Dr. JOHN WADE PATIENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC Rheumatologist : What is Giant Cell Arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a condition that causes inflammation in the arteries. As a result, blood supply to organs and tissues can be cut off. The most commonly affected arteries are near the temples, although it can occur in arteries anywhere in the body. GCA is a medical emergency, because the inflammation can cut off the blood supply to tissues and organs. The first symptoms of giant cell arteritis often go unnoticed until people start experiencing flu-like symptoms and weight loss.
Dr. John Watterson MD, FRCPC, Rheumatologist : What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) ?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a form of lupus, a family of chronic autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation. Lupus affects people differently, so symptoms and treatments vary. Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms include pain, fatigue, skin rash, chest pain and hair loss. In more severe cases of the disease, the immune system may attack the lungs, brain, heart, kidneys and red or white blood cells. Most patients with lupus experience similar flareups each time symptoms return.
Dr. John Wade, MD, FRCP(C) : talks about the various treatment options for Rheumatoid Arthritis including revolutionary second line therapies.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common type of arthritis. It’s seen in about one percent of the general population, more common in women than men – about three to one. And it often presents with pain, swelling and stiffness in the small joints, typically of the hands and feet, but it can go on and involve the larger joints, such as the ankles, the elbows, the wrists or the knees.
Typically, when we talk about treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, often patients have already tried some over-the-counter medications such as anti-inflammatories, things like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications can be effective in controlling symptoms, they take away pain, but they’re not effective in reducing the long-term swelling or damage we see in rheumatoid disease.
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ARTUS Health Centre
Western Canada’s largest independent rheumatology clinic. It is situated at 839 Broadway West and was established more than ten years ago as a leading care provider in the area of rheumatology. Its four medical directors are Royal College certified rheumatologists. The clinic also has access to physiotherapy, several rheumatology nurses and administrative staff. The clinic also provides infusion services through Pacific Arthritis Centre. All the medical directors at ARTUS are Professors at the University of British Columbia, Division of Rheumatology. As such the clinic is a vibrant centre of medical education and the largest centre of rheumatology training in the Province. In addition, the clinic has added the expertise of other doctors with specialized training in vasculitis and ultrasound.
At ARTUS, we specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with rheumatologic diseases. The rheumatologists at ARTUS work closely with experts in physiotherapy and a wide complement of nursing staff to ensure that the best outcomes for our patients are realized.
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