Thriving with Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases -with Dr. Diana Girnita

Can children get arthritis? Yes. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic arthritis in children, and it is often dismissed as growing pains or a sports injury. 

Dr. Diana Girnita, MD, PhD, talks with pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Saumya Joshi, MD, MS, RhMSUS, founder of Joshi Pediatric Rheumatology.

KEY POINTS

• Growing pains vs. arthritis: growing pains hit the shins in the evening or at night and are gone by morning. JIA affects the joints themselves (knee, ankle) and is worst in the morning.
• What JIA is: "idiopathic" means no single identifiable cause. It is immune-driven joint inflammation, not wear-and-tear arthritis.
• Age and type: age shapes the type of JIA. Oligoarticular JIA (4 or fewer joints) affects toddlers and preschoolers and makes up about 50% of all cases. Enthesitis-related arthritis is more common in teens.
• Girls vs. boys: JIA is more common in girls, except enthesitis-related arthritis, which is more common in boys.
• Family history: a parent with autoimmune disease does not mean a 50% risk. Genes create susceptibility, not certainty.
• Triggers: no proven link between vaccines and JIA. Viruses such as EBV, CMV or parvovirus can trigger it in children who are already susceptible. Some medications, such as Dupixent, have been linked to arthritis.
• Early signs: a 3-year-old may never complain of pain. Watch for a puffy knee, a morning limp that improves through the day, and stiffness after sitting still.
• JIA vs. periodic fever syndromes: JIA is autoimmune and persistent. Periodic fever syndromes are autoinflammatory, and the child returns fully to normal between episodes.
• Uveitis: JIA-related eye inflammation can be completely silent, especially in young children, so regular eye exams are essential.
• Diagnosis: history and a careful physical exam come first, then X-rays and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Normal labs (ANA, RF, CCP, CRP, ESR) do not rule out JIA. A positive ANA flags uveitis risk, and a positive RF or CCP signals more aggressive disease.
• Treatment today: NSAIDs, joint injections, methotrexate, biologics such as TNF inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors. Remission is now realistic for most children.
• Methotrexate safety: the JIA dose is about 1/100th of a chemotherapy dose, backed by decades of safety data.
• Remission vs. cure: JIA can flare again, so "remission" is the right word. About 50% of children with oligoarticular JIA reach remission off medication.
• Into adulthood: roughly 30–60% carry JIA into adulthood. RF-positive polyarticular JIA most closely resembles adult rheumatoid arthritis. A planned transition of care is critical.
• Diet and supplements: vitamin D, iron and zinc are often low in JIA. Omega-3s are well supported. Diet changes must keep calories adequate for growth.
• Exercise and sports: activity does not worsen JIA, and early physical therapy prevents muscle weakness. Getting back to school and sports is the goal of treatment.
• Access to care: only a few hundred pediatric rheumatologists see patients full-time in the U.S., and six states have none. Dr. Joshi was once the only one in Arkansas.
• Telemedicine and direct care mean longer visits and less travel for families.

CONNECT WITH DR. SAUMYA JOSHI – Joshi Pediatric Rheumatology
 Pediatric rheumatology telemedicine (direct specialty care) serving Nevada, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, New Jersey and Texas
 Website: https://www.joshipediatricrheumatology.com
YouTube: @JoshiPediatricRheumatology
Instagram: @joshipediatricrheumatology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593301424288

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
 This episode is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

Can Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Wegovy calm inflammation — not just melt away weight? In this episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Girnita, board-certified rheumatologist and PhD in immunology, sits down with Dr. Vishnuteja Devalla to unpack the fast-growing science of GLP-1 medications in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

They break down how GLP-1 drugs actually work, why the same receptor lives on your immune cells, and what the latest evidence really shows for autoimmune disease — separating real science from the headlines and hype.

In this episode:

• What GLP-1 medications are and how they work (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound explained)
• The key difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide — and why GIP matters for weight loss
• How GLP-1 receptors on macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells calm inflammation
• The surprising drop in TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6 — the exact targets of our biologics
• What the UCLA study and PASI data reveal for RA and psoriatic arthritis
• Why obesity fuels inflammation and drives worse treatment response
• Will GLP-1s ever replace methotrexate or biologics? (The honest answer)
• Microdosing GLP-1s for inflammation — lower cost, fewer side effects
• The compounded-medication warning every patient needs to hear
• How to safely reduce medication when you start feeling better
• Where GLP-1 therapy is heading in the next 5 years

⚠️ This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your own rheumatologist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

Climbing Kilimanjaro with rheumatoid arthritis — off medication. Jon did it. And in this episode, his rheumatologist explains how.

Most people hear "rheumatoid arthritis" and brace for a life sentence. 

Dr. Diana Girnita, a board-certified rheumatologist, sits down with Jon, a patient she guided from daily pain and methotrexate to drug-free remission — and, a few years later, to the summit of Kilimanjaro. 

Together, they walk through what that journey actually looked like, including the setbacks.

You'll hear how a personalized plan — nutrition, targeted supplements, sleep, stress, and exercise — worked alongside medication rather than instead of it, and why coming off methotrexate was a slow, carefully monitored process, never a sudden stop. Jon also opens up about why methotrexate is so often misunderstood, what the "chemo drug" fear gets wrong, and what it felt like to taper down while his blood work stayed clean.

This conversation is also about partnership. 

Jon was in Florida; Dr. Girnita was in California. 

They break down what made that telehealth relationship work, what to look for in a rheumatologist, and why the right doctor in your corner pays off not just this year, but over the next ten and fifteen.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why drug-free remission is possible for some people with RA — and what realistically has to be in place for it to happen
• How lifestyle changes (nutrition, supplements, sleep, stress, exercise) work with medication, not as a replacement for it
• Why tapering off methotrexate should always be slow, gradual, and guided by blood work — never a sudden stop
• What the common "chemo drug" fear about methotrexate gets wrong
• How to tell whether your treatment is actually working, and which markers your doctor should be monitoring
• What to look for in a rheumatologist — and the questions that signal a true partnership
• Why telehealth can work for chronic disease management, even across state lines

A note on hope and honesty: Jon's drug-free remission is real, but it isn't the outcome for everyone, and his results don't replace individualized care. What his story offers is a different question to bring to your own treatment — what's actually possible for you, with the right plan and the right monitoring.

If RA has ever left you feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or resigned, this episode is a reset. Whether you were diagnosed last month or a decade ago, you'll leave with practical direction and a renewed sense of what thriving can look like.

Jon's story proves that with determination, education, and the right medical guidance, an active, vibrant life is possible. So — what's your summit?

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

Most autoimmune diseases hide in plain sight — often dismissed as aging, stress, or minor aches. But what if you could spot the hidden signals before irreversible damage occurs?

 Dr. Diana Girnita, a board-certified rheumatologist, reveals five silent yet telling signs your immune system may be quietly attacking your body — in ways most people overlook or misinterpret. 

From fatigue that rest can't fix, to subtle joint stiffness, skin changes, persistent dry eyes, and the sudden color shifts in your fingers, these clues can help you catch autoimmune conditions early — saving years of suffering and unnecessary specialist visits.

In this eye-opening episode, we break down the science behind inflammatory fatigue, how to distinguish inflammatory joint pain from aging, and recognize skin and hair changes that often go unnoticed. 

You’ll discover why persistent dry mouth or eyes could signal Sjogren’s disease, how to differentiate autoimmune symptoms from common ailments, and why a simple color change in your fingers might be an early warning sign of Raynaud’s phenomenon. 

Dr. Girnita, shares her expertise on the importance of recognizing patterns, especially in women aged 30 to 65, and emphasizes that catching these signs early can preserve your joint and organ health.

This episode is essential listening for anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, or color changes in their extremities — because early detection can mean the difference between lifelong damage and a chance to regain control. 

If you or someone you care about has been brushed off or misdiagnosed, these insights could change everything.
With over four million Americans affected, autoimmune diseases are more common than you think — and they’re often misunderstood. Let Dr. Girnita guide you through the signs that matter most, so you can advocate for your health before it’s too late.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction to autoimmune signs
• 0:46 - Sign 1: Fatigue that sleep doesn't fix
• 2:36 - Sign 2: Morning joint stiffness
• 4:37 - Sign 3: Skin and hair changes
• 6:53 - Sign 4: Persistent dry eyes and mouth
• 8:49 - Sign 5: Raynaud's phenomenon
• 10:33 - Importance of recognizing patterns

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

Most autoimmune testing is being used entirely backwards — leading to unnecessary anxiety, misdiagnoses, and wasted treatments. Dr. Diana Girnita exposes the six most overrated tests that do more harm than good when misused and teaches you the crucial questions every patient should ask before testing

.Imagine relying on a single lab result to determine your health, only to realize it’s often misunderstood or completely irrelevant without clinical context. 

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Girnita reveals how tests like the ANA, broad autoimmune panels, thyroid antibodies, and even gut microbiome analyses can mislead, especially when ordered without proper guidance. 

You’ll discover why a positive result isn’t always a sign of disease, and how some tests do more damage in the absence of symptoms than they do support diagnosis.We break down:

•  The true nature of the ANA test—it's a screening, not a diagnosis.
• Why broad autoimmune panels often cause false alarms and unnecessary worry.
• The pitfalls of misinterpreting inflammation markers like CRP and sed rate.
• When thyroid antibodies truly matter—and when they don't.
• The realities of gut microbiome testing and why it often leads to more food anxiety.
• How genetic testing can create fear without clarification, and when it’s actually useful.

An understanding of these misused tests isn’t just medical trivia—it’s a game-changer for how you approach autoimmune health. Many patients chase false leads because labs and practitioners overlook the importance of clinical context. But knowing what to ask, and when to question, empowers you to avoid years of unnecessary worry, treatments, and costly tests.If you're tired of feeling confused by conflicting results or overwhelmed by the complicated world of autoimmune testing, this episode is your essential guide

. Whether you're battling symptoms, supporting a loved one, or simply want to be better prepared, you'll learn how to navigate testing smarter—and advocate for your health with confidence.

Dr. Diana Girnita is a double-board certified rheumatologist who daily untangles the noise from the real signals—helping patients find clarity in complex autoimmune diagnoses. This episode will transform your understanding of lab tests, saving you time, stress, and unnecessary interventions. Tune in now and start seeing through the hype—your health depends on it.

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

Got a positive ANA and no answers? Dr. Diana Girnita, double board-certified rheumatologist, explains exactly what it means, what causes it, and when to act.

You just got a positive ANA test result. Your doctor referred you to a specialist. And now you are spiraling — searching online, terrified, completely alone with a number on a piece of paper that nobody properly explained to you.

This episode is for you.

Dr. Diana Girnita is a double board-certified rheumatologist, founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, and a physician who has guided thousands of patients through exactly this moment. In this episode she breaks down everything your doctor did not have time to explain — clearly, completely, and without the medical jargon.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

What the ANA test actually detects and why a positive result is a signal, not a sentence.

What your titer number means — from 1 to 40 all the way to 1 to 320 — and the point at which it becomes clinically significant.

The four ANA patterns — homogeneous, speckled, centromere, and nucleolar — and which autoimmune conditions each one points toward.

The 5 real causes of a positive ANA: autoimmune diseases, chronic infections like EBV and Lyme disease, common medications including hydralazine and minocycline, certain cancers, and the cause that surprises almost every patient — being a completely healthy person.

The exact red flag symptoms that mean you need to see a rheumatologist now, not in six months. Including morning stiffness lasting over an hour, a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks, Raynaud's phenomenon, dry eyes and dry mouth together, and symmetric joint swelling in both hands.

The COVID-19 connection — why 30 to 60 percent of people who had COVID now test positive for ANA, when antibody levels peak and begin to decline, and when this becomes a genuine trigger for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and new-onset thyroid disease.

The questions to bring to your next rheumatology appointment so you leave with real answers — not another referral.

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

This episode is for anyone who has received a positive ANA result and has been dismissed, told to wait and see, or sent home without a clear explanation. It is for women navigating unexplained fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, and dry eyes who have been told their labs are normal. And it is for anyone who had COVID-19 and is now experiencing new symptoms they cannot explain.

You are not imagining it. And you deserve a real answer.

Timeline

• 0:00 - 0:30: Introduction to the ANA test and common concerns.
• 0:30 - 1:04: Overview of what a positive ANA test means.
• 1:04 - 1:17: Explanation of the ANA test as a screening tool.
• 1:17 - 1:55: Basics of antinuclear antibodies and how the test works.
• 1:55 - 2:10: Understanding the test results: titer and pattern.
• 2:10 - 2:24: Importance of titer levels and patterns.
• 2:24 - 3:21: Detailed explanation of titer levels and their significance.
• 3:21 - 4:16: Discussion on ANA patterns and their implications.
• 4:16 - 4:41: Causes of a positive ANA result.
• 4:41 - 5:38: Autoimmune diseases as a cause.
• 5:38 - 6:04: Chronic infections as a cause.
• 6:04 - 7:06: Medications that can cause a positive ANA.
• 7:06 - 8:03: Cancer as a potential cause.
• 8:03 - 9:10: Healthy individuals with a positive ANA.
• 9:10 - 10:19: Symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
• 10:19 - 11:41: Importance of early diagnosis and telehealth.
• 11:41 - 12:37: COVID-19 and its impact on ANA results.
• 12:37 - 14:28: Conclusion and call to action for comprehensive evaluation.

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

If you're a woman over 40 with joint pain, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or an autoimmune diagnosis — this episode connects dots that most doctors never connect.

Dr. Diana Girnita, double board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, sits down with Dr. Mirela Titianu, menopause and lifestyle specialist, for a frank conversation about what actually happens to women's bodies during perimenopause and menopause — and what the latest science says about treating it.

They cover the real risk profile of HRT in 2025, why the decade-old fear of hormone replacement no longer holds up, how estrogen loss raises the risk of autoimmune flares, and why GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro may be doing far more than helping women lose weight.

IN THIS EPISODE:
— Why joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue cluster together at menopause
— How estrogen protects the immune system — and what happens when it drops
— The updated 2025 evidence on HRT and autoimmune disease
— Transdermal vs. oral estrogen: why route of delivery changes the risk
— The FDA's 2025 removal of the black box warning on vaginal estrogen
— GLP-1 medications as an anti-inflammatory tool, not just weight loss
— Microdosing GLP-1 in autoimmune patients already on biologics
— Myth-busting: HRT and cancer risk, aging and weight, Ozempic as "cheating"
— What to do right now if you can't access a specialist

This episode is essential listening for any woman navigating menopause with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, or any other autoimmune condition — and for anyone who cares for them.

BOOK WITH DR. Titianu (telehealth — CA, FL, OR):
https://rheumatologistoncall.com/womens-hormone/

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

What is the power of GLP-1 medications in managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases, without the need for dramatic weight loss?

 In this episode, Dr. Diana Girnita, a double board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, explores how microdosing Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound can revolutionize treatment plans for those battling persistent inflammation, pain, and flare-ups.

While everyone is talking about these medications, few discuss their potential for arthritis and autoimmune conditions. 

Dr. Girnita delves into the research, explaining the differences between semaglutide and tirzepatide, the five mechanisms that combat inflammation independently of weight loss, and the latest insights from 2025 data on conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's, osteoarthritis, and gout.

You'll discover:

• How metabolic inflammation affects biologics and the importance of addressing fat tissue’s inflammatory signals.
• The groundbreaking 2025 research showing GLP-1 drugs' ability to reduce disease activity and pain without weight loss.
• The potential of microdosing these medications for patients with uncontrolled autoimmune diseases.
• The benefits of combining metabolic modulation with conventional therapies to reduce flare-ups and cardiovascular risk.
• How these findings are reshaping rheumatology practice and future treatment options.

Topics Covered:

• Differences between Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
• The role of fat cells in fueling arthritis.
• Five mechanisms GLP-1 medications use to fight inflammation.
• The concept and effectiveness of GLP-1 microdosing for arthritis.
• Insights from 2025 research on various autoimmune conditions and cardiovascular risk.
• How GLP-1 complements DMARDs and biologics without replacing them.

This episode is ideal for those tired of hitting a plateau, exhausted by constant flare-ups, or healthcare professionals eager to integrate cutting-edge science into patient care. Ignoring this emerging science risks leaving persistent inflammation untreated—missed opportunities that could transform your health.

Join Dr. Girnita in exploring how small changes in medication strategy, driven by the latest science, can unlock significant improvements—beyond weight loss—offering hope, control, and relief from autoimmune chaos.

Are you ready to rethink what’s possible in your autoimmune journey? This isn’t just another episode—it's a paradigm shift in managing inflammation at its core.

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

This episode features a heartfelt discussion with Ms. Dorothy, a patient diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), shedding light on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and importance of awareness for this often misunderstood disease. If you or a loved one experiences sudden muscle pain or stiffness after age 50, this conversation offers vital insights into timely intervention.

Key topics:

• The early signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and related conditions
• The personal journey from misdiagnosis to effective treatment
• How prednisone and proper medical guidance can restore functionality
• The importance of recognizing giant cell arteritis symptoms
• Telemedicine as a viable and preferred approach for managing chronic conditions
• Practical advice for patients suspecting they have PMR or similar symptoms

Timestamps: 

00:06 - Introduction to arthritis misconceptions and PMR overview
00:23 - The sudden onset of severe muscle pain and confusion
01:12 - Ms. Dorothy's experience with initial symptoms and delayed diagnosis
02:02 - Possible vaccine influence on symptoms
03:01 - Ignored symptoms and escalation of pain
04:13 - The critical moment: awakening unable to move and emergency room visit
05:00 - Blood tests reveal inflammation markers (CRP and sed rate)
05:58 - Initial treatment with steroids and subsequent improvement
07:44 - Challenges in getting timely specialist care and internet research discovery
08:40 - The role of telemedicine and remote diagnosis
10:05 - The impact of treatment: regained mobility and function
11:34 - Side effects of steroids and managing dosage
12:04 - Recognizing signs of giant cell arteritis and importance of quick action
14:23 - Benefits of virtual consultations versus traditional visits
16:17 - Advice for listeners experiencing sudden weakness or stiffness after age 50
17:12 - Encouragement to seek medical attention early and not dismiss symptoms as aging
17:39 - Final words of reassurance and importance of proper treatment

Resources & Links:

 https://rheumatologistoncall.com/2022/11/24/five-common-signs-of-polymyalgica-rheumatica/

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200 

Most people don’t realize that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) isn’t just a bad back — it’s a systemic inflammatory disease that can silently attack multiple areas of your body. 

If you or someone you love experiences chronic back stiffness, pain that improves with activity, or nighttime waking, this episode could save you years of struggle.

Dr. Vishnuteja Devalla, a leading rheumatologist specializing in autoimmune conditions, breaks down the misconceptions and hidden signs of AS, revealing how early diagnosis can transform outcomes. 

You'll discover why AS affects nearly 40% of women, not just men, and how systemic inflammation increases the risk of osteoporosis, eye problems, and even bowel disease — often before back pain even appears.

We delve into the differences between mechanical back pain and inflammatory pain, and clear up confusing terms like axial spondyloarthritis, radiographic vs. non-radiographic forms, and why blood tests like HLA-B27 don’t tell the full story on their own. 

If you’ve been dismissed or misdiagnosed, this episode arms you with the questions to ask and the evidence to advocate for yourself.

Learn about the life-changing treatments available: NSAIDs, biologics, JAK inhibitors, and emerging therapies — plus why exercise is your best ally, not your enemy. The stakes couldn’t be higher: early intervention can prevent long-term damage, improve quality of life, and eliminate the fear of fusing or ending up in a wheelchair.

 Whether you’re battling persistent back pain or supporting a loved one through diagnosis, this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical steps to take control of AS today. 

Don’t let decades of misdiagnosis define your life — knowledge is your best weapon.
 

Chapters & Key Notes: 

• 00:00 - Introduction: Overview of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its impact.
• 00:28 - Guest Introduction: Understanding AS.
• 01:21 - AS Explained: Systemic inflammatory condition affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.
• 02:10 - AS vs. Mechanical Back Pain: Differences and key features.
• 04:19 - Clarifying Terms: Axial spondyloarthritis, radiographic vs. non-radiographic.
• 06:10 - Beyond the Spine: Effects on eyes, gut, skin, and osteoporosis.
• 07:52 - Early Signs & Red Flags: Importance of early diagnosis.
• 10:00 - Diagnostic Tools: Blood tests, imaging, and HLA-B27 gene testing.
• 14:42 - Myth Busting: Gender effects, progression, and treatment possibilities.
• 17:32 - Treatment Journey: From NSAIDs to biologics and emerging therapies.
• 23:41 - Mental Health & Support: Addressing psychological well-being.
• 28:14 - Resources & Specialist Connections: How to get help and support.

Connect with Dr. Vishnuteja Devalla: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/our-team/dr-vishnuteja-devalla/

This episode emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and patient empowerment to improve outcomes for those living with ankylosing spondylitis.

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200