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

Epizode

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  Can Ozempic, Zepbound or Mounjaro Truly Transform Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis? 16.07.2026 36min

  Can Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Wegovy calm inflammation — not just melt away weight? In this episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Girnita, board-certified rheumatologist and PhD in immunology, sits down with Dr. Vishnuteja Devalla to unpack the fast-growing science of GLP-1 medications in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. They break down how GLP-1 drugs actually work, why the same receptor lives on your immune cells, and what the latest evidence really shows for auto...
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  Rheumatoid Arthritis Remission — Off Medication, and Up Kilimanjaro 01.07.2026 16min

  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 summit of Kilimanjaro. Together, they walk through what that journey actually looked like, including...
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  5 Five Hidden Signs of Autoimmune Disease Doctors Usually MISS 03.06.2026 12min

  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't fix, to subtle joint stiffness, skin changes, persistent dry eyes, and the sudden co...
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  The Autoimmune Test Trap: What Doctors Aren’t Telling You 25.05.2026 13min

  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 misunderstood or completely irrelevant without clinical context. In this eye-opening episode, Dr...
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  Positive ANA, No Diagnosis? A Rheumatologist Explains the 5 Real Causes — Including the COVID Connection Nobody Is Talking About 18.05.2026 14min

  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 is for you. Dr. Diana Girnita is a double board-certified rheumatologist, founder of Rheumatol...
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  Menopause, Autoimmune Disease & Weight Gain: The Truth About HRT, Estrogen & GLP-1 06.05.2026 27min

  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's bodies during perimenopause and menopause — and what the latest science says about treating it. The...
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  Ozempic, Monjaro, Zepbound - The Arthritis and Autoimmune Disease SECRET Nobody Is Talking About 01.05.2026 24min

  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, and flare-ups. While everyone is talking about these medications, few discuss their potentia...
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  The Surprising Link Between Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica - a True Patient Story 30.03.2026 18min

  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 early signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and related conditionsThe personal journey fro...
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  Ankylosing Spondylitis - What Patients and Doctors Often Miss 23.03.2026 29min

  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 specializing in autoimmune conditions, breaks down the misconceptions and hidden signs of AS, reveali...
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  Why Doctors Kept Dismissing My Joint Pain — And How I Got Diagnosed With Psoriatic Arthritis at 26 14.03.2026 33min

  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 skin symptoms — this episode was made for you. Ayda opens up about the moment she knew something was deeply w...
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  Evidence Based Tips to Reduce Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis 04.02.2026 49min

  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 short-chain fatty acids matter, and how sugar, salt, and even certain vegetables can influence i...
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  How Rheumatoid Arthritis Speeds Aging—and How to Push Back 26.01.2026 50min

  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 inflammation, biological aging, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this conversation, we move beyond trends and...
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  Why Psoriatic Arthritis Goes Misdiagnosed for Years | GLP-1 Medications & Inflammation Breakthrough 21.01.2026 1h 3min

  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 flags doctors miss, the latest biologic treatments revolutionizing Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) care, and the...
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  Autoimmune Diseases: Signs, Myths, Realities, New Treatments and the AI challenges 14.11.2025 55min

  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 conditions effectively. Takeaways Autoimmune diseases can affect various body systems, not just j...
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  Living with Sjogren’s Syndrome: Dr. Girnita's approach in treating a complex autoimmune disease 07.04.2025 44min

  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 of following her content on Youtube and Instagram and asked her to share her approach on treating...
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  From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Sona’s Story of Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis 31.03.2025 18min

  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 holistic and personalized care approach. If you’ve ever felt lost in the healthcare system, uncertain abo...
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  Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Lifestyle Strategies, Science & Hope with Dr. Diana Girnita 24.03.2025 48min

  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 their health through holistic lifestyle changes, including anti-inflammatory nutrition, gut health, sl...
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  How to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis during winter time? 11.12.2024 21min

  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 techniques to manage stress and sleep. Plus, you will learn about emergency tips for flare-ups! This e...
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  Hand Exercises and Virtual Occupational Therapy with Hannah Pugh 30.10.2024 29min

  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 benefits of virtual occupational therapy for chronic conditions like arthritis. 3. Digital Tools for Recover...
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  Obesity, Autoimmune Diseases and Weight Loss Drugs (Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound) with Dr. Michaela Mocanu 16.10.2024 43min

  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 Connection: the complex relationship between excess weight and kidney function, including risks for chronic k...