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Monday 8am - 5am Tuesday 8am - 5am Wednesday 8am - 5am Thursday 8am - 5am Friday 8am - 5am Saturday 8am - 5am Sunday 8am - 5am

Dr. R. Michelle Koolaee, DO, FACR

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Pasadena, CA
Dr. R. Michelle Koolaee, DO, FACR

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Dr. R. Michelle Koolaee, DO, FACR, Rheumatologist, 800 Fairmount Avenue Suite 210, Pasadena, CA.

✨University of Pennsylvania trained
💚 Board-Certified Rheumatologist
🌸 Direct Care Rheumatology
🌿 Mother of 3 👧 ❤️👦 ❤️👧

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02/03/2026

New blog post is live!

If you’ve ever had labs drawn for joint pain and wondered, “What do these mean?” — this one’s for you.

Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies are labs we order all the time in rheumatology.

See the link in the comments section to learn more.

01/27/2026

New blog is live!

ESR and CRP help us measure inflammation — but they’re only part of the picture.

You won’t want to miss this blog, filled with practical insights about these two important and frequently ordered labs!

01/20/2026

New blog post is live!

Chronic rheumatic illness changes how we live—but not who we are.
Sharing practical, lived lessons for navigating disability, resilience, and the small wins that matter.

01/18/2026

I am 44 and have been running marathons and half marathons for almost a decade. I was never an athlete growing up. Today was the rose bowl half marathon in beautiful Pasadena, CA.

In recent years, after every race I run, I write with sharpie on the back of the medal my race time and the age the race was completed. I’m able to run the same pace I was when I first began running, which is pretty amazing.

Age is just a number. Whatever your goals are, own them. Believe you can, and you will.

01/08/2026

I love Mason’s positive attitude when it comes to his journey with rheumatoid arthritis and can’t wait for you to be inspired also! A healthy mindset is everything when it comes to navigating life with arthritis.

See the comments for a link to today’s podcast.

01/06/2026

Men with autoimmune disease: Feeling drained, low libido, or low energy? 🩺

Fatigue and low energy are common — but low testosterone could be part of the problem.
Men with autoimmune conditions like lupus often have lower testosterone, which can worsen:

✅ Fatigue and low energy
✅ Mood changes
✅ Low libido
✅ Muscle weakness or loss of strength

💡 What to do:
✅ Watch for persistent fatigue, low libido, or mood changes
✅ Optimize lifestyle: sleep, exercise, weight management, and autoimmune disease control
✅ Talk to your rheumatologist or P*P about testing your testosterone levels

Understanding your labs and treatment options can help improve energy, mood, and overall quality of life.

See the comments for the link to read more about this topic!

12/24/2025

Do you or someone you know live with ongoing joint pain and wonder if it is just part of getting older?

In my latest blog, “Is My Joint Pain Just Part of Aging?”, I break down how to tell the difference between normal aches and warning signs you should not ignore.

Joint pain is common, but persistent or inflammatory pain is not normal aging. Catching concerning symptoms early can help prevent long-term joint damage and protect your quality of life.

I walk you through:
✔ How to tell normal aches from concerning joint pain
✔ Key red flags that suggest inflammation or autoimmune disease
✔ The difference between osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis
✔ When it is time to see a rheumatologist

💛 This content is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about your health, medications, or treatment options. 💛

12/11/2025

The fluid from a diagnostic joint tap I call “liquid gold.”

It helps us immensely to understand what type of arthritis you have and guides treatment.

I removed 25 cc of fluid from a 56 year old man’s knee in today’s first visit.

It’s so important, I walked over to the lab myself to hand deliver the fluid !!

12/03/2025

New Blog: Your Complete Guide to Methotrexate

If you were recently diagnosed with an autoimmune arthritis and someone mentioned methotrexate, you’re not alone in feeling a mix of curiosity, hesitation, and a lot of questions. As a rheumatologist, I talk about methotrexate every single day. I am writing this to cut through all the noise and give you valuable knowledge about this drug, after prescribing it for almost 15 years.

This guide is meant to feel like sitting down with me in clinic, asking all your real questions, and getting straightforward, reassuring answers.

https://www.drrmichellekoolaee.com/your-complete-guide-to-methotrexate

$Cold, rainy days in California always remind me of how quickly a slippery surface can turn into a serious fracture for s...$

11/18/2025

Cold, rainy days in California always remind me of how quickly a slippery surface can turn into a serious fracture for someone with osteoporosis. Prevention isn’t complicated — it’s about understanding the risks and making small, consistent changes. I put together the 6 must-know tips every patient should start with.

Read more https://www.drrmichellekoolaee.com/prevent-fractures-before-they-happen

11/05/2025

I’m so excited to join The Dr. Raj Podcast family! I’ll be hosting a new monthly series called “Everyday Rheum”, where I’ll be sharing practical insights and stories to empower those living with rheumatic illness.

The first episode is out now — tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

11/04/2025

Cutting back on sugar isn’t about restriction. It’s about relief. 🍬➡️🌿

Small changes in refined sugar intake can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. Better mornings start with mindful choices.

Full blog here: https://www.drrmichellekoolaee.com/cutting-back-on-sugar-a-simple-step-to-reduce-inflammatory-joint-pain

Address

800 Fairmount Avenue Suite 210
Pasadena, CA
91105

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5am
Tuesday	8am - 5am
Wednesday	8am - 5am
Thursday	8am - 5am
Friday	8am - 5am
Saturday	8am - 5am
Sunday	8am - 5am

Website

https://www.drrmichellekoolaee.com/

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