Planning a vacation when you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like preparing for a cross-country marathon in flip-flops. Trust me—I’ve worked with hundreds of patients over the years as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, and I’ve seen it all. From navigating unpredictable flare-ups to managing mobility and medication on the go, I get how…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not just about managing physical symptoms like joint pain and stiffness; it’s also deeply intertwined with emotional well-being. From my years as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how RA and emotional support ideas play a crucial role in helping patients cope with the daily challenges this chronic…
If you think rheumatoid arthritis (RA) only means painful, swollen joints, you’re not alone—and that’s actually a common misconception I’ve seen many patients struggle with during my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner. While joint pain is a hallmark symptom, RA symptoms without joint pain can quietly creep in and often get overlooked. These less…
It’s wild how something as simple as water—something we take for granted every day—can play such a critical role in managing a complex disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sat across from patients who were surprised to hear me emphasize hydration right alongside…
If you’ve been navigating the rollercoaster ride of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you’ve probably wondered more than once, “Is my food making this worse?” As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had more patients ask me about foods that trigger RA flares than almost anything else. And let me tell you—diet can absolutely make a difference. The…
It’s something I’ve seen again and again in my clinic—women, often in their 30s to 50s, coming in with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), only to reveal they’ve recently gone through a major hormonal shift. Whether it’s postpartum changes, perimenopause, or even thyroid imbalances, there’s a *clear pattern* I can’t ignore. The RA and hormone…
If you’ve ever hobbled out of bed in the morning, cringing with every step because of stiff, aching feet, then you know the struggle is real. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients battle the daily challenge of finding the best footwear for RA feet. Heck, I’ve even tried out a few pairs…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you already know how important it is to manage daily tasks in ways that protect your joints and reduce pain. Cleaning the house, for example, can quickly become a challenge when stiffness and fatigue set in. From my experience as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen how simple…
If you’ve ever woken up with that familiar, frustrating stiffness in your fingers thanks to rheumatoid arthritis, you know exactly what I’m talking about. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen how relentless RA hand pain can be—not just physically, but emotionally too. One thing I always love sharing with my patients is how simple…