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. Beyond Awareness Days

    6D AGO

    Beyond Awareness Days

    Awareness days come and go, but life with inflammatory arthritis shows up every single day, especially when your hospital appointments disappear into the system. In this episode, Debbie and Katy talk candidly about the reality of being “lost in the system”, from missed biologic reviews and last‑minute phone calls to the emotional and practical fallout when admin goes wrong. Alongside the realities of recovering from surgery, grief, family pressures and the mental load of chronic illness.They also explore the many awareness days and weeks in May, from Axial SpA to mental health, fibromyalgia, auto‑inflammatory conditions, and International Nurses Day and why awareness shouldn’t be limited to a calendar date. Life with IA is every day, and so is the need for understanding, compassion, and community.Key Topics The reality of hospital admin and biologic funding renewals Navigating unexpected appointment changes Surgery recovery, anaesthetic effects, and medication timing Grief, family responsibilities, and emotional load Mental health and long‑term conditions The importance of self‑compassion Awareness days in May: what they mean and why they matter Axial SpA, auto‑inflammatory conditions, fibromyalgia, and arthritis awareness The role of nurses and consultants in IA care Misdiagnosis and overlapping symptoms Why awareness should extend beyond awareness days Keywords inflammatory arthritis, IAUK, biologics, rheumatology, Axial SpA, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, auto‑inflammatory disease, mental health, chronic illness, grief and illness, patient experience, arthritis awareness month, nurses day, long‑term conditions, self‑compassion, lived experience, inflammatory podcast Awareness Days & Weeks Mentioned Mental Health Awareness Week Axial Spondyloarthritis Awareness Day — 2 May Fibromyalgia Awareness Day — 12 May International Nurses Day — 12 May Auto‑Inflammatory Awareness Day — 20 May Arthritis Awareness Month (US) Mental health support: If you are struggling or need help with your mental health,below is where you can find support: Suicidal thoughts can be distressing, you can find help here:  ·       Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ 116 123 always open ·       Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/ 0300 102 1234 Open 9am to 6pm weekdays ·       Shout  https://giveusashout.org/  Text Shout to 85258 open 24/7 Episodes referenced: Episode 5 You are not alone : Mental health discussion Interviews with Rachell Smith, Adam Newton, James Hollens and Charlie Robards Episode 56 with Dr Rosemary Hollick Episode 52 with Andy Kelly good practice of mental health services Connect with us: We love hearing from you — your stories, your experiences, your questions.Follow, like, share and comment to help us reach more people living with inflammatory arthritis. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Bluesky Newsletter: sign up at inflammatoryarthritis.org If you'd like to share your lived experience, email us at info@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/

    24 min
  2. Inflammatory Arthritis Insights with Dr Rosemary Hollick

    MAY 7

    Inflammatory Arthritis Insights with Dr Rosemary Hollick

    In this insightful conversation, Debbie and Katy sit down with Dr Rosemary Hollick, a rheumatologist, researcher, and champion of patient‑centred care, to explore the realities of psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and the evolving landscape of treatment. Rosemary explains how symptoms present, why diagnosis can be so challenging (especially for women), and how biologics have transformed outcomes over the past two decades. The episode also dives into Rosemary’s award‑winning work in health services research and the vital role of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). She shares how involving patients from the very beginning of research leads to better questions, better care, and better impact. As she says in the transcript, “Just listen to the patient because the patient will tell you the answer.” This is a warm, honest, and empowering discussion for anyone living with inflammatory arthritis or supporting someone who is. Key words: Psoriatic arthritis, Axial spondyloarthritis, Inflammatory arthritis, Rheumatology, Diagnosis delay, Inflammatory back pain, Biologics, Patient‑centred care, PPIE, Health services research, Vasculitis, Uveitis,Spondyloarthropathies, Shared decision‑making Topics covered: Rosemary’s journey into rheumatology and research What psoriatic arthritis is and how it presents Differences between psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis How axial spondyloarthritis is diagnosed Why women are often missed or misdiagnosed The difference between inflammatory and mechanical back pain How treatment has changed from 2008 to 2026 The shift from inpatient wards to fast‑track outpatient care Early use of biologics and why it matters The challenge of trial‑and‑error treatment Shared decision‑making and tailoring biologics to lifestyle What meaningful PPIE looks like in practice How patient partners shape research questions, analysis, and impact The importance of trust, respect, and long‑term relationships in research The “you said, we did” approach to accountability IAUK resources: IAUK website: inflammatoryarthritis.org IAUK newsletter sign‑up IAUK social channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky This episode was funded by UCB how had no involvement in the development of the content or associated materials. 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 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 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. ·       Formore information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

    26 min
  3. British Society for Rheumatology 2026

    MAY 1

    British Society for Rheumatology 2026

    Debbie and Katy return exhausted but energised after three intense days at the British Society for Rheumatology Conference in Glasgow,marking Inflammatory Arthritis UK’s first-ever national conference appearance.In this episode, they unpack what it meant to show up as a young charity, the powerful conversations they had with clinicians, researchers, and other charities, and the surprising innovations they discovered, from robotic ultrasounds to smarter blood monitoring systems. This is an honest, behind‑the‑scenes look at what happens when lived experience meets the wider rheumatology community and how much appetite there is for patient voice, collaboration, and change. “This gives us insights into what happens outside that clinic door and beyond the self‑management side.” Key Topics Our first national conference as a charityMeeting the wider rheumatology communityWhy clinicians are listening to the podcastThe challenge of medication namesThe transition gap for young people (16–18)Admin frustrations & homecare inequalitiesNew technologies on the horizon Research culture is changingPPIE (Public & Patient Involvement and Engagement)Useful Resources & Links Inflammatory Arthritis UK – sign up for the newsletter: inflammatoryarthritis.orgFollow IAUK on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and BlueSkyPrevious episode on NHS admin challenges (referenced by clinicians at the conference)Upcoming guest: Dr Rosemary Hollick on research, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritisDisclaimer: 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/

    18 min
  4. Getting Lost in NHS admin

    APR 23

    Getting Lost in NHS admin

    In typical Inflammatory! style, Debbie and Katy somehow make even the dullest topic, NHS admin, funny, relatable, and full of those “only happens to us” moments. This episode dives into the hidden admin burden patients face when navigating NHS care - from missing paperwork and broken digital systems to long waits, confusing referrals, and the emotional toll of chasing appointments. They share honest, often hilarious, often frustrating real‑life stories that show how poor admin impacts treatment, family life,mental health, and flare management. They also explore new research from The King’s Fund, Healthwatch England and National Voices, and discuss what needs to change to make care safer, smoother, and more humane… ideally before any of us lose the will to live in another hospital phone queue. Key words: inflammatory arthritis, NHS admin burden,lost in the system, patient experience, rheumatology, long‑term conditions,healthcare communication, NHS digital systems, waiting lists, blood tests,steroid injections, chronic illness advocacy, National Voices, King’s Fund report Key Topics Covered  Admin failures delay careWhy NHS paperwork, referrals and digital systems break down, and how this affects patients with long‑term conditionsThe King’s Fund / Healthwatch England / National Voices report on admin problems and patient safetyBlood test chaos codes that don’t work, missing forms, slow systems, and parking nightmaresThe emotional and physical toll of adminWhy people with multiple conditions are hit hardestHow communication failures ripple out to families, work, and mental healthWhy simple fixes, like calendar integration, would make a huge differenceThe role of charities like IAUKWhat other countries do differently,The importance of continuity of care for chronic conditionsStandout moments: “I’ve been on a waiting list for over four years… and at one point they wouldn’t see me because they didn’t have the right paperwork.” “Forty‑four percent of people with admin issues just give up. And honestly, I get it.” “You shouldn’t have to psych yourself up to make a phone call just to get the care you need.” “What you see is the tip of the iceberg - not everything going on underneath.” Useful resources: Lost in the System: The Need for Better Admin –King’s Fund, Healthwatch England & National Voices report  NHS App – forappointments, NHS number, and test results (when it works!)  IAUK –support, advocacy, and community for people with inflammatory arthritis Stay connected: Have your own admin nightmare story? Want to share how healthcare works in your country? Email info@inflammatoryarthritis.orgor join the conversation on our social channels. 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/

    25 min
  5. How Inflammatory Arthritis Impacts Families

    APR 17

    How Inflammatory Arthritis Impacts Families

    Summary Inflammatory arthritis doesn’t just affect the person living with it, it reshapes the daily lives, emotions, plans, and futures of the people who love them. In this heartfelt episode, Debbie and Katy explore the hidden impact on partners, children, siblings, and wider family members. Drawing on powerful listener submissions, they discuss the emotional load, the financial strain, the invisible nature of the condition, and the resilience that families build together. As Debbie notes, “our life revolves around how she feels that day… everything from plans to simple things like going for a walk dependso n pain levels.” And as one listener shared, “it’s been hard, but it’s also brought us closer together in ways I didn’t anticipate.” This episode is honest, validating, and deeply human, a reminder that chronic illness is always a family story. Keywords inflammatory arthritis, family impact, chronic illness,relationships, partners, care giving, fatigue, invisible illness, financial planning, resilience, emotional wellbeing, IA community, lived experience Key Topics Covered The unseen emotional load on familiesThe invisibility problemDaily life shaped by pain and fatigue.Financial and retirement planning challengesIdentity, independence, and shifting rolesResilience and unexpected closenessCommunication as the anchorLetting loved ones live their lives tooThe need for better support for familiesStand out Insights “Our life revolves around how she feels that day… everything depends on pain levels.” “Sometimes I don’t know whether to encourage her to push through or tell her to rest. I worry about getting it wrong.” “It’s been hard, but it’s also brought us closer together in ways I didn’t anticipate.” Useful Resources Mentioned Citizens Advice — guidance on benefits, employment rights, and financial planningPIP & Universal Credit — support options for people living with long‑term conditionsIAUK Newsletter — updates on research, events, and community storiesIAUK Social Channels — Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, BlueSkyEmail — info@inflammatoryarthritis.orgStay Connected Join the conversation, share your experiences, and help us shine a light on the realities families face. Sign up for updates at inflammatoryarthritis.org and follow us on social media. This episode was funded by UCB, who had no involvement in the development of the content or any associated materials. 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/

    22 min
  6. Andy Kelly: Living with Psoriatic Arthritis

    APR 10

    Andy Kelly: Living with Psoriatic Arthritis

    In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Debbie andKaty sit down with Andy Kelly - physiotherapist, patient advocate, EULAR representative, and trustee of Inflammatory Arthritis UK to explore what it really means to live with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Andy shares his journey from first symptoms at university,through years of misdiagnosis, to navigating the emotional and physical realities of a fluctuating autoimmune disease. He opens up about stigma, parenting with a long‑term condition, the impact of flares, and the transformative role of psychological support after an incident at a local swimming pool left him in a bad place. He also reflects on his work in research, patient advocacy, and the growing movement to involve lived experience in shaping future priorities. This episode is full of honesty, humour, and practical wisdom, from navigating treatment pathways to understanding fatigue, exercise, and self‑compassion. Key Topics Covered Andy’s early symptoms and long road to a psoriasis diagnosisHow psoriatic arthritis developed and why he didn’t recognise the signs The emotional impact of visible skin disease, including a painful experience at a swimming pool The role of dermatology–rheumatology joint clinics How psychological support helped him accept his diagnosis Starting biologics and navigating treatment options Living with flares: unpredictability, pain, fatigue, and the challenge of “looking fine” Parenting with a long‑term condition and supporting children who develop psoriasis Exercise, movement, and the realities of managing energy Andy’s work with BRITPACT, the Psoriasis Association, EULAR, and the James Lind Alliance Why patient involvement in research is changing the landscape The importance and difficulty of self‑compassion Standout moments: “Psychological support was a game changer — accepting what it was, accepting the diagnosis.” “You don’t look ill… but I’m in agony.” “Self‑compassion is the hardest thing. If you don’t slow down, it will make you.” Resources & Links  James Lind Alliance https://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/ Inflammatory Arthritis UK: inflammatoryarthritis.orgFollow us on BlueSky, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Sign up for our newsletter for updates, stories, and community events This episode was funded by UCB, who had no involvement in the development of the content or associated materials. 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/

    28 min
  7. Charlie Robards: Living with Axial SpA

    MAR 27

    Charlie Robards: Living with Axial SpA

    This week, Debbie and Katy sit down with the brilliant and endlessly determined Charlie Robards, who was diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis at just 18 - right as he was chasing his dream of becoming a professional sportsman. Now 50, Charlie reflects on three decades of navigating pain, ambition, parenting, relationships, and the emotional weight of a lifelong condition.What unfolds is an honest, funny, and deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and the surprising places we find strength. Charlie’s story is a reminder that life doesn’t always go to plan, but it can still be full, joyful, and meaningful.“I am who I am, work with what you’ve got rather than fight to be something you’re not.”Key topics: Impact of being diagnosed at 18Sport as a lifelineFlares, pain & the hot/cold debateWeather, mood & mobilityTalking to partners, friends & coachesParenting with AxSpAMental health & suppressed emotionsBiologics & uveitisWriting Hitting AS for SixAdvice to his younger selfKey words: Axial spondyloarthritis, AxSpA, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic pain, sport and disability, cricket, resilience, uveitis, biologics, flare management, men’s mental health, invisible illness, parenting with chronic illness, acceptance, pacing, inflammation, NASS, lived experience.Resources and links: Hitting AS for Six — Charlie’s book supporting NASSNational Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS)Inflammatory Arthritis UK (IAUK) — resources, stories, and supportNewsletter sign-up: inflammatoryarthritis.orgFind us on BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedInThis episode was funded by UCB, who had no involvement in the development of the content or any associated materials. 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/

    24 min
  8. Can children get rheumatic diseases?

    MAR 20

    Can children get rheumatic diseases?

    In this special 50th episode, Debbie and Katy celebrate how far the podcast has come while shining a light on an often‑missed reality: children and young people do live with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases. Recorded on World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day, the episode blends lived experience with practical insight, from delayed diagnoses and complex referral pathways to the hidden admin burden families face when navigating paediatric rheumatology and the wider NHS system. They discuss the impact on siblings, the importance of being heard, and how empowering young people can transform their confidence and their experience of illness. Honest, relatable, and thought‑provoking, this episode is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a whole person and a story worth hearing. Key topics: WORD Day and raising awareness of paediatric rheumatic diseasesMisconceptions around childhood joint pain and “growing pains”Tertiary centre is a highly specialized hospital providing advanced treatments for complex or rare conditions, typically requiring a referral from primary (i.e. GP) or secondary care (i.e. local hospitals)Delayed diagnosis and challenges in paediatric rheumatology pathwaysThe hidden admin burden on patients and parentsImpact on siblings and family lifeParental wellbeing and avoiding burnoutUsing technology and AI to support disease managementEmpowering young people to speak up in healthcare settingsDebbie’s visit to the House of Commons and meeting children with JIAEncouraging movement and sport for MSK and mental healthPreview of next week’s guest, author Charlie RobardsKey words: juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA, WORD Day, paediatric rheumatology, childhood arthritis, young people rheumatic diseases, inflammatory arthritis podcast, NHS admin burden, chronic illness parenting, early diagnosis arthritis, rheumatology awareness, lived experience arthritis, Inflammatory Arthritis UKResources: WORD Day – World Young Rheumatic Diseases DayARMA (Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance) – Movement policy paperNational Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) – Beneficiary of Charlie Robards’ bookPrevious episodes referenced:Episode 11 – Parenting a child with JIAEpisode with 49 with Dr Keith GrimesDisclaimer: 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/

    23 min
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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
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Inflammatory Arthritis UK
  • Show Website
    Inflammatory!

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