Rheumatologist Dr. Irene Blanco is the Director of Lupus Clinical Services at Northwestern in Chicago, Illinois. At Northwestern Medicine, her research interests focus on health outcomes, health disparities, and adverse social determinants of health in rheumatology, particularly in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Join Dr. Blanco as she sheds light on how for a long time there were different definitions of what lupus looks like, and how it is now more defined. Listen as she talks about how lupus can manifest differently in each patient, the key lab numbers patients should be aware of, and the importance of working together with your doctor to reach remission.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:33: Dr. Irene Blanco shares her personal and professional journey in focusing on lupus, influenced by her aunt's experience and her exposure to lupus in medical school

04:25: Dr. Blanco discusses the lack of awareness and understanding of lupus among patients and communities

06:34: Dr. Blanco explains the concept of remission and low disease activity in lupus, shedding a light on the importance of setting clear standards and targets for lupus treatment

09:55: Dr. Blanco outlines specific measures used to assess remission in lupus patients, including the SLEDAI score and stable immunosuppression

12:16: Dr. Blanco advises patients to become familiar with their lab numbers and to communicate changes in their health to their doctors

14:46: Dr. Blanco shares findings from her research on health disparities affecting lupus patients, particularly those from minority and low-income backgrounds

17:45: Dr. Blanco discusses the need to train health care providers to address the psychosocial issues faced by lupus patients

19:20: Dr. Blanco explains how she and her team proactively address patients' social determinants of health and coordinate multidisciplinary care

22:06: Dr. Blanco emphasizes the importance of not giving up and seeking support

Contact Our Host

Adam Kegley, Associate Director, Global Partnerships at GHLF: akegley@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to podcasts@ghlf.org

Remission Possible is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation and its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints. This episode was made possible with support from AstraZeneca.

Learn more at ghlf.org/remission-possible/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After qualifying for the Olympic trials twice, Racquel’s diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in 2004 presented challenges that got in the way of her athletic lifestyle. Wanting no one else to feel alone in their journey, Racquel founded Lupus in Color, an advocacy group dedicated to supporting people living with lupus.

Join Racquel as she describes recognizing symptoms, feeling lost and scared at diagnosis, working with her doctor to care for her lupus, and becoming an advocate for herself and others living with lupus.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:18: Racquel Dozier shares her initial diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis in 2002 and her subsequent diagnosis with lupus in 2004

03:21: Racquel details her severe symptoms and the proactive approach of her doctor in diagnosing lupus

04:44: Racquel explains how her feelings of isolation and lack of support led her to create Lupus in Color, an online and local support group that has grown into an international organization

07:25: Racquel discusses the importance of self-advocacy and building a strong relationship with her doctor

09:30: Racquel and Adam Kegley, Associate Director of Global Partnerships at GHLF, discuss the importance of trust, honesty, and collaboration in the doctor-patient relationship

12:11: Racquel describes her approach to managing lupus, focusing on the concept of "silencing" lupus and shares about the importance of understanding personal triggers and maintaining a balanced lifestyle is emphasized

14:30: Racquel offers practical advice for coping with lupus on a day-to-day basis, including keeping a journal and making incremental changes to diet, exercise, and mental health practices

16:42: Racquel discusses the need for patience and the evolving nature of lupus and its treatments

Contact Our Host

Adam Kegley, Associate Director, Global Partnerships at GHLF: akegley@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to podcasts@ghlf.org

Remission Possible is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation and its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints. This episode was made possible with support from AstraZeneca.

Learn more at ghlf.org/remission-possible/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our third episode, Dr. Mease defines remission/inactive disease and low disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating personal goals and experiences into the treatment plan, as well as the role of education and shared discussion between the patient and physician.

Remission Possible is a new podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and made possible with support from AbbVie.

Learn more at ghlf.org/remission-possible/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.