Arthritis Life

If you’re newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and perspective from Dr. Julius Birnbaum, a physician uniquely trained in both rheumatology and neurology. He explains how RA is diagnosed through patterns rather than a single test, as doctors listen closely to symptoms, examine joints, and use labs to support the bigger picture, including your lived experience.

In this compelling episode of the Arthritis Life Podcast, host Cheryl Crow welcomes Tori Martinez, a multi-talented artist from rural Colorado who shares her journey navigating life with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic illnesses. Tori recounts her diagnosis story and the emotional rollercoaster that followed, including her initial relief at a fibromyalgia diagnosis and the subsequent grief when it evolved into rheumatoid arthritis. She emphasizes the importance of redefining healing and self-identity, especially in the context of cultural expectations.

On this special Episode 200 solo reflection, Cheryl looks back on the first 200 episodes of the Arthritis Life Podcast and distills the most meaningful lessons that have emerged from years of conversations with people living with inflammatory arthritis, along with clinicians, researchers, and patient-providers.

In this episode, Cheryl and Eileen sit down with Dr. Brian Andonian of Duke University, whose research on exercise, aging, and rheumatic disease captured their attention at the 2025 ACR Conference. He sheds light on the powerful ways exercise influences the immune system, inflammation, cardiovascular health, and even cellular aging in rheumatoid arthritis, far beyond the outdated notion that RA is “just a joint disease.”

On this episode of 'Rheumer Has It,' Eileen and Cheryl delve into the latest advancements and key takeaways from the American College of Rheumatology's Annual Conference. They discuss groundbreaking treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, Neuroimmodulators like Vagus Nerve Stimulator Devices, GLP-1 medications

In this special episode of our podcast, we bring together a group of inspiring advocates known as Rheum Champions, each living with rheumatic diseases, to share their experiences and insights. These advocates participated in the 2025 Rheumatology Investigators Meeting, organized by the Rheumatology Research Foundation.