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.

Arthritis in Hands and Joints: Symptoms, Autoimmune Causes, and Management Tips

Arthritis in Your Hands and Joints Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain and discomfort in various parts of the body. One of the most common and debilitating areas affected by arthritis is the hands and joints. Understanding the symptoms and nature of arthritis, especially its autoimmune forms, is crucial… Continue reading Arthritis in Hands and Joints: Symptoms, Autoimmune Causes, and Management Tips

Unpredictable Moods, Energy Changes, and Other Bipolar Symptoms Explained

There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. These disorders may include symptoms of mania or hypomania and depression. These symptoms can cause mood swings and abrupt changes in behavior, which may result in difficulty functioning in everyday life.   Understanding Bipolar Symptoms With bipolar disorder, symptoms of mania… Continue reading Unpredictable Moods, Energy Changes, and Other Bipolar Symptoms Explained

The Importance of Calcium-Rich Foods for Lupus Management

How Calcium Can Help Manage Lupus Symptoms Living with Lupus presents unique challenges, and maintaining bone health might not always be top of mind. However, ensuring an adequate intake of calcium-rich foods is crucial for those living with Lupus. Let’s talk about why calcium is vital for those with Lupus and explore some delicious and… Continue reading The Importance of Calcium-Rich Foods for Lupus Management

A Dietician’s Guide to Fiber and Cancer

How Does Fiber Impact Your Cancer? Managing cancer can come with many challenges. Both diarrhea and constipation can be symptoms of cancer management and can occur after cancer treatment or from medications. These uncomfortable bowel-related symptoms can make you feel so much worse, but the good news is that there are a few solutions. Adding… Continue reading A Dietician’s Guide to Fiber and Cancer

What Does a Nephrologist Do?

A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in taking care of your kidneys. Kidneys filter waste from your blood and help control blood pressure. If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys are not working as well as they should. This is where a nephrologist can help. Knowing more about this specialist and what… Continue reading What Does a Nephrologist Do?

Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer and How to Manage Them

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. It is, unfortunately, by far the most deadly of all cancers. It accounts for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths in the US. Fortunately, the rates of new cases and deaths have been steadily decreasing since… Continue reading Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer and How to Manage Them

Know Your Doctors: The People Involved in Treating Diabetes

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA There is a lot of confusion in healthcare. You’ll probably catch yourself asking… “What does that medical term mean?” or “What does this medication do?” or “Who will I be working with to manage my health?”. If you have questions about your care, do not worry.… Continue reading Know Your Doctors: The People Involved in Treating Diabetes

How the Right Socks and Shoes Can Help with Type 1 Diabetes

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA People with type 1 diabetes need to take extra care of their feet because they are at a higher risk for foot problems. High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood flow. In fact, up to half of all people with… Continue reading How the Right Socks and Shoes Can Help with Type 1 Diabetes

Common Medications Used to Treat Type 1 Diabetes

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a condition where the body cannot produce insulin, a hormone necessary for regulating blood sugar levels. Managing T1D typically involves using insulin and other medications to help keep blood sugar levels within a target range. Here’s an overview of the common… Continue reading Common Medications Used to Treat Type 1 Diabetes