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Debbie and Katy wrap up the season with a candid conversation about heatwaves, illness, parenting teenagers, joint injections, diet experiments, movement, NHS walking rewards, and summer plans. They reflect on the insightful conversations with recent guests Jamie and Mel, explore gut health and food diaries, discuss the realities of fluctuating conditions, and share personal stories from daily life. The episode closes with summer break plans and a teaser for Debbie’s upcoming O2 climb fundraiser.
Key Topics
Key Words: heatwave, fatigue, humidity, joint injection, squeamish, gut health, microbiome, dietitian, food diary, fibromyalgia, inflammatory arthritis, movement, baseline activity, NHS walking rewards, accessibility, spinning, PE, teenagers, summer holidays, fundraiser, O2 climb
Resources Mentioned
Key Quotes
“We try to control the uncontrollable, and one way to do that is by what we eat.”
“I absolutely hate heights. So, what’s the best thing to do? Go climb the O2.”
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys, and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content. For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
Mel Brooke joins Debbie and Katy to share her decades‑long journey with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and later fibromyalgia and how lived experience led her into clinical research and ultimately to co‑founding PRP-NeTT, the UK Rheumatology Patient Research Partner Network and think tank.She discusses fatigue in all its forms, lifestyle experimentation, the complexity of comorbidities, and why patient voices must shape research. Mel explains how PRP-NeTT emerged from a national survey revealing gaps in patient involvement, and how mentoring, orientation, and shared decision‑making can transform research culture.
Key topics:
Key words: psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, fatigue crushes, sleep quality, fibromyalgia, neuroinflammation, lifestyle interventions, Mediterranean diet, trigger foods, symptom diary, shared decision‑making, patient research partner, GRAPPA, patient‑reported outcomes, PRP-NeTT, advocacy, peer support, rheumatology research, NIHR standards, mentoring, research involvement pathways
Resources mentioned:
Connect with Mel: Instagram: @PSA_HQ
Connect with IAUK
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys, and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content. For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
Jamie Boder joins Debbie and Katy for a powerful, honest conversation about being diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) at 18, navigating Crohn’s disease, and learning to care for his whole self through movement, yoga, and mind–body practices. Jamie shares the emotional impact of diagnosis, the challenges of early adulthood with chronic illness, and the tools that helped him reclaim agency, stability, and joy.Key topics:
Key words: Axial Spondyloarthritis, AxSpA, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, Inflammatory Arthritis, Yoga for AS, Jamie Boder, microbiome, vagus nerve, fatigue management, yoga nidra, somatic practices, autoimmune health, remission, inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, chronic illness support, nervous system regulation.
Resources mentioned:
Connect with Jamie:
Instagram: @YogaForAS
Connect with IAUK
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Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys, and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content. For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
This week’s episode brings back a long‑overdue Q&A, complete with a side of chaos. Between sick kids, COVID flashbacks, swollen joints, medication hangovers and the emotional weight of parenting with IA, we still show up with the Inflammatory! honesty and humour you expect.
Topics covered:
Key messages
Key words: Inflammatory arthritis, IA flares, JIA, arthritis fatigue, medication side effects, biologic injections, NHS rheumatology, chronic illness management, pacing, brain fog, and steroid joint injections.Resources:
Purchase Charlie Robards Hitting AS for Six (all profits go to NASS)
Sign up to our newsletter at inflammatoryarthritis.org
Follow Inflammatory Arthritis UK on Facebook, Instagram,Bluesky and LinkedIn
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys, and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content. For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
In this warm, funny, and deeply relatable episode, Debbie and Katy dive into the messy reality of living with inflammatory arthritis; from chaotic travel days and brain fog to shooting elbow pain, perimenopause confusion, and the blurred lines between inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia. They explore new research finally proving what patients have said for years: weather really does affect pain. They also chat about art therapy, inclusive social activities, bowling with dodgy wrists, and the joy (and chaos) of corporate team‑building games. It’s an episode full of honesty, humour, and the kind of lived experience you only get from people navigating this condition every day.
Key words: inflammatory arthritis, brain fog, fibromyalgia, perimenopause, weather and pain, humidity, low atmospheric pressure, patient experience, DMARDs, medication hangover, art therapy, NEIAA audit, remission, chronic illness, lived experience, arthritis research
Topics covered:
Resources and mentions:
Connect with usStay up to date with new episodes, resources, and community updates:
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys, and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content. For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
In this lively catch‑up episode, Debbie and Katy reflect on a chaotic two weeks filled with heatwaves, family events, joint flares, and a whirlwind visit to the EULAR Congress in London. From coping with extreme weather to navigating grief, pacing, and swollen joints, the conversation moves into deeper reflections on patient involvement in research, global collaboration, and the importance of honest conversations in rheumatology clinics. Debbie shares insights from EULAR, including discussions on youth engagement, sex and relationships in chronic illness, and the need for better data—especially for children and young people. The episode closes with excitement about future guests, growing global reach, and the upcoming 60th episode milestone.Key wordsInflammatory arthritis, EULAR, rheumatology, patient involvement, JIA, diagnosis delays, heatwave, pacing, chronic illness, research collaboration, NEIAA, patient voice, global community, sex and relationships in rheumatology, youth engagement.Key topics:
Resources and mentions:
Stay connected:
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replaceprofessional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medicallytrained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
· Formore information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
Debbie and Katy sit down after a whirlwind few weeks, including their first ever live podcast event, a national conference, and even a little “pod‑adultery” (appearing on someone else’s podcast). They reflect on the nerves, the joy, and the powerful audience reactions during the live show, where themes like shame, disclosure, grief after diagnosis, and identity came through strongly.
The pair also dive into the everyday realities of living with inflammatory arthritis, opening up about the often-invisible challenges behind simple daily tasks like washing and brushing hair, cycling, and managing pain and fatigue. They also discuss concerns around digital-only NHS healthcare pathways, the importance of pacing and rest, and share updates on upcoming IAUK plans, including the return of live Q&As and volunteer opportunities.Key topics:
Key words: inflammatory arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, chronic illness, live podcast, patient stories, NHS App, NHS Online Trust, digital healthcare, arthritis fatigue, arthritis pain, biologics sun safety, chronic illness grief, disability disclosureResources:
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
Awareness days come and go, but life with inflammatory arthritis shows up every single day, especially when your hospital appointments disappear into the system. In this episode, Debbie and Katy talk candidly about the reality of being “lost in the system”, from missed biologic reviews and last‑minute phone calls to the emotional and practical fallout when admin goes wrong. Alongside the realities of recovering from surgery, grief, family pressures and the mental load of chronic illness.They also explore the many awareness days and weeks in May, from Axial SpA to mental health, fibromyalgia, auto‑inflammatory conditions, and International Nurses Day and why awareness shouldn’t be limited to a calendar date. Life with IA is every day, and so is the need for understanding, compassion, and community.Key Topics
The reality of hospital admin and biologic funding renewals
Navigating unexpected appointment changes
Surgery recovery, anaesthetic effects, and medication timing
Grief, family responsibilities, and emotional load
Mental health and long‑term conditions
The importance of self‑compassion
Awareness days in May: what they mean and why they matter
Axial SpA, auto‑inflammatory conditions, fibromyalgia, and arthritis awareness
The role of nurses and consultants in IA care
Misdiagnosis and overlapping symptoms
Why awareness should extend beyond awareness days
Keywords
inflammatory arthritis, IAUK, biologics, rheumatology, Axial SpA, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, auto‑inflammatory disease, mental health, chronic illness, grief and illness, patient experience, arthritis awareness month, nurses day, long‑term conditions, self‑compassion, lived experience, inflammatory podcast
Awareness Days & Weeks Mentioned
Mental Health Awareness Week
Axial Spondyloarthritis Awareness Day — 2 May
Fibromyalgia Awareness Day — 12 May
International Nurses Day — 12 May
Auto‑Inflammatory Awareness Day — 20 May
Arthritis Awareness Month (US)
Mental health support: If you are struggling or need help with your mental health,below is where you can find support: Suicidal thoughts can be distressing, you can find help here:
· Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ 116 123 always open
· Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/ 0300 102 1234 Open 9am to 6pm weekdays
· Shout https://giveusashout.org/ Text Shout to 85258 open 24/7
Episodes referenced:
Episode 5 You are not alone : Mental health discussion
Interviews with Rachell Smith, Adam Newton, James Hollens and Charlie Robards
Episode 56 with Dr Rosemary Hollick
Episode 52 with Andy Kelly good practice of mental health services
Connect with us:
We love hearing from you — your stories, your experiences, your questions.Follow, like, share and comment to help us reach more people living with inflammatory arthritis.
Bluesky
Newsletter: sign up at inflammatoryarthritis.org
If you'd like to share your lived experience, email us at [email protected].
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content. For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
In this insightful conversation, Debbie and Katy sit down with Dr Rosemary Hollick, a rheumatologist, researcher, and champion of patient‑centred care, to explore the realities of psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and the evolving landscape of treatment. Rosemary explains how symptoms present, why diagnosis can be so challenging (especially for women), and how biologics have transformed outcomes over the past two decades.
The episode also dives into Rosemary’s award‑winning work in health services research and the vital role of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). She shares how involving patients from the very beginning of research leads to better questions, better care, and better impact. As she says in the transcript, “Just listen to the patient because the patient will tell you the answer.”
This is a warm, honest, and empowering discussion for anyone living with inflammatory arthritis or supporting someone who is.
Key words: Psoriatic arthritis, Axial spondyloarthritis, Inflammatory arthritis, Rheumatology, Diagnosis delay, Inflammatory back pain, Biologics, Patient‑centred care, PPIE, Health services research, Vasculitis, Uveitis,Spondyloarthropathies, Shared decision‑making
Topics covered:
Rosemary’s journey into rheumatology and research
What psoriatic arthritis is and how it presents
Differences between psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
How axial spondyloarthritis is diagnosed
Why women are often missed or misdiagnosed
The difference between inflammatory and mechanical back pain
How treatment has changed from 2008 to 2026
The shift from inpatient wards to fast‑track outpatient care
Early use of biologics and why it matters
The challenge of trial‑and‑error treatment
Shared decision‑making and tailoring biologics to lifestyle
What meaningful PPIE looks like in practice
How patient partners shape research questions, analysis, and impact
The importance of trust, respect, and long‑term relationships in research
The “you said, we did” approach to accountability
IAUK resources:
IAUK website: inflammatoryarthritis.org
IAUK newsletter sign‑up
IAUK social channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky
This episode was funded by UCB how had no involvement in the development of the content or associated materials.
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replaceprofessional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
· Formore information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
Debbie and Katy return exhausted but energised after three intense days at the British Society for Rheumatology Conference in Glasgow,marking Inflammatory Arthritis UK’s first-ever national conference appearance.In this episode, they unpack what it meant to show up as a young charity, the powerful conversations they had with clinicians, researchers, and other charities, and the surprising innovations they discovered, from robotic ultrasounds to smarter blood monitoring systems.
This is an honest, behind‑the‑scenes look at what happens when lived experience meets the wider rheumatology community and how much appetite there is for patient voice, collaboration, and change.
“This gives us insights into what happens outside that clinic door and beyond the self‑management side.”
Key Topics
Useful Resources & Links
Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
· For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
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