In this real Q&A, I answer questions from someone newly diagnosed with RA who’s currently taking hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). We talk through what “treat-to-target” actually means, why early control of inflammation matters, and how to think about medication fears in a way that’s grounded (not scary).

In this video, we cover:
--What “treat-to-target” means and why timing is a big deal in RA
--Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) vs. “just getting by”
--When Plaquenil may not be enough, and what escalation can look like (DMARDs/biologics)
--How to weigh medication risks against the risks of untreated RA (including long-term steroid use)
--Lifestyle support that helps inflammation (stress, sleep, vagus nerve) — plus why smoking matters

Question for you: What’s the #1 thing you wish someone explained right after your RA diagnosis?

#RheumatoidArthritis #RA #AutoimmuneDisease #Rheumatology #Plaquenil #Hydroxychloroquine #Methotrexate #Biologics #TreatToTarget #JointPain #Inflammation #ChronicIllness

📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more community driven and rheumatology-based content! Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/@Rheumatology101/videos

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📞 Contact Us: 303-731-4006 | info@unabridgedmd.com

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Are you, or someone you love, looking for a rheumatologist near you? Maybe you queried Google for the “best rheumatologist in Denver” and felt that no other arthritis clinic in Denver really seemed personable? Or maybe you are simply looking for a doctor who will listen to you and work with you to achieve disease remission? Well, you have come to the right place. UnabridgedMD has the best rheumatologist in Denver, Colorado and we cannot wait to work with you.

Are you skipping your arthritis medications out of fear? You’re not alone—but the hidden costs can be bigger than you realize. In this Rheumatology 101 episode, Dr. Isabelle Amigues breaks down why untreated inflammatory arthritis can lead to more pain, joint damage, and long-term health risks. Learn the real risks of stopping your meds, how to talk to your doctor about concerns, and what science says about the safest path to remission.

Don’t let fear stand between you and your healthiest future—watch now to get empowered, informed, and supported!

#Rheumatology101 #ArthritisAwareness #MedicationMyths #JointHealth #RheumatologistExplains #AutoimmuneSupport #patientempowerment

📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more community driven and rheumatology-based content! Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/@Rheumatology101/videos

📅 Book your free consultation: https://calendar.app.google/otzzffKGtQBJnBgs8

📰 Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.unabridgedmd.com/

🌐 Explore our free resource: www.PositiveANA.com

📞 Contact Us: 303-731-4006 | info@unabridgedmd.com

✅ Stay Connected
👉 Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/UnabridgedMD?_rdc=1&_rdr
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unabridgedmd/
👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unabridgedmd4
👉 Twitter (X): https://x.com/UnabridgedMD

Are you, or someone you love, looking for a rheumatologist near you? Maybe you queried Google for the “best rheumatologist in Denver” and felt that no other arthritis clinic in Denver really seemed personable? Or maybe you are simply looking for a doctor who will listen to you and work with you to achieve disease remission? Well, you have come to the right place. UnabridgedMD has the best rheumatologist in Denver, Colorado and we cannot wait to work with you.

Dr. Isabelle Amigues unpacks why patients often recover better, faster, and more deeply in a supportive group. From mirror neurons and oxytocin to vagus nerve activation and the power of clinician belief, she explains how community and medicine accelerates remission—then previews UnabridgedMD’s upcoming physician-led healing cohorts.

What You’ll Learn:

From competition to collaboration: How traditional, competitive medical training contrasts with the superior outcomes of team-based care—and why adding patients to the care team elevates results.

The brain science of group healing

Mirror neurons: observing others practice skills (e.g., injections, PT) improves your own learning and adherence.

Oxytocin up, cortisol down: group practices (breath, chant, yoga) boost bonding hormones and reduce stress chemistry—fertile ground for recovery.

Vagus nerve / parasympathetic activation: group rituals nudge the nervous system into “rest-and-repair,” lowering inflammation.

Placebo power, reframed: Why clinician belief and a supportive cohort measurably enhance outcomes (a reason trials are double-blind)—and how to harness that effect ethically.

Mindset shapes pain: Attention directs perception; scanning for what’s working reduces pain. Group programs for chronic pain (e.g., back pain) consistently show greater relief and fewer relapses than going solo.

Medication and milieu: Biologics and DMARDs are powerful tools, but outcomes improve further when paired with community practices that activate anti-inflammatory pathways.

Safety, accountability, momentum: Groups create a psychologically safe space to try new habits, show up consistently, and stay on track—especially valuable in rheumatologic conditions.

What’s next at UnabridgedMD: A webinar and physician-led community cohorts designed to help patients reach and sustain remission through evidence-based medical care plus group-based nervous-system and lifestyle practices.


If a trusted group could help you heal 25–40% faster, what habit or symptom would you choose to transform first?