Thriving with Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases -with Dr. Diana Girnita

Climbing Kilimanjaro with rheumatoid arthritis — off medication. Jon did it. And in this episode, his rheumatologist explains how. Most people hear "rheumatoid arthritis" and brace for a life sentence.  Dr. Diana Girnita, a board-certified rheumatologist, sits down with Jon, a patient she guided from daily pain and methotrexate to drug-free remission — and, a few years later, to the summ...

Most autoimmune diseases hide in plain sight — often dismissed as aging, stress, or minor aches. But what if you could spot the hidden signals before irreversible damage occurs?  Dr. Diana Girnita, a board-certified rheumatologist, reveals five silent yet telling signs your immune system may be quietly attacking your body — in ways most people overlook or misinterpret.  From fatigue that rest can&...

Most autoimmune testing is being used entirely backwards — leading to unnecessary anxiety, misdiagnoses, and wasted treatments. Dr. Diana Girnita exposes the six most overrated tests that do more harm than good when misused and teaches you the crucial questions every patient should ask before testing .Imagine relying on a single lab result to determine your health, only to realize it’s often misun...

Got a positive ANA and no answers? Dr. Diana Girnita, double board-certified rheumatologist, explains exactly what it means, what causes it, and when to act. You just got a positive ANA test result. Your doctor referred you to a specialist. And now you are spiraling — searching online, terrified, completely alone with a number on a piece of paper that nobody properly explained to you. This episode...

If you're a woman over 40 with joint pain, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or an autoimmune diagnosis — this episode connects dots that most doctors never connect. Dr. Diana Girnita, double board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, sits down with Dr. Mirela Titianu, menopause and lifestyle specialist, for a frank conversation about what actually happens to women&a...

What is the power of GLP-1 medications in managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases, without the need for dramatic weight loss?  In this episode, Dr. Diana Girnita, a double board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, explores how microdosing Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound can revolutionize treatment plans for those battling persistent inflammation, pain,...

This episode features a heartfelt discussion with Ms. Dorothy, a patient diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), shedding light on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and importance of awareness for this often misunderstood disease. If you or a loved one experiences sudden muscle pain or stiffness after age 50, this conversation offers vital insights into timely intervention. Key topics: The...

Most people don’t realize that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) isn’t just a bad back — it’s a systemic inflammatory disease that can silently attack multiple areas of your body.  If you or someone you love experiences chronic back stiffness, pain that improves with activity, or nighttime waking, this episode could save you years of struggle. Dr. Vishnuteja Devalla, a leading rheumatologist specializin...

Can you get arthritis in your 20s? The answer is yes — and Ayda's story proves it. In this powerful episode of THRIVING WITH ARTHRITIS, Dr. Diana Girnita sits down with Ayda, who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at age 26 after months of severe joint pain, swollen fingers, and dismissive medical encounters. If you're a young adult experiencing unexplained joint pain, fatigue, or sk...

In this episode, Melissa Schenkman, MPH, MSJ , Founder of YMyHealth ,  and Dr. Diana Girnita  discuss a real-life roadmap for people with chronic illnesses like Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They are also discussing Dr. Girnita's new book “Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis” and the science behind lifestyle medicine: how the gut microbiome communicates with your immune system, why fiber and shor...

What if rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just cause joint pain—but quietly speeds up how fast your entire body ages? In this episode of Thriving with Arthritis , Dr. Diana Girnita sits down with Dr. Neha Bhanusali , from the University of Central Florida, with additional training in lifestyle medicine and culinary medicine, to explore the powerful and often overlooked connection between chronic inflam...

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is the most commonly misdiagnosed form of inflammatory arthritis—and it's costing patients years of their lives. In this episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Girnita and Dr. Vishnuteja Devalla explain why psoriatic arthritis symptoms are often mistaken for fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and other conditions, leading to diagnostic delays. Discover the red flag...

In this episode, Dr. Diana Girnita and Dr. Vishnu Devala explore the complexities of autoimmune diseases, discussing their causes, symptoms, and the latest treatments. They delve into the role of gut health, environmental triggers, and the potential of AI in transforming diagnosis and treatment. The conversation also addresses common myths and misconceptions, offering insights into managing these...

In this inspiring episode of Thriving with Arthritis , Dr. Diana Girnita, board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, is interviewed by Raha Saber—a courageous woman navigating life with Sjogren’s Syndrome. Raha shares her powerful journey through years of misdiagnosis, and how she ultimately found answers, support, and strength. Raha reached out to Dr. Girnita after years...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Thriving With Arthritis , hosted by Dr. Diana Girnita—rheumatologist, immunologist, and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall. In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Girnita is joined by Ms. Sona, a courageous patient who shares her personal journey from pain, frustration, and delayed Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis to healing, hope, and empowerment through a holisti...

In this special episode, Dr. Diana Girnita joined Melissa Schenkman, Founder of YMyHealth Podcast, to discuss Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dr. Girnita shares insights from her new book, Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis , a must-read guide for anyone navigating this complex autoimmune condition. Together, they explore how millennials diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can take control of thei...

In this episode of 'Thriving with Arthritis,' hosted by Dr. Diana Girnita, a rheumatologist, you will learn invaluable strategies for managing rheumatoid arthritis during cold weather.  Dr. Girnita explains how cold weather affects joints and offers practical tips. She also highlights the importance of anti-inflammatory nutrition, regular exercise, even in winter, and mindfulness techniq...

In this episode of "Thriving with Arthritis," host Dr. Diana Girnita welcomes Hannah Pugh, an experienced occupational therapist from Reactiv, to discuss innovative approaches to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other joint conditions. Episode Highlights: 1. Learn five essential hand exercises for arthritis patients, demonstrated step-by-step. 2. Telehealth Revolution: Discover the bene...

In this episode of "Thriving with Arthritis," host Dr. Diana Girnita welcomes Dr. Michaela Mocanu, a board-certified nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist, to explore the intricate connections between obesity, kidney health, and autoimmune diseases. They will also discuss the role of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Episode Highlights: 1. Obesity-Kidney Conn...

In this groundbreaking episode of "Thriving with Arthritis," host Dr. Diana Girnita welcomes renowned gut health expert Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. Together, they explore the fascinating connection between gut health, nutrition, and autoimmune diseases, offering invaluable insights for those managing arthritis and related conditions. Episode Highlights: 1. Gut Microbiome's Role in Autoimmu...

In this episode, Dr. Diana Girnita is joined by a special guest, Ms. Deborah Sawaf, a renowned fashion designer and founder of  'The Power of Words' movement. Key Topics Covered 1. The Psychological Impact of Autoimmune Disease: Explore how autoimmune diseases affect mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. 2. Empowerment Through Fashion: Learn how Deborah Sawaf uses fashi...

Join host Dr. Diana Girnita on Thriving with Arthritis as she welcomes Dr. Becky Kauffman Lynn, a dual-certified OBGYN and obesity medicine specialist renowned for her expertise in sexual health and menopause.  In this episode, they dive into the challenges women with autoimmune diseases face, focusing on how hormonal changes can impact sex life, libido, and overall well-being.  Dr. Lynn shares in...

In this special episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Granita, a seasoned rheumatologist, sits down with Daniel, a 32-year-old man who shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with Morphea, a localized autoimmune disease.  Despite having no prior medical issues, Daniel experiences the challenges of navigating the healthcare system.  From noticing initial symptoms to receiving a diagn...

Welcome to Thriving with Arthritis, the podcast that empowers you to live a better life, despite all the challenges of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Hosted by Dr. Diana Granita, a rheumatologist with over 20 years of experience. Each episode offers valuable information, latest research, and practical lifestyle options to fight arthritis. From expert interviews to patient stories, we cover it...

In today's episode, Dr. Andrea Furlan and Dr. Diana Girnita will answer some of the most common questions about arthritis, including: 1. Is there a cure for arthritis? 2. Have you ever witnessed any remission with your patients? And if so, what would be a way to achieve this? 3. Can autoimmune diseases go into permanent remission? 4. What is the most difficult part about managing rheumatoid a...