If you’ve ever felt like your body was fighting you from the inside out, you’re not alone. I’ve seen it time and again in my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner — patients coming in, exhausted, achy, and unsure of why they feel like they’re running on empty. One of the most common culprits? Rheumatoid…
When someone asks me, “Tarra, can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic migraines?” my first instinct is to say, it’s complicated—and that’s exactly what makes this question so interesting and worth unpacking. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t just attack joints; it can affect the entire body in surprising ways,…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know that flare-ups can hit without much warning — turning a normal day into a painful struggle. How to prepare for a rheumatoid arthritis flare-up isn’t just about managing pain when it happens; it’s about anticipating those tough days and arming yourself with strategies to lessen their…
If you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on energy levels, you’re not imagining it—this fatigue is *real*, relentless, and often misunderstood. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless patients tell me they’re tired of being tired. And honestly? I get it. The kind of fatigue that comes with RA isn’t the same…
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect memory? This question pops up more often than you might think, especially from patients and families navigating the day-to-day challenges of living with RA. From my experience as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this autoimmune condition goes far beyond just joint pain and stiffness. It can also touch…
If you’ve ever wondered, can rheumatoid arthritis cause kidney problems? you’re definitely not alone. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I get this question a lot from patients who are navigating the complexities of RA beyond just joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often thought of as a disease that mainly attacks joints, but in reality,…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic dizziness? It’s a question I’ve heard more often than you’d think, especially from patients who’ve been dealing with RA for years. I remember one woman, late 40s, newly diagnosed, sitting in my exam room and asking, “Why do I feel like the room is spinning some days? Is it the…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause varicose veins? You wouldn’t believe how often that question comes up in clinic. I remember one particular patient—a sweet woman in her late 50s—who came in frustrated by the swelling and aching in her legs. She had already been managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for over a decade, but now, she was…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause internal bleeding? This question comes up more often than you’d think—especially in my clinic, where patients are understandably concerned about the seriousness of their symptoms and the possible side effects of their treatments. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing this disease can be. It’s not just about…