Other Rheum Conditions

How to Handle Unwanted Autoimmune Advice

February 17, 2025 · Leave a Comment

When you’re diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it feels like your world shifts overnight. You’ve got new doctors, new medications, and a long list of new symptoms to manage. But one of the most surprising parts of the whole journey? The flood of well-meaning, yet unsolicited, advice that starts pouring in. It’s like everyone you know suddenly becomes a health expert!

Dealing with this constant input can be tough, especially when you’re already navigating the complexities of your rheumatology care. But before you feel overwhelmed, let’s talk about how to sort through the noise and stay focused on what really matters—your health, your goals, and your well-being.

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Swallowing when you have Scleroderma

February 10, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Living with scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, means dealing with unexpected challenges that can impact your daily life. One of the less-talked-about areas is how scleroderma affects the mouth and esophagus, leading swallowing problems. While these symptoms might seem minor, they can have a significant impact on your quality of life and overall health. Let’s dive into what’s happening and how to manage it.

What is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, lungs, and even the digestive system. But unlike other autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation, scleroderma’s symptoms often result from fibrosis. Fibrosis means the buildup of scar tissue, which can cause the skin and tissues to harden.

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Why Primary Care is Essential for Autoimmune Patients

February 3, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Managing an autoimmune condition can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re frequently visiting your rheumatologist. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of your primary care doctor (PCP). Let’s explore how a good relationship with your PCP can benefit your heart health, coordinate your care, and keep you up-to-date on vaccinations.

The Importance of Cardiovascular Health

Heart health is a critical aspect to monitor when living with an autoimmune condition. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to chronic inflammation. Your PCP is essential in regularly checking your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight, ensuring these risk factors are controlled.

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Understanding Erosive Osteoarthritis

December 30, 2024 · Leave a Comment

If you or someone you know is struggling with hand arthritis, understanding this particular form of osteoarthritis is crucial.

What is Erosive Osteoarthritis?

Erosive osteoarthritis is a subtype of osteoarthritis (OA) that primarily affects the hands, particularly the knuckles of the fingers. Unlike typical OA, which many people associate with aging and general wear and tear, erosive OA is more aggressive and can lead to significant joint damage and pain.

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Talking About Your Autoimmune Pain

December 23, 2024 · Leave a Comment

Living with an autoimmune disease often means navigating a world of chronic pain. This pain can be frustrating and hard to explain, which can make it difficult to communicate effectively with your doctor. If you’re feeling like your pain isn’t being understood or taken seriously, you’re not alone—let’s discuss some ways to bridge that gap.

Why Is Autoimmune Pain So Hard to Explain?

The pain experienced with autoimmune diseases can be incredibly complex. One reason it’s so difficult to describe is because pain itself is subjective—what feels like a 3 on the pain scale for one person might feel like an 8 for someone else. Plus, autoimmune-related pain isn’t always consistent. It can flare up, calm down, and then change location or intensity from one day to the next.

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