Let’s talk about something every rheumatology patient—and let’s be real, every rheumatology *provider*—dreads as soon as the temperatures start to dip: how to prevent flare-ups during winter. I can’t count the number of patients who tell me their joints feel like they’ve aged a decade overnight once cold weather hits. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner,…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic dizziness? It’s a question I’ve heard more often than you’d think, especially from patients who’ve been dealing with RA for years. I remember one woman, late 40s, newly diagnosed, sitting in my exam room and asking, “Why do I feel like the room is spinning some days? Is it the…
If you’ve ever wondered, can rheumatoid arthritis cause balance problems?—you’re definitely not alone. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this autoimmune condition affects much more than just the joints. People often focus on the classic symptoms like joint pain and swelling, but balance issues are a sneaky, lesser-known challenge that many with…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like a full-time job. Trust me—I’ve walked alongside so many patients in the trenches as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, and I get it. The pain, the fatigue, the emotional toll—it all adds up. But here’s the thing: lifestyle really does make a difference. That’s why I’ve put together…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause varicose veins? You wouldn’t believe how often that question comes up in clinic. I remember one particular patient—a sweet woman in her late 50s—who came in frustrated by the swelling and aching in her legs. She had already been managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for over a decade, but now, she was…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause internal bleeding? This question comes up more often than you’d think—especially in my clinic, where patients are understandably concerned about the seriousness of their symptoms and the possible side effects of their treatments. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing this disease can be. It’s not just about…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic cough? If you’ve ever wondered that, you’re not alone. Working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had more than a handful of patients come in worried about this exact symptom. It’s not the kind of question you hear every day, but it’s one that deserves attention. People often associate rheumatoid…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just about joint pain — it’s about reclaiming your quality of life. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked alongside so many patients navigating this chronic illness. I’ve seen the exhaustion in their eyes, the stiffness in their steps, and the frustration of flares that seem to come out…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause facial swelling? It’s a question I hear more often than you’d think. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had patients come in worried about puffiness in their cheeks or swelling around their eyes, wondering if it’s related to their RA or something else entirely. And I get it — when something…