Inflammatory!

Inflammatory Arthritis UK
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  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    Living with or Manage Inflammatory Arthritis Life?

    This week’s episode is packed. Debbie and Katy kick off with huge news - Inflammatory! has officially won Best Patient‑Led Health Podcast of 2026, and the community has grown to over 1,000 Instagram followers. From there, the conversation moves through pets, fatigue, school‑term chaos, NHS frustrations, medical procedures, and the emotional load of living with inflammatory arthritis. They also dive deep into language: why the word “manage” feels clinical, restrictive, and disempowering, and why “living”, “adapting”, and “being flexible” might serve the community better. Key Topics Celebrating the podcast’s award win and growing communityKaty’s new hamster, Winter, and the joy of small petsSeptember fatigue and the “back‑to‑everything” overwhelmDebbie’s eye appointment, dry eyes, and the confusion of NHS systemsReceiving difficult results via the NHS app at the worst possible timeHow non‑IA medical procedures can unexpectedly trigger inflammationImmunosuppression, recovery time, and navigating painThe emotional impact of stress on long‑term conditionsWhy Debbie dislikes the word “manage” and what alternatives might empower people moreReflections on recent guests Luke and Raj: movement, nutrition, resilience, and lived experienceSchool experiences, bullying, and the importance of awareness for young people with IAUpcoming guests: Raynaud’s, vasculitis, CPPD, and more stories that need to be heardTakeaway You don’t have to “manage” your condition, you get to live your life with it, adapt, and grow. And you’re part of a community that learns together. Key words inflammatory arthritis, chronic illness, JIA, Axial SpA, scleritis, dry eyes, immunosuppressants, arthritis flare, NHS app, patient advocacy, lived experience, autoimmune disease, arthritis awareness, chronic pain, fatigue, gut health, nutrition, Raynaud’s, vasculitis, CPPD arthritis, rheumatology, podcast award, health podcast, IAUK, community supportLinks & Resources Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSky & YouTubeSign up for our newsletter: inflammatoryarthritis.orgNew IA Stories blog: Julie Timms on CPPD arthritisPrevious episodes with Luke and Raj 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/

    Living with or Manage Inflammatory Arthritis Life?

  2. Sep 25

    Luke Belfield: His JIA Story

    In this inspiring episode, Debbie and Katy speak with Luke Belfield, the first known person with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) to swim the English Channel. Diagnosed at 13 after years of pain and uncertainty, Luke shares how sport, resilience, and remission shaped his journey from struggling to walk to completing marathons, Ironmans, and a 36.66‑mile Channel swim. He opens up about stigma, bullying, mental health, and the power of finding community and offers hope to young people and families navigating JIA today. Key Topics Luke’s diagnosis journey: swelling, misdiagnosis, steroids, and finally JIALosing football, losing confidence and rebuilding identity through movementWhy swimming became his mission to inspire children with arthritisTraining for the Channel: tides, cold water, jellyfish, and a surprise sharkPain, resilience, remission, and learning to listen to his bodySport as medicine: movement, stretching, and building tolerance to inflammationMental health tools: chess, juggling, meditation, inspiration from othersNutrition and lifestyle: Luke’s “non‑negotiable” anti‑inflammatory breakfastThe importance of role models and community for young people with JIAWhat he’d tell his 13‑year‑old selfWhat might be next: ultra‑distance triathlons and giving back to the communityKey Words: JIA, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, childhood arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, chronic illness, remission, arthritis stigma, invisible illness, English Channel swim, endurance sport, open‑water swimming, arthritis and sport, physio, stretching, strength training, arthritis flare, arthritis nutrition, stress, sleep, mental health, JIA awareness, arthritis advocacy. Quotes “My mission is to inspire and share my story to spread hope.” “Sometimes it’s not the power of the curse, it’s the power you give the curse.” “If gym is for the body, meditation is for the mind.” “Find a role model with JIA. Message them. Chances are they want to help.”Connections: Luke Belfield on Instagram: @arthritiswimmerLuke Belfield on YouTube: @arthritiswimmerFor more stories, support, and community: Inflammatory Arthritis UK, visit inflammatoryarthritis.org podcasts, resources, and lived‑experience advocacy. Follow us on social media search for Inflammatory Arthritis UK on Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, LinkedIn and YouTube. 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/

    Luke Belfield: His JIA Story

  3. Sep 18

    Dr Raj Amarnani

    Dr Raj Amarnani joins Debbie and Katy to share his unique perspective as someone who not only lives with Axial SpA but also treats Axial SpA patients in his clinical practice. He reflects on developing symptoms at age 11 “lower back pain, alternating buttock pain, out of the blue” and navigating a six‑year diagnostic delay that reshaped his teenage life, forcing him to stop sport and unexpectedly leading him to new passions, including magic. Raj discusses the relief and validation of finally receiving a diagnosis, how those formative experiences shaped his communication style as a clinician, and why empathy, language, and continuity of care matter so deeply. The conversation then explores physical activity, fear, fatigue, pacing, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, and the complexity of pain, alongside practical advice for getting the most out of short clinical appointments. Raj also shares insights into personalised medicine, future developments in rheumatology, and how he supports patients who prefer non‑pharmacological approaches, offering a thoughtful blend of lived experience and professional expertise. Key Topics Childhood onset AxSpA and its impactNavigating school and teenage life with painLosing sport and discovering new interests (“I joined the Magic Circle…”)Relief and validation after diagnosisHow lived experience influences clinical practiceEvidence for physical activity in inflammatory arthritisFear, fatigue, pacing and barriers to movementHow patients can prepare for short clinical appointmentsHydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and adapting exercisePain complexity and differentiating types of painNutrition and emerging researchPersonalised medicine and future developmentsPatient preferences around medicationTreating people as individuals, not just conditionsKey quotes “I’m a firm believer that when one door closes, other doors open.”“I used to be a very sporty kid… and essentially overnight all of that stopped.”“There’s that validation,  gosh, I’m not making this up.”“Fatigue is one of the hardest barriers… even EULAR hasn’t fully cracked it.”“Pain is such a complex area — so multifactorial.”“Treating the actual person, not just the condition, matters so much.”Key words: Axial SpA, AxSpA, AS, juvenile onset, diagnosis delay, fatigue, pain, pacing, physical activity, exercise prescription, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, personalised medicine, rheumatology, nutrition, patient communication, chronic illness, MSK medicine. Contact Us Follow Inflammatory Arthritis UK on Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, LinkedIn and YouTube Sign up for our newsletter: inflammatoryarthritis.org 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/

    Dr Raj Amarnani

  4. Sep 11

    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

  5. Jul 17

    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?

  6. Jul 10

    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

  7. Jul 3

    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

  8. Jun 26

    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?
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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
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Inflammatory Arthritis UK
  • Show Website
    Inflammatory!

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