Arthritis & Rheumatology of GA

07/25/2025

⭐ Patient Praise from Woodstock ⭐

Our team is honored to receive kind words like this from our valued patients. We are proud of our Woodstock team and grateful for the opportunity to care for this community with compassion and dedication.

📍 Sandy Springs & Woodstock
🌐 argmd.net | 📞 404-255-5956

07/23/2025

Sjögren’s is a complex autoimmune disease that affects millions—and often overlaps with conditions we manage every day, like arthritis and lupus. At Arthritis and Rheumatology of Georgia, we’re proud to stand with the Sjögren’s Foundation in raising awareness, supporting our patients, and advancing understanding of this often-overlooked condition.

Learn more at sjogrens.org 💜

Today is World Sjögren’s Day. Sjögren’s disease is a serious, prevalent and complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people, and often overlaps with conditions like arthritis. That's why we're proud to stand with the Sjögren's Foundation to raise awareness and show our support. Learn more about Sjögren's at sjogrens.org

07/22/2025

We are proud to share that all three of our physicians—Dr. Paul Sutej, Dr. Paula Tanasa, and Dr. Kelly Weselman—have been named 2025 Top Doctors by 𝘈𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘦!

This recognition reflects their unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Arthritis and Rheumatology of Georgia has proudly served the Atlanta community for over 40 years, and our team continues to deliver personalized rheumatologic care from our Sandy Springs and Woodstock offices.

📰 Read the feature: bit.ly/arg-topdocs25
📍 Learn more at www.argmd.net
📞 404-255-5956

07/16/2025

July is Dry Eye Awareness Month, and many of our patients don't realize that their eye symptoms may be connected to their autoimmune condition. Dry eye disease affects millions of Americans and is particularly common in people with rheumatic diseases.

The autoimmune connection:
🔹 Sjögren's syndrome specifically targets tear-producing glands
🔹 Rheumatoid arthritis patients have increased dry eye prevalence
🔹 Lupus can cause inflammation affecting tear production
🔹 Scleroderma may impact the glands around the eyes

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰: Some rheumatology medications, including methotrexate and certain immunosuppressants, can worsen dry eye symptoms. However, this doesn't mean you should stop your medications - instead, work with both your rheumatologist and eye care provider to manage symptoms effectively.

Treatment options range from artificial tears to prescription medications and procedures. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

For more information, visit ➡️ bit.ly/4kFLQQY

07/10/2025

Today we recognize the millions of people living with chronic diseases and the incredible resilience they show every day. Managing conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune disorders requires courage, determination, and an amazing support network.

To our patients: You are stronger than you know. Your journey with chronic illness does NOT define your limits - it reveals your power.

To the caregivers, family members, and friends: Your love and support make healing possible.

Who motivates you to keep fighting? Share a photo and tag to show the world what strength looks like!

At Arthritis and Rheumatology of Georgia, we are proud to stand with you in this journey toward better health.

07/10/2025

A new clinical test may help predict which biologic treatment will work best for people with rheumatoid arthritis—marking a step toward more personalized, effective care. Research like this holds promise for improving outcomes and reducing the trial-and-error of RA treatment.

🔗 Learn more:

A new clinical test may be able to predict which biologic may be the most effective for each individual with rheumatoid arthritis and help take the guesswork out of treatment, a new study suggests.

07/07/2025

🌞 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐔𝐕 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 🌞

Did you know that up to 70% of people with lupus are photosensitive? This means their immune system reacts abnormally to UV light, potentially triggering disease flares that can affect skin, joints, and organs.

𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙪𝙥𝙪𝙨:
🔸UV exposure can activate the immune system and worsen symptoms
🔸Even brief sun exposure can trigger rashes, fatigue, or joint pain
🔸Some lupus medications can increase sun sensitivity
🔸Indoor fluorescent lights may also cause reactions in sensitive individuals

𝙀𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨:
🔸Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside
🔸Choose zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sensitive skin
🔸Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
🔸Consider UV-protective clothing with UPF ratings

At Arthritis and Rheumatology of Georgia, we work with our lupus patients to balance outdoor activities with necessary protection. Your safety is our priority.

07/04/2025

On this 4th of July, we honor the principles of freedom, unity, and resilience that define our nation. We're proud to serve our community and grateful for the trust you place in our care.

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful Independence Day celebration with loved ones!

07/02/2025

// Happy Birthday, Dr. Weselman! 🎉

Today we celebrate one of the kindest and most dedicated members of our team at Arthritis and Rheumatology of Georgia. Your commitment to compassionate care and your leadership continue to make a lasting impact on our patients and practice.

Wishing you a year filled with good health, happiness, and all the things that bring you joy. We are grateful to work alongside you every day!

— Your ARG Family 💙

07/02/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday, Dr. Weselman! 🎉

Today we celebrate one of the kindest and most dedicated members of our team at Arthritis and Rheumatology of Georgia. Your commitment to compassionate care and your leadership continue to make a lasting impact on our patients and practice.

Wishing you a year filled with good health, happiness, and all the things that bring you joy. We are grateful to work alongside you every day!

— Your ARG Family 💙

07/01/2025

Today marks one year since the launch of Southeastern Rheumatology Alliance (SERA), and at ARG, we are proud to be part of a physician-led group focused on delivering the highest level of patient-centered rheumatology care.

We are grateful for the partnership of dedicated physician colleagues, the tireless efforts of our amazing staff, and the trust of our patients—especially during a year of transition. Thank you for standing with us. We are just getting started.

🎉 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐀! 🎉

As we mark our first anniversary, we want to take a moment to reflect with deep appreciation.

To our 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬—thank you for your unwavering commitment to patient-centered care and your support of one another as colleagues.

To our 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟—your grace, grit, and dedication through this year of transition have been nothing short of inspiring.

To 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦, your guidance has been key in helping us deliver high-quality care in today’s complex healthcare landscape.

And to our 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬—this is all for you. Thank you for trusting us, adapting with us, and continuing to be the heart of our mission.

Here's to a year of growth, collaboration, and compassionate care—and to the future we are building together.

06/25/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧? 🧬

An ANA (antinuclear antibody) test can sound alarming, but a positive result doesn’t always point to an autoimmune disease. ANA are autoantibodies—proteins that mistakenly target your own tissues—and the test is often used when evaluating conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or scleroderma.

Key take-aways:
✅ A positive ANA is just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
✅ Many healthy people—especially over age 65—can test positive without disease.
✅ Your full medical history, physical exam, and additional labs are essential for accurate interpretation.

If you’ve had an ANA test, talk with your rheumatology provider about what the result means for you and whether any follow-up is needed.

🔗 Learn more from the American College of Rheumatology: bit.ly/3TDxBB4