Julie Vallortigara

I got a reminder this summer about how effective my biologic is at keeping my flares at bay. To give a bit of context to this story, I have been...

I am facilitating a course on lifestyle management for people living with long term conditions, with difficult life circumstances, and in need of support from peers and health coaches to...

After my diagnosis with AxSpa one doctor told me that I needed to pace myself to manage chronic pain and chronic fatigue. I had no clue what pacing was and...

This summer, my dad introduced me to an acquaintance he made while playing "pétanque," the famous French boules game. He asked me if I could help that man who recently...

Ten years with my dark passenger (for those who watched Dexter 😉), my longest relationship! Oh...we had some big fights, some crises, and some resentment along the way. I cried...

In the common sides effects of Humira, you can find a long list of things. I think I have Sicca syndrome, including dry eyes and dry mouth. In fact, when...

After my diagnosis I visited doctors to seek advice, discuss treatment recommendations, and find ways to cope with AxSpa symptoms. From the start, I have always had in mind to...

I recall meeting people with chronic pain telling me that they benefited from acupuncture treatment. I am naturally curious and always keen to try something new, particularly if it can...

At the beginning of March, I went to a sound healing session in a lovely venue, beautiful Church, here in Edinburgh. I had attended a couple of similar sessions last...

I have lived with AxSpa for many years; along the way I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia as well. I came to a realization last year that living with chronic conditions...

I remember reading an article in the NASS magazine about a young woman sharing her story entitled "Farming is my Therapy." I found that inspiring, and amazing to read that...

A few articles from my peers has made me reflect on the stage I am at with AxSpa. I have learned to live with it, manage some symptoms, cope with...

In 2018, I spent one month in France without my medication. Of course, it wasn’t planned... I left the UK in the hurry, as my dear grandmother was admitted to...

I am in charge of my health, I keep a close eye on my blood tests and other investigations, I follow my case living with AxSpa thoroughly. I have been...

After a long journey to get a diagnosis (see my series entitled "7 Years in No Diagnosis Land") and a bad experience with one of the DMARDS, I was finally...

Pacing is probably the most useful thing I have learned on my journey to live better with AxSpa, and with fibromyalgia too. I did not know anything about pacing before...

Soon after getting my diagnosis with AxSpa (after years of waiting for a diagnosis, though), and starting my first biologic treatment (Embrel), I found my eyes very dry. It was...

Eight years ago, I had my first big flare in my feet. It came from nowhere. It was Summer, I was enjoying my life in London. I had a busy...

I had a very inspiring coaching session as part of my Diploma in Life Coaching. I explained to the coach my plans and how I reinvented the wheel of my...