Living with rheumatoid arthritis is tough enough, but throw depression into the mix, and things get a whole lot heavier. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand just how much these two conditions like to team up and wear people down. When we talk about rheumatoid arthritis and depression treatments, we’re not just talking…
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…
If you’ve ever sat across from a patient battling rheumatoid arthritis and joint deformities prevention, then you know—this isn’t just about managing pain or inflammation. It’s about preserving independence, dignity, and the ability to do everyday things like tying shoes or holding a coffee mug. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations that…
Ever sat with a patient who’s been managing their rheumatoid arthritis for years, only to hear them say, “I feel like my brain’s in a fog lately”? As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve heard this more times than I can count. And yes—there’s something real going on. Rheumatoid arthritis and cognitive function changes aren’t just…
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…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know how challenging it can be to manage the daily toll it takes on your body. From stiffness and swelling to fatigue and joint pain, the symptoms can affect every aspect of your life. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve worked closely with patients to help them…
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…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like you’re in a constant battle with your own body, especially when it comes to maintaining an active lifestyle. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve worked with countless patients who want to stay fit but are concerned about the strain that physical activity might place on their joints….
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause anxiety and depression? If you’ve ever dealt with the relentless pain and fatigue that RA brings, you probably already know the answer. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations with patients who felt like they were fighting a battle on two fronts—one against their joints and another against the…