As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that come with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s a chronic condition that can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from physical abilities to emotional well-being. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that managing RA goes beyond medication. Many patients, including some of my…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause stomach pain? You wouldn’t believe how often I hear this question in clinic, usually right after a patient notices gut issues cropping up alongside their joint flares. At first glance, it might seem like the two aren’t connected—joints and stomach? But as someone who works closely with autoimmune patients every day,…
When we think about rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on the spine, most folks picture painful, swollen fingers or knees—not aching backs. But as someone who has walked beside patients for years in Rheumatology, let me tell you: the spine, especially the neck (hello, cervical spine!), doesn’t escape RA’s wrath. I’ve had many patients sit…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis is a full-time job—trust me, I see it firsthand every day as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner. The flare-ups, the fatigue, the stiffness that just won’t quit… it can feel like your body’s staging a rebellion. One topic that comes up a lot in my clinic (and yes, even in casual conversations…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause blurred vision? That’s a question I’ve been asked more times than I can count in my clinic. And honestly, it’s a fair one. When patients come in with joint pain and stiffness, they’re often so focused on managing the physical symptoms that they don’t even think about how their eyes might…
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…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand the many challenges that come with managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One question that often arises among patients is how their daily habits, like drinking coffee, might affect their joints. This is especially common when discussing the impact of caffeine on the body. If you’ve ever wondered whether…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you’re probably well aware of how it can affect your joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. But what about something less obvious—like brain fog? It’s a term you might have heard floating around, but what does it really mean, and could RA be behind it? As a Rheumatology…
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…
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