If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might already know about the joint pain, swelling, and stiffness it can bring. But did you know RA can also affect your hearing? It’s something that doesn’t get talked about much, yet it’s more common than many people realize. Understanding the connection between RA and hearing changes…
Does RA affect memory? That’s a question I hear more often than you’d think. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had patients look at me with a mix of frustration and fear when they say, “I feel like I’m forgetting everything lately… is it the RA?” It’s not just aches and swollen joints anymore—we’re talking…
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’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably know all too well the struggle of waking up with stiff, swollen joints that make getting out of bed feel like a challenge. RA and morning swelling relief isn’t just about comfort—it’s about reclaiming your day and your independence. Over the years as a Rheumatology nurse…
If you’ve ever wondered, is RA genetic or acquired?, you’re definitely not alone. I get asked this almost daily in my clinic—and honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can feel like such a mystery when it first hits, especially because symptoms often creep in slowly before roaring to life. As…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means navigating a lot of unexpected challenges—one of which, surprisingly, is how RA affects nail health. From my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how patients often overlook their nails when managing their disease. Yet, nails can tell us a lot about what’s happening beneath the surface,…
If you’ve ever experienced an aching jaw that just won’t quit and you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might be surprised to learn that the two could be connected. RA and jaw pain explained—that’s exactly what we’re diving into today. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen patients caught off guard by this…