If you’re someone who’s living with arthritis, particularly in your hands, then you probably know how frustrating it can be when your fingers feel cold, stiff, or just plain “off.” I get it — as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients come into the clinic saying, “My hands just don’t feel right, especially…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a well-known autoimmune condition, primarily affecting the joints. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how it can cause significant pain, stiffness, and other debilitating symptoms. However, there’s a question I often get from patients: “Can rheumatoid arthritis cause sciatica-like pain?” It’s a great question because while RA is mainly…
Let’s talk about something that I see all the time in my practice — early morning blood pressure spikes causes. You’d be surprised how often patients come in saying their blood pressure is fine most of the day, but then they get these bizarrely high readings first thing in the morning. As someone who’s spent…
Let’s talk about something I discuss with my patients all the time—natural ways to help support blood pressure. As an internal medicine physician who’s been working with hypertension management for over a decade, I can confidently say that lifestyle matters just as much as prescriptions. And one of the most overlooked lifestyle hacks? Your garden….
When you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), finding the best anti-inflammatory snacks for rheumatoid arthritis can feel like trying to pick a winning lottery ticket. There’s just so much conflicting info out there. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations with patients who are desperate to ease joint pain without turning to another…
Balancing your health with a demanding career isn’t for the faint of heart—especially when you’re managing a chronic condition like RA. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner (and someone who’s watched countless patients try to juggle both), I know firsthand how tough it can be. So, if you’ve been wondering how to manage rheumatoid arthritis while…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause permanent disability? As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had this question tossed at me more times than I can count—usually with a mix of fear and uncertainty in the patient’s eyes. Honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just about achy joints or occasional stiffness. It’s…
If you’re like me, working in a gastroenterology clinic day in and day out, you’ve probably heard this question at least a hundred times: “What condiments can I actually eat with GERD?” Honestly, it’s a fair concern. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) can make even the simplest meals feel like a minefield. When I first started…
Can asthma cause vocal cord issues? You’d be surprised how often I get asked this in my clinic, and honestly, it’s a fantastic question. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to confuse the wheezing and throat tightness of asthma with something much trickier — vocal cord dysfunction. If you’ve…