RA and chronic shoulder pain can feel like a frustrating, never-ending loop of stiffness, inflammation, and just plain discomfort—something I’ve seen countless times working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner. In fact, some of the most persistent complaints I hear from my patients revolve around the shoulder. While many associate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with hand and…
If you’ve ever dealt with that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest or throat, you might already be familiar with GERD and inflammation in the esophagus. From my time working as a Medical Assistant in a busy Gastroenterology Clinic, I’ve seen firsthand how these symptoms can impact daily life and how important it is to…
If you’re like most of my patients, you’ve probably spent countless mornings trying to figure out how to start your day without that familiar joint stiffness dragging you down. Believe me, I get it. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had so many conversations that start with the same question: “Is there a *daily routine…
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…
If you’ve ever watched someone struggle to open a jar or rise from a chair with a grimace, you may have seen the quiet grip of rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on joint flexibility in action. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen this disease not just as a list of symptoms on a chart,…
When I first started working as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I never imagined that I’d be recommending acupuncture to my rheumatoid arthritis patients. But after years of seeing how medication alone sometimes just isn’t enough, I’ve become a believer in integrating complementary therapies. Rheumatoid arthritis and the benefits of acupuncture have become one of my…
If you’ve been navigating life with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably know firsthand how unpredictable it can be—one day, your joints feel almost normal, and the next, stiffness and pain can knock you off your feet. Over the years, working as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen how crucial a personalized approach to managing RA…
Living with arthritis doesn’t always mean jumping straight into prescription medications. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve worked with countless patients looking for more natural options. So if you’re wondering how to manage arthritis without prescription drugs, you’re definitely not alone. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful lifestyle adjustments, diet, and some old-school…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel like navigating a daily obstacle course, especially when you’re trying to stay ahead of complications like muscle wasting. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly strength and mobility can slip away if we don’t stay proactive. Rheumatoid arthritis and how to prevent muscle wasting isn’t just…