In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary engages in an insightful conversation with Dr Carmel Silke, Honorary Personal Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway and consultant rheumatologist at the North-West Rheumatology Unit based in Sligo and Manorhamilton.

Together they explore the multifaceted concept of remission in arthritis, and how advancements in drug treatments have transformed inflammatory arthritis care, making remission a realistic goal for many people.

The discussion emphasises the importance of early treatment, alongside the role of medication and lifestyle in achieving and maintaining remission. Additionally, it highlights patient education, evolving patient involvement, and considerations for tapering medication during remission.

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets Dr Jo Kitchen, a consultant rheumatologist from the Mater Hospital, Dublin, to discuss the ins and outs of medications typically used to treat arthritis. In this interview, Dr Kitchen discusses how biologics and other new drugs have changed the landscape for those living with inflammatory forms of arthritis, the various factors that can impact the effectiveness of medications (such as smoking or overweight/obesity, and whether or not there has been a delay in diagnosis where damage has already occurred to the joints), in addition to a new approaches in the use of steroids, knowledge around some possible side-effects of medications and how those are managed (and how patients are monitored when they start a new drug) as well as which drugs are safe to use during pregnancy.  

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Ruth Usher, lecturer in occupational therapy in University College Cork to discuss the Advanced Healthcare Directive. They discuss the steps involved in creating one, including the legal formalities, the role of healthcare professionals, and the significance of appointing a designated healthcare representative.  

They also have an in-depth discussion about Enduring Power of Attorney, a legal arrangement that enables you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to do so. They walk through the process of setting up an Enduring Power of Attorney, the legal requirements, and the importance of choosing the right person for this role. Ruth emphasises the importance of planning well ahead to ensure your wishes are honoured and to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Sandra Caulfield and Clinical Specialist MSK Podiatrist, Yvonne Buckley to discuss foot health and arthritis.

This episode is a must listen for anyone seeking to gain insights into how arthritis impacts foot health and daily activities, learn about daily routines and practices to keep your feet in optimal condition, discover the importance of selecting the right footwear and orthotics and find out more about shoes that provide the best support and comfort for those living with arthritis.  

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets with occupational therapist Linda Horgan to discuss the concept of future-proofing your home. Together, they explore practical strategies, ensuring you can continue to enjoy the sanctuary of your home for years to come. From installing grab bars and handrails to enhancing lighting and eliminating tripping hazards, we'll cover the essential modifications that promote safety and prevent falls. By planning ahead and making thoughtful adjustments, you can ensure your home remains a place of comfort, safety, and peace of mind as you age. Tune in to discover how to create a living environment that supports your independence and well-being as your needs evolve.

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Kathy Gallagher, consultant paediatric rheumatologist. They discuss the different sub-types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the symptoms of these subtypes, the path to diagnosis and treatment options. They delve into the daily challenges, the importance of validating the young person’s feelings and encouraging them to enjoy childhood activities such as school, sport, and friendships.

They also discuss the importance of ongoing and future research and the transition stages from paediatric to adult services. 

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole, Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Gráinne Tynan, senior occupational therapist and patient researcher in RCSI, who lives with Sjӧgrens disease. Gráinne shares her journey from diagnosis to day-to-day life, offering invaluable insights into managing the disease and her heartfelt advice for others facing similar challenges. Joan talks us through the exciting research that is now taking place for novel treatments and highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary research and collaboration, unlocking further opportunities for advancing understanding and treatment of the disease.

For up-to-date, reliable information for the public and healthcare professionals, we recommend:

Sjögren’s Ireland WhatsApp Support Group

Sjögren’s Ireland has launched a new WhatsApp support group. To join, email [email protected] with your name and county of residence, and an admin will add you to the group.

International Resources:

https://sjogrens.org/

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Professor Oran Kennedy, Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, at RCSI to discuss post traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). PTOA is a sub-type of osteoarthritis, that typically develops after joint injury or a trauma. 

PTOA commonly has a known “starting point,” which means that interventions could theoretically be initiated at an early stage to prevent the progression of the disease. In this interview, Oran discusses how PTOA develops, risk factors, ongoing research and development in the field, preventative measures, treatment and opportunities for disease-modifying therapies.