Behind the Scenes of a Chronic and Painful Disease!

On stage, professional musician Rain Perry shines as an energetic performer and talented lyricist. However, behind the scenes, Rain is also living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic and painful disease that can lead to permanent disability if left untreated. Diagnosed with RA at the age of 23, Rain feared that she would no longer be able to pursue her artistic passion due to the overwhelming pain and fatigue. After living with the disease for more than 10 years and giving up on her music career, Rain finally found a treatment that works for her. With her symptoms managed, she found the strength and motivation to start her own record company, win three major songwriting awards, and record two albums. Rain Perry shared her personal experience living with RA, with us, and encourages others living with the condition to speak to a rheumatologist, so that they too can find the inspiration to reach their goals. Rain is joined by Orrin Troum, MD, a rheumatologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, who discusses the progressive nature of RA and provides background information about the disease. Did You Know? * RA affects more than two million Americans, the majority of whom are women * RA is a disease that causes your immune system to attack your joints, potentially causing irreversible joint deterioration and chronic pain * RA can cause painful swelling and stiffness to the joints of the hands, feet and wrists, which can make even simple tasks such as carrying groceries, or opening a jar or can, difficult More about Rain Perry: A mother of two daughters, Rain has won three major songwriting awards, including the Grand Prize in the folk division in the “John Lennon Songwriting Contest” as well as the Grand Prize in the RockerGrl Discoveries contest. In addition to recording two albums, Rain started her own recording company, Precipitous Records. Currently, Rain is working with her director to produce her third album, new book, and one-woman play in Los Angeles. More about Dr. Orrin Troum: Orrin Troum, MD, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California Dr. Orrin Troum is a Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. Dr. Troum started his rheumatology private practice in 1986 and is a member of the Board of Directors and Medical and Scientific committee of the Arthritis Foundations largest US chapter in Southern California. Dr. Troum is also a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the Southern California Rheumatology Society, Philadelphia Rheumatism Society and the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research. http://www.insidera.com/