Everyday Rheum - RA or Just Getting Older? An Athlete's Perspective on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Today's Episode Rick discusses his journey with RA diagnosis and management, highlighting his experience as a patient advocate. Rick explains how he learned to distinguish RA flares from normal aches and pains by noting that RA symptoms persist continuously while normal pain resolves within 3 days. Rick emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy, developing a collaborative relationship with healthcare providers, and being willing to seek second opinions when needed. He also shared practical advice about adapting exercise routines and maintaining an active lifestyle while managing symptoms. About Dr. Koolaee Dr. Michelle Koolaee did her training for internal medicine residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital and went on to do her fellowship at University of Pennsylvania for rheumatology, where she was named Fellow of the Year. She then became an assistant professor at the University of Southern California before working at organizations such as Healthcare Partners and Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. She currently practices at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, and is now starting her own direct care practice. Links for Dr. Koolaee ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drrmichellekoolaee.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices