Celebrities With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 31, the American Ninja Warrior host competed for the Arthritis Foundation on The New Celebrity Apprentice.

Since learning he had RA, Iseman has pursued opportunities to help others with the condition. Active in patient communities, he encourages newly diagnosed people to tap the social network and connect with real people about life with RA.

“Newly diagnosed people have questions, especially about lifestyle,” he explains. “It’s reassuring to talk to someone who knows what you are going through, and can say, here’s what to expect,” he says.

Iseman is upfront about RA in his work life and love life. “I have no problem disclosing my condition in business or romantic relationships,” he states, adding that young people, especially, should get the facts and talk openly about rheumatoid arthritis. “Don’t limit yourself from romantic relationships. … You can lead a full life,” he says. “You might not feel your best all the time, you might not perform your best if your back hurts, but RA doesn’t affect the ability to have sex.”

“I have RA but it is not who I am,” he stresses.