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If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or helpless about the coronavirus pandemic, you are not alone.
These feelings are especially common among people who are immunocompromised or at a higher risk for COVID-19 complications. You may have specific questions or concerns related to your axSpA — and personalized answers are not easy to find.
The Global Healthy Living Foundation — a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, education, research, and advocacy for people living with chronic illness — is collaborating with axial spondyloarthritis/ankylosing spondylitis patient advocates Jennifer Walker, Charis Hill, Dawn Gibson, and Jed Finley to help you stay informed.
Get Axial Spondyloarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Support for the Coronavirus Pandemic
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News about the coronavirus is changing rapidly. Don't miss out on content tailored to you and delivered straight to your inbox — for free. Join GHLF's FREE COVID-19 Patient Support Program and you will:
- Receive public health advice, news, and expert recommendations specific to your health conditions
- Receive opportunities to advocate for chronic illness patients
- Be part of a community that understands what it's like to live with a chronic condition during this public health crisis
Patient Perspectives
The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with chronic illnesses (such as arthritis, osteoporosis, migraine, psoriasis, and cardiovascular disease) by advocating for improved access to health care at the community, state, and federal levels, and amplifying education and awareness efforts within its social media framework. GHLF is also a staunch advocate for vaccines.
The Global Healthy Living Foundation is the parent organization of CreakyJoints® (www.CreakyJoints.org), the digital arthritis community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, activism, and patient-centered research through ArthritisPower® (www.ArthritisPower.org), the first-ever patient-centered research registry for joint, bone, and inflammatory skin conditions, and hosts PainSpot (PainSpot.org), a digital risk assessment tool for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Visit www.GHLF.org for more information.
Cultivating Calm in an Anxious Time: How to Do a Simple ‘Mindful Body Scan’ Meditation
Mindful body scan is a well-researched method of quieting the mind and noticing where there is tension or pain in your body as you breathe slowly and release each area as you are able.
The Myth of ‘Self-Soothing’ During the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Psychologist’s Perspective
This advice from clinical psychologist Laurie Ferguson, PhD, is a good reminder of the importance of staying virtually connected with others to fight loneliness and isolation.
Handling Unpredictability in the Era of Coronavirus: A Psychologist’s Advice for Chronic Illness Patients
This advice from clinical psychologist Laurie Ferguson, PhD, can help you cope with the lack of control you may feel over your environment and health right now.
Methotrexate and Coronavirus: Does Methotrexate Make You High-Risk for COVID-19?
If you have severe psoriasis, there’s a good chance you’re taking methotrexate (MTX). A side effect MTX is increased risk of infections, which is particularly important to understand in light of the current COVID-19 crisis.
Expert Advice
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. GHLF.org and CreakyJoints.org are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Mental Health
Are Coronavirus Symptoms Different If You Have an Autoimmune Condition or Chronic Illness?
Learn more about if chronic illness can affect symptoms of COVID-19, telling the difference between similar symptoms, and when to seek medical attention.
Prednisone and Coronavirus: Do Corticosteroids Make You Immunosuppressed and Higher Risk for COVID-19?
Learn more about whether steroids like prednisone make suppress the immune system and what to do if you take them in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Stopping Immunosuppressant Medication During an Infection? Sick-Day Planning for the Coronavirus Outbreak
Learn more about guidelines for when to stop vs. remain on immunosuppressing medications when you get an infection, including coronavirus.
The 20+ Things That #HighRiskCovid19 Patients Are Completely Tired of Hearing Already
Learn more about comments and issues that people at high risk for coronavirus complications are tired of hearing over and over again.
‘Expect to Have Shortness of Breath and Wait It Out’: What an Immunocompromised Patient with Coronavirus Is Going Through
Learn more about a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and asthma who now she has a new battle to fight: COVID-19.
Wellness
4 Things Immunocompromised People Should Know About Food Safety in the Coronavirus Pandemic
Learn more about how to safely obtain, prepare, and consume food during COVID-19 for those with suppressed immune systems.
A Week of Nutritionist-Approved Anti-Inflammatory Pantry Meals for Coronavirus Quarantine
It is possible to eat nutritious, anti-inflammatory meals on a limited amount of pantry food and a limited budget. Here’s how.
Wearing Gloves During Errands Doesn’t Offer Much Protection Against Coronavirus (and Can Even Make Things Worse)
Wearing gloves when you’re out running essential errands doesn’t offer the protection you may think it does.
Research
Infographic: Coronavirus Survey Reveals A LOT About What High-Risk, Immunocompromised Patients Are Thinking Right Now
Learn more about how Global Healthy Living Foundation high-risk patients are managing their health during this unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis.
The 75+ Things Making #HighRiskCovid19 Patients Anxious Right Now, According to Our Survey
Learn more about what Global Healthy Living Foundation and CreakyJoints members said they feel anxious about in our coronavirus pandemic survey.
Axial Spondyloarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Coronavirus
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A Chronic Illness Patient’s Guide to Navigating COVID-19
Coronavirus Questions from Immunocompromised Patients (and the Best Expert Answers We Have Right Now)
Get expert answers from rheumatologists about how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting immunocompromised patients with chronic illness.
Should You Skip Your Next Biologic Infusion During the Coronavirus Pandemic? Answers from Doctors
Learn more about when patients on immunosuppressing biologic infusions should continue to take these medications and when it is recommended to stop.
‘I Was Tested for COVID-19. I Almost Died While Waiting for the Results.’
Learn more about why an ankylosing spondylitis patient thought they had COVID-19 and why it is confusing with a chronic illness known for strange symptoms.
'I Still Have Complications from the 2009 Swine Flu, So Understand Why Coronavirus Is Worrying People with ‘Underlying Health Conditions’'
Learn more about what a chronic illness patient with swine flu complications wants the public to understand about coronavirus and underlying health issues.
Hey, Flippant People on Social Media Making Light of the Coronavirus: Can You Please Listen to Someone with a Suppressed Immune System?
Learn more about why an immunocompromised patient wants others who are making light of the coronavirus to understand the seriousness of the outbreak.