Episode 3: Shilpa's Story

A Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test is a key blood test often used in diagnosing and managing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but its meaning isn’t always clear. In this episode, host Shelley Fritz speaks with Dr. Jeff Curtis, a leading rheumatologist and epidemiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to break down what RF is, how it’s tested, and what the results can mean for your RA journey. Dr. Curtis explains how RF levels relate to disease activity, treatment decisions, and the differences between seropositive and seronegative RA. If you’ve ever had questions about your RF status, this guide will help you better understand the role of this important lab test in your care.Let's Get Personal is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation and its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints. This episode was made possible with support from UCB.Learn more at https://creakyjoints.org/lets-get-personal/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test is a blood test that can help in diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but what do your RF levels really mean? In this episode, host Shelley Fritz sits down with Dr. Ted Mikuls, a leading rheumatologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, to explore the role of RF in RA diagnosis and how it can relate to disease severity. The episode emphasizes patient empowerment through understanding lab results and encourages open communication with healthcare providers. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this important lab test and how it fits into your overall RA management.Let's Get Personal is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation and its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints. This episode was made possible with support from UCB.Learn more at https://creakyjoints.org/lets-get-personal/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medication changes are par for the course when managing a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis. Here’s why — and how to better cope with the emotional journey of RA treatment. This audio guide is brought to you by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation and made possible with support from Scipher Medicine. For more resources, go to www.personalizedandprecisionmedicine.creakyjoints.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Understanding the difference between precision and personalized medicine is important for the present and future care of rheumatoid arthritis — learn why. This audio guide is brought to you by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation and made possible with support from Scipher Medicine. For more resources, go to www.personalizedandprecisionmedicine.creakyjoints.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Wright talks to us about the relationship between a rheumatologist and a patient, and how good communication is key to finding the right RA treatment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shilpa discusses the many emotions of living with and treating RA — and how having a supportive community and solid relationship with your doctor can help you better cope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexis talks about the importance of coming to terms with your diagnosis, doing your own research, and being persistent in your RA treatment and care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eileen shares how learning to be specific about her physical and mental health needs has helped navigate the RA treatment journey.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.