Dr Daniel Lewis, rheumatologist and long-time supporter of Dragon Claw/MyFlareUp, discusses how people living with inflammatory rheumatic conditions can better manage their health when treatment options are limited or when newer biologic medicines are not accessible.
Drawing on decades of experience in rheumatology, Dr Lewis explains how treatment for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis has evolved, while recognising that medication does not always completely control disease activity. He highlights the important role that people can play alongside their medical care by developing practical strategies to support their physical and emotional wellbeing.
The discussion explores managing expectations, reducing stress and negative thinking patterns, and using approaches such as meditation, gentle regular exercise, good sleep, supportive nutrition and talking openly about your condition. Dr Lewis emphasises that while living with ongoing inflammation can be challenging, there are still meaningful steps people can take to support themselves and improve how they manage day-to-day life.
If you’ve ever wanted more clarity in conversations with your care team, or wondered whether medical cannabis has a place in autoimmune treatment – Professor Buchbinder, a Melbourne-based rheumatologist, breaks it down with honesty and ease for us. Professor Rachelle Buchbinder offers a thoughtful look at shared decision-making, and how we can work with our providers to shape our care. She also clears the air on what current evidence really says about medical cannabis for autoimmune conditions.
Prof. Eric Morand, Dean of Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine at Monash University, and Head of Rheumatology at Monash Health, gives a presentation on ‘Specific Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).’ He talks about new research in an article published in Feb24 from Monash, ‘Smith-specific regulatory T-cells that halt the progression of Lupus Nephritis’.
Prof. Morand explains why people with Lupus have their kidneys ‘attacked’, as opposed to people without Lupus.
The real breakthrough, he explains, is recognising that key factor in why healthy people don’t get get their kidneys ‘attacked’, and that is because they have Regulatory T-cells. Essentially, when you have a healthy immune system, your body switches “on” the cells that kill bacteria, and has the ability to then switch them “off” again with a T-Reg cell (a ‘slowing down’ cell).
In people with Lupus, the germ fighting cells do get activated, but have no “off” function, which results in autoimmune disease. This “off” function is what slows down an immune response in your body.
Watch Prof. Morand’s full presentation to learn more of this exciting research.
Dragon Talks session
Rheumatologist Dr Daniel Lewis says that when you finally have an appointment with a medical specialist, preparing for your appointment is necessary. This can involve gathering detailed medical records, documenting specific symptoms, and preparing a list of your medications. Because some conditions, like Rheumatoid Arthritis, is chronic and fluctuating, so providing concrete data can help your specialist make an accurate diagnosis and tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Dragon Claw’s own Dr Charmaine Jones was the driving force behind the need for a tool for people living with autoimmune conditions – a tool to their own symptoms and test results to empower them to be a more active participant in their own treatment plan. Being able to show your medical practitioner a picture over time, to be able to better advocate for themselves. In this episode, rheumatologist Dr Daniel Lewis talks to us about the benefits of using a tool like this to help identify if medication is working for you, or if you need an adjustment.
Estela Mata, from MATA Patient Advocacy & Support, talks about the importance of having a voice and being able to build a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider.
