Can rheumatoid arthritis lead to heart disease? It’s a question I hear a lot in my practice, and honestly, it’s a super important one. When patients first come to see me, they’re usually focused on their joint pain, swelling, and fatigue — understandably so. But very few realize that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than…
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…
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,…
Do allergies make asthma worse over time? That’s a question I get from patients all the time in clinic, especially when spring rolls around and pollen counts go through the roof. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner who’s spent over a decade treating asthma patients of all ages, I can confidently say—yes, allergies can and often…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause swollen lymph nodes? This is a question I hear more often than you might think—usually from patients who are already overwhelmed by joint pain, fatigue, and the laundry list of RA symptoms they’re trying to manage. It’s a fair question, and honestly, not one that’s talked about nearly enough. As a…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel like you’re constantly trying to outsmart your own immune system. It’s not just about managing pain—it’s about anticipating flare-ups before they knock you off your feet. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked side by side with hundreds of patients navigating this rollercoaster, and I’ve learned that the best…
Can allergies affect blood pressure levels? It’s a question I’ve heard more than a few times in my clinic—especially during spring and fall when allergy symptoms are in full bloom. You’d be surprised how often patients come in worried about their seasonal sniffles, and we end up uncovering a surprising link to their blood pressure…
If there’s one thing I’ve seen over and over again in my years working as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, it’s how closely intertwined our lifestyle is with our health outcomes. And one topic that comes up again and again with my patients is the link between rheumatoid arthritis and obesity. It’s a conversation I’ve had…