EXPERT
Benjamin Friedman
Rheumatologist
Dr. Benjamin Friedman is a rheumatologist practicing in New York, NY. Dr. Friedman specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systematic autoimmune conditions that can affect the bones, muscles or bones. Eventually, if not treated, these illnesses can also impact the skin, eyes, nervous system and internal organs. Dr. Friedman treats diseases similar to orthopedists but does not perform surgery. Often times, research is conducted to find potential alternatives for the patients illness.
Benjamin Friedman
- New York, NY
- Accepting new patients
Understanding Lupus, ANA, and Your Treatment Options: Hydroxychloroquine and Mycophenolate Mofetil
Understanding Lupus, ANA, and Your Treatment Options: Hydroxychloroquine and Mycophenolate MofetilSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or lupus is a complex autoimmune disease where...
Can I exercise with ankle arthritis?
Yes, you can exercise with ankle arthritis, but it's important to choose low-impact activities that don't put too much strain on your joints. Basically exercises that take gravity READ MORE
Yes, you can exercise with ankle arthritis, but it's important to choose low-impact activities that don't put too much strain on your joints. Basically exercises that take gravity partially out of the equation so you’re not stressing your ankle and it will slowly improve. Biking would be an example, if available activities like swimming and gentle yoga can help maintain joint function and reduce pain. Always consult with your healthcare provider to tailor exercises to your specific needs and ensure they are safe for you.
Immunosuppressed and stuck at home?
With the vaccinations, you should send the kids to school. Cellcept shouldn't hold that back. First, hydroxychloroquine or Plaquenil, is no reason to worry. It doesn't increase READ MORE
With the vaccinations, you should send the kids to school. Cellcept shouldn't hold that back. First, hydroxychloroquine or Plaquenil, is no reason to worry. It doesn't increase infection risk much at all. The "bigger med", Cellcept functions more to reduce B-cell antibody production (so blocking antibodies associated with AUTO-immunity in lupus). Antibodies are important and the only thing you hear about, but in reality the T cells are the real virus killers not the antibodies themselves- these T cells with "memory" should be present in your husband and still function. This is especially for viruses given they rely on human cells (they are inside the cell usually), which require T cells and Cellcept shouldn't bring that ability down against viral infections. An example, I had a public school teacher or max dose of cellcept, and she was just fine despite being showered constantly in viral particles (I assume with so many kids around). So, nothing to worry about and the kids need their elementary schooling.
ANA Tests
Usually, we check the ANA in the diagnosis phase and generally the antibody remains similar even if the disease is well controlled. So tracking ANA at this point is not particularly READ MORE
Usually, we check the ANA in the diagnosis phase and generally the antibody remains similar even if the disease is well controlled. So tracking ANA at this point is not particularly important or meaningful. It's possible it went down slightly but I wouldn't worry if it's around the same level- that's expected.
