Connected Rheumatology

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Elizabeth

Sjogren’s Symptoms: A New Approach

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When people think of Sjogren’s disease, they usually picture dry eyes and dry mouth. While those are classic symptoms, Sjogren’s is so much more than just dryness. It’s a systemic autoimmune condition, meaning it can affect your entire body—even in ways that aren’t obvious in lab tests or physical exams.

Fatigue, brain fog, and chronic pain are some of the most frustrating symptoms for people with Sjogren’s. Yet, these symptoms often go unnoticed or unaddressed because they don’t fall into the traditional treatment plan. If this sounds like your experience, it’s time to take a fresh look at your care strategy.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Advanced Testing

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When it comes to diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test has been the standard for decades. But here’s the thing—up to 25% of people with RA don’t test positive for RF. That’s a pretty big group of people who might face unnecessary delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.

This is where advanced testing steps in. These tests can help confirm a diagnosis of RA, even when RF is negative. If you’ve been struggling to get answers about your joint pain, it might be time to consider these options.

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Managing your Psoriatic Arthritis

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Living with psoriatic arthritis isn’t just about managing flare-ups—it’s about juggling two distinct (but connected) aspects of your health: skin and joints. Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in both areas, making it unique and sometimes challenging to treat. And when you’re managing symptoms like stiff joints and itchy, inflamed skin, you may find yourself coordinating care with both a rheumatologist and a dermatologist.

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Spotting RA in Your Hands

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Hand pain can be frustrating and confusing, especially when it starts to interfere with daily life. You may wonder: is it just part of getting older, or could it be something more serious like rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? While osteoarthritis (OA) and RA can both affect your hands, they’re very different conditions with different treatments. Let’s dive into the key signs that can help you understand what’s causing your hand pain.

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