If you’ve ever wondered, can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic headaches?—you’re not alone. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had plenty of patients sit across from me, rubbing their temples and saying, “Tarra, I thought this was just joint pain. Why does my head hurt all the time too?” Trust me, it’s a question worth exploring….
As a Pulmonary Nurse, I’ve encountered countless cases of asthma over the years, and one thing that always stands out is how different the symptoms can be for each patient. Asthma is often associated with wheezing – that high-pitched, musical sound you hear when someone has difficulty breathing. However, there are many people who suffer…
As someone who’s worked in pulmonary care for years, I’ve seen the impact of asthma on a person’s physical abilities, particularly when it comes to stamina and endurance. It’s one thing to be told by doctors or read in medical texts that asthma can affect your performance, but it’s a whole different experience when you’re…
If you’ve ever told a patient—or maybe even yourself—that you’re cutting back on salt, only to find your food suddenly tastes like cardboard, you’re definitely not alone. One of the questions I get a lot in clinic is “how to eat less salt without noticing?” And honestly, that’s a fair ask. We’ve built our palates…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis, especially in your hands, then you know how frustrating those stiff mornings and achy knuckles can be. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner who’s worked with hundreds of patients over the years, I can tell you — managing symptoms isn’t just about medication. Sometimes the best hand exercises for rheumatoid…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), wrist pain can be one of the most challenging symptoms to manage. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how debilitating it can be for patients, affecting everything from daily tasks like typing and cooking to more personal activities like holding hands or simply turning a doorknob….
Ever notice your joints seem to get more stubborn when the temperature drops? I’ve heard this question so many times in clinic: is rheumatoid arthritis worse in cold weather? And let me tell you—based on my years of experience as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, the answer isn’t as black and white as we’d all like….
Ever had that sinking feeling in your chest, like someone dropped a brick right on your lungs? Or maybe you’ve felt your heart racing out of nowhere, gasping for air, and just assumed it was your heart acting up. You’re not alone. As someone who’s worked for years as a Pulmonary Nurse, I can’t count…
If you’ve ever had that burning feeling creep up your chest after a meal, you’re not alone. I’ve seen countless patients walk into the gastroenterology clinic I worked at, clutching their chest or describing that sour, hot sensation in their throat. Trust me, it’s not fun. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)…