Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is challenging enough without adding the weight of chronic insomnia. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve worked closely with countless patients who struggle not just with the physical pain of RA but also with the toll it takes on their sleep. In fact, it’s a connection that’s often overlooked—RA and…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this condition can impact various joints in the body, but one of the most commonly affected areas is the wrist. In this article, we’ll dive into how rheumatoid arthritis affects wrist joints,…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dealing with autoimmune disease flare-ups can be an overwhelming experience, both physically and emotionally. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is to navigate these flare-ups. These periods of increased disease activity can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, making everyday tasks feel impossible….
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is commonly recognized for its impact on the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. However, what many people might not know is that RA also significantly affects cardiovascular health, making individuals with this condition more vulnerable to cardiovascular risk factors. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how RA can lead…
If you’ve been managing rheumatoid arthritis and hearing loss, or you’ve had patients mention their ears “just aren’t what they used to be,” you’re definitely not alone. I can’t tell you how many times a patient has come in for a follow-up on their RA and casually mentioned they’ve been asking people to repeat themselves…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause nerve damage? This is a question I’ve been asked countless times in clinic, and honestly, it’s not always a simple yes or no. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this chronic autoimmune condition can do far more than just affect the joints. While most people associate RA with…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve spent years working with patients battling rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and one question comes up often: “Is rheumatoid arthritis connected to other autoimmune diseases?” The short answer? Absolutely. Autoimmune diseases don’t work in isolation—they’re like a complex web, intertwining in ways that make diagnosis, treatment, and daily life more challenging….
Rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on the wrists and elbows can be downright frustrating. If you’re dealing with it, you know exactly what I mean. As someone who has spent years diagnosing and treating RA, I’ve seen firsthand how much these joints suffer. The stiffness, swelling, and unpredictable flare-ups can make even the simplest tasks…
When we think about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we often picture swollen joints, morning stiffness, and chronic pain. But here’s something many don’t talk about—how rheumatoid arthritis affects cognitive function. As someone who has spent years diagnosing and treating RA, I’ve heard countless patients describe symptoms like brain fog, forgetfulness, and trouble concentrating. It’s frustrating, and…