From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Sona’s Story of Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis

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 about medications, or afraid of your autoimmune diagnosis, this episode will speak directly to you. Ms. Sona opens up about her experience navigating months of undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, her struggle to find relief within a traditional insurance-based model, and how discovering direct specialty care and a telemedicine-based practice changed everything.

Together, they discuss:

• The challenges of getting a timely RA diagnosis
• Why traditional healthcare often fails autoimmune patients
• The power of personalized, holistic care—including lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory diets, and supplements
• How Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medications can be safely introduced when paired with patient education and support
• The emotional toll of chronic illness—and how to reclaim your identity beyond the disease

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with rheumatoid arthritis for years, this episode will offer insight, inspiration, and real-world strategies to help you thrive—not just survive—with autoimmune disease.

📚 Mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Girnita’s book Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis—a holistic roadmap that bridges cutting-edge treatments with lifestyle medicine. Now available on amazon.com:   https://amzn.to/3ZVmKpX

🎧 Listen to discover:

• Real RA symptoms and early warning signs
• The benefits of telemedicine in autoimmune care
• Why standard RA treatment should be personalized
• How to implement holistic practices without fear or confusion
• Hopeful, science-backed strategies for reducing inflammation naturally