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Julie shares her personal story of resilience, struggle and perseverance with Lupus. She has Systemic Lupus, Cutaneous Lupus and CNS Lupus. Julie was one of the first patients in Australia to receive the new Lupus treatment at the time, Anifrolumab. She talks about her journey on the treatment and shares her optimism with the results, and hope for people battling autoimmune conditions.
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More videos in the series
How to improve Sleep
Dr Judith R. Davidson, a Psychologist with clinical work and research focused on sleep disorders, talks to us about sleeping and pain with inflammatory autoimmune conditions. She discusses sleeping in the midst of flare-ups and symptoms that can make it hard to sleep properly, and gives us some tips and resources that can help.
Sleep Testing and Therapy
Dr Helen Driver, a prominent Somnologist, registered Polysomnographic Technologist, and past-President of the Canadian Sleep Society, talks to us about sleep testing and therapy. While busy with her studies many years ago, she shares with us a personal story that compelled her to further her studies on the subject. Dr Driver discusses sleep testing and what happens during a sleep study, and talks to us about sleep aids and the different type of therapies for sleep.
Travelling with Disabilities
Julie Jones, is a disability advocate with a background in the travel industry. When her son was born with Cerebral Palsy, Julie realised the big gap that existed in available information for people with disabilities that wanted to travel. The information when found was either conflicting, or only catered to a specific disability, whereas in reality many disabilities were also invisible - and not all disabilities of the same condition had the same needs.
Lupus Series: Melinda’s Story
Melinda Barrett shares her deeply personal story of living with Lupus. From health challenges that began at a young age to the many connected autoimmune conditions she has been diagnosed with, Melinda speaks with honesty, humour, and wisdom about what it means to live with Lupus.
Musculoskeletal conditions and Getting Your Life Back
A significant number of our fellow Australians in the Getting you Life Back video may continue to accept their symptoms as unavoidable ‘aches and pains’ of life, which can lead to needless suffering and physical impairment – unaware that some ailments are indeed treatable...
Autoimmune Conditions: Flares & Epigenetics Pt1
Autoimmune flares don’t happen 'out of the blue', even when it feels like it. Epigenetics can help explain why. Think of it as the way your environment and experiences like stress, infections, sleep, hormones, diet, even medications can switch certain immune genes on or off, without changing your DNA itself. In RA, these switches can turn up inflammation, making joints suddenly hurt, swell, or stiffen.
Nutrition Series Part 5 Toxins in our Environment
This is a recording of one of our Australian Dragon Talks sessions.
Nutrition Series Part 4 Leaky Gut and Microbiome
This is a recording of one of our Australian Dragon Talks sessions.
Nutrition Series Part 3 Eating Healthy as a Lifestyle Choice
This is a recording of one of our Australian Dragon Talks sessions.
Nutrition Series Part 2 Reducing Inflammation
This is a recording of one of our Australian's Dragon Talks sessions.
Nutrition Series Part 1 Importance of Nutrition and Gut Health
This is a recording of one of our Australian's Dragon Talks sessions.
Let’s Talk About Sugar
In this session we listen to Charlotte Hill, a Functional Nutritionist with lived-experience of chronic pain with Ankylosing Spondylitis. She explains how she turned her life around through nutrition and working on the root cause.
Resistance Training for Autoimmune Conditions
Exercise Physiologist, Sarah Comensoli, talks about the benefits of resistance training for rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. Tailored programs are important for people with autoimmune conditions, and should take any conditions you have into account, as it can make a difference on whether you continue with your goals, or give up too soon.
Mindful Movement – Part 5 – Putting It All Together
In the last class of her Mindfulness in Movement series, Jill Dunkley, a Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor, puts everything that we've learnt in the last four weeks together.
Mindful Movement – Part 4 – Light Resistance Training
In this class in her Mindfulness in Movement series, Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor, Jill Dunkley, explains how to use light weights to help your muscles become stronger, to be able to put more load on your bones in a way that also promotes bone health. She talks about light resistance training for upper and lower body.
Mindful Movement – Part 3 – Strengthening the Core
Jill Dunkley, a Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor who focuses on trauma-centred mindfulness, talks to us in the third class of her Mindfulness in Movement series, about strengthening the core muscles, after looking at posture and the abdominal brace in the previous class.
Mindful Movement – Part 2 – Balance and Fall Prevention
In this second class in her Mindfulness in Movement series, Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor, Jill Dunkley, talks to us about balance and fall prevention.
Mindful Movement – Part 1 – The Basics
Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor, Jill Dunkley, starts a series of talks about mindful movement for autoimmune conditions. Part 1 kicks off with the basics for the days when you're in a flare or have limited energy.
Tai Chi for Health
Tai Chi is a practice that can meet you exactly where you are with your autoimmune condition. It’s low-impact and slow, so won't push your body into a flare, and can help with stiffness, balance, and gentle strength. The calm, flowing movements and steady breathing can help settle your nervous system, which may ease pain and fatigue over time.
Depression in Autoimmune Conditions
Depression is common in autoimmune conditions, and it’s not a personal failing or 'just feeling low' says Dr Robin Murray, a neuropsychologist. Chronic inflammation, pain, fatigue, and the unpredictability of symptoms all place real strain on both your body and your mind. Inflammation itself can affect your brain chemistry, which means depression can be part of the condition - not just a reaction to it.
Intro to Chinese Medicine P 1
In this conversation, Dr Joan Campbell explores the differences between Eastern (Chinese) medicine and Western medicine: how each understand the body, health, and healing, and what those different lenses can offer. It’s not about choosing one over the other, rather than understanding the strengths and limitations of both.
Stress and Autoimmunity
This talk by Dr Robin Murray, a neuropsychologist, talks about how stress not causing autoimmune conditions, but how it can influence how your immune system behaves. When stress is ongoing, your body stays in a heightened state of 'alert', releasing hormones that can disrupt immune balance and increase inflammation. For people living with an autoimmune condition, this can mean more frequent or more intense flares.
The Problem of Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain affects more than your body, but can shape how you think, feel, and move through the world. This conversation with Dr Robin Murray is about understanding - not blaming - and knowing that even small supports can make a meaningful difference.
The Science and Magic of Forest Therapy
You may have heard the term forest bathing - but do you know what it means and why it matters to those of us living with autoimmunity? John Anderson, Forest Therapy Guide at Global Institute of Forest Therapy explains the science and magic of forest therapy and its benefits.
Trauma and Autoimmune Conditions Part 2
In Part 2 of Dr Véronique Mead's talk, a medical doctor and a trauma therapist, she talks about the clues offered when you go into a flare, and understanding the triggers - both can be a useful tool when managing an autoimmune conditions.
Trauma and Autoimmune Conditions P1
Dr Véronique Mead, a medical doctor and a trauma therapist, introduces us to hidden risk factors in Autoimmune Conditions, while sharing her own story. In this first conversation, she gently explores the connection between trauma and autoimmune conditions, weaving together lived experience, science, and deep compassion.
Ever wondered about Service Dogs?
Ever wondered what goes into training and choosing a service dog? Erin's story and Lexi's charm bring it to life in a few minutes. Erin, living with Multiple Sclerosis, shares why she chose a service dog and introduces us to Lexi, the four-legged partner who’s changed her everyday life.
How do new meds become available to the Community?
From pre-clinical research to a new medication being listed on the PBS, patient advocate Cathy Sertori talks about the steps involved to get the medicine to the community.
Medical Cannabis and shared decision making
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.
The Mystery of Long Covid
Have you ever wondered why chronic fatigue and long-COVID can feel so overwhelming? Listen as Dr Tervaert breaks it down with compassion and clarity - plus some surprising insights on the important role of Vitamin D to our wellbeing.
What is Scleroderma?
Join Amanda Lawrie-Jones as she shares what it’s really like to live with scleroderma in all its forms. Her warmth and clarity make this a video you won’t want to miss.
Lupus Series: The Power of Exercise
Will Gregory, a consultant physiotherapist and vice-president of British Rheumatology Society, is an expert clinician in the world of rheumatology. He talks about the importance of keeping physically active when you have an inflammatory condition.
Lupus Series: Amanda’s Story and Kidney Health
We talk about kidney health and the impact on Lupus. Amanda shares her personal Lupus story and then we hear from Stephen Cornish from Lupus Health Australia, who talks about the importance of support on your journey.
Lupus Series: Zali’s Story frankly speaking, life with Lupus
Zali McPherson is in her early twenties, and shares her story with Lupus. Looking back, Zali realised her symptoms actually started as young as 8-years old, but growing up in four different countries at the time didn't make it easy for her to develop a relationship with a fixed primary healthcare provider. Finally at 17-years old and back in Australia, she pushed to find out the cause of her ongoing fatigue and recent back pain. It was no easy feat finding a GP to take her seriously - most dismissed her, she was a teenager after all.
Lupus Series: Rosemary’s Story comparing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
Do you know the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus? Rosemary Ainley, Advocacy Manager and Senior Editor of Creakyjoints Australia and Naomi Creek, National Coordinator of Global Healthy Living Foundation from their experience discuss the differences in Lupus and RA symptoms and diagnosis.
Lupus Series: Prudencia’s Story
Pru reminisces on the ups and downs of her Lupus journey - and her story truly is a riveting one. Talk about resilience! Today Pru advocates for education of better understanding of autoimmune conditions and communication between patient and specialist. She volunteers to participate for Australian Lupus Registry (ALRB) and Biobank for SLE patients.
Lupus Series: Prof. Eric Morand talks about specific therapy for SLE
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'.
Lupus Series: Andrew’s Story
This is Andrew's Lupus story. He talks about his symptoms and the emotional journey he's taken, and where he is today.
Rheumatologist: Dr Daniel Lewis on Autoimmune Conditions
Experienced rheumatologist Dr Daniel Lewis, talks about the integration of lifestyle practices into the management of autoimmune conditions.
Autoimmune Conditions – Medication and the Immune System
Medications can interact with the immune system either by intentionally suppressing it, or unintentionally affecting it, leading to all kinds of side effects.
MyFlareUp ‘Pillars of Self-Care’ overview and Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is key when managing the physical and emotional challenges of having an autoimmune condition. Here's how lifestyle factors can play a role.
Risks and Benefits of Treat-to-Target with Cortisteroids
If you’ve ever wondered about the philosophy of treat-to-target in medicine, or if you're unsure about corticosteroids - this thoughtful and honest conversation between Dr Charmaine Jones and Dr Daniel Lewis will bring you clarity, without overwhelm. Learn how to navigate the benefits and concerns around cortisteroids with confidence.
What is Still’s Disease
Daileen Cortex Caudillo opens her story with courage and heart, helping us understand what living with Still’s Disease really looks like, beyond the medical words.
Let’s talk about POTS
Meet Rachel Lea as she gently unpacks what POTS is, and shares how it shows up in her own life. Her honesty and clarity make this a grounding, comforting listen.
Autoimmune Conditions: How to get a timely specialist appointment
Securing a timely appointment with a rheumatologist for suspected or confirmed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires a proactive, strategic approach due to high demand for these specialists. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing long-term joint damage, so acting quickly is essential.
Autoimmune Conditions – Importance of the Mind-Body Connection
In this Intro session, we delve into the connection between mind and body, and how it can impact your symptoms if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Autoimmune Conditions – Importance of Education and Preparing for your Consultation
When you finally have an appointment with a medical specialist for your Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), preparing for your appointment is necessary. This involves gathering detailed medical records, documenting specific symptoms, and preparing a list of your medications. Because RA is a chronic, fluctuating condition, providing concrete data can help your specialist make an accurate diagnosis and tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Autoimmune Conditions and the importance to Know Your Numbers
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 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.
Autoimmune Conditions – Importance of Exercise & Movement
The importance of movement on your body cannot be overstated - especially if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It can reduce pain and stiffness, improve your mood, strengthen your muscles for better joint support, help maintain your bone density, and also help lower cardiovascular risks - all of which make daily activities easier, improving the overall quality of your life.
Autoimmune Conditions – Importance of Sleep
Poor sleep can worsen pain, inflammation, fatigue, and depression. For people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), sleep is crucial. The problem is that RA pain and stiffness can disrupt sleep, creating a vicious cycle. In this session we talk about the effects of sleep deficiency on the body and it impacts your health.
Keeping Healthy The Good Way, Borroloola
This video is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Indigenous Australians Health Program’ (IAHP) which aim is to contribute to closing the health and life expectancy gap. It was created with the support of the Borroloola Communities and the Borroloola Community Health Centre.
Look After Yourself and One Another in Tiwi Islands
This video is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Indigenous Australians Health Program’ (IAHP) which aims to close the health and life expectancy gap. The video was created with the support of the Communities of the Tiwi Islands and the Tiwi Islands Health Clinics Julanimawu clinic at Wurrumiyanga, Jipuwampilala clinic at Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi Clinic.
Talkin’ Straight, Alice Springs
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Lupus are really big diseases that can affect any part of the body. Eating vegetables and fruit help your body with nutrition, and gentle stretching and walking everyday is really important. Most importantly take your medication every single day, even if you feel better. It's important to continue taking them as your doctor said, without any breaks or stopping entirely. Lupus Series: Why is Collective Advocacy so important?
Ann Single (CEO, Patient Voice Initiative) talks to us about the importance of Collective Advocacy at what it means for people with Lupus.
Lupus Series: Build a Trusting Relationship with Your Physician
Estala 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.
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