Night sweats and rheumatoid arthritis — if you’ve ever experienced these two together, you know it’s more than just an annoying symptom. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this uncomfortable combo can disrupt sleep, affect daily life, and even cause anxiety for those trying to manage their condition. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t…
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can RA cause nausea?”—you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had several patients over the years, and even some of my own close friends living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), casually mention that uneasy, queasy feeling that sneaks up on them. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve learned that nausea is one of…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years working with RA patients, it’s that figuring out how to prevent RA flare-ups isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Every patient is unique, but the common thread? Flare-ups are frustrating, painful, and disruptive. I’ve sat with countless patients who feel like they’re doing everything right—then bam, a flare…
If you’ve ever asked yourself what RA joint pain feels like, you’re not alone—and as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had this conversation more times than I can count. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain isn’t just your typical ache or stiffness after a long day. It’s deep, persistent, and can feel downright cruel. One of my…
Waking up to stiff, achy joints can feel like your body is stuck in a stubborn time warp — especially if you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). You might have asked yourself, “Why does RA hurt in the morning?” As a rheumatology nurse practitioner who’s seen countless patients battle this very question, I want to…
If you’ve ever sat across from a patient and heard them whisper, “Can RA go into remission?” with a mix of hope and fear in their eyes—you’re not alone. I’ve been in that exact spot more times than I can count. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked alongside many people living with rheumatoid arthritis,…
If you think rheumatoid arthritis in young adults sounds like a contradiction, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had more than a few patients look at me in disbelief when I bring up RA as a possible diagnosis—especially those in their 20s and 30s. Most folks picture their grandparents when they hear the word “arthritis”, not…
If you’ve ever woken up with stiff fingers and thought, “Hmm, must’ve slept weird,” you’re not alone. But if that stiffness starts lingering a little too long—or if your rings don’t fit like they used to—it might be time to look closer. One of the most early signs of RA in hands isn’t a dramatic…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis, you’re no stranger to the relentless ache that can settle into your joints and make even the simplest tasks feel like a marathon. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve spent countless hours listening to patients share their daily struggles and, more importantly, celebrating their small victories. Whether you’re newly…