S5 E2: Where Loneliness and Chronic Disease Intersect

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Eoghan McCarthy, consultant rheumatologist who runs the lupus and connective tissue disease clinic in Beaumont hospital. During their discussion, Gráinne and Eoghan discuss common symptoms of connective tissue diseases, diagnosis challenges, differentiation and overlap, management and treatment, lifestyle and self-management. They also discuss the latest advances shaping future care. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – ⁠⁠arthritisireland.ie⁠⁠, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets occupational therapist and accredited hand therapist Paula Minchin who currently serves as a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in the rheumatology outpatient service at Naas General Hospital. During their discussion, Maebh and Paula cover a broad range of topics, including how to recognise the signs and symptoms of hand arthritis, early intervention and treatments,  and overcoming common day-to-day challenges. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – ⁠⁠arthritisireland.ie⁠⁠, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Dr Rosemary Keane, Principal Specialist Clinical Psychologist, specialising in pain management, neurodiversity, and chronic conditions and Anne Burke, who lives with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and had breast cancer in her 40’s. During their interview, they discuss why chronic illness can trigger a deep identity crisis in someone, self-compassion, strategies for coping with a chronic illness and reconnecting with joy. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – ⁠⁠arthritisireland.ie⁠⁠, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets with Dr Noel Richardson. Noel has worked in men's health for over 20 years at a research, policy and advocacy level and he is director of the National Centre for Men's Health at South East Technological University in Carlow. During the interview Noel and Gráinne discuss some of the common barriers that prevent men from seeking help, how men’s behaviour is shaped by identity and societal expectations and how we can create more opportunities for men to talk openly about their health. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – ⁠⁠arthritisireland.ie⁠⁠, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

In episode four of Inflammation Nation, Consultant Rheumatologist, Dr John Stack, chats with Peter Boyd about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. This podcast explores the evolving understanding of fibromyalgia, highlighting a shift toward validating the very real experiences of those affected. The discussion includes a focus on the fact that treatment is not always straightforward or a ‘one size fits all’ but, rather, a culmination of shared decision making between the patient and their healthcare provider to find a treatment plan that works best, addressing the most troubling symptoms, such as widespread pain, extreme fatigue, insomnia and mental health factors including anxiety and depression. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – ⁠arthritisireland.ie⁠, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

Arthritis Ireland CEO, Gráinne O'Leary, talks with Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Louise Moore, and Clinical Midwife Specialist, Celine O'Brien, about the challenges of a postpartum flare, and some practical tips that can help ease the burden. This includes a mix of self-care, lifestyle adjustments and working closely with your healthcare team to decide on appropriate medications that are compatible with breastfeeding during this time in order to achieve optimum control of an MSK condition whilst also protecting yourself and your baby. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – arthritisireland.ie, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan speaks with associate professor of psychology, Dr Joanna McHugh Power, about loneliness, particularly for those living with chronic conditions like arthritis. With Ireland recently named the ‘loneliest country in the EU,’ this is a timely discussion. Dr McHugh Power shares insights from her research and explores solutions to loneliness, highlighting that it’s not all down to simply socialising more or joining a group since the causes are multi-faceted, particularly for those managing chronic health challenges. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – arthritisireland.ie, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

In our first episode of series five of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets with lecturer, researcher, psychologist and meditation teacher, Dr Pádraic Dunne to discuss the potential benefits of regular meditation for anyone living with a chronic condition like arthritis or a related condition. Dr Dunne, himself, lives with axSpA and has seen, first-hand, the extraordinary effects of regular meditation to help manage the pain and associated psychological stress of living with a chronic condition For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – arthritisireland.ie, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

Calm your body, calm your mind: 10-minute meditation This 10-minute body scan meditation, guided by Dr. Pádraic Dunne, psychologist and meditation teacher at RCSI, is designed for people living with arthritis and related conditions. By gently bringing attention to different parts of the body, it should help you relax, reduce stress, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which may support your body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. This short practice will help ease tension, stiffness, and discomfort while promoting a sense of calm and wellbeing. Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie All content and views expressed are those of Arthritis Ireland

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary engages in an insightful conversation with Dr Carmel Silke, Honorary Personal Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway and consultant rheumatologist at the North-West Rheumatology Unit based in Sligo and Manorhamilton. Together they explore the multifaceted concept of remission in arthritis, and how advancements in drug treatments have transformed inflammatory arthritis care, making remission a realistic goal for many people. The discussion emphasises the importance of early treatment, alongside the role of medication and lifestyle in achieving and maintaining remission. Additionally, it highlights patient education, evolving patient involvement, and considerations for tapering medication during remission.