Connected Rheumatology

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Autoimmune Lifestyle

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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Lupus Flare Survival ToolKit

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Lupus flares can feel like a storm you didn’t see coming—pain, fatigue, and inflammation hitting all at once. If you live with lupus, you know flares are part of the journey, but that doesn’t mean you have to face them unprepared. Here’s your guide to building a lupus flare toolkit so you can manage symptoms with confidence and care.

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Exercise for Fibromyalgia: How to Start

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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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Positive ANA Test: Lupus Symptoms & Next Steps

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If you’ve recently had an ANA (antinuclear antibody) test and are feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone. A positive ANA result can stir up a lot of questions and worries, especially when it comes to conditions like lupus. 

What Does a Positive ANA Mean?

Just because your ANA test came back positive doesn’t automatically mean you have lupus. The ANA test is a tool that helps us understand more about your immune system, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

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Transform Your Autoimmune Health with Small Diet Changes

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Managing an autoimmune condition can be challenging, and one of the most common questions asked is, “What should I be eating?” It’s a great question, and one that shows you’re ready to take charge of your health. Let’s dive into how your diet can make a big difference when you’re living with an autoimmune disease.

The Role of Diet in Autoimmune Disease

When you’re dealing with an autoimmune disease, your immune system is on overdrive, causing inflammation throughout your body. Inflammation is a natural body response but becomes overdramatic and inappropriate in autoimmune disease, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. That’s where diet comes in.

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