Elizabeth

Silent Signs of RA in Your Lungs

March 31, 2025 · Leave a Comment

When most people think about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they picture swollen joints, aching knees, and stiff fingers. But here’s the thing: RA isn’t just about your joints. It’s a systemic autoimmune disease that can quietly affect other parts of your body, including your lungs. Surprised? You’re not alone.

Up to 30% of people with RA develop lung complications like interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pleural disease. These conditions can often go unnoticed until symptoms like shortness of breath or a persistent cough become too big to ignore. Let’s break down what you need to know about these sneaky complications, how inflammation plays a role, and what steps you can take to protect your lungs.

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What Your Back MRI Really Means

March 24, 2025 · Leave a Comment

If you’ve been dealing with back pain, chances are you’ve had a back MRI or X-ray done. And if you’ve seen that report, you know it’s full of medical jargon: “spondylosis,” “facet joint hypertrophy,” and “spinal stenosis.” Sound terrifying? You’re not alone.

But here’s the truth: spinal imaging findings like these are incredibly common, especially as we get older. They don’t always explain your back pain, and they definitely don’t always mean you need surgery. Let’s break it all down.

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Retesting the ANA or Rheumatoid Factor

March 18, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Blood tests like the ANA (antinuclear antibody) and rheumatoid factor (RF) are often the first steps when a doctor suspects an autoimmune condition like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. But what happens when these tests come back negative, and your symptoms persist? Or when they’re positive but don’t seem to tell the full story? Let’s break down when retesting might make sense and how these tests fit into the bigger picture of autoimmune disease management.

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Can you have ANA negative lupus?

March 10, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Getting an autoimmune diagnosis like lupus is a life-changing event. But what we don’t talk about enough is how life-changing the journey to that diagnosis can be. For many, it’s a rollercoaster of confusing symptoms, endless doctor visits, and—often—conflicting test results. One of the most common points of confusion? The ANA test, its results, and what they actually mean when you’re trying to figure out if you have lupus.

Let’s dive into the complexities of the ANA test, what it means for lupus, and why focusing on your symptoms might be the key to getting the answers you need.

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Exercise for Fibromyalgia: How to Start

March 3, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Living with fibromyalgia can feel like your body has turned against you. Pain, fatigue, and unpredictability can make even the idea of exercise overwhelming. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of my patients with fibromyalgia feel the same way, especially if they’re worried about triggering a flare or feel like they’ve lost the ability to move the way they used to.

But here’s the truth: exercise is not just helpful—it’s essential for managing fibromyalgia. Let’s break down why movement matters, how it can actually help your symptoms, and, most importantly, how to get started in a way that feels doable.

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