Connected Rheumatology

You trusted home for autoimmune information

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Getting Off Prednisone the Right Way

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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.

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Autoimmune Health and Your Diet

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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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Seronegative Autoimmune Disease and Abnormal Test Results

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Today is a question grab bag – we tackle your questions about seronegative disease and handling abnormal autoantibody results.

What is a Sero-Negative Autoimmune Disease?

First off, let’s talk about what “sero-negative” means. “Sero-” refers to blood, and “negative” means that when we run auto-antibody blood tests, they come back negative. So, a sero-negative autoimmune disease is one where these specific blood tests don’t pick up the antibodies we typically look for.

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Understanding Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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“Remission” is a word often thrown around in arthritis and autoimmune circles and can often be misconstrued as “cure.” So let’s start with what we mean when we say “remission” in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Remission isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about achieving a state where there are no visible signs or symptoms of RA, minimal joint inflammation, and low levels of inflammation markers in the blood. It’s what every rheumatologist and RA warrior strive for when making decisions about treatment.

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Methotrexate – Everything You Need to Know

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If you’ve been handed a prescription for this medication, chances are you’re feeling a mix of emotions – curiosity, apprehension, maybe even a little fear. Well, fear not! Today, we’re going to unpack everything you need to know about methotrexate, its role in rheumatology, and how it can help you tackle those pesky autoimmune symptoms head-on.

Understanding Methotrexate’s History

Methotrexate may sound like a mouthful, but it’s been a cornerstone of autoimmune treatment for decades. Back in the late 1940s, its predecessors were first used to combat leukemia in children – and thankfully they were effective! Methotrexate then made its debut into Rheumatology with successful use in rheumatoid arthritis and then later psoriasis. 

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