RA at 18, she didn’t have the medical knowledge or personal confidence to advocate for herself.

Years later, after becoming a veterinarian, she understood her body better—but her symptoms grew worse. Chronic fatigue, CSS, and relentless pain made daily life unrecognizable.

She calls herself a “reformed cynic surviving on positivity and dark humor,” but this mindset didn’t come naturally. It was built through necessity.

The shift began with a surprising, reluctant experiment: meditation and mindfulness.

Felicity had always been skeptical—eye-roll level skeptical. But after giving it a chance for a few weeks, something changed.

Her fatigue eased. Her brain felt clearer. Her nervous system calmed. And she realized she had far more control over her internal world than she ever imagined.

When Life Hits the Hardest: Her Lowest Moment

Felicity shares openly that at her lowest point, she cashed out her 401K to consider going to Switzerland to visit Dignitas, a clinic that supports legal human euthanasia. She genuinely believed her life was over.

But before following through, she entered a Mayo Clinic CSS program—one that completely changed her trajectory.

Inside the program, complaining, venting, and talking about pain are not allowed. It’s a highly specialized environment, and it works only for CSS (not chronic pain in general).

But for Felicity, this unfamiliar approach ended years of spiraling symptoms.

“It saved my life,” she says without hesitation.

Instead of Switzerland, she went to England. She relearned socialization, rebuilt routines, and began rediscovering who she was outside of illness.

Her journey is proof that a single moment, a single choice, or a single program can truly turn everything around.

Rebuilding an Identity After Losing a Career

Felicity spent a decade as a veterinarian—a job defined by high stress, pressure, perfectionism, and emotional labor.

Leaving it wasn’t just a career shift; it was an identity rupture.

She tried everything to fill the void: new hobbies, different volunteer roles, lifestyle experiments, and countless trial-and-error routines.

“You have to figure out how to redirect that energy,” she explains.
And what she learned is that purpose doesn’t have to look the same as it did before illness.

Daily Practices That Keep Her Grounded

Her routine is built on tiny, accessible habits—most five minutes or less. Small, consistent wins over unrealistic perfection.

She shares the exact daily practices that changed her life:

• Writing three things she’s grateful for
• A Qigong-style shaking practice to release tension
• “Indoor walking” YouTube videos
• Guided meditation with muscle relaxation at night
• Snapping a rubber band on her wrist when negative thoughts spiral (“snap out of it”)
• Mindfulness whenever she walks her dog
• Looking for “glimmers”—micro-moments that spark joy

“Consistency over perfection,” she repeats. “These things take five minutes. But they matter.”

Navigating Relationships, Communication, and Unsolicited Advice

One of the hardest parts of chronic illness?
The comments.

The cure suggestions.
The “Have you tried ___?” memes.
The unhelpful assumptions.

Felicity has heard it all—especially the ones that imply illnesses like RA or CSS are “all in your head.” Yet she says something both controversial and freeing:

“People don’t like hearing it—but in a way, it is all in your head. Your brain is your GPS. If you hard-wire negative thoughts, that’s the direction you steer. If you shift the wiring, you shift the direction.”

It’s a bold mindset—and one that won’t resonate with everyone. But for her, it’s been lifesaving.

Dark Humor, Community, and Invisible Strength

Dark humor has carried Felicity through some of the worst moments. She shares funny stories, strange coping moments, and the surprising power of laughing at the absurdity of illness.

She also talks about the role of community—why chronic illness can isolate you, and how sharing your story helps you find people who “get it.”

When asked what Invisible Strength means to her, she says it’s the quiet victories no one else sees:

“Some days, the bravest thing you do is get out of bed. Or take a shower. Or choose hope. Invisible strength is all the things you celebrate alone.”

What She Wants Newly Diagnosed People to Know

Felicity’s advice is simple, compassionate, and deeply grounded in experience:

• Don’t wait to advocate for yourself.
• Your story doesn’t end with a diagnosis.
• You’re allowed to become someone new.
• You’re stronger than you think—even when you don’t feel it.
• Hope isn’t toxic. It’s necessary.

If she could destroy one chronic illness stereotype, it would be the idea that invisible illness makes you weak. In reality, it builds resilience most people will never understand.

You’re Allowed to Choose a New Story

Felicity wants listeners to walk away knowing this:

“You can change your life in tiny ways. Five minutes. One thought. One new habit. One choice. Those things add up. And they might save your life the way they saved mine.”

This episode is powerful, raw, vulnerable, and full of unexpected hope.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 The Mindset Shift That Saved Her Life: Felicity’s RA + Chronic Fatigue Journey
Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any major platform.

Integrating These Mindset Shifts with Invigorate Coaching

Science is clear: mindset influences healing, resilience, immunity, energy, and behavior change.

But mindset doesn’t shift through reading alone.
It shifts through:

  • Guided reflection
  • Personalized self-talk strategies
  • Accountability with compassion
  • Habit architecture
  • Identity alignment

That’s exactly what Invigorate Coaching specializes in.

Through our work, you will:

  • Uncover your Why
  • Build a healing mindset
  • Reduce stress-driven inflammation
  • Rewrite inner narratives
  • Adopt sustainable habits
  • Establish routines that support recovery and growth

If you’re ready to turn mindset into momentum:

Book your free clarity call with us:

Let’s map your next level of healing — together.

Message us!

FAQ

Does mindset affect physical health?
Yes — self-talk influences cortisol, inflammation, and autonomic nervous system activity.

Can self-talk actually help healing?
Supportive inner speech can reduce stress hormones, enhance resilience, and improve recovery.

How can I develop a healing mindset?
Start with your Why, practice compassionate self-talk, and adopt a sliding-scale habit approach.

What coaching is best for mindset change?
Mind-body based coaching, like Invigorate, helps integrate psychological and lifestyle shifts for long-term change.

Dance on, friends,
Karin

P.S. If you live with an autoimmune condition or love someone who does, know this: You’re not alone. Get in touch with us – we’d love to connect!

P.S.S.✨ Start your journey today—connect with us and discover how small, science-backed adjustments can transform your energy, mood, and health this season.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for general education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your care or treatment plan.

From D1 Athlete to Autoimmune Warrior: Misty’s Journey of Resilience and Redefining Strength

Posted on by Karin W

From D1 Athlete to Autoimmune Warrior: Misty’s Journey of Resilience and Redefining Strength

Karin W

August 18, 2025

When you’ve trained your whole life to push your body to the limit, listening when it says “stop” doesn’t come naturally. 

For Misty, a former Division 1 field hockey player turned elite coach, the journey from peak performance to living with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis has been one of resilience, self-discovery, and redefining what strength really means.

Ignoring the Red Flags

Looking back, Misty admits her body was signaling trouble long before her diagnosis.

Hair loss at 20, unexplained fatigue, and repeated “mono” misdiagnoses were dismissed as normal stressors of college athletics and academics.

Like many athletes, she rationalized every symptom—until her body forced her to stop.

“I was training for a marathon when everything went sideways. My body just quit,” she recalls. “I thought I was having an allergic reaction. My throat closed, my legs gave out. It was terrifying.”

Takeaways:

  • Don’t dismiss unusual symptoms as “just stress.”
  • Track patterns—energy dips, flares, recurring illnesses.
  • Advocate for yourself in medical appointments. If you don’t feel heard, push back or seek another doctor.
A female field hockey coach in a black jacket, looking focused while observing a training session at night.

The Betrayal of the Body

For an athlete whose identity was built on physical ability, losing control of her legs was devastating.

“Field hockey was my craft. To suddenly not be able to demonstrate skills for my players—it felt like my body betrayed me.”

And yet, that sense of betrayal eventually transformed into gratitude.

Misty vividly remembers sobbing on the side of the road one Halloween, convinced she’d never walk through a pumpkin patch with her son.

Today, even on difficult days, she grounds herself in gratitude: “If I can laugh with my kids at night, that’s a successful day.”

A coach in a white hooded sweatshirt with 'LOYOLA FIELD HOCKEY' printed on it, wearing sunglasses and smiling while walking on a sports field, with a quote about strength in adapting over overcoming displayed on the image.

Redefining Success

For Misty, success used to mean winning, medals, and relentless drive. Now, it means balance, boundaries, and perspective.

“I sprint, then I rest. I force breaks into my day. I’d rather have giggles with my kids than a clean house or a perfect dinner.”

She applies the same philosophy in her coaching.

While she still pushes her athletes to sharpen their skills, she also emphasizes mental health and perspective:

“I wish someone had told me it was okay to just take up space without the medals and the crowns. That’s the message I want to give my players: your worth isn’t tied to performance.”

Takeaways:

  • Create flexible definitions of success (e.g., finishing a light workout, enjoying practice, being present with loved ones).
  • Recognize that rest is a form of training.
  • Celebrate consistency, not just peak performance.
A group of enthusiastic female athletes celebrating together on a dirt field, showcasing joy and camaraderie after a game.

Breaking the Myths of Autoimmune Disease

One of the biggest lessons Misty wants other athletes to know is that appearance doesn’t equal health.

At her sickest, weighing just 102 pounds, people told her she looked “great.” In reality, her body was eating itself.

“Weight has nothing to do with performance. Your body is a gift, no matter what it looks like. What matters is how you manage your energy—your spoons—and whether your goals are worth the risk.”

Takeaways:

  • Health is not defined by weight or appearance.
  • Focus on function: energy levels, recovery, and performance—not aesthetics.
  • Strength is about resilience, not body type.

👉 “Your body is a gift. It doesn’t need to look a certain way to perform.”

A family of four poses together outdoors, smiling. The father stands on the left wearing a black t-shirt and dark pants, while the mother, on the right, wears a striped blue and white sweater. The son, in a blue shirt and beige shorts, stands in front of them, and the daughter, dressed in a yellow outfit, is held by the mother.

Finding Invisible Strength

Through setbacks, diagnoses, and loss, Misty has found strength not in powering through but in adapting, slowing down, and embracing gratitude.

“My oldest sister passed away. My younger sister is battling cancer. I live with lupus and RA. But I wake up knowing how lucky I am. I’ve been through hell and I’m still here—and that perspective changes everything.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that invisible strength isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing when to rest, when to fight, and how to find joy in the small moments.

Dance on, friends,
Karin

P.S. If you live with an autoimmune condition or love someone who does, know this: You’re not alone.

P.S.S. Subscribe to our blog and podcast for more inspiring stories and practical strategies from real warriors like Misty.

Disclaimer: These tools do not replace the advice of a health care professional; if you have concerns about your health, please consult a health care professional.

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Navigating the Storm: Managing Joint Pain and Inflammation with Autoimmune Diseases for a Better Quality of Life

Posted on by Karin W

Navigating the Storm: Managing Joint Pain and Inflammation with Autoimmune Diseases for a Better Quality of Life

Karin W

October 25, 2023

Welcome back, friends! We’re glad you’re here.

I’m Karin Wagner, and I’ve been on a challenging journey with Lupus for 15 years. Throughout this time, I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible people who have inspired me, including my Invigorate podcast co-host, the Baddest Chaplain Chris Burton. 

We have shared experiences facing various Lupus challenges and are now helping others navigate through their autoimmune journeys. 

Today, we’re talking about a common yet incredibly painful symptom of autoimmune diseases – joint pain and inflammation. For those of us living with these conditions, it’s a daily struggle that can impact every aspect of our lives. The good news is that there are ways to manage this pain and inflammation and improve our overall quality of life.

Understanding the Pain: Joint Pain in Autoimmune Diseases

Joint pain, as many of us know all too well, is a relentless companion in our journey with autoimmune diseases. Joints can swell, stiffen, and become inflamed, making even the simplest tasks feel like monumental challenges. It can affect any joint, from knees and elbows to hands and shoulders.

The pain is often excruciating, making daily life a relentless uphill battle. It’s not just physical; it’s emotionally taxing, too. But today, we want to offer hope and practical advice. We want you to know that you’re not alone, and there are strategies to help you manage this pain and regain control over your life.

The Link Between Inflammation and Joint Pain

Before we dive into those strategies, it’s crucial to understand the link between inflammation and joint pain. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, in the case of autoimmune diseases, our immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation without any apparent injury or infection.

This chronic inflammation can cause damage to the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain and stiffness. Addressing inflammation is, therefore, key to reducing joint pain and improving overall health.

Dietary Strategies for Reducing Joint Pain

One of the most powerful tools in our arsenal for managing joint pain and inflammation is our diet. What we eat can either exacerbate or alleviate our symptoms.

In my experience, eliminating refined carbs and dairy has been a game-changer. These are often inflammatory culprits. Sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation.

On the flip side, certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating these into your diet can make a significant difference. Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. Think leafy greens, fatty fish, and berries.

Supplements for Relief

In addition to dietary changes and exercise, supplements can be a powerful ally in your battle against inflammation.

Turmeric and Ginger: Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory Duo

Turmeric is a bright orange spice, well-known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It contains an active compound called curcumin, which has been extensively studied for its potential to reduce inflammation in the body. Curcumin works by blocking specific molecules that trigger inflammation, providing relief from joint pain and stiffness.

tumeric and ginger supplements

Ginger is another natural remedy that complements turmeric beautifully. It contains gingerol, an active ingredient with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Much like turmeric, ginger can help reduce joint pain and inflammation by inhibiting the same inflammatory pathways.

Both turmeric and ginger are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. You can add them to your cooking, brew them as teas, or find them in supplement form at your local health store. However, before starting any new supplement, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your needs.

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin

Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because our skin can produce it when exposed to sunlight. This essential nutrient is not only vital for bone health but also plays a role in reducing inflammation.

Research has shown that vitamin D can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, including Lupus. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels through a combination of safe sun exposure and supplementation can be a valuable part of your inflammation management plan.

B Vitamins: Building Blocks of Health

The B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin), are essential for various bodily functions, including immune system regulation. They can also play a role in reducing inflammation.

Supplements can be valuable to your inflammation management plan when living with autoimmune diseases. Turmeric and ginger, with their natural anti-inflammatory properties, can offer relief from joint pain and stiffness. Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, helps regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. B vitamins, the building blocks of health, have shown promise in managing autoimmune disease symptoms, including inflammation.

However, it’s crucial to remember that supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another, and individual needs can vary significantly. Therefore, always consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating new supplements into your routine. They can help determine the right approach to address your unique situation and provide guidance on the most suitable supplements and dosages for you.

Exercise: The Power of Movement

When dealing with joint pain and inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases, the idea of exercise might seem counterintuitive. After all, moving when you’re in pain doesn’t sound appealing. However, regular exercise, even in the form of gentle activities like stretching and walking, can be a game-changer in your journey to manage these challenging symptoms.

Improving Joint Mobility

I can’t stress enough how essential exercise has been for me in managing my Lupus symptoms. While it might seem daunting at first, I’ve found that even gentle movements can have a significant impact on my joint mobility.

Autoimmune diseases can cause stiffness and decreased range of motion in your joints. Regular exercise helps to counteract this by increasing flexibility and promoting better joint mobility. When you incorporate movement into your daily routine, you’re essentially giving your joints a workout, which can help prevent them from becoming overly stiff and painful.

Strengthening the Muscles Around Your Joints

In addition to improving joint mobility, exercise also strengthens the muscles around your joints. These muscles act as a natural support system for your joints, helping to distribute the workload more evenly and reduce the strain on the affected joints.

It’s important to start slowly and gently, especially if you’re new to exercise or dealing with a flare-up. Begin with simple stretches and range-of-motion exercises, and gradually work your way up to more challenging routines. The goal is to find a balance between keeping your joints mobile without causing excessive pain or strain.

Building a Supportive Exercise Routine

Creating a supportive exercise routine involves a few key considerations:

1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new exercise regimen, it’s important to consult your rheumatologist or healthcare provider. They can help you tailor a program to your specific needs and ensure it’s safe for your condition.

2. Find What Works for You: Not all exercises are created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and can stick with. This could be yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, or even gentle walks.

3. Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to your body’s signals. If you experience pain during or after exercise, it’s crucial to adjust your routine or consult your healthcare provider for guidance. The goal is to feel better, not worse.

4. Set Realistic Goals: Understand that your exercise routine may need to be adapted during flare-ups or on particularly challenging days. Be flexible with your goals, and remember that any movement is better than none.

5. Consistency Is Key: Consistency is essential when it comes to exercise. Even when you’re not feeling your best, doing some gentle stretching or taking a short walk can make a big difference in the long run.

Remember, your journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise. The most crucial step is to start. Begin with simple, gentle movements, and gradually build from there. Over time, you’ll find that exercise can become one of your most effective tools in managing joint pain and inflammation.

Managing Stress: The Mind-Body Connection

In the realm of autoimmune diseases, stress is often an unwelcome and relentless companion. It’s not just a mental burden; it can significantly worsen inflammation and pain in the body. Understanding and managing the mind-body connection is essential to regain control over your life.

The Impact of Stress on Inflammation

Stress can be a relentless presence for people with autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses. When stress levels rise, symptoms tend to intensify. It’s a shared experience among those with autoimmune diseases.

When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are part of the “fight or flight” response. These hormones can trigger and exacerbate inflammation in the body. For those of us already dealing with chronic inflammation, this stress-induced response can be especially problematic.

Stress can also affect how we perceive pain. When we’re stressed, our pain tolerance tends to decrease, making the pain we experience feel even more intense. Finding ways to manage stress is crucial. One method that has proven incredibly helpful is meditation.

Meditation: A Calming Practice

Meditation involves focusing on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness and achieve a mentally clear, emotionally calm, and stable state.

Meditation can be a transformative practice that reduces stress and helps you become more attuned to your body. It’s about creating a mental space where you can let go of worries, fears, and anxieties, even if just for a few minutes each day.

One technique that works well for many people is called diaphragmatic breathing. It involves taking slow, deep breaths by expanding your diaphragm. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four and exhale for four. This simple practice can have a remarkable impact on your stress levels and overall well-being.

Deep Breathing: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool

Deep breathing is another fantastic technique for managing stress. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can be done anywhere and anytime.

When you practice deep breathing, you’re essentially sending a signal to your brain that it’s time to relax. This results in a lower heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and a sense of calm and relaxation.

Therapy: Seeking Professional Guidance

In some cases, stress may become overwhelming, and it can be beneficial to seek therapy. Therapists can provide valuable support and guidance in managing stress, which, in turn, helps reduce inflammation and pain.

Therapy offers a safe space to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies. It’s not a sign of weakness but a step toward taking control of your mental and emotional well-being.

There are various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps change negative thought patterns, and mindfulness-based therapies that promote living in the present moment. Finding the right therapist and approach that suits you is essential.

Reclaiming Control

Autoimmune diseases, joint pain, and inflammation may be part of your journey, but they don’t have to define your life. Managing stress effectively is a critical aspect of this process. By practicing meditation, deep breathing, and seeking therapy when needed, you can reclaim control over your well-being.

Remember, the mind-body connection is a powerful one. When you address stress and its impact on inflammation, you’re not only improving your mental and emotional health but also reducing the physical burden on your body.

Practical Tips for Daily Life

Living with joint pain and inflammation can be challenging, but there are practical tactics you can incorporate to ease symptoms.

Heat and Cold Therapy: One of the most accessible and effective ways to alleviate pain is by applying heat or cold to the affected area. Consult with your doctor to determine the best method for your symptoms. Heat increases blood flow and relaxes tense muscles, while cold therapy can help numb the area and reduce swelling.

Assistive Devices: If joint pain hampers your ability to perform daily tasks, consider using assistive devices. Canes, walkers, or jar openers might not be glamorous, but they can provide much-needed support and alleviate pressure on your joints.

Taking Breaks: Taking regular breaks is crucial if your daily activities involve repetitive motions that exacerbate your pain. Rest and stretch your joints to reduce strain and prevent further inflammation.

Getting Enough Rest: Rest is essential for managing pain and inflammation. It allows your body to repair and rejuvenate. Make sure to prioritize getting enough sleep each night.

It’s important to remember that managing joint pain and inflammation is a journey unique to each individual. While these tips can provide relief, it’s essential to consult with a rheumatologist for a personalized treatment plan.

When to Seek Medical Help

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our symptoms may intensify or interfere with our daily lives. That’s when it’s crucial to seek medical help.

Rheumatologists are vital in developing individualized treatment plans based on your condition and symptoms. They consider factors such as the severity of inflammation, joint damage, and overall health to determine the most appropriate course of action.

In some cases, your rheumatologist may refer you to other healthcare professionals, like physical therapists, occupational therapists, or pain management specialists, who can provide additional support and therapies to help manage joint pain and inflammation.

Regular monitoring and follow-up with your rheumatologist is essential. They’ll help you adjust your treatment plan as needed and guide lifestyle modifications, exercise routines, and self-care strategies, all aimed at improving your overall well-being.

Consulting with a rheumatologist for personalized advice and treatment options is crucial, but remember that staying on top of inflammation at home can also make a significant difference.

Embracing Hope and Relief

Living with an autoimmune disease, joint pain, and inflammation can significantly impact your quality of life. But with the right strategies, the proper support, and the right mindset, you can reduce pain and inflammation. You can regain control of your symptoms and live a higher quality of life.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. We understand and care. We’re here to support you, to share our experiences, and to offer hope for a brighter, pain-free tomorrow. Together, we can invigorate your journey and make every step easier. Thank you for joining us today, and we’ll be back with more soon.

Karin

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