Dr. Sheeja Francis
Rheumatology
Ann Arbor, MI
22 years experience female
About
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Rheumatology
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
72 Answers
35 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Very treatable: Lupus is a very treatable disease and does not have to necessarily reduce life expectancy or quality of life. People with lupus should be followed by... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Subcutaneous form: Shortage is only for injectable form. Oral mtx still available.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Most: If diagnosis is accurate, most patients should go into remission within 6 months. Due to availability of many great medications to treat ra, this dia... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Depends: Depends on what the pain is from. Best to see a rheumatologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Rule out infection: Would recommend having urine testing to rule out infection first.
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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Depends: Could be any number of causes. It is best to see your primary care for evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Xrays: You should see your doctor. Xrays or other testing maybe needed. Your doctor may also be able to tell you what is wrong just with an examination as ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Possibly: Accupuncture is relatively safe and can help with reducing pain. However, for fibromyalgia, adequate sleep and regular aerobic exercise are most impo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Muscle strengthening: For hypermobile joints, muscle strengthening around the affected joints are crucial. You may want to have physical therapy to obtain guidance on spec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Complicated: Lupus is a difficult diagnosis to make. It would be hard to diagnose yourself with lupus. It may be best to see a rheumatologist if you are concerne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Depends: If only dry eyes and dry mouth, would recommend only treatment of symptoms. If there is extraglandular manifestations (such as inflammatory arthritis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Oh yes!: There are several medications that can help with ra. With appropriate treatment an RA patient should be able to live a normal life. Best to start by... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Clarify diagnosis: Out of the diagnoses mentioned, fibromyalgia is most prevalent and increasingly recognized. Fibromyalgia is a central pain syndrome that causes diffu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Undifferentiated CTD: Clinical presenation can be classified as an undifferentiated connective tissue disease (uctd). Likely not primary sjogren's since lip biopsy (usuall... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Rheumatologist: It would be best for the patient to see a rheumatologist. Lupus is not an easy diagnosis to make.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is pain related to hypersensitivity of nerve endings between muscle and fat.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
No: Chronic poor sleep can lead to many health problems including fibromyalgia.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Arthritis : Arthritis is a type of joint damage. Other types of pathology in joints could be related to the tendons, ligaments or cartilage. It is best to be se... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Mind: Mind and body: positive attitude towards yourself and others can help you age more gracefully.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 60-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Weight loss: Bicycling is a good form of exercise for those with knee oa. It is also important to strengthen the quadriceps. However, weight loss is the only way... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Osteoarthritis: Most commonly degenerative disc disease related to osteoarthritis. A small percentage of patients can have back arthritis related to inflammation as ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Do: Do yoga or tai-chi daily, and sleep well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Nonspecific: ANA is a very non-specific test. It can be positive in up to 15% of the normal population. It can also be positive in a variety of autoimmune diseas... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Blood flow: A problem with blood flow can cause discoloration in hands. Would recommend evaluation by your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Common: It's common, however, you should be evaluated by your doctor as it can be caused by many different issues. Best to seek urgent evaluation if swelling... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Treatable.: Bechet's disease is an autoimmune condition. There are no cures for any autoimmune conditions. However, most are treatable and remission certainly a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Impingement: Could be a strain, sprain or impingement. You may benefit from physical therapy. Best to see your doctor for further evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Weight: Weight loss is crucial in reducing pain related to oa, especially in hands and knees.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Not possible: A thorough history, exam and further imaging with an angiogram would be needed to differentiate.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Healthy living: There is no cure for arthritis. There are multiple forms of arthritis including inflammatory and non-inflammatory. You can try to prevent autoimmune... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Floss: Floss daily and brush your teeth twice a day.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Yes.: Should see your doctor asap to assess for lupus flare or an infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Yes: It would be best to reduce activities that aggrevate the pain and resume once healing has taken place. If pain persistent, would recommend evaluation... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that is available to use in food. Curcumin is the active ingrident contained in turmeric and has multiple health benefits includin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Rest, ice: Would avoid activities that worsen pain. Would continue normal activities such as walking. Avoid running. Consider icing the area twice a day twent... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Rheumatologist: It would be best to see a rheumatologist who can listen to your history and examine you to determine what type of arthritis you have.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Slow w weight loss: It is difficult stop deformities in erosive oa. However, you can help slow progression and reduce pain by losing weight.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Yes.: Djd is usually description for osteoarthritis changes in the spine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Familial: Psoriasis is an auotimmune disease and usually runs in families.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Sleep: Fibromyalgia is caused by lack of adequate, restful sleep. Improve sleep. Consider evaluation by a sleep specialist if you suspect any slee disorder... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Possibly: It band is a long band of tissue (similar to a tendon) than runs on the side of the thigh from hip to knee. It band sydrome can cause pain through ou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Allopurinol: For frequent flares, you should talk to your doctor about use of medications such as Allopurinol to prevent flares. You should wait at least 4-6 wee... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Colchicine: For acute attacks of gout, best treatment is colchicine. Nsaids such as Indocin (indomethacin) can also help. Allopurinol is a medication used to tr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Yes: No clear link between vit c, citrus fruit and arthritis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 66-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Not sure: Picture would help. Possibilities coming to mind include gouty tophus, calcium deposits (calcinosis) or pus (due to infection, although this would u... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
No: Djd is another term for osteoarthritis. Would consider other causes such as fibromyalgia etc. Best to be evaluated by your primary care doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Knee swelling: Your child may be noticing swelling in her knee. This could be a sign of arthritis. Children often do not report pain and swelling is a more common ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Psudeogout: Pseudogout causes inflammation in joints similar to gout. Gout is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, whereas, pseudogout is caused... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Injection, colchicin: Colchicine is a specific anti-inflammatory drug that can help in attacks of gout and pseudogout. Nsaids can also help. Depending on severity, aspira... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sheeja Francisanswered
Rheumatology 22 years experience
Inflammation: "itis" of any kind is a general term for inflammation. Arthritis stands classically for inflammation in a joint. Inflammation can be caused by multi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
347
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Francis is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Francis is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! . I'm of avg weight (130, 5' 3", 67 yr old female). Knowing that keeping weight down helps this is good to know. Wish there was something for the stiffness & loss if d...Read More
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thanks Doctor but my question was, is cycling EVERYDAY too much?
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thanks, I have an appointment for an mri tomorrow.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada
Graduated 2001MD
Awards
Top Rheumatologist , First Place, Ann Arbor, MI - Winter
2013
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