For many, the holiday season brings thoughts of relaxation or celebrations with family! In the medical world, medical holidays or “drug holidays” are planned breaks from a prescribed medication. While taking a break from certain medications can be beneficial for some people, these pauses come with risks. This is especially true for people on weight… Continue reading “Drug Holidays” – The Risks of Stopping Medication During Breaks
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.
Understanding the Stress-Fertility Connection and Finding Light Through Gratitude
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common part of life, affecting nearly every aspect of our daily routines. For those trying to conceive, understanding that stress and fertility are connected is crucial. You might be wondering, “can stress really cause infertility?” The connection between cortisol levels and reproductive health is a deeply intricate… Continue reading Understanding the Stress-Fertility Connection and Finding Light Through Gratitude
4 Signs of Infertility in Men: What to Know and When to Seek Help
Congratulations, you and your significant other have made the decision to start trying to have a baby! Starting a family can be one of life’s most meaningful moments, but sometimes the journey isn’t as straightforward as expected. Infertility doesn’t just fall on women, it affects men just as much. For men, identifying the signs of… Continue reading 4 Signs of Infertility in Men: What to Know and When to Seek Help
The CKD Kitchen Reset: A Practical Guide to Restocking Your Pantry
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), adopting a renal-friendly diet is essential to managing your health and improving your quality of life. One of the first steps in this journey is restocking your pantry with the right ingredients. This blog will walk you through what a renal diet is, who benefits from it, and… Continue reading The CKD Kitchen Reset: A Practical Guide to Restocking Your Pantry
Chart Your Course: Goal Setting for Mindful Eating
In a world filled with dietary advice and trending nutrition plans, building sustainable eating habits can be hard! But one powerful way to create long-lasting, healthy habits is through mindful eating and goal setting. Here, PatientsLikeMe will explain how to make mindful eating a part of your lifestyle. We will discuss the benefits of setting… Continue reading Chart Your Course: Goal Setting for Mindful Eating
Ulcerative Colitis: Preparing For and Recovering From a Colonoscopy
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA A colonoscopy can be daunting! People are often worried it will hurt and they will suffer from bleeding or post-procedure effects. Having anxiety around getting a colonoscopy done is perfectly normal. It should not, however, stop you from getting them done! They are an important part… Continue reading Ulcerative Colitis: Preparing For and Recovering From a Colonoscopy
Surgical Options for Ulcerative Colitis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Ulcerative colitis can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments. The majority of people living with the condition don’t need their treatment to extend beyond this! Studies1 have found, however, that just over 20% of people with UC will need at least 1 bowel… Continue reading Surgical Options for Ulcerative Colitis
Toxic Megacolon: A Life-Threatening Complication of Ulcerative Colitis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Living with ulcerative colitis means managing a few potential complications. Some are minor, and easily dealt with due to a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Others, however, are far more dangerous. Toxic megacolon is one of these. This is a potentially life-threatening complication that can… Continue reading Toxic Megacolon: A Life-Threatening Complication of Ulcerative Colitis
Quick Relief From Stomach Pain With Ulcerative Colitis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) means dealing with abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to intense cramping. This type of inflammatory bowel disease creates inflammation in the digestive tract, specifically in the large intestine and rectum. This inflammation can lead to ulcers on the… Continue reading Quick Relief From Stomach Pain With Ulcerative Colitis
Breaking the Stress Cycle: Mental Health Resources for CKD Patients
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects millions of people around the world. As the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function effectively, managing CKD involves careful attention to diet, lifestyle, and medication. Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be difficult, and stress is something a lot of people with CKD… Continue reading Breaking the Stress Cycle: Mental Health Resources for CKD Patients