Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this condition can impact more than just the joints—it can also have serious repercussions on dental health. Often, the connection between RA and oral health is overlooked, but understanding how these two are…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like an uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how it affects people—physically, mentally, and emotionally. One of the most common and frustrating symptoms of RA is stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. And trust me, I’ve…
If you’ve ever had a patient look at you, eyes half-lidded, voice barely above a whisper, and say, “I’m just so tired… all the time,” then you already understand how deeply intertwined rheumatoid arthritis and the connection to autoimmune fatigue really is. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I can’t count the number of times I’ve…
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…
If you’ve ever wondered why gut issues seem to flare up around the same time as your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, you’re not imagining things. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen this pattern over and over again in my patients—and honestly, in myself during high-stress periods when the immune system is already on edge….
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can truly impact a person’s quality of life. RA is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage over time. It can make even the simplest tasks feel like a huge challenge. But here’s…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis and the best knee support braces is a topic you’re constantly Googling—hey, I get it. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen first-hand how RA can hijack your knees, turning simple movements into cringe-worthy moments. And let’s be honest: knees take a beating even when they’re healthy. Add RA…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just a condition that affects the joints—it’s a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause widespread discomfort and long-term disability. One of the most common and noticeable symptoms is hand swelling. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with patients dealing with RA, and I’ve…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a daily challenge. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this condition impacts my patients, and I’ve learned a lot about the subtle yet profound ways it affects their lives. While there are numerous treatment options available—everything from disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biologics—there’s one therapy…