The Dilemma of lab testing in rheumatology and chronic illness

The Dilemma of lab testing in rheumatology and chronic illness

What you’re looking at here are autoantibody results, diagnosis – lupus and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Her symptom cluster? A smoldering process cruising along for decades, with interspersed crashes along the way. Vague… flu like symptoms, odd skin sensations, episodic chest pain, widespread pain. Geez… it could be anything! Her physical exam is unrevealing, her other laboratoryRead more about The Dilemma of lab testing in rheumatology and chronic illness[…]

Hyper-empathy hurts… is it in the way of your remission?

Hyper-empathy hurts… is it in the way of your remission?

One of my observations so far as a clinician has been that many women on the autoimmune and hypermobility spectrum trend more towards hyper-empathy. What do we mean when we refer to the hyper-empath? The ability to express empathy occurs on a spectrum from low to high, the result of a number of different factors…Read more about Hyper-empathy hurts… is it in the way of your remission?[…]

Lupus Links #3 Dr. Will Cole

Lupus Links #3 Dr. Will Cole

Dr. Will Cole, leading functional-medicine expert, consults people around the world via webcam and locally in Pittsburgh. He specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing health programs for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal dysfunctions, digestive disorders, and brain problems. Dr. Cole was named one of the top 50 functional-medicine and integrativeRead more about Lupus Links #3 Dr. Will Cole[…]

Lupus Links #2 with Rheumatologist Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD

Lupus Links #2 with Rheumatologist Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD

Hey everyone, in line with May as Lupus Awareness Month, we’ve got a specialist to chat with about Lupus and autoimmune disease! In this episode of Lupus Links, Rheumatologist Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD, teaches us all about lupus. Dr. Magdalena “Maggie” Cadet is a well respected clinical rheumatologist in New York City.   During her fellowship, Dr. CadetRead more about Lupus Links #2 with Rheumatologist Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD[…]

Misleading chronic infection screening in autoimmune disease

Misleading chronic infection screening in autoimmune disease

Infectious disease serology Infectious disease serology are laboratory studies ordered by your physician to support the suspicion that an infectious burden is present. One example would be Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which causes mono. Your physician might consider this test in a young adult with sudden onset of disabling fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymphRead more about Misleading chronic infection screening in autoimmune disease[…]