Autoimmune disease

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.

[Read more…]

Sjogren’s is More Than Just Dry Eyes

November 11, 2024 ·

Many people think Sjogren’s is just about dry eyes and mouth, but there’s so much more to it. Understanding how it can impact almost every system in the body is the first step to getting comprehensive care.

Sjogren’s Disease 101

First off, what is Sjogren’s disease? I like to think of it as a cousin to lupus. Both are systemic autoimmune conditions, meaning they can affect multiple parts of your body because your immune system has gone a bit haywire and started attacking your own tissues.

[Read more…]

Facing Multiple Autoimmune Conditions

November 4, 2024 ·

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…]

Autoimmune Health and Your Diet

October 15, 2024 ·

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…]

Know the Prednisone Side Effects

December 23, 2021 ·

Let me be clear – I wouldn’t want to be on prednisone either. In fact, when suffering from a wicked case of vertigo, I fought my doctor buddies who advised I take a Medrol dose pack to ease the symptoms.

“I’m going to gain weight!” “I’m going to have anxiety!”

As a Rheumatologist, I am well-versed in all the possible side effects of prednisone (and similar meds) and feared the worse.

But I also know that there is a time a place for prednisone. Not only was I currently in need of the benefits of prednisone, many of my patients are as well. But there ARE side effects that need to be considered and discussed.

[Read more…]