Category: Conditions

Living with a health condition? On the PatientsLikeMe blog, find helpful health information and patient stories about being diagnosed, trying different treatments, and living day-to-day with a chronic condition.

Friedreich’s Ataxia Resources and Support Groups 

It’s been 28 years since the frataxin (FXN) gene, which is linked to Friedreich’s Ataxia, was discovered and still Friedreich’s Ataxia often comes with more questions than answers. Parents, patients, and caregivers can feel isolated while learning about a condition in real time when many clinicians rarely see it. Beyond chasing a diagnosis, daily life… Continue reading Friedreich’s Ataxia Resources and Support Groups 

Signs You’re an Emotional Eater and What You Can Do About It

Trying to lose weight is hard. If you have tried to shed pounds, you know that it takes a consistent approach to your diet, exercise routines, and mindset not only see change but maintain it. But it gets tougher when your emotions start driving how you eat! A key part of managing weight and diet… Continue reading Signs You’re an Emotional Eater and What You Can Do About It

Hobbies for People with Stage 4 and Stage 5 CKD

Chronic conditions touch every part of your life. The energy you have throughout the day, how often you have to leave (or go) home, and how you spend your free time. For people with advanced chronic kidney disease, it can feel like the things you enjoy doing are no longer possible! Hobbies can fall by… Continue reading Hobbies for People with Stage 4 and Stage 5 CKD

How to Lower Creatinine Levels Naturally

Often confused with its slightly shorter to spell cousin creatine, creatinine is a waste product that every person with chronic kidney disease needs to know about. Creatinine is a normal substance to have in your body. It enters the blood stream when you digest certain foods and when muscle tissue breaks down. If you have… Continue reading How to Lower Creatinine Levels Naturally

3 Suicide Warning Signs to Look Out For

In 2023, suicide claimed the lives of 49,316 people in the United States. When a person dies by suicide, it affects family, friends, and communities, leaving them lost, confused, and in some cases, feeling responsible for their death.   “Death by suicide” means intentionally ending your own life. It’s often a way for people who… Continue reading 3 Suicide Warning Signs to Look Out For

Flying with Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know

Have a trip coming up? Wondering what steps you need to take to prepare for your flight so that your chronic kidney disease does not throw you any curveballs? Whether or not you are at an early stage of CKD or more advanced, there are easy ways for you to travel safely. All it may… Continue reading Flying with Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know

Managing CKD Fatigue While Parenting

Parenting is one of the most exhausting jobs in the world. When you add a chronic condition like chronic kidney disease into the mix, it can feel like you are constantly running on empty! Many parents living with long-term health conditions get fatigue, burnout, or feel guilt about not being able to do “enough.” But… Continue reading Managing CKD Fatigue While Parenting

Empowering Patients Through Goal Tracking: Insights From PLM’s Rapid Survey

PatientsLikeMe recently launched a rapid survey to its members focusing on health goal setting. Within 48 hours, over 100 patients responded, underscoring both the relevance of the topic and strong patient engagement. Results indicated that 92% of respondents considered personal health goals important in managing their condition, with the majority rating them “very important.” Furthermore, 69%… Continue reading Empowering Patients Through Goal Tracking: Insights From PLM’s Rapid Survey

Tips for Balancing Protein Intake While On Dialysis

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are on dialysis, you may know that your body’s protein needs change. Getting the right amount of protein is a delicate balance! Too little can lead to muscle loss and weakness, while too much can create extra waste in your blood that your kidneys cannot handle. What… Continue reading Tips for Balancing Protein Intake While On Dialysis