In this episode of Inflammatory!, Debbie and Katydive into an honest conversation about alcohol and its impact on life with inflammatory arthritis (IA). From social pressures to medication side effects, cultural habits to personal choices, they explore how drinking affects their health, fatigue, and flare-ups and how difficult it can be to balanceself-discipline with wanting a “normal” social life. They also reflect on conversations with their children about alcohol, the changing attitudes among younger generations, and practical realities like what to wear, how late to stay out, and the fatigue that comes the next day.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Katy's love for cardio tennis and how sport fits into IA life
• Debbie's experience with boxercise as a mental health boost
• How alcohol interacts with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD's) medications and blood tests
• Difference in drinking culture between the UK and Europe
• Honest reflections on binge drinking, FOMO and self-discipline
• Parenting with IA: open conversations about alcohol with children and teens
• The real impact on drinking on joints, fatigue, and flare days
• Why choosing to drink (or not) is deeply personal and always evolving

Join the Conversation:
How does alcohol affect your IA symptoms, flares, or fatigue? Do you drink socially, at home, or not at all? We’d love to hear your experience, share your tips, thoughts, or stories with us on social media or by completing our survey.

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Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medicalprofessionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to buildconnection and community. 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  https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/