If you’ve ever wondered why gut issues seem to flare up around the same time as your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, you’re not imagining things. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen this pattern over and over again in my patients—and honestly, in myself during high-stress periods when the immune system is already on edge….
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a daily challenge. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this condition impacts my patients, and I’ve learned a lot about the subtle yet profound ways it affects their lives. While there are numerous treatment options available—everything from disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biologics—there’s one therapy…
When I first started diving deeper into autoimmune conditions as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I kept bumping into one oddly persistent theme: the gut. Yep, that complex ecosystem living inside all of us, quietly doing its thing—digesting food, balancing bacteria, regulating immunity—seemed to have a major role in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. So I started…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how debilitating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be for patients. One of the most challenging aspects of RA is the pain. Whether it’s constant aching, joint stiffness, or those sudden flares that can knock you off your feet, rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is something everyone living with the…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis—or caring for someone who is—you’ve probably noticed that the *feet* often get the short end of the stick when it comes to attention. But trust me, as someone who’s spent years as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand just how rheumatoid arthritis affects the feet. It’s not just…
If you’ve ever wondered how rheumatoid arthritis and stress management techniques are connected, you’re not alone. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen first-hand how stress can sneak in like an uninvited guest and stir up all kinds of trouble in people already battling chronic conditions like RA. It’s something that rarely gets the spotlight…
Ever sat with a patient who’s been managing their rheumatoid arthritis for years, only to hear them say, “I feel like my brain’s in a fog lately”? As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve heard this more times than I can count. And yes—there’s something real going on. Rheumatoid arthritis and cognitive function changes aren’t just…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just a condition that affects the joints. It’s a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues, particularly in the joints. If you or a loved one has ever been diagnosed with RA, you know how it can impact daily life, making even simple…
As someone who has worked closely with individuals managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I know how overwhelming the condition can be. It’s not just the pain, swelling, and fatigue that take a toll on the body; it can affect many other systems, including the digestive tract. RA is primarily known for its impact on the joints,…