Episodios

  • S5 E4: Validating the lived experience of fibromyalgia

    S5 E4: Validating the lived experience of fibromyalgia
    Mar 25 2026
    In episode four of Inflammation Nation, Consultant Rheumatologist, Dr John Stack, chats with Peter Boyd about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. This podcast explores the evolving understanding of fibromyalgia, highlighting a shift toward validating the very real experiences of those affected. The discussion includes a focus on the fact that treatment is not always straightforward or a ‘one size fits all’ but, rather, a culmination of shared decision making between the patient and their healthcare provider to find a treatment plan that works best, addressing the most troubling symptoms, such as widespread pain, extreme fatigue, insomnia and mental health factors including anxiety and depression. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – ⁠arthritisireland.ie⁠, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie.
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    32 m
  • S5 E3: How to deal with a postpartum flare

    S5 E3: How to deal with a postpartum flare
    Mar 18 2026
    Arthritis Ireland CEO, Gráinne O'Leary, talks with Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Louise Moore, and Clinical Midwife Specialist, Celine O'Brien, about the challenges of a postpartum flare, and some practical tips that can help ease the burden. This includes a mix of self-care, lifestyle adjustments and working closely with your healthcare team to decide on appropriate medications that are compatible with breastfeeding during this time in order to achieve optimum control of an MSK condition whilst also protecting yourself and your baby. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – arthritisireland.ie, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie.
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    32 m
  • S5 E2: Where Loneliness and Chronic Disease Intersect

    S5 E2: Where Loneliness and Chronic Disease Intersect
    Mar 11 2026
    In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan speaks with associate professor of psychology, Dr Joanna McHugh Power, about loneliness, particularly for those living with chronic conditions like arthritis. With Ireland recently named the ‘loneliest country in the EU,’ this is a timely discussion. Dr McHugh Power shares insights from her research and explores solutions to loneliness, highlighting that it’s not all down to simply socialising more or joining a group since the causes are multi-faceted, particularly for those managing chronic health challenges. For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – arthritisireland.ie, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie.
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    54 m
  • S5 E1: Discovering the Benefits of Daily Meditation

    S5 E1: Discovering the Benefits of Daily Meditation
    Mar 4 2026
    In our first episode of series five of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets with lecturer, researcher, psychologist and meditation teacher, Dr Pádraic Dunne to discuss the potential benefits of regular meditation for anyone living with a chronic condition like arthritis or a related condition. Dr Dunne, himself, lives with axSpA and has seen, first-hand, the extraordinary effects of regular meditation to help manage the pain and associated psychological stress of living with a chronic condition For more information about Arthritis, you can visit our website – arthritisireland.ie, or contact our helpline at 0818252846. -- Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer and Abbvie.
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    56 m
  • 10-Minute Meditation Episode with Dr Pádraic Dunne

    10-Minute Meditation Episode with Dr Pádraic Dunne
    Mar 4 2026
    Calm your body, calm your mind: 10-minute meditation This 10-minute body scan meditation, guided by Dr. Pádraic Dunne, psychologist and meditation teacher at RCSI, is designed for people living with arthritis and related conditions. By gently bringing attention to different parts of the body, it should help you relax, reduce stress, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which may support your body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. This short practice will help ease tension, stiffness, and discomfort while promoting a sense of calm and wellbeing.
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    10 m
  • S4 Ep 8: Arthritis and Remission

    S4 Ep 8: Arthritis and Remission
    Apr 16 2025
    In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary engages in an insightful conversation with Dr Carmel Silke, Honorary Personal Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway and consultant rheumatologist at the North-West Rheumatology Unit based in Sligo and Manorhamilton. Together they explore the multifaceted concept of remission in arthritis, and how advancements in drug treatments have transformed inflammatory arthritis care, making remission a realistic goal for many people. The discussion emphasises the importance of early treatment, alongside the role of medication and lifestyle in achieving and maintaining remission. Additionally, it highlights patient education, evolving patient involvement, and considerations for tapering medication during remission.
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    28 m
  • S4 Ep7: Drugs and arthritis unpacked

    S4 Ep7: Drugs and arthritis unpacked
    Apr 9 2025
    In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets Dr Jo Kitchen, a consultant rheumatologist from the Mater Hospital, Dublin, to discuss the ins and outs of medications typically used to treat arthritis. In this interview, Dr Kitchen discusses how biologics and other new drugs have changed the landscape for those living with inflammatory forms of arthritis, the various factors that can impact the effectiveness of medications (such as smoking or overweight/obesity, and whether or not there has been a delay in diagnosis where damage has already occurred to the joints), in addition to a new approaches in the use of steroids, knowledge around some possible side-effects of medications and how those are managed (and how patients are monitored when they start a new drug) as well as which drugs are safe to use during pregnancy.
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    38 m
  • S4 Ep 6: Future focus – Decisions that matter

    S4 Ep 6: Future focus – Decisions that matter
    Apr 2 2025
    In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Ruth Usher, lecturer in occupational therapy in University College Cork to discuss the Advanced Healthcare Directive. They discuss the steps involved in creating one, including the legal formalities, the role of healthcare professionals, and the significance of appointing a designated healthcare representative. They also have an in-depth discussion about Enduring Power of Attorney, a legal arrangement that enables you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to do so. They walk through the process of setting up an Enduring Power of Attorney, the legal requirements, and the importance of choosing the right person for this role. Ruth emphasises the importance of planning well ahead to ensure your wishes are honoured and to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
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    43 m