Pregnant & diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Inflammatory! Debbie and Katy are joined by Haffy, a clinical pharmacist, university lecturer, and mum of two, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and undifferentiated mixed connective tissue disease in her late 20s.Despite her medical background, Haffy’s diagnosis was delayed, highlighting the challenges of being a young woman with inflammatory arthritis and the importance of self-advocacy. She opens up about pregnancy, motherhood, cultural expectations, navigating work, and finally finding the right treatment that transformed her quality of life.This is an honest, emotional, and inspiring conversation about resilience, trust in your body, and making the most of the good days.

Key topics discussed

• Early symptoms of inflammatory arthritis and delayed diagnosis
• Living with rheumatoid arthritis in your 20s
• Being dismissed due to age and “normal” blood results
• The emotional impact of misdiagnosis and missed test results
• Pregnancy, fertility, and treatment decisions with inflammatory arthritis
• Balancing motherhood, chronic illness, and a demanding career
• Cultural attitudes toward illness and “just getting on with it”
• The importance of support systems and finding your “village”
• DMARDs, treatment side effects, and finally finding the right medication
• Learning to pace yourself and protect your mental health
• Advocating for yourself within the healthcare system

Memorable takeaways

• You are the expert in your own body.
• Trust your instincts, if something feels wrong, keep pushing for answers.
• Chronic illness doesn’t stop at joints; it affects your whole life.
• Pregnancy decisions with inflammatory arthritis are deeply personal.
• The right treatment can be truly life-changing.
• Good support, family, work, and healthcare makes all the difference.

Resources and links

• 🌐 Visit: inflammatoryarthritis.org
• 📩 Sign up for the Inflammatory Arthritis UK newsletter
• 🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube
• ⭐ Rate & follow the podcast wherever you listen

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/