Connected Rheumatology

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

What to consider when facing a biologic

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Talking about changes to our autoimmune treatment can be overwhelming—especially if the conversation turns to biologics. Many people managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other autoimmune diseases find themselves in a rheumatologist’s office, hearing that a biologic might be the next best step. So, what exactly are biologics, and how can you make the best decision for yourself? Let’s dive into the basics and explore some key questions to ask so you can feel more comfortable with whatever path you choose.

What Are Biologics?

Biologics are a class of medications that have brought a whole new level of specificity to autoimmune treatment. Unlike traditional drugs, biologics are made from living organisms—proteins, antibodies, or cells—which scientists isolate and modify to target specific aspects of the immune system. For people with autoimmune diseases, these medications can help reduce inflammation and limit the immune system’s overactivity that causes joint damage.

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Why Primary Care is Essential for Autoimmune Patients

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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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Rheumatology Appointments, Morning Stiffness & Joint Pain

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Let’s delve into some crucial topics brought up by my newsletter readers: how to handle the wait for your rheumatology appointments, the mystery of morning stiffness, and dealing with joint pain. 

Palindromic Arthritis: A Closer Look

One of the most intriguing conditions I frequently encounter is palindromic arthritis. This type of inflammatory arthritis comes and goes, causing intense but short-lived joint inflammation and pain. It tends to affect the joints of your hands, fingers, knees, and shoulders. Unlike gout or CPPD (pseudogout), which can have similar symptoms, palindromic arthritis doesn’t involve crystals in the joint fluid. Instead, it affects the structures around the joint, like tendons and ligaments.

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What RA Nodules tell us about Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Let’s dive into a topic that often doesn’t get enough attention: RA nodules. If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might have heard about these little bumps that can show up on your body, but what exactly are they, why do they occur, and what do they mean for your overall health? 

What Are RA Nodules?

RA nodules are small lumps that form under the skin, commonly seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis. They’re made up of scar tissue and immune cells called granulomas. You can typically find them on areas like the elbows, hands, and forearms, but they can pop up anywhere, including in internal organs such as the lungs and heart.

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What the Sedimentation Rate Really Says

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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.

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