Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the joints, often making everyday tasks painful. For people living with RA, flare-ups—times when symptoms get suddenly worse—can be especially hard. The good news is, there are ways to ease the pain and manage flares at home. Understanding what causes these flares and how…
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 arthritis can feel like a constant uphill battle—not just physically, but emotionally too. From my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to find emotional support for arthritis. It’s not just about managing pain or inflammation; it’s about navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with chronic illness….
Let’s talk about something every rheumatology patient—and let’s be real, every rheumatology *provider*—dreads as soon as the temperatures start to dip: how to prevent flare-ups during winter. I can’t count the number of patients who tell me their joints feel like they’ve aged a decade overnight once cold weather hits. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner,…