Partner

of your
rheumatologist visit

We partnered with the Global Healthy Living Foundation to ask more than 2,000 patients about their conversations and connection with their rheumatologists.

The findings revealed that discussing treatment goals and potential treatment changes can feel overwhelming.

So, we’ve put together a few resources—helpful key phrases, guidance on understanding test results, advice from a rheumatologist, and more—to help you make the most of your next visit.

The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire, support, and empower people living with chronic illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. GHLF is the parent of the 25-year-old online patient community CreakyJoints. 
Global Healthy Living Foundation
87%

Feel that preparing for appointments helps them get the care they need

Global Healthy Living Foundation
63%

Hold back questions or avoid speaking up in fear of seeming difficult

Global Healthy Living Foundation
60%

Would like new ways to start a treatment change conversation

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Dr. Manish Jain's tips on how to be heard

Dr. Manish Jain is a board-certified rheumatologist with over 12 years of experience.

transcript

Dr. Jain is a paid consultant of AbbVie.

Dr. Manish Jain Rheumatologist

“Say more, so your doctor knows how you're doing.”

We talked with rheumatologists to learn what they listen for during appointments. Discussing key topics like these can help your doctor understand how your current treatment is working and if it may be time for a switch.

TIPS FROM RHEUMATOLOGISTS:

Share if you’re having any difficulties with everyday tasks.
Example phrase: “I’m still having issues with everyday things like getting dressed, tying my shoes, cleaning around the house, and opening jars when cooking.”
Speak up about any worsening, new, or daily symptoms.
Example phrase: “I’m experiencing daily pain and it feels like my RA symptoms are worsening.”
Discuss if your current medications seem to be losing effectiveness over time.
Example phrase: “I don’t think my current RA medication is working like it used to.”
Be honest if you frequently use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to manage ongoing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Example phrase: "I have to take ibuprofen just to get through the day.”
Talk about pain, especially if it spreads to more joints or new areas of the body. This could lead to permanent joint damage if left untreated.
Example phrase: “I’ve noticed more of my joints hurting since my last visit.”

Tests for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and what they mean

Your test results help you and your doctor make informed treatment decisions together. Here are some tests that can help monitor your RA and show how your treatment is working for you.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

C-reactive protein (CRP)

Complete blood count (CBC)

Advanced Biomarker Tests

X-ray

Ultrasound

MRI    

Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)

Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28)

While labs and tests play an important role in your doctor’s assessment, they only tell part of your story. So, make sure you express how you’re feeling—especially if you’re not experiencing the relief you’re looking for.

Helpful terms to know

Here are some words and phrases you could hear from your doctor that may be important to know going into your appointment.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker

TNF blockers are medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by targeting and blocking a substance called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is a protein in the body that promotes inflammation. By blocking TNF, these medications help reduce inflammation, decrease joint pain and swelling, and prevent further joint damage in people with RA.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor

JAK inhibitors are medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by reducing inflammation. They work by blocking Janus kinases (JAKs), which are enzymes that help send signals inside cells, leading to inflammation. By preventing these signals, JAK inhibitors help decrease joint pain, swelling, and damage associated with RA.

Biosimilars

A biosimilar is a type of biological medicine that is very similar to an already approved brand-name biologic, known as the reference product. Biosimilars are designed to have the same efficacy, safety, and quality as the reference product, but they might have minor differences in clinically inactive components. They are often more cost-effective alternatives to their reference biologics.

Inadequate or partial response

When a medication isn’t fully relieving RA symptoms, often a reason to discuss options to change treatment.

Loss of response

When a treatment that once worked no longer provides symptom relief.

MOA (mechanism of action)

A drug's mechanism of action is how it works in the body. It targets specific molecules, like proteins, and either activates or inhibits them. This interaction leads to changes in cellular functions, which help alleviate symptoms and treat the condition.

Remission

This typically means that the symptoms of the disease are reduced to the point that they are no longer detectable or are at a very low level. The patient may not experience any signs of active disease, reflecting effective disease control. Remission is often a goal in treatment plans.

Low disease activity (LDA)

This indicates that the disease is still present but is being managed to a degree that symptoms are minimal and manageable. LDA is a step between active disease and full remission, where the patient has noticeable but low levels of disease activity.

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