Arthritis Life

It’s Not Just Joint Pain: Let’s Talk about Sleep, Fatigue, Cognitive Dysfunction, and Mental Health with Rheumatic Disease

Episode Summary

In this episode, Cheryl and Eileen dive into their “It’s Not Just Pain” presentation from the American College of Rheumatology's annual Convergence Conference. They share practical tips for improving fatigue, sleep, cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”) and mental health challenges that often accompany diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.  Nutrition is explored as a supportive tool, with insights into how certain eating patterns can impact fatigue and overall health without falling into food shaming or misinformation.

Episode Notes

Cheryl and Eileen stress the value of self-advocacy, working with a multidisciplinary team, and accessing reliable resources to navigate life with confidence and care.

Episode at a glance:

• Mental Health and Support Groups: Cheryl and Eileen explore the transformative power of support groups, not only for attendees but also for those facilitating them. They discuss how mental health practices, like therapy and mindfulness, can supplement traditional care and provide emotional resilience.
• The Overlooked Impact of Sleep: Sleep disturbances, often dismissed as a symptom of rheumatic diseases, are addressed with actionable advice, including the need for sleep assessments to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea.
•  Nutrition’s Role in Managing Symptoms: Nutrition is examined as a key player in managing fatigue and overall well-being. Cheryl and Eileen discuss the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet, the pitfalls of food shaming and misinformation, and how a positive, individualized approach to diet can support health without fostering food fear

Medical disclaimer:

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Full Episode Details

See the full episode show notes including a transcript and video on the episode page here.