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in Lifestyle &middot August 31, 2018

Currently [Vol. 22]

Give. Me. Fall! I can’t wait for cooler temperatures, but for now, let’s talk about August and what I’ve currently been up to.

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Talking about what I've been up to, reading, watching, thankful for, and more.

Currently, I’m …

reading … What Happened and Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade – I think this is the first month this year where I’ve only read 2 books. I started reading What Happened (by Hillary Clinton) in the beginning of the month, and it’s so big that it’s taking a while for me to get through it. Also, I usually read during my lunch break, but I feel weird reading a political book at my office, so that has cut down on my reading time. I’m reading enjoying it, though! It covers her side of the 2016 election, but it has also been very enlightening. She talks about what a day on the campaign trail was like, as well as what it’s like being a female politician. I’ll never go into politics because I’m not patient enough, but I love learning about politics, so it’s super interesting.

On my commute and travels, I’ve bene listening to Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade. Lord John is a character in the Outlander books who got his own series. This is the 3rd book (I think), and it starts around the time that Geneva Dunsaney dies (this makes sense if you’re an Outlander fan). It’s so great, especially during the #Droughtlander. I get super motion sickness, even if I read while on the subway, so I’m listening to this on Audible.

Why you should read and watch Outlander

What Happened by Hillary Clinton, What Happened, reviewing What Happened Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, books to read, book recommendations

feeling … exhausted but happy with life – I’ve had 8 medical appointments this week. I had my infusion last week, so it hasn’t kicked in yet. I’m sleeping 8-12 hours a night because everything is exhausting. But I love my job, I’m somehow managing everything (go to therapy, kids), and eventually it won’t be so hot. It’s going to be okay eventually!

watching … The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Americans, Vikings, Avengers: Infinity War, Thor: Ragnarok, Madam Secretary, John Mulaney’s special Kid Gorgeous, and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – Okay, so I just had my infusion, which means that I was on the couch for 5 days. And I end my days with watching shows, so I’ve cruised through TV this month. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is SO good. I can’t wait for season 2! And I know that I’m behind the times, but damn is The Americans a great show. It’s done so well! I’ve also started watching Vikings and I’m in love with it. They sometimes have the English (Anglo-Saxons) speak Old English!!!!!!!!!! Love it. It also makes me want to break out my Old English workbook again before I forget it all. I also watched the most recent Avengers, most recent Thor, most recent season of Madam Secretary, John Mulaney’s special that came out in May, and (of course) To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Enjoyed all of it.

thankful for … my medical team, my support system, and a job I love – I’ve been feeling extra thankful recently. I met my new rheumatologist(s) – my last one moved almost an hour away – and I’m on board. I’ve just gotten through my most recent infusion, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to have it, as well as my surgery, and that I’ve gotten to the point that I am now. And I’m so, so thankful that I love my job. I’ve only been there 2.5 months, but I’m so happy with it, and that is such a blessing.

rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, autoimmune arthritis, arthritis treatment, rheumatoid arthritis treatment, ra, rheum, chronic illness, chronic pain

wearing … dresses and limited makeup – It has been too hot for my tastes! This means that I’ve been wearing lots of dresses to work. My favorites are simple: navy blue, black, and striped. I looove this one from J. Crew, which is on sale right now! It’s so comfortable and cute! I also really enjoy this navy one, which is so airy, and I get so many compliments on it. My other favorite this summer has been a white-and-navy striped dress from Loft, which isn’t being sold any more, but this one is super similar and by the same brand

everyday makeup, summer makeup, ColourPop, Maybelline, BareMinerals, Bare Minerals, Benefit Cosmetics, NARS

I’ve also been wearing limited makeup because I’ll just sweat it off. I stick to powder foundation, highlighter, waterproof mascara, brow gel, and, of course, setting spray.

My workwear

looking forward to … my most recent infusion kicking in, being fully out of my walking cast, and cooler temperatures – Can summer end yet? I’m so, so over it. The temps were in the 90s, but with the humidity felt like the 100s. This POTS patient who is also from Maine hates that weather. It has been hell. Please, please go away, 90s! And it’s especially miserable given that I’m still in my walking cast for a little bit. I had to stop increasing my time out of my cast when my last infusion ran out and therefore my pain increased. But I had my most recent one last week, so I hopefully can start increasing that time again and will hopefully feel loads better within 2 weeks.

On my most recent surgery

Like this post? Check out:

All currently posts, What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20, Most Popular Books Published in 2018 (So Far), My Skin Care Regimen, The Best Fair Skin Makeup

Kate Mitchell

Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.

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July is: ⁣ - Disability Pride Month ⁣ - Juvenile A July is: ⁣
- Disability Pride Month ⁣
- Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month ⁣
- the anniversary of when I was diagnosed with autoimmune arthritis at age 19 after 9 years of symptoms ⁣
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As you can imagine, that makes me very aware of my disability via juvenile arthritis⁣
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⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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ID: Screenshot of a Bluesky post. The background is dark teal, and it's written by Kate Mitchell | Kate the (Almost) Great with the username katethealmostgreat.bsky.social. ⁣The text reads what's above the first black box.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#DisabilityPride #JuvenileArthritis #RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease
There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn't doubt There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn't doubt someone's chronic illness, but this is one of them. ⁣
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I'm always amazed by how people can have the exact same illness or set of illnesses and still have different experiences. Sure, there will be similarities, but which symptoms are the worst, what medications you respond to, and your quality of life can vary significantly. ⁣
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It doesn't mean that one person is necessarily worse off than another; they're just different.⁣
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⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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ID: Kate takes a selfie. A white text box reads "Chronic Illness Looks Different in Each Person"⁣
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#ChronicallyIll #RheumatoidArthritis #Endometriosis #Fibromyalgia #POTS
This basically sums up my summer so far: Harley, a This basically sums up my summer so far: Harley, a sewing project, and my foot in a cast⁣
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⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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ID: Harley the golden retriever has his head on Kate's lap. Also on her lap is an in-progress needlepoint project and Kate's leg (in a walking cast) is elevated.⁣
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#Osteoporosis #RheumatoidArthritis #GoldenRetrievers #Needlepoint #Needlework
Week 28 of 2026 Weekly A very busy week! 1️⃣ Foo Week 28 of 2026 Weekly

A very busy week!

1️⃣ Foot checkup! Walking boot is on occasionally from now until September 
2️⃣ Boston 
3️⃣ IVIG
4️⃣ Dentist 🦷 All good! 
5️⃣ Not a filter - this was the Boston area the second half of the week 
6️⃣ Physical time!

⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.

⁣⁣⬛⁣⁣

IDs:
1️⃣ Kate takes a selfie in a doctor’s office
2️⃣ Looking at TD Garden, the bear statue for the Bruins, and Zakim Bridge in the background 
3️⃣ Looking at tubes coming out from under Kate’s clothes. There’s a Kindle on her stomach
4️⃣ Kate takes a mirror selfie before leaving
5️⃣ Medford Square looking like there’s a yellow filter over it
6️⃣ Kate takes a selfie in a doctor’s office

#ChronicallyIll #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Bostonian #IVIG
Also, if this is how you’re finding out, I’m sorry Also, if this is how you’re finding out, I’m sorry. I’m fortunate enough to have a lot of people who care about me and this is the fastest way to tell everyone. 

Video: Kate talks to the camera while putting on makeup. There are captions. 

#RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimnuneDisease #ChronicIllness #Arthritis #ChronicPain
Week 27 of 2026 Weekly (Delayed because last Sund Week 27 of 2026 Weekly

(Delayed because last Sunday was baaaaad)

1️⃣ Due airport difficulties, we got a few more days with Emma. Harley was THRILLED!
2️⃣ Beautiful bird/squirrel visitors
3️⃣ A beautiful Maine summer day

⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.

⁣⁣⬛⁣⁣

1️⃣ Harley the golden retriever putting his front legs up on Emma’s legs to demand hugs.
2️⃣ A bird feeder and hummingbird feeder on a deck. There is a hummingbird at one and squirrel at the other.
3️⃣ A barn, a pond, and the Maine woods

#207 #MaineLife #MaineTheWay #NewEnglandSummer #IGMaine
Reminder: you can be proud of your disability comm Reminder: you can be proud of your disability community while wishing your body cooperated more⁣
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⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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 ID: Screenshot of a thread post. The background is dark teal, and it's written by katethealmostgreat. ⁣The text reads what's above the first black box.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#DisabilityPride #ChronicallyIll #InvisibleIllness #Disabled #Disability
I don’t know the exact date of my RA diagnosis, bu I don’t know the exact date of my RA diagnosis, but this is from right around then in July 2010. ⁣
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When I was diagnosed, I had been having symptoms for 9 years. ⁣
- 9 years of foot pain (partially from tarsal coalition)⁣
- Arthritic damage in said food⁣
- Carpal tunnel off and on for several years⁣
- And more⁣
⁣
I was finally diagnosed because I woke up one morning and was unable to open my jaw more than 8 mm. It turned out that I had horrible arthritic damage to my TMJs, which got me off the waiting list at MGH rheumatology. I left that appointment with an autoimmune arthritis diagnosis. ⁣
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The fact that July is not only my diagnosis anniversary but also Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month has always seemed right. I may not have been diagnosed with JA, but given the amount of arthritis I had along with my many years of symptoms, it's generally accepted that I had it. ⁣
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This year marks 16 years since diagnosis and this fall marks 25 years since my symptoms started. It's pretty weird that so much time has already passed!⁣
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⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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ID: Kate at 19 at Fenway Park for a Red Sox game. ⁣
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#RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease #Arthritis #JuvenileArthritis #JRA
Dos and don'ts for when someone in your life is di Dos and don'ts for when someone in your life is diagnosed with autoimmune arthritis! What are some that you would add?⁣
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⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
⁣
⁣⁣⬛⁣⁣⁣
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ID: "So someone you know was diagnosed with Autoimmune Arthritis". Under the Do column (indicated with a green checkmark) is:⁣
"As how they feel about it⁣
Offer specific ways to help⁣
Treat them normally⁣
Ask follow-up questions⁣
Wear a mask around them when sick."⁣
Under the don't don't column (indicated with an x in a red circle) is:⁣
"Say “At least it’s not xyz!”⁣
Say that and not follow through⁣
Assume nothing about their lives has changed⁣
Conflate autoimmune arthritis with osteoarthritis⁣
Pass your cold to an immunosuppressed person".⁣
⁣
#AutoimmuneDisease #RheumatoidArthritis #PsoriaticArthritis #AnkylosingSpondylitis #JuvenileArthritis
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