Inflammatory! We want everyone to understand what life is like living with a chronic fluctuating disease. The founders of Inflammatory Arthritis UK, Debbie and Katy, give a unique insight into their lives covering the realities of living with inflammatory arthritis (IA) in a positive and friendly way. They will discuss popular topics and answer questions with honesty based on their experiences navigating life with IA.
Discover shows related to Inflammatory!, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
In this week’s episode, hosts Debbie and Katy welcome their first guest, Rachell Smith, a leading portrait and fashion photographer who lives with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) and is behind the new national campaign “Faces of Axial SpA”. Rachell opens up about her deeply personal journey, from experiencing symptoms as a teenager to finally being diagnosed over a decade later.
She discusses the vital role of family support, including her sister who also lives with axial SpA, and how the condition has brought her even closer to her husband. Rachell also shares how she navigates motherhood with a young daughter, emphasising the power of honest communication and emotional connection.
Rachell speaks candidly about how her diagnosis has increased her empathy, for others and for herself, and how this has come across in her photography. She also explains she is open with her clients about living with inflammatory arthritis and unashamed of her condition.
Most importantly, she talks about her impactful collaboration with NASS (National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society) on a national awareness campaign. Her mission: to empower others, shorten diagnostic delays, and break the silence around axial SpA.
Rachell’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and advocacy. Tune in for a moving conversation that highlights strength, vulnerability, and the importance of raising awareness.
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
· For more information about “Faces of Axial SpA” please visit: Faces of Axial SpA
This podcast is in collaboration with National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
Inflammatory Arthritis UK are hosting their first ever online event on the 20 May at 6-7pm to raise awareness of World Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis Day. Please do join us and a chance to meet Debbie and Katy online to hear more about the charity and be part of our community. More information and full agenda will follow. Please do join us and to sign up email us at: info@inflammatoryarthritis.org
In this lively and heartfelt episode, Debbie and Katy reflect on a busy week and preview next week's exciting guest — acclaimed photographer Rachell Smith, who lives with axial spondyloarthritis. Please make sure you don’t miss it.
Debbie covers how she did a Katy, and went to the wrong hospital for an Xray, and they kick off their fourth Q&A session by answering a question about traveling while taking biologic medications. The hosts share their own travel tips, stress the importance of medical guidance, and offer reassurance for those navigating similar journeys.
Next, the conversation turns to sleep and inflammatory arthritis. From bedtime routines and positioning to gadgets and frustrations, Debbie and Katy talk openly about what helps — and what doesn’t — when it comes to getting quality rest with a chronic condition.
They also tackle the question of whether inflammatory arthritis is more common in females, exploring key differences between RA, axial SpA, PsA, and juvenile arthritis. They address what frustrates them most about living with IA and they cover widespread misconceptions, including the confusion between inflammatory and osteoarthritis, and highlight the need for more male representation in arthritis narratives.
The episode wraps up on a fun note with each host sharing their go-to feel-good songs and how music brings moments of joy amid daily challenges.
💬 Topics Covered:
Traveling with biologic medications
Sleep challenges and hacks
Marathon
Season 1 · Episode 15
Friday, April 25, 2025 • Duration 30:26
In this episode of Inflammatory!, Debbie and Katy kick things off with a light-hearted chat about springtime chaos, parenting, and the never-ending battle with household cleaning, offering a humorous but relatable peek into how daily life intersects with chronic illness. The conversation then dives into a powerful and personal discussion about exercise and inflammatory arthritis, challenging outdated fitness ideology of "no pain, no gain."
Katy opens up about her journey training for marathons post-diagnosis, including a dramatic fall at mile 20 of the Edinburgh Marathon and her later attempt at the Brighton Marathon, complete with new injuries and mid-race regrets (sausage roll, anyone?). Through these stories, she highlights the emotional highs and lows of pushing her limits and adapting workouts to suit her body.
The hosts reflect on how chronic illness shape how they move, underscoring that exercise doesn't have to be extreme to be effective. Whether it’s swimming, strength training, or simply taking a short walk, finding what works for you is key. They also touch on the mental and emotional benefits of movement, the value of physiotherapy, and how changing the narrative from "can't" to "can" empowers people living with inflammatory arthritis.
• Making peace with low-impact, feel-good movement
• Physiotherapy: importance and asking how it can fit it into your daily routine
• Encouragement to focus on what you can do
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Prisoner
Season 1 · Episode 14
Friday, April 11, 2025 • Duration 25:12
In this episode of Inflammatory, Debbie and Katy get real about how even a simple cold can wreak havoc when you're living with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Debbie opens up about a recent bout of illness that hit her hard and amplified her joint pain (especially in her jaw), flaring up her fibromyalgia, and throwing her reactive hypoglycaemia into chaos. Katy, on the other hand, shares her experience of rarely getting sick despite being on medication, and reflects on the fear and uncertainty she felt early in the COVID pandemic.
Together, they explore how illness can throw off everything—energy levels, medication schedules, even mental health. They talk about the tricky balance between rest and movement, how stress (even over little things) can spark flares, and the lingering emotional impact of being extra cautious during COVID. There’s also a candid discussion around how isolating chronic illness can be, especially when others don’t see or understand what you’re going through and how you can feel like a prisoner in your own body.
Throughout the conversation, Debbie and Katy emphasize that no two journeys with IA are the same—but community, honesty, and listening to your own body can make all the difference.
🎙️ In this episode:
• How minor illnesses can trigger major flares
• The toll of managing multiple conditions at once
• Reactive hypoglycaemia + IA = a tough combo
• Pandemic stress and long-term mental health impacts
• Why self-awareness and a holistic mindset matter
👉 Subscribe to our newsletter at inflammatoryarthritis.org, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Blue Sky (search for Inflammatory Arthritis). We’ll be back after a short Easter break—see you then!
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Sound System
Season 1 · Episode 13
Friday, April 4, 2025 • Duration 25:56
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, hosts Debbie and Katie, both parents living with inflammatory arthritis (IA), share their experiences balancing parenthood with chronic illness. They discuss the challenges of raising children while managing IA, the importance of awareness, support networks, and resilience.
Firstly, they share their recent experience attending an event at the House of Parliament with the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), advocating for faster diagnosis times. The event was a great success, and they were thrilled to receive recognition for their podcast and charity work. They also discussed their charity Board Awayday, how they are developing the charity to help improve the lives of anyone living with IA. Along with the importance of fundraising to continue their work. They share moving listener stories about how the podcast has helped them feel less alone and where you can donate, at our website Inflammatoryarthritis.org
The hosts go on to explore how their children knew about their inflammatory arthritis and has IA enabled them to be better parents? They discuss the use of age-appropriate language being key to help foster compassion and resilience, and Debbie shares the TikTok she watched from a rheumatologist explain the immune system like a sound system, and for auto-immune diseases the volume is turned up and the medications help to turn it down again.
The also explore balancing honesty with protecting childhood innocence, the role of young carers programs and support systems and how amongst all the hard times of IA this can create a kinder more empathic child.
Please do continue to:
💜 Support Their Work – Donate or take part in fundraising efforts.
📢 Raise Awareness – Share this episode to help educate and support those affected by IA.
🎧 Stay Connected – Subscribe to the podcast for more stories, insights, and advocacy updates.
In this episode, Debbie and Katy answer questions in their third monthly Q&A session. They start by discussing Katy’s recent 10K race experience, discussing the impact of overexertion and fatigue. They explore the difference between general tiredness and inflammatory arthritis (IA)-related exhaustion, as well as Debbie’s experience with new fibromyalgia painkillers causing drowsiness and vivid dreams.
The discussion moves to eye health and the importance of regular checkups for those on IA medications. They answer the first question on the proposed upcoming changes to the UK’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and how it might affect people with IA. They also highlight the significance of workplace support, early diagnosis, and improved rheumatology services.
They also explore foot health and rheumatoid arthritis assessment with expert insights from Professor Adam Croft. They discuss the limitations of the DAS 28 score, which doesn’t include foot involvement, and share personal experiences with tracking disease activity and accessing biologic treatment.
Parenting with IA is another key topic with two questions, with practical advice for parents of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), covering clinic visits, self-care, and preparing kids for independence.
The episode wraps up with a fun discussion on irrational phobias—ranging from bees to polystyrene—and a humorous anecdote about a painful bee sting.
In this heartfelt episode, in recognition of World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day, Katy interviews Debbie on the realities of parenting a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (a type of inflammatory arthritis), offering personal insights and reflections.
The conversation begins with personal updates, including Katy’s reflections on imposter syndrome and the differences between shame and guilt. Debbie shares her recent fibromyalgia diagnosis and the challenges of managing medications, fatigue, and brain fog.
As the discussion unfolds, Debbie speaks candidly aboutthe reason she didn’t want to have children when she was younger, but how the conversation with her rheumatologist at university changed her mind. Then sharing the guilt andthe emotional weight of her daughter’s JIA diagnosis, the overwhelming medical appointments, and the impact on family dynamics. She shares the strategies she has developed to stay organised, create a strong support system, and foster resilience within her family.
Despite the challenges, Debbie highlights the importance of open communication, honesty, and allowing others, especially her husband, to be more involved. The value of a support network that get what you are going through. The episode concludes with an uplifting message of hope, encouragement, and practical advice for other parents navigating similar experiences.
Key Takeaways:
• Managing a Parent’s & Child’s Health: Debbie opens up about her own struggles with IA andfibromyalgia while supporting her daughter’s JIA journey.
• The Power of Organisation: Keeping track of appointments, treatments, and paperwork is essential for managing a child’s chronic illness.
• The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis: Feelings of guilt and worry are common, but building a strong support network helps ease the burden.
• Resilience & Positivity: Open communication and embracing support from loved ones can make a difference in managing long-term conditions.
Every Breath You Ache
Season 1 · Episode 10
Friday, March 14, 2025 • Duration 28:26
In this episode, Debbie and Katy dive into the realities of aging with inflammatory arthritis during Autoimmune Awareness Month. Reflecting on their March birthdays, they ask—are they any wiser? Katy shares her experience with a steroid injection in her wrist, detailing the unexpected pain and unique circumstances, while Debbie talks about a mishap with her microphone, sparking a conversation on clumsiness, strength loss, and how arthritis affects daily life.
The discussion expands to aging with chronic illness, including shifting perspectives on midlife, family longevity, and balancing activity with fatigue. They also share how they’ve adapted to physical limitations, from car choices to planning for future living arrangements.
Despite these challenges, they emphasize the importance of staying positive, active, and finding new passions, with a metaphor about old furniture symbolizing resilience.
They also explore the emotional impact of inflammatory arthritis, how to distinguish disease-related symptoms from natural aging, and the need for better support from healthcare professionals in managing aging and stress.
The episode concludes with a hopeful message about ongoing research, new treatments, and the importance of open communication with medical teams. They preview their next discussion on parenting a child with JIA, reminding listeners to embrace life despite its challenges.
Key Topics Discussed:
Ageing with autoimmune disease and inflammatory arthritis
Autoimmune Awareness Month and World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day
Katy's steroid injection experience
Daily life challenges: clumsiness, strength loss, and adaptations
Shifting perspectives on midlife and family longevity
Balancing activity and fatigue
Psychological impact of inflammatory arthritis
The need for better healthcare support and communication
Encouragement to stay positive and embrace life’s opportunities
One Percent
Season 1 · Episode 9
Friday, March 7, 2025 • Duration 26:45
In this episode, Debbie and Katy start by sharing light-hearted moments, including stories about Pancake Day and how Debbie met her husband. Katy talks about her recent experiences with tennis and netball while managing ongoing foot pain despite using orthotics.
The conversation explores who inspires them, a common theme is those who are living with long term diseases anddrawing inspiration from athletes like Caroline Wozniackiand actor Kathleen Turner. They go on to compare chronic illness management to the mental and physical strength required in professional sports. They also explore how the 1% trend, by doing 1% more to make yourself better each day, can be helpful for people living with IA, but recognise that sometimes you can feel like going backwards.
They discuss the pressures of the “perfect body” shown through social media, and they encourage realistic expectations. They highlight the value of self-acceptance and learning to appreciate your body, especially as having inflammatory arthritis has already put your body through a lot. The episode concludes with reflections on parenting with inflammatory arthritis and fostering resilience in the next generation.
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ Managing Inflammatory Arthritis – The impact on mobility, ongoing pain, and frustrations with medical assessments.
✅ Finding Inspiration in Athletes – Lessons from sports stars like , Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki on perseverance.
✅ The Power of Small Changes: 1% – How making incremental improvements can lead to long-term benefits.
✅ Balancing Life & Chronic Illness – Navigating social expectations, personal goals, and physical limitations.
✅ Parenting & Support Networks – The importance of community and encouraging resilience in children.
Resources & Links:
🔗 Join Our Community: InflammatoryArthritis.org
Q&A II
Season 1 · Episode 8
Friday, February 28, 2025 • Duration 26:05
Hosts Debbie and Katy, go through your questions in this second Inflammatory! Q&A episode.
Next week on Inflammatory! the hosts will be talking about who inspires them to coincide with World Book Day and International Women’s Day. Please do send in details about who has inspired/supported you and the hosts can do their first shout outs in the next episode. You can send them in and via voicenotes here https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/contact-us/ so you can be heard on the podcast.
The first question Debbie and Katy discuss is one about their own journey with medication. They cover the psychological impact, feelings of fear and denial about starting long term medication and how it can be frustrating to find the right medication straight away.
They then go on to discuss how can family support people living with IA. Is it more annoying to keep asking if you are ok? The conversation covers what not to say but can family do anything right in this situation?
A question was asked about hand deformity/surgery and again this picks up on emotional side of what the future could hold. Steroid injections are covered and how Debbie felt when her daughter had her injections and that Debbie’s fingers are similar to that of King Charles III. They also briefly cover that everyone has a comment on a cure for IA, and that the hosts will cover in this in a future episode, but please do send in your most bizarre/obscure comments you have received as the hosts would love to hear them.
They end with a few humorous questions one about T-shirts, and the other what their dream jobs were. Tracy Island is a clue for Katy and how did Kylie Minogue inspire Debbie?
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Gender and arthritis prevalence
Inflammatory vs. osteoarthritis
Personal reflections and musical cheer
Join us next week for our special guest, Rachell Smith!
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BlueSky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook:Search for Inflammatory Arthritis UK
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Leave a review & rating on your favourite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates and resources
• Leave a review & rating on your favourite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating chronic illness, parenting, or wanting to support those living with IA. Tune in for insight, encouragement, and inspiration! 🎙️
Follow us on social media:
• BlueSky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook:Search for Inflammatory Arthritis UK
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates and resources
• Leave a review & rating on your favorrite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
• BlueSky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook:Search for Inflammatory Arthritis UK
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates and resources
• Leave a review & rating on your favorite podcast platform!
Next Episode:
Next week, we’re back with a deep dive into parenting with inflammatory arthritis—how it affects our daily lives and our children’s experiences. Stay tuned!
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms.
Resources & Links:
If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow the series. And please do leave us a rating or a review, if you have a few minutes to do so, thank you.
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
• Sign up for our newsletter at inflammatoryarthritis.org
• Follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky
• Stay tuned for next week’s Q&A session—submit your questions now!
If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow the series. And please do leave us a rating or a review, if you have a few minutes to do so, thank you.
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on your favourite platform!
Next Episode Preview:
Next week, we’ll be discussing parenting a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the unique challenges families face. Be sure to tune in!
Thank you for listening!
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
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🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
Sign up to our newsletter to be first to know about any upcoming episodes, research opportunities and any IA news/events at https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please do follow the series. And please do leave us a rating or a review, if you have a few minutes to do so, thank you.
Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.
For more information, head to www.inflammatoryarthritis.org
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