Conditions Archives |

Steps to Reduce Feelings of Guilt and Shame Around Chronic Illness

When you have a chronic illness, emotions can come in waves. Shock, frustration, sadness, anger, and sometimes even guilt or shame! These feelings are normal, but they can also weigh you down emotionally and physically. Many people blame themselves for the state of their health or the things they cannot do anymore. Others feel ashamed… Continue reading Steps to Reduce Feelings of Guilt and Shame Around Chronic Illness

Is A.I. Changing CKD Diagnosis? Breaking Down 6 Studies

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is rapidly changing every part of daily life. This includes healthcare! It can be in areas ranging from how new medicines are discovered to how diseases like chronic kidney disease (CKD) are diagnosed and managed. CKD itself is a growing concern, affecting millions of people around the world. One of the biggest… Continue reading Is A.I. Changing CKD Diagnosis? Breaking Down 6 Studies

Why Your Joint Pain May Be Gout and Not Rheumatoid Arthritis

Have you woken up in the morning with painful, swollen joints? You may assume it is rheumatoid arthritis. RA affects millions of people around the world. However, if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), joint pain might not caused by rheumatoid arthritis! It could instead be gout. Gout is a type of arthritis that develops… Continue reading Why Your Joint Pain May Be Gout and Not Rheumatoid Arthritis

How Participating in a Cancer Trial Gave Me a Life Skill That Helps Me Manage My Lupus

Why I Joined a Clinical Trial In this edition of PatientsLikeMe’s series “Why I Joined a Clinical Trial,” we feature the story of Ginger Hermes Ortiz, who has been living with chronic myeloid leukemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. She shares why participating in one trial helped her learn how to manage the mental toll of… Continue reading How Participating in a Cancer Trial Gave Me a Life Skill That Helps Me Manage My Lupus

Being in a Clinical Trial Taught Me a Lot About My Disease

Why I Joined a Clinical Trial In this edition of PatientsLikeMe’s series “Why I Joined a Clinical Trial,” we feature the story of Ay Me Han, age 44, who was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus at age 15. She explains why she’s always eager to participate in new research. My Story: Ay Me Han Every… Continue reading Being in a Clinical Trial Taught Me a Lot About My Disease

Can Kidney Disease Cause Heart Problems Even in Early Stages?

When you think about the side effects of kidney disease, your mind probably first goes to problems like fatigue or swelling. But what many people do not realize is that kidney disease also affects your heart, sometimes even before the kidneys have lost a lot of function. Early stage CKD can still have an affect… Continue reading Can Kidney Disease Cause Heart Problems Even in Early Stages?

Can I take Semaglutide and HRT for Menopause Symptoms?

Semaglutide medications (Ozempic and Wegovy) have exploded in popularity over the last year. GLP-1 medications that were once only known as a diabetes medication are now more popularly known as a weight loss drug. Many people experiencing menopause notice their bodies changing, especially around their tummy area and wonder can a weight loss drug work… Continue reading Can I take Semaglutide and HRT for Menopause Symptoms?

What’s Causing Your CKD Night Cramps and How to Get Relief

Have you ever been woken up (or kept up) late at night by a sudden tightening in your muscle? Muscle cramps are unexpected, painful spasms that can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. If you have chronic kidney disease, you may notice that these cramps happen often, disturbing your sleep and leaving your… Continue reading What’s Causing Your CKD Night Cramps and How to Get Relief

How to Manage Heat Fatigue with CKD

Hot summer days can make for incredible memories. Spending time at the pool or beach, getting together for a barbecue, and going on late walks as the sun sets are all classic activities to enjoy. However, the summer also brings heat! And lately, as days get warmer, the heat can make bring special risks for… Continue reading How to Manage Heat Fatigue with CKD

Stage 2 Kidney Disease Lifestyle Changes That Actually Slow Damage

With stage 2 chronic kidney disease, your kidneys are working a little less efficiently, but you might not have any symptoms yet. For many people at the early stages of this disease, it does not feel like major changes are needed! After all, if there are no symptoms, how bad can the damage to your… Continue reading Stage 2 Kidney Disease Lifestyle Changes That Actually Slow Damage