Inflammatory!

Inflammatory Arthritis UK

Inflammatory! We want everyone to understand what life is like living with a chronic fluctuating disease. The founders of Inflammatory Arthritis UK, Debbie and Katy, give a unique insight into their lives covering the realities of living with inflammatory arthritis (IA) in a positive and friendly way. They will discuss popular topics and answer questions with honesty based on their experiences navigating life with IA.  Whether you’re personally affected, supporting a friend or family member, or simply seeking understanding, Inflammatory! is for you.

  1. 1 day ago

    Surviving Summer with Inflammatory Arthritis

    We are back and catch up after a long summer break, coveringflare‑ups, heatwaves, medication changes, travel worries, and the realities of navigating adult rheumatology care. We share our personal stories about symptom management, the chaos of hot weather, tube journeys, nutrition experiments, andthe challenges of everyday tasks when joints misbehave. We also tease upcoming episodes featuring Dr Raj (Axial SpA), English Channel swimmer Luke Belfield, and experts on Raynaud’s, hypermobility, PMRGCA, GCA, nutrition, and more.Plus, news on new peer‑support groups, online events, and the upcoming listener survey. Key topics Summer health challenges, flares, heat sensitivity and symptom changesMedication routines, dose changes, delays in care, and navigating NHS systemsTransitioning from paediatric to adult rheumatology careTravel planning with IA and medication limitationsStories from the community, including people coming off medication and flaringHeatwaves, humidity, and the joy (or horror) of public transportUpcoming guest episodes: Axial SpA, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, endurance swimmingRaynaud’s, hypermobility, PMRGCA, GCA why they matter and what’s comingNutrition, food diaries, portion control, and realistic lifestyle tweaksEveryday challenges: brushing teeth, gripping tools, managing fatigueIAUK updates: peer support groups, newsletter, social media, YouTube episodes, upcoming survey Key wordsinflammatory arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, medication flare, summer heat symptoms, NHS, care transition, adult clinic, travel health,Raynaud’s, hypermobility, PMRGCA giant cell arteritis, nutrition, portion control, lifestyle management, chronic illness, community support, IAUK Resources Mentioned Peer Support Group (Birmingham & Dudley) – see inflammatoryarthritis.org  IAUK Newsletter – sign up at inflammatoryarthritis.orgIAUK Social Media – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTubeUpcoming Episodes – Dr Raj (Axial SpA), Luke Belfield (English Channel swim), Raynaud’s specialist, Fibromyalgia UK, Hypermobility experts, PMRGCA/GCA discussions, nutrition specialistConnect with us Stay part of the IAUK community, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sign up for the newsletter for event updates, new resources, and the upcoming listener survey. 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/

    Surviving Summer with Inflammatory Arthritis

  2. 17 Jul

    What Impacts Inflammatory Arthritis?

    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 Managing heat, humidity, fatigue, and flare‑upsTeenagers, joint injections, and hospital chaosReflections on Jamie’s and Mel’s episodes: diet, gut health, microbiome, vegan resetsFood diaries, dietitian consultations, and personalised nutritionBalancing convenience eating, cost of takeaways, and planning mealsNHS walking rewards scheme: accessibility, chronic illness considerations, tracking issuesMovement beyond walking: cycling, swimming, spinning, baseline activityPE in schools, access to sports, private vs state school facilitiesFibromyalgia vs inflammatory arthritis symptomsSummer holidays, travel plans, Wimbledon wand anticsCharity updates, upcoming projects, and Debbie’s O2 climb fundraiserKey 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 Inflammatory! One percent episodeInflammatory Arthritis UK (IAUK) – website, blogs, social channelsNHS Walking Rewards Scheme – upcoming initiativeIAUK contact – info@inflammatoryarthritis.orgIAUK socials – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSkyYouTube – watch full podcast episodesKey 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/

    What Impacts Inflammatory Arthritis?

  3. 10 Jul

    Mel Brooke: Psoriatic Arthritis & PRP-NeTT

    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: The impact of poor sleep and the different “types” of fatigueEarly psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis diagnosis, and navigating denialLifestyle interventions: Mediterranean diet, vegan reset, symptom diaries, trigger mappingFibromyalgia as a comorbidity and the difficulty of distinguishing symptomsShared decision‑making and safe experimentation (e.g., turmeric and blood‑thinning interactions)Mel’s transition from clinical research professional to patient research partnerGRAPPA’s work on patient‑reported outcomes and recognising fatigue as a major burdenThe creation of PRP-Nett: survey findings, think‑tank model, mentoring, and improving patient involvementThe importance of disseminating research results back to patientsHow people can get involved in research beyond clinical trialsKey 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: PRP-neTT (UK Rheumatology Patient Research Partner Network) Think tank, mentoring, and reflections on patient involvement https://prpnettt.substack.com/PsA HQ website 'Guide to becoming a PRP'   and ''Onboarding PRPs: A Simplified Guide for Research Teams” https://psazzgroup.wixsite.com/psa-hqGRAPPA: Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis International research body working on patient‑reported outcomes https://www.grappanetwork.org/GRAPPA research project Patient outcome measures  NIHR:UK standards for patient involvement in research https://www.nihr.ac.uk/Inflammatory Arthritis UK: Research page for involvement opportunities https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/research/Connect with Mel: Instagram: @PSA_HQ Connect with IAUK Website: inflammatoryarthritis.orgNewsletter: Sign up for updates and new episodesSocial: Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, LinkedInYouTube: Watch full episodes, subscribe, and shareDisclaimer: 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: Psoriatic Arthritis & PRP-NeTT

  4. 3 Jul

    Jamie Boder: Yoga For AS

    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: Early autoimmune symptoms and delayed diagnosisEmotional impact of AxSpA at 18Losing identity and social connection through reduced mobilityDual diagnosis: AxSpA + Crohn’s diseaseTreatment limitations (NSAIDs, biologics, care coordination)Microbiome testing and the risks of extreme dietary controlYoga, somatic practices, interoception, and fatigue managementVagus nerve research and nervous system regulationSustainable lifestyle changes vs. “cure culture”Jamie’s recent flare and reassessing medicationBuilding Yoga for AS and supporting the communityKey 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: The Great Nerve, book exploring vagus nerve and inflammationYoga Nidra (guided deep relaxation for fatigue)Yoga for Arthritis (training organisation)Yoga for AS, Jamie’s organisation supporting AxSpA-friendly movementConnect with Jamie: Instagram: @JamieBoderInstagram: @YogaForAS Connect with IAUK Website: inflammatoryarthritis.orgNewsletter: Sign up for updates and new episodes Social: Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, LinkedIn YouTube: Watch full episodes, subscribe, and share 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: Yoga For AS

  5. 26 Jun

    Why is Inflammatory Arthritis so Misunderstood?

    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: Parenting while managing IA; the guilt, the logistics, the emotional loadCOVID memories, shielding, and how our instincts changedDebbie’s daughter’s JIA flare and the heartbreak of stepping back as a parentMedication hangovers: how we handled them then vs nowTips for remembering injections (and why snoozing reminders is dangerous)Weird symptoms no one warned us aboutFatigue, pacing, and the myth of the “realistic day” with IAHow to avoid falling through NHS cracksHonest conversations with family and why we often don’t have them“The world would be better if…”The dangers of misinformation and preachy “cure” culture onlineCharlie Robards’ Hitting AS for Six and why it’s worth readingKey messages IA affects everyone differently, comparison helps no oneFatigue is under‑discussed and overwhelmingOrganisation helps, but the system is still complexKindness, respect, and active listening make the world betterKey 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/

    Why is Inflammatory Arthritis so Misunderstood?

  6. 19 Jun

    Is it Brain Fog?

    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: Travel chaos & chronic illnessBrain fog; what is it really?Fibromyalgia vs inflammatory arthritisWeather & pain; new researchWhat do we do with this information?NEIAA audit & the importance of languageClinical vs medicated remissionArt therapy & creative escapesInclusive social activitiesCommunity, local charities & supportResources and mentions: NEIAA – National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit (Discussion on terminology and patient engagement)Weather–pain research using smartphone tracking (13,000 participants)Fibromyalgia charities – upcoming guest plannedLocal community charities offering art therapy and support servicesInflammatory Arthritis UK – newsletter & social channelsConnect with usStay up to date with new episodes, resources, and community updates: Website & Newsletter: inflammatoryarthritis.orgSocial: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSkyYouTube: Watch full episodesTikTok: Coming soon!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/

    Is it Brain Fog?

  7. 12 Jun

    EULAR 2026 Insights

    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: Life in a heatwave: coping strategies, sunburn mishaps, heat exhaustion, and how weather impacts joints.Personal updates: family events, grief, operations, and the emotional load of busy weeks.EULAR Congress 2026:The scale of the event and navigating the Excel Centre“United in Motion” theme and reflections on movementFishbowl discussions on youth involvement in researchConversations about sex, relationships, and medication impactsGlobal perspectives on trust, culture, and communicationThe power of patient stories alongside clinical informationThe role of social media in connecting patients, researchers, and clinicians.Charity collaboration: reflections from the PARE roundtable on diagnosis delays, impact, and the realities of limited time and resources.The NEIAA audit: why young people must be included and how missing data limits change.Pacing, burnout, and boundaries when you’re a volunteer or self‑employed.Growing global recognition of the podcast and IAUK’s work.Upcoming guests and the road to episode 60Resources and mentions: EULAR – European Alliance of Associations for RheumatologyPARE – People with Arthritis and Rheumatism in EuropeNEIAA – National Early Inflammatory Arthritis AuditNASS – National Axial Spondyloarthritis SocietyJIA Champions ProgrammePodultery Podcast (episode featuring Debbie & Katy now live)Stay connected: Website: inflammatoryarthritis.orgInstagram & LinkedIn: @inflammatoryarthritisukPodcast: Inflammatory! on all major platformsDisclaimer: 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/

    EULAR 2026 Insights

  8. 22 May

    What's the Human Side of Inflammatory Arthritis?

    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: First live podcast experience and audience reactions“Pod‑adultery” — appearing on Mel Brooks’ PSA HQ podcastCommon themes: shame, disclosure, grief after diagnosisEveryday challenges: hair care, cycling, makeup, pain managementNHS App + NHS Online Trust concerns and digital‑only healthcareStress, pacing, grief, and taking time offWeather changes, flares, sun safety on biologicsIAUK updates: live Q&A plans, Volunteers Week, newsletter and socialsKey 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: PSA HQ Podcast with Mel Brooks — episode coming JuneIAUK Newsletter & Website: inflammatoryarthritis.orgIAUK Socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSkyYouTube Channel: Watch full podcast episodesNational Voices — discussion on NHS Online Trust plansVolunteers Week (June) — opportunities to support IAUKDisclaimer: 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/

    What's the Human Side of Inflammatory Arthritis?
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About

Inflammatory! We want everyone to understand what life is like living with a chronic fluctuating disease. The founders of Inflammatory Arthritis UK, Debbie and Katy, give a unique insight into their lives covering the realities of living with inflammatory arthritis (IA) in a positive and friendly way. They will discuss popular topics and answer questions with honesty based on their experiences navigating life with IA.  Whether you’re personally affected, supporting a friend or family member, or simply seeking understanding, Inflammatory! is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Inflammatory Arthritis UK
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Inflammatory Arthritis UK
  • Show Website
    Inflammatory!

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