Surgery with an AiArthritis Disease
AiArthritis Voices 360 Main, Full Episode 89
Air Date: September 3, 2023
This episode is a Step 2, as outlined in our 6 Step Patient-Led Problem Solving Process.
Tune in to the latest episode of AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show, where your co-hosts Leila, Deb, and Kerry candidly share their personal journeys of undergoing surgery while living with AiArthritis diseases. In this episode, the co-hosts delve into their surgical experiences, including the pivotal surgeries they've had due to their conditions. From Deb's journey triggered by a bunion removal to Kerry's hip replacement due to the complex interplay of autoimmune conditions or Leila’s gastric sleeve surgery due to weight gain from treatments, the trio reflects on the unexpected intersections of surgeries and AiArthritis diseases.
They discuss the preparations they navigated before surgery, the challenges they faced with doctor clearances and insurance, and provide valuable insights for fellow AiArthritis patients, including the crucial questions to ask healthcare professionals. Listen in to gain a unique perspective on surgeries with AiArthritis diseases and discover firsthand the resilience and strength that arise from these experiences.
Share your questions here:
info@aiarthritis.org
Episode Highlights:
- What surgeries each co-host has had and whether they are related to their AiArthritis disease
- What preparation is required before surgeries with an AiArthritis disease
- What questions patients should ask their doctors to prepare for surgery
- Co-hosts share their recovery journey
AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at
www.aiarthritis.org/talkshow. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook (@IFAiArthritis) or email us (podcast@aiarthritis.org). Be sure to check out our top-rated show on
Feedspot!

All our main 1st Sunday of the month episodes are either an initial "put the topic on the table" episode (Step 2 in our organization's 6-step problem solving process) or a "revisit to the table" episode (Step 6 in our organization's 6-step process), where we build on a past show because we have moved forward in developing help, tools, or projects around the issue (Step 5 in our organization's 6-step process).
After each show airs we spin off the conversation into many discussions over various formats, which we now call #360its (new in 2022)!

And now, let's 360it!
The main Sunday episode is where we "put the topic on the table," but it's not where the conversation ends! Now we spin off the conversation into different discussion segments. Below you will find several 360its. Some are videos from the main episode, while others are audiograms (soundbites).
Soon we will be launching additional 360its, which will build on these conversations. We'll hear from patients in the United States, Canada, and Australia who are here to help you through the transition to biosimilars. We are also planning a WATCH PARTY, where we will play back segments of webinars that aim to teach you more about biosimilars - and you'll have your fellow patients at AiArthritis to talk through it all with you! Stay tuned.
360its & SHORT VIDEO CLIPS FROM THE MAIN EPISODE
Managing Surgery Qualifications & Being Your own Advocate
In this episode, Leila and Deb share their experiences and preparations for surgery while managing AiArthritis diseases. Leila discusses her weight loss surgery journey, including the challenges of her high BMI and medication adjustments. Deb highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the need to assertively address health concerns with medical professionals. They emphasize the crucial role patients play in managing their care. Watch to gain insights into their remarkable journeys.
Your Host: Who is at the Table this Episode?
Leila Lagandaon
Leila
is the Health Education and Engagement Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus Nephritis and Sjögren’s Disease. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them. Leila is on social media as @LupusLifestyle.Lei sharing bits and pieces about her life with lupus and connecting with others. Connect with her on Instagram or TikTok.
Deb Constien
Deb Constien
is a medically retired Registered Dietitian and a Representative for the AiArthritis with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Deb is also on the Advisory Council for WREN- Wisconsin Research Education Network and a Patient Family Advisor- PFA on an International PCORI research study for ACP- Advanced Care Planning.
Kerry Wong
Kerry
was eventually diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Sarcoidosis, Small Fiber Neuropathy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sjögren's Syndrome (to name a few). Kerry is a volunteer at New York State Advocacy Chair, Ambassador with Arthritis Foundation, and Patient Ambassador/Peer Mentor with Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research. Kerry does all she can to support the arthritis, sarcoidosis, chronic illness, and rare disease communities
Pull up your seat at the table
Now it's YOUR TURN to join the conversation!
What do you think about this episode?
We want to know what you think! By continuing the conversation with your opinions and perspectives - we all get a better understanding of the problems facing our community. Better yet, through these conversations we can start working and developing solutions.
We mean it when say 360. Not only do we want your input anytime and anywhere, but we also are eager to see where the conversation will take us. So please, "pull up a seat at the table" and let's start talking!
Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org, message us on social media (find us by searching for @IFAiArthritis)
Continue the conversation in our own AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show Group!
Pull up a seat and join the conversation on the topic from today and past episodes. You may even get an opportunity to talk directly with the co-hosts and any episode guests!
Love the show? Help us make sure we stay on the air by making a donation.
Your contribution helps us continue the work we do every day to improve the lives of millions worldwide.












