Not Responding to Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment? Here's What to Do

What should you do when your treatment isn't working—or you're actually getting worse?In this Rheumatology 101 episode, Dr. Isabelle Amigues shares an important lesson from her clinical practice: when a treatment isn't working the way it should, sometimes the answer isn't simply increasing the medication. It's time to pause and reconsider what is really going on.Steroids such as prednisone can work quickly for many inflammatory conditions. But when symptoms don't improve as expected, or worsen despite treatment, that can be an important signal to stop and reassess.Dr. Isabelle explains why rheumatologists may need to consider whether:• The original diagnosis is correct • Another rheumatologic condition could be causing the symptoms • More than one condition is present • An infection could be contributing to symptoms • Another medical specialty should be involved • Increasing immunosuppression could potentially cause harmShe also discusses a patient whose symptoms were initially thought to be rheumatoid arthritis but were ultimately found to be related to coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection—highlighting why doctors need to remain open-minded when a patient's response doesn't match what is expected.Most importantly, Dr. Isabelle shares what patients can ask when their doctor says, "I'm not sure."You deserve an answer, or at least a clear next step.Don't continue down a path that isn't helping you. Pause. Ask questions. Reassess. And make sure you leave with a plan for what comes next.This video is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more community driven and rheumatology-based content! Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/@Rheumatology101/videos📅 Book your free consultation: https://calendar.app.google/otzzffKGtQBJnBgs8📰 Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.unabridgedmd.com/🌐 Explore our free resource: www.PositiveANA.com📞 Contact Us: 303-731-4006 | [email protected]✅ Stay Connected👉 Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/UnabridgedMD?_rdc=1&_rdr 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unabridgedmd/ 👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unabridgedmd4 👉 Twitter (X): https://x.com/UnabridgedMD Are you, or someone you love, looking for a rheumatologist near you? Maybe you queried Google for the “best rheumatologist in Denver” and felt that no other arthritis clinic in Denver really seemed personable? Or maybe you are simply looking for a doctor who will listen to you and work with you to achieve disease remission? Well, you have come to the right place. UnabridgedMD has the best rheumatologist in Denver, Colorado and we cannot wait to work with you.#RheumatoidArthritis #RheumatoidArthritisTreatment #AutoimmuneDisease #AutoimmuneDiagnosis #InflammatoryArthritis #Rheumatology #Rheumatologist #Prednisone #Steroids #Immunosuppression #Biologics #JointPain #ChronicPain #AutoimmuneHealth #Rheumatology101 #RheumatoidArthritisAwareness #AutoimmuneSupport #MedicalEducation #PatientEducation #SecondOpinion #Coccidioidomycosis #FungalInfection #Inflammation #ChronicIllness #DrIsabelleAmigues #UnabridgedMD