EULAR 2026 Insights

In this lively catch‑up episode, Debbie and Katy reflect on a chaotic two weeks filled with heatwaves, family events, joint flares, and a whirlwind visit to the EULAR Congress in London. From coping with extreme weather to navigating grief, pacing, and swollen joints, the conversation moves into deeper reflections on patient involvement in research, global collaboration, and the importance of honest conversations in rheumatology clinics. Debbie shares insights from EULAR, including discussions on youth engagement, sex and relationships in chronic illness, and the need for better data—especially for children and young people. The episode closes with excitement about future guests, growing global reach, and the upcoming 60th episode milestone.Key wordsInflammatory arthritis, EULAR, rheumatology, patient involvement, JIA, diagnosis delays, heatwave, pacing, chronic illness, research collaboration, NEIAA, patient voice, global community, sex and relationships in rheumatology, youth engagement.Key topics:

• Life in a heatwave: coping strategies, sunburn mishaps, heat exhaustion, and how weather impacts joints.
• Personal updates: family events, grief, operations, and the emotional load of busy weeks.
• EULAR Congress 2026:

• The scale of the event and navigating the Excel Centre
• “United in Motion” theme and reflections on movement
• Fishbowl discussions on youth involvement in research
• Conversations about sex, relationships, and medication impacts
• Global perspectives on trust, culture, and communication
• The power of patient stories alongside clinical information
• The role of social media in connecting patients, researchers, and clinicians.
• Charity collaboration: reflections from the PARE roundtable on diagnosis delays, impact, and the realities of limited time and resources.
• The NEIAA audit: why young people must be included and how missing data limits change.
• Pacing, burnout, and boundaries when you’re a volunteer or self‑employed.
• Growing global recognition of the podcast and IAUK’s work.
• Upcoming guests and the road to episode 60

Resources and mentions:

• EULAR – European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology
• PARE – People with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe
• NEIAA – National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit
• NASS – National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society
• JIA Champions Programme
• Podultery Podcast (episode featuring Debbie & Katy now live)

Stay connected:

Website: inflammatoryarthritis.org

• Instagram & LinkedIn: @inflammatoryarthritisuk
• Podcast: Inflammatory! on all major platforms

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 replaceprofessional 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 medicallytrained. 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.

· Formore information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/