Inflammatory!

About Inflammatory!

Inflammatory! We want everyone to understand what life is like living with a chronic fluctuating disease. The founders of Inflammatory Arthritis UK, Debbie and Katy, give a unique insight into their lives covering the realities of living with inflammatory arthritis (IA) in a positive and friendly way. They will discuss popular topics and answer questions with honesty based on their experiences navigating life with IA.  Whether you’re personally affected, supporting a friend or family member, or simply seeking understanding, Inflammatory! is for you.

Publisher

Inflammatory Arthritis UK

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

8 Jan 2025

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

69 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Oct 2026

   Dr Simon Stones

   In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Debbie and Katy sit down with Dr Simon Stones, award‑winning medical communications specialist, internationally recognised patient advocate, and Chair of the EULAR PARE Committee. Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at just three and a half, Simon shares his journey from childhood symptoms and difficult treatments to becoming one of the most influential voices in patient engagement. He talks candidly about growing up with chronic illness, the emotional impact of treatment, school experiences, his mother’s influence, and how lived experience became the foundation of his global advocacy work. Simon also reflects on grief, pacing, humour, relationships, and why he believes in doing things now rather than waiting for “one day”. This episode is full of honesty, warmth, and wisdom, a must‑listen for anyone living with inflammatory arthritis, caring for someone who is, or working in healthcare. Key Topics Early signs of JIA and the diagnostic journey The role of Simon’s mum and her own autoimmune conditions Oligoarticular vs polyarticular JIA Severe treatment side effects and tablet phobia School experiences, adaptations, and supportive teachers Transitioning from paediatric to adult rheumatology Discovering patient advocacy at 18 The value of lived experience in research and policy International advocacy through EULAR Balancing work, health, travel, relationships, and caring responsibilities Grief, perspective, and “doing things while you can” Humour, identity, and embracing difference Quotes “I didn’t realise the value of lived experience as expertise, but it’s one of the most important things in the room.” “I would sooner be in a wheelchair than take that tablet. That’s how bad it was.” “We’ve got one chance at life. Make the most of it, regardless of what’s thrown at you.” “If people don’t accept who I am and what I need, they’re not the right people to be in my life.” “Don’t wait. If you have the opportunity to do something, just do it.” Resources Mentioned EULAR PARE Committee: European patient organisations working together to improve rheumatology care Clinical Studies Groups (UK): patient‑partner involvement in research Involve Conference: UK public involvement in research Simon’s Instagram: @simonrstones Follow Inflammatory Arthritis UK on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Linkedin and Bluesky Sign up to IAUK newsletter at inflammatoryarthritis.org Keywords: juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA, patient advocacy, lived experience, EULAR, childhood arthritis, autoimmune disease, chronic illness, polyarticular JIA, oligoarticular JIA, methotrexate nausea, transition to adult care, patient engagement, rheumatology, inflammatory arthritis podcast, Simon Stones Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection 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/ (https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/)

2. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Living with or Manage Inflammatory Arthritis Life?

   This week’s episode is packed. Debbie and Katy kick off with huge news - Inflammatory! has officially won Best Patient‑Led Health Podcast of 2026, and the community has grown to over 1,000 Instagram followers. From there, the conversation moves through pets, fatigue, school‑term chaos, NHS frustrations, medical procedures, and the emotional load of living with inflammatory arthritis. They also dive deep into language: why the word “manage” feels clinical, restrictive, and disempowering, and why “living”, “adapting”, and “being flexible” might serve the community better. Key Topics Celebrating the podcast’s award win and growing community Katy’s new hamster, Winter, and the joy of small pets September fatigue and the “back‑to‑everything” overwhelm Debbie’s eye appointment, dry eyes, and the confusion of NHS systems Receiving difficult results via the NHS app at the worst possible time How non‑IA medical procedures can unexpectedly trigger inflammation Immunosuppression, recovery time, and navigating pain The emotional impact of stress on long‑term conditions Why Debbie dislikes the word “manage” and what alternatives might empower people more Reflections on recent guests Luke and Raj: movement, nutrition, resilience, and lived experience School experiences, bullying, and the importance of awareness for young people with IA Upcoming guests: Raynaud’s, vasculitis, CPPD, and more stories that need to be heard Takeaway You don’t have to “manage” your condition, you get to live your life with it, adapt, and grow. And you’re part of a community that learns together. Key words inflammatory arthritis, chronic illness, JIA, Axial SpA, scleritis, dry eyes, immunosuppressants, arthritis flare, NHS app, patient advocacy, lived experience, autoimmune disease, arthritis awareness, chronic pain, fatigue, gut health, nutrition, Raynaud’s, vasculitis, CPPD arthritis, rheumatology, podcast award, health podcast, IAUK, community supportLinks & Resources Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSky & YouTube Sign up for our newsletter: inflammatoryarthritis.org New IA Stories blog: Julie Timms on CPPD arthritis Previous episodes with Luke and Raj Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection 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/ (https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/)

3. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Luke Belfield: His JIA Story

   In this inspiring episode, Debbie and Katy speak with Luke Belfield, the first known person with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) to swim the English Channel. Diagnosed at 13 after years of pain and uncertainty, Luke shares how sport, resilience, and remission shaped his journey from struggling to walk to completing marathons, Ironmans, and a 36.66‑mile Channel swim. He opens up about stigma, bullying, mental health, and the power of finding community and offers hope to young people and families navigating JIA today. Key Topics Luke’s diagnosis journey: swelling, misdiagnosis, steroids, and finally JIA Losing football, losing confidence and rebuilding identity through movement Why swimming became his mission to inspire children with arthritis Training for the Channel: tides, cold water, jellyfish, and a surprise shark Pain, resilience, remission, and learning to listen to his body Sport as medicine: movement, stretching, and building tolerance to inflammation Mental health tools: chess, juggling, meditation, inspiration from others Nutrition and lifestyle: Luke’s “non‑negotiable” anti‑inflammatory breakfast The importance of role models and community for young people with JIA What he’d tell his 13‑year‑old self What might be next: ultra‑distance triathlons and giving back to the community Key Words: JIA, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, childhood arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, chronic illness, remission, arthritis stigma, invisible illness, English Channel swim, endurance sport, open‑water swimming, arthritis and sport, physio, stretching, strength training, arthritis flare, arthritis nutrition, stress, sleep, mental health, JIA awareness, arthritis advocacy. Quotes “My mission is to inspire and share my story to spread hope.” “Sometimes it’s not the power of the curse, it’s the power you give the curse.” “If gym is for the body, meditation is for the mind.” “Find a role model with JIA. Message them. Chances are they want to help.” Connections: Luke Belfield on Instagram: @arthritiswimmer Luke Belfield on YouTube: @arthritiswimmer For more stories, support, and community: Inflammatory Arthritis UK, visit inflammatoryarthritis.org podcasts, resources, and lived‑experience advocacy. Follow us on social media search for Inflammatory Arthritis UK on Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, LinkedIn and YouTube. Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection 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/ (https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

81

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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