Connected Rheumatology

You trusted home for autoimmune information

Rheumatoid Arthritis

What the Sedimentation Rate Really Says

· Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever had a blood test and wondered what your ESR results mean, you’re not alone. The ESR, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, is a common test used to check for inflammation in your body. But while it’s a useful tool, it doesn’t always paint the complete picture of your health. Let’s dive into what ESR is, what it can tell us, and why tracking it over time is so important.

What Is ESR?

ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It’s an inflammation marker that measures how quickly your red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over an hour. The faster they settle, the higher your sedimentation rate, which typically indicates more inflammation in your body.

[Read more…] about What the Sedimentation Rate Really Says

Transform Your Autoimmune Health with Small Diet Changes

· Leave a Comment

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.

[Read more…] about Transform Your Autoimmune Health with Small Diet Changes

JIA v. RA: Key Differences

·

When we think about arthritis, it’s usually in the context of adults. But what happens when kids are affected? If you’ve heard about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), you might be wondering how it differs from what adults experience. Let’s dive into the world of JIA, how it compares to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and what you need to know about managing joint pain in children.

What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a type of arthritis that affects children under 16. Unlike Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which is typically an adult condition, JIA presents some unique challenges and characteristics. The term “idiopathic” in JIA means that we don’t have a clear understanding of what causes it. However, we do know that it involves inflammation in the joints, which is why it’s grouped under autoimmune conditions.

[Read more…] about JIA v. RA: Key Differences

Facing Multiple Autoimmune Conditions

·

If you’ve been diagnosed with more than one autoimmune disease, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to handle it all. Trust me, you’re not alone in this.

You’re Not Alone in the Autoimmune Journey

First things first, if you’re facing more than one autoimmune condition, you’re definitely not alone. Finding out you have an autoimmune disease is isolating enough, and getting more than one diagnosis can feel like the universe is playing a cruel joke. But here’s a comforting fact: it’s actually pretty common to have multiple autoimmune conditions.

[Read more…] about Facing Multiple Autoimmune Conditions

Getting Off Prednisone the Right Way

·

Prednisone can be a lifesaver, but it’s also a bit of a necessary evil. Let’s talk about how to taper off this medication without wreaking havoc on your body.

What is Prednisone and Why Do We Use It?

Prednisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a hormone made by our adrenal glands that’s vital for every system in our body, including regulating inflammation. In rheumatology, prednisone is a go-to because it’s about 3-5 times stronger than our natural cortisol. It’s used to quickly bring down inflammation in various autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, myositis, vasculitis, and PMR. If you’ve ever flared up, chances are you’ve been prescribed prednisone to get things under control fast.

[Read more…] about Getting Off Prednisone the Right Way