Patient Education Videos

Explore our library of videos about the impact of rheumatic disease, what to do when diagnosed with rheumatic disease, when to see a rheumatologist, and what patients have to say about their experience living with a rheumatic disease.

What You Should Know about Rheumatic Disease

Patient Education Spotlight: Cannabis Use for Pain Management in Patients with Rheumatic Disease

In this patient education spotlight, Mary-Ann Fitzcharles, MB, ChB, discusses the use of cannabis as a treatment option for patients living with a rheumatic condition.

Patient Advocacy - You Can Take Action

Millions of Americans live with rheumatic disease. Patient advocacy can make a difference - let your Representative know your opinions about healthcare. Watch this video to learn how you can take action.

Specialty Tiers - What Do You Need to Know?

Many patients with rheumatic disease take a type of "specialty tier" medication called biologics. Watch this video to learn how the issue of specialty tiers relates to patient access to these groundbreaking medications, and what you can do about it.

Just Diagnosed with Rheumatic Disease

If you, or someone you know or care for, has been diagnosed with rheumatic disease you may have questions about what this means in terms of treatment options and quality of life. Learn what to do if you’ve just been diagnosed by watching this video.

When Should I See a Rheumatologist?

If you think you have rheumatic disease, ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a rheumatologist. Don’t wait. The sooner you get diagnosed and begin treatment, the sooner you will begin to feel better.

Five Myths about Rheumatic Disease

Patient advocate Christine Schwab joins a rheumatologist to debunk five common myths about rheumatic disease. Spoiler alert: young people can have arthritis too. Watch to learn more.

Rheumatic Diseases and Rheumatologists: The Importance of Early and Appropriate Care

Rheumatic diseases can be complex and hard to diagnose. Rheumatologists are the experts at putting together the pieces of the puzzle to adequately diagnose and treat patients with rheumatic disease. The earlier a patient is diagnosed, the better. Learn why in this video.

Simple Tasks

For patients with rheumatic disease, even simple tasks can become difficult. This video highlights how rheumatologists can help patients manage their disease and how important early detection and adequate treatment are to patients’ quality of life.

Project Gloves: Former U.S. Representative John Barrows Feels the Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Former U.S. Representative John Barrows tried on simulation gloves developed by researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology to experience what it is like to perform simple tasks when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Watch this video to see how he did.

Rheumatic Disease Patient Testimonials

Shanelle Gabriel on Living an Active Life with Lupus

Lupus patient Shanelle Gabriel shares her experience being diagnosed with lupus and how working with a rheumatologist has not only helped her manage her disease but unlock new passions in life and remain active.

Alexa Sutherland and Her Mom on Life with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Alexa Sutherland was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 15 months old. She and her mom discuss how life was growing up with rheumatic disease and her hopes for the future.

Christine Schwab on Being Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Remission

Christine Schwab shares how she felt when she was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the hope that working with a rheumatologist gave her, and going into remission thanks to a research trial she was able to participate in through her rheumatologist.

Michael Taffe on Living Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

Michael Taffe talks about how rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (two common inflammatory rheumatic diseases) took him from being an active skier and golfer to someone who struggled with simple tasks like walking, getting out of a car, and holding a coffee cup. Fortunately, Michael was referred to a rheumatologist, who he says, "makes all the difference in the world," and has been successfully managing his diseases for years.

Meet Katie Lynne Emmerson on Growing Up with Juvenile Arthritis

Katie Lynne Emmerson tells her story of growing up with rheumatoid arthritis – an inflammatory rheumatic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited motion and function of many joints.

Ivette Gardner on Living with Lupus

Ivette Gardner shares her story of living with lupus, an inflammatory rheumatic disease that mainly affects the joints, kidneys, and skin. She shares how her life is affected by lupus, why it’s important for lupus patients to see a rheumatologist, and how working with hers is helping her manage her disease.

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