Living with rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on lifestyle is something I’ve witnessed up close for years. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside patients who navigate this autoimmune condition daily. And let me tell you, it’s not just about joint pain—it’s about the constant adaptations, emotional shifts, and finding…
If you’ve ever felt like you’ve hit a wall halfway through the day—and you’re living with RA—you’re not alone. Tips for coping with rheumatoid arthritis fatigue isn’t just a trending search term; it’s a real-life need for so many of my patients (and honestly, sometimes even for me after a long clinic day). Fatigue in…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, it’s this: managing stress with rheumatoid arthritis isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival skill. I’ve seen patients make incredible progress with their joint pain and inflammation just by dialing down the stress in their lives. Easier said than done, I know. Stress…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis is tough enough, but throw depression into the mix, and things get a whole lot heavier. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand just how much these two conditions like to team up and wear people down. When we talk about rheumatoid arthritis and depression treatments, we’re not just talking…
Fatigue. It’s that bone-deep, can’t-get-off-the-couch kind of exhaustion that many of my patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) describe with frustration and defeat in their voices. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations about how fatigue isn’t just about being tired—it’s more like your body feels hijacked. One of the most frequent concerns I…
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…
Ever had a patient swear they have asthma, but something just doesn’t add up? Or maybe a family member insists their wheezing is “just asthma,” even though you know deep down it smells a lot like COPD? As a pulmonary nurse, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been caught in the middle of…
As a Pulmonary Nurse with years of experience in the field, I’ve seen firsthand the many complexities that come with managing respiratory conditions. One of the questions I’ve been asked frequently by patients and their families is whether asthma can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. This is a valid concern, as both conditions can be incredibly…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis and adapting your lifestyle for better health isn’t just about taking medication and keeping up with doctor’s appointments—though yes, those are important too. It’s about learning how to thrive *with* RA, not just survive it. As someone who’s spent years working closely with patients in rheumatology as a Nurse Practitioner, I’ve…