In this inspiring episode, Dr. Isabelle Amigues sits down with Erica Canzler, who shares her journey from a life-changing rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis in 2015 to complete remission—and finishing the legendary Leadville 100 race. 

Erica opens up about the frustrations of conventional care, the difference holistic and concierge medicine made at UnabridgedMD, and how healing means more than just physical health. Dr. Amigues and Erica discuss the importance of patient autonomy, hope, and the power of treating the whole person. If you or someone you love is facing a rheumatologic diagnosis, this episode is a must-listen for encouragement and practical 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.

Can a COVID-19 infection flip a hidden switch in your immune system—triggering arthritis or other autoimmune conditions? Dr. Isabelle Amigues explains what she’s seeing in clinic, the science behind post-infection immune shifts, and why treatment and vaccination choices must be tailored to you.

What You’ll Learn:

From infection to inflammation: Real cases of new-onset inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic) and PMR emerging soon after COVID-19—and how clinicians decide if it’s causation or coincidence.

The “two-hit” model: Genetics and risk factors (family history, smoking, stress, adiposity) can lie dormant until an infection like COVID-19 triggers overt autoimmunity.

Immune overdrive & treatment overlap: Why severe COVID-19 sometimes responds to steroid/IL-6/TNF-blocking therapies—tools also used for autoimmune disease—plus what that tells us about shared pathways.

Treat what’s in front of you: If your labs/exam meet criteria for RA/PMR/vasculitis/lupus, treat per standard rheumatology care—regardless of whether COVID was the spark.

Post-COVID (long COVID) nuance: Dysautonomia, fatigue, exercise intolerance often require team-based care (coaching, nutrition, PT, psychotherapy) to rebalance sympathetic/parasympathetic systems.

Vaccination decisions: Not one-size-fits-all. Context matters—prior reactions, exposure risk, location, and current therapies (e.g., IVIG may already provide community antibodies)—so decide with your rheumatologist.

Science evolves, partnership endures: Cutting through misinformation with clear, individualized education and a strong patient-physician relationship.

What’s next: Details on Dr. Amigues’ upcoming holistic inflammation webinar and group coaching designed to speed remission and build resilience.


If an infection can nudge a predisposed immune system into autoimmunity, which lever will you pull this week to lower baseline inflammation—sleep, stress care, movement, nutrition, or community support?

Early action changes everything. In this episode, Dr. Isabelle Amigues breaks down exactly how timely diagnosis, clear treatment goals, and a physician who actually listens can move patients from painful flares to true remission—without living on steroids. 

Topics Covered:

• Why Speed Matters: The “early window” in inflammatory arthritis (e.g., RA) leads to faster remission, fewer erosions, and better long-term outcomes.
• What Remission Really Means: No joint pain/swelling, <15 minutes morning stiffness, normal inflammatory markers, and no fatigue—off steroids.
• Methotrexate (MTX) with a Plan:
  • Start, assess tolerance/efficacy at ~1 month, titrate as needed.
  • If not tolerated (e.g., nausea, hair loss) or ineffective → switch; you don’t have to suffer for 3 months.
• Don’t Get Stuck on Steroids: Prednisone is a bridge, not a plan. Set a taper timeline from day one and confirm remission without steroids.
• When to Add Biologics/Targeted Therapy:
  • If not in minimal disease activity by ~3 months on MTX, add a TNF inhibitor or other advanced therapy.
  • If a biologic isn’t tolerated, switch promptly—don’t wait months.
• Navigating Insurance Without Losing Momentum:
  • Try MTX when appropriate for coverage, but escalate when it’s not working.
  • Use manufacturer bridge programs to avoid treatment gaps while approvals process.
• De-escalation Strategy (Once Stable):
  • First taper steroids, then consider spacing/adjusting advanced therapy.
  • Sometimes a tiny MTX dose helps prevent anti-drug antibodies when tapering biologics.
• Direct Care Advantage: Longer visits, ongoing access, individualized plans, and education that empowers you to understand every step—from ignition (putting out the fire) to maintenance (keeping it out).
• Patient Partnership, Not Gaslighting: You deserve timely referrals, clear goals, and a doctor who respects your input and symptoms.

Have a friend newly diagnosed with RA or another inflammatory arthritis? Share this episode to help them advocate for early, effective care. 

If you knew you could reach steroid-free remission faster with a clear plan, what conversation would you start with your rheumatologist today?

Don't fear Thanksgiving if you have GOUT. 

Dr. Isabelle Amigues — your friendly rheumatologist — serves up essential guidance on how to enjoy your holiday feast without triggering a GOUT flare. Whether you’re personally managing GOUT or want to support loved ones who are, this episode breaks down prevention, treatment, and myths surrounding diet and inflammation.

Dr. Amigues explains what really causes GOUT, why protein isn’t the enemy, and how small proactive steps can help you prevent painful flare-ups while still celebrating freely around the table.

🦃 Topics Covered:

Understanding GOUT: What it is and why it flares during the holidays

The truth about protein: Why restriction can do more harm than good

How genetics — not gluttony — influence your GOUT risk

Safe, effective prevention strategies (including the right use of colchicine)

The dangers of unnecessary steroid use and misinformation

Hydration tips and smart habits for enjoying Thanksgiving without fear

Empowerment through education: living freely and fully with GOUT


This Thanksgiving, knowledge is your best medicine.
How can you prepare your body — and your mindset — for a flare-free holiday? 🦃💧

#UnabridgedMD #Rheumatology #GoutAwareness #ThanksgivingHealth #AutoimmuneHealth #Inflammation #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealing #PreventFlareUps #HealthyHolidays

📌 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.

🧘‍♀️ Can meditation really reduce inflammation? Dr. Isabelle Amigues dives into the science behind how meditation—and even prayer—can activate the body’s innate healing systems, decrease inflammation, and support remission in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

In this episode, Dr. Amigues shares both her personal journey with stage 4 cancer and her clinical insights as a rheumatologist, revealing how mind-body practices can powerfully complement medical treatment.

Meditation isn’t just spiritual—it’s biological. Dr. Amigues explores the growing body of scientific evidence showing how meditation and parasympathetic activation can lower inflammatory markers such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. She explains how meditation works through the vagus nerve to reduce disease activity, ease fatigue, and enhance healing.

Plus, she offers practical guidance for patients looking to incorporate meditation or prayer into their healing routines—no experience required.

🔬 Topics Covered:

• 🧠 How meditation activates the parasympathetic system and stimulates the vagus nerve
• 🔬 Scientific findings linking meditation to reduced inflammatory markers and disease activity
• 💊 How meditation complements medical treatments like methotrexate and biologics
• ❤️ Dr. Amigues’ personal story: how meditation helped her navigate fear during her stage 4 cancer diagnosis
• 🙏 The healing overlap between prayer and meditation
• 🧘 Practical tips for beginning your own meditation practice
• 👥 The power of healing in community—insights from the UnabridgedMD group coaching program

If meditation can help quiet the mind and the inflammation—what’s stopping you from starting today? 🌿

YouTube & Spotify → UnabridgedMD Podcast

#UnabridgedMD #MeditationScience #InflammationRelief #Rheumatology #AutoimmuneHealing #MindBodyMedicine #FunctionalHealth #VagusNerve #RheumatoidArthritis #HolisticHealing

📌 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.

In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode of the UnabridgedMD Podcast, Dr. Isabelle Amigues dives into the groundbreaking Counter Clockwise Study by Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer, exploring how the way we see ourselves directly shapes our physical health. Dr. Amigues connects this mind-body science to her rheumatology practice — showing that healing isn’t only about medication, but also mindset, empowerment, and belief in recovery.

Listeners will discover how reprogramming the nervous system, visualizing remission, and embracing a healing identity can truly influence inflammation, disease progression, and overall vitality.

✨ Topics Covered:

• The mind-body connection and its role in inflammation and healing
• Overview of Dr. Ellen Langer’s Counter Clockwise Study and its remarkable results
• How self-perception and mindset impact disease outcomes in rheumatology
• The role of the parasympathetic nervous system in reducing inflammation
• Practical ways to “see yourself healthy” and support remission
• The power of group healing and the UnabridgedMD coaching community

 What if changing how you see yourself could change your health?
Start imagining your body in remission — your cells are listening. 🌿 

#UnabridgedMD #Rheumatology #MindBodyConnection #HealingJourney #AutoimmuneHealth #CounterClockwiseStudy #Inflammation #HolisticHealing #RemissionIsPossible #FunctionalMedicine

📌 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.

In this hope-filled episode of the UnabridgedMD Podcast, Dr. Isabelle Amigues sits down with Cliff—a former patient—to trace his journey from sudden, debilitating pain and months of uncertainty to full remission and a return to the life he loves. After being dismissed and delayed elsewhere, Cliff found UnabridgedMD, received an accurate diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and followed a clear, compassionate plan: calm the “fire” of inflammation, treat decisively, and taper safely. Within a few months he was off steroids, symptom-free, and cleared to travel to Africa—proof that partnership, precise listening, and a treat-to-target mindset can change everything.

💡 Show Notes — Topics Covered:

The First Signs: Sudden, severe morning pain and stiffness in hands, shoulders, and hips; difficulty lifting arms or walking; classic PMR pattern.

Temporary Relief, No Plan: Prednisone erased symptoms—but primary care tapered rapidly without next steps; NSAIDs did nothing.

The Missing Piece: Months of delays and “arthritis” labels despite negative serologies; wife suspects PMR from research and advocates for a rheumatology referral.

Getting Seen—Fast: UnabridgedMD schedules Cliff within a week (then next-day); Dr. Amigues listens to the story, confirms PMR approach, and sets a remission goal.

Treat the Fire, Then Taper: Short-term steroids to control inflammation plus a disease-modifying plan; thoughtful, stepwise taper off steroids and then other meds.

Full Remission & Freedom: By February 2025, Cliff is off all meds, symptom-free, and cleared for Africa travel vaccinations—no relapse.

Partnership Over Paternalism: Why listening to patient narratives (and even patient research) matters; doctors as guides, patients as partners.

Life After Pain: Retiring the business, reclaiming energy, and re-prioritizing what matters—time, travel, and health.

Practice Model Insight: How more time in a direct-care setting supports precise diagnosis, fewer meds, and better outcomes.

Hope for Others: Many inflammatory conditions can reach remission with the right plan; don’t give up and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.

Did you know the trillions of microbes in your gut might shape everything from your immune system to your mental health—and even how you recover after an infection? 🌱

In this episode of the UnabridgedMD Podcast, Dr. Isabelle Amigues welcomes Dr. Katrina Coulter, infectious disease specialist, to explore the fascinating world of the microbiome. Together, they dive into the overlap between infectious disease and rheumatology, the hidden consequences of antibiotic use, and the complex challenges of post-Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, and long COVID.

This conversation blends cutting-edge science, clinical wisdom, and practical advice—from why fiber is the #1 nutrient most of us are missing, to how farming practices affect our gut health, to why listening to patients is still the most powerful diagnostic tool.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your gut health could hold the key to remission and resilience, this episode is for you.

👉 Watch/Subscribe: UnabridgedMD YouTube Channel
👉 Learn more about Dr. Katrina Coulter: https://www.katrinacoultermd.com/ 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• 🌿 What the microbiome really is—beyond the gut, including skin, lungs, and reproductive tracts
• 🚜 How industrial farming practices mirror what’s happening to the human microbiome
• 💊 Antibiotics: when they’re life-saving, when they’re harmful, and why shorter courses often work best
• 🥗 The truth about probiotics—pills vs. probiotic foods (sauerkraut, kombucha, miso, fermented veggies)
• 🧼 Are we too clean? The “sandbox effect,” farm kids, and why exposure to microbes builds resilience
• 🧠 Post-infectious syndromes explained: post-Lyme, long COVID, and why the immune system—not infection—drives symptoms
• 🧾 Why “finishing the full course” of antibiotics is outdated advice
• 🥦 Fiber as medicine: the easiest, most impactful step for microbiome health
• 💡 The importance of physicians listening deeply and addressing nutrition—even when the system isn’t built for it

After two pregnancies—and nearly a year of feeling like she had the flu every day—Morgan (a pediatric cardiology professional and mom of two) was told “labs look normal.” Still, she had daily joint pain, low-grade fevers, shortness of breath, chest pain, dramatic weight loss, GI issues, and profound fatigue. In this raw and hopeful conversation, Dr. Isabelle Amigues shows what happens when a doctor truly listens, investigates beyond the surface, and aims for full remission—not 80%.

If you’ve been dismissed, told to “wait it out,” or lost in the system, this episode is your proof: there is a path forward.

What You’ll Learn

• Postpartum red flags beyond “just thyroid”: when “normal labs” miss the full story
• Why low-grade daily fevers + severe fatigue should never be dismissed
• The role of imaging and targeted therapy (incl. biologics) in speeding relief
• How mindset + clear plans (aiming for remission, not “good enough”) change outcome
• The difference time and listening make vs. quick, paperwork-driven visits
• Practical ways to protect your energy and rebuild life after chronic symptoms
• Why second (and third) opinions can be life-giving—and how to advocate for yourself

Key Topics Covered

• Morgan’s postpartum timeline: thyroiditis after baby #1 → much worse after baby #2
• The “normal labs” trap: significant symptoms with reassuring bloodwork
• Daily life on empty: parenting with profound fatigue, dizziness, and chest symptoms
• The turning point: fevers as the objective sign that demanded deeper workup
• What felt different at UnabridgedMD: time, validation, a plan, and hope
• Treatment philosophy: aim for 100%, iterate quickly if the first med isn’t “the one”
• Mindset matters: keeping hope without denying reality (Isabelle’s oncology lesson: “We’re going for cure.”)
• Health system realities: too little time with patients, too much admin, and how listening saves time (and lives)
• Self-advice in hindsight: don’t settle and guard your energy
• Joy returns: biking with kids, cooking, reconnecting—and rock climbing again

Get in touch with guest Morgan:
Morgan Town: Instagram @morgan.kailey

If Morgan’s story gave you hope, share this episode with a friend who’s still searching for answers.

Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and practical remission-focused guidance.

Have a question for Dr. Amigues? Comment on YouTube—we read every one.

In this episode of the UnabridgedMD Podcast, Dr. Isabelle Amigues joins Daniel Eisenman—author, facilitator, and host of the Breaking Normal podcast—to share her deeply personal journey of receiving a diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer on her 40th birthday. What seemed like the greatest challenge of her life became, in time, her greatest gift.

Together, Dr. Amigues and Daniel dive into the profound intersections of medicine, mindset, and meaning. Through courage, surrender, and an open mind, Dr. Amigues explored healing beyond traditional approaches—embracing shamanic practices, emotional transformation, and the science of placebos. Her story illuminates the power of belief, resilience, and the mind-body connection in ways that most physicians overlook.

The conversation highlights not only her return to health, but also the rebirth of her life: leaving a marriage, building her own direct-care practice, and redefining what it means to heal—both as a doctor and as a patient.

Whether you are facing a serious diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how mindset and medicine can intertwine, this episode offers inspiration, hope, and a framework for reimagining healing.

Topics Covered:

Why Dr. Amigues calls Stage 4 cancer her “birthday present.”

The overlooked role of belief and placebo in medicine.

How shamans, surrender, and science can come together in healing.

Life transitions: divorce, reinvention, and entrepreneurship.

The mind-body connection as a key to lasting health.

Daniel Eisenman’s “Breaking Normal” philosophy and how it shaped the conversation.

Tune in to hear how science and spirituality intersect—and why your beliefs may be the most powerful medicine of all.

Get In Touch With Dr. Isabelle Amigues

“She’s not just a physician, she is a healer.”

🌐 Website: https://www.unabridgedmd.com

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unabridgedmd

📌 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

Connect With Daniel Eisenman

🌐 Website: http://breakingnormal.com

📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/danieleisenman

🎧 Listen to the Breaking Normal Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uoQcaPxCEtC9G6ipNQhWG

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.