Christine Schwab interview post #6

Christine, in chapter 4 of my Arthritis:  A Patient’s Guide book, I talk about working through the stages of grief when a person is diagnosed with a disease, especially one as life changing as RA.  I read in Take me HOME from the OSCARS that you have gone through many of the stages (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance).  Where do you feel you are currently?

In acceptance. This book has made me accept. And even now I see some people look at me differently. Some TV associates see me differently. It will all be worthwhile if I can take away the stigma of the disease. That's my ultimate challenge.

Christine Schwab interview post #5

For many years, you felt you had to hide your Rheumatoid Arthritis for fear you would lose your career and lifestyle?  What has changed in Hollywood that you finally feel able to share your story in this book?

Nothing has changed in Hollywood! They don't want to talk about arthritis because it is still associated with being old and crippled even though that is not the case. My goal with this book is to change the perception. My life has always been about style, yet I have arthritis. And I know there are many celebrities that have it and like me are afraid to speak out. Arthritis today is NOT the same as it was for our parents and grandparents. New drugs and treatments are changing arthritis but now we need to remove the stigma.  We need celebrities to come forward and make it ok to talk about arthritis.  (Reader, notice Christine's second book published in 2006)

Christine Schwab interview post #4

As I read your book, you made me feel your physical pain and mental distress as you fought to keep your career going in spite of your physical problems.  On page 66 you made a profound statement that people dealing with pain will identify with.  “When you’re in pain, side effects become secondary to relief.”  Do you have any residual side effects (besides the osteoporosis you talked about)?

I do. I have some damage to my hands that occurred when I was in the UCLA research program because unbeknownst to me I was on placebo the entire time and that was when the damage occurred. I had some loss of hair from some drugs and I had a few hair transplants (that I did a segment on ET about) around my face. One drug caused small amount of hearing loss. As you know most drugs have side effects but when you are in chronic pain what choice do you have? And all in all my side effects are minor in comparison to the pain I was in. And if you met me today you would never know of my arthritis ordeal.

Christine Schwab interview post #3

If I read correctly, your symptoms began September 1990 when you were in New York City doing makeovers for Regis and Kathie Lee.  You suspected you had overdone your exercise routine when your feet starting hurting.  By October you were seeing your doctor in an effort to get relief from the pain.  Before the doctor gave you the RA diagnosis, did you have an inkling that your life had changed permanently?

No. I was positive I had injured myself on the treadmill and wearing heels. Arthritis was the farthest thing from my mind. After the diagnosis in January I was in denial. I couldn't have arthritis. I was young, physically toned and a television personality. In my mind I didn't fit the profile. Denial had always worked in my childhood and it worked once again.

Christine Schwab interview post #2

Hi Christine.  I’m so pleased to interview you.  I’ve read Take me HOME from the OSCARS and enjoyed it a lot.  Your life with your husband Shelley sounds very glamorous.  You’ve socialized and worked with famous people through your career and personal life.  What are your favorite glamorous events?

There is no equal to attending the Oscars or Emmys. Working in live television is a high. Fashion is glamorous. Being on Entertainment Tonight. Oprah, The Today Show and 25 years on Live with Regis have all been incredible. Publishing three books has been a dream.

Christine, what are your favorite everyday events? 

Simple things like working in my garden, spending an entire day writing, cooking a big dinner for my family or walking the beach with my husband fill me with happiness. And now talking-to groups about overcoming adversity and never giving up on dreams and watching their interest makes me feel that I am meant to do this.

Christine Schwab Interview post #1

Christine Schwab was successful as a Hollywood and television fashion and beauty reporter because she was talented, organized and worked hard.  When she found herself dealing with pain and constant exhaustion in 1990, she wondered why.  Surely, her feet were hurting because she had overdone her exercise.  Maybe she was tired because she had been working hard.  When her health didn’t improve, she went to her doctor.  She began the search for answers:  what was wrong with her?  After several doctor visits and multiple tests, the doctors diagnosed her with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself at joints and organs.  She dealt with more pain than she had ever imagined and they searched for a medication to control the RA.  Christine traded her dressy heels for sneakers and she learned to camouflage her illness and push herself to continue her career.    She knew Hollywood promotes youth and health; arthritis could spell the end of her career.   

Christine succeeded; she has been a recurring guest on Oprah, NBC News, ABC News, CBS’s The Early Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, Rachael Ray, Inside Edition, and E! Entertainment.  Christine has been featured in many magazines including The Oprah Magazine, Newsweek, Ladies Home Journal, The Huffington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and The Washington Post Magazine.  Christine fought for her success and her health and shares her story in Take Me HOME from the OSCARS:  Arthritis, Television, Fashion and Me.