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…
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…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s not just about joint pain and inflammation; it’s about a complete disruption to your daily life. For many, one of the most challenging aspects is the loss of hand strength, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. If you’ve ever…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be challenging, and it brings a unique set of hurdles when it comes to social situations. Whether you’re meeting friends for a casual lunch or attending a family gathering, navigating these moments with RA requires a blend of communication, self-awareness, and sometimes, a bit of extra planning. As someone…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is like playing a never-ending game of “What will hurt today?” Some days, it’s just a little stiffness, and other times, it feels like my joints have declared war. But here’s the thing—while RA itself is unpredictable, preventing joint deformities isn’t entirely out of our hands. With the right strategies,…
What’s the Deal with Rheumatoid Arthritis? 🤔 Here’s the short version: RA is when your immune system gets its wires crossed and starts attacking your own joints. Not ideal, right? It usually hits the smaller joints—think fingers, wrists, feet—but it can also go for the bigger ones and even other parts of your body like…
🌞 What RA Does to Your Day-to-Day Okay, let’s be real: living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a real pain—literally and figuratively. It’s not just about achy joints. It’s about figuring out how to open a jar without breaking into tears, or why getting out of bed feels like scaling Mount Everest some mornings….
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) while holding down a job? Yeah, it’s tough. I get it. RA can seriously mess with your joints, energy, and even your mood. But the good news? It’s totally possible to manage your symptoms and keep your career on track. In fact, I know a few people who have found…
Dealing with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is no picnic, and if it’s messing with your sleep? Ugh, double whammy. You’re lying there, wide awake, tossing and turning because of the pain, or you’re waking up 10 times a night. Been there, and it’s the worst. But the cool thing? There are some real, doable sleep hacks…