If you’ve ever sat across from a patient and heard them whisper, “Can RA go into remission?” with a mix of hope and fear in their eyes—you’re not alone. I’ve been in that exact spot more times than I can count. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked alongside many people living with rheumatoid arthritis,…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you already know how unpredictable and frustrating this autoimmune condition can be. From morning stiffness to flare-ups that seem to come out of nowhere, managing RA often feels like a full-time job. Over the years working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients explore various lifestyle…
If you think rheumatoid arthritis in young adults sounds like a contradiction, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had more than a few patients look at me in disbelief when I bring up RA as a possible diagnosis—especially those in their 20s and 30s. Most folks picture their grandparents when they hear the word “arthritis”, not…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you already know how stubborn inflammation can be. Over the years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how small dietary tweaks can make a huge difference in managing those painful flares. One of the biggest game-changers? Choosing the best fish for RA inflammation. Fish isn’t just…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means navigating a complex landscape of symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments. One topic that comes up a lot in my practice as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner is the connection between RA and gluten-free diets. Patients often ask if cutting out gluten can ease their joint pain or reduce inflammation. From…
If you’ve ever dealt with joint pain in your fingers, you know how tricky it can be to figure out what’s going on. Is it rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or something else entirely? When it comes to RA vs osteoarthritis in fingers, the distinction matters—not just for treatment, but for understanding how your day-to-day life might…
When folks ask me what rheumatoid arthritis (RA) really looks like inside the joints, especially on an X-ray, I usually start by saying—”It’s not always obvious, but when you know what you’re looking for, it practically jumps out at you.” What RA looks like on Xray isn’t just about bones—it’s about a deeper story of…
If you’ve ever woken up with stiff fingers and thought, “Hmm, must’ve slept weird,” you’re not alone. But if that stiffness starts lingering a little too long—or if your rings don’t fit like they used to—it might be time to look closer. One of the most early signs of RA in hands isn’t a dramatic…
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself deep into research late at night, wondering if natural healing from RA is truly possible. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner who’s walked this road alongside many patients—and to be honest, even had my own brief scare with autoimmune inflammation—I’ve come to understand there’s more to rheumatoid…