Note: This is a repost from Noah’s Blog. Please visit his fantastic site to read more about his journey! Throwback to a September night in Alabama. It’s hot and the stars are sparkling, but I wouldn’t have known. The roof had been the peak of my view all day. After hours of scrolling on my… Continue reading ‘No Manual For That’: Mental Health & FA
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.
Traveling Overseas For the First Time Since Being Disabled
In this blog, Libby Frandsen shares her experience going overseas for the first time since become a wheelchair user! As someone with Friedreich’s Ataxia, there is a great deal of planning and many extra steps that go into travel. If you are interested in anything else Libby has shared about her life, be sure to… Continue reading Traveling Overseas For the First Time Since Being Disabled
How I Learned to Do Things Differently With FA
In this Q&A with PLM member and FA Ambassador Kelly Gregory, she shares how she has adapted to living with Friedreich’s Ataxia. As someone who heavily prioritizes movement and exercise in her life, FA has presented Kelly with a number of challenges. But she is no stranger to obstacles! If you are interested in any… Continue reading How I Learned to Do Things Differently With FA
Why We Need to Talk More About Women’s Heart Health
Heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “men’s health” issue, but cardiovascular disease is a major health concern for women, too. They may experience symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, weakness, nausea, or other symptoms. And some women may not experience the classic symptoms associated with a heart attack at… Continue reading Why We Need to Talk More About Women’s Heart Health
My Fall FA Routine: Why Swimming Should Be Your Go-To
Exercise is an important piece of managing a condition like Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA). Regardless of your progression, staying active can and will increase your strength and flexibility, help with balance, coordination, and heart health! But what exercises are best to try? They are going to vary person to person. What works for some might not… Continue reading My Fall FA Routine: Why Swimming Should Be Your Go-To
Finding Your Footing After an FA Diagnosis
A new diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) can leave you with a long list of questions: What happens next? Which doctors do I need to see? What should I know about FA? What can I do to manage symptoms? And where can I find other people who understand what I’m going through? You do not… Continue reading Finding Your Footing After an FA Diagnosis
How Menopause Can Affect Ulcerative Colitis
Hot flashes and changes to your period consistency may be some of the first signs of menopause you notice. If you live with ulcerative colitis (UC), digestive changes can add another layer of uncertainty and discomfort. For some women, some menopause symptoms can overlap with UC, which makes it hard to tell whether the changes… Continue reading How Menopause Can Affect Ulcerative Colitis
How FARA Is Helping Move FA Research Forward and Why Collaboration Matters More Than Ever
How do researchers and scientists make progress on treatments and cures for rare diseases? The human body is incredibly complex, and understanding how certain conditions affect it takes time. For a condition like Friedreich’s Ataxia, that means years of careful research, data collection, comparison, and slow progress. One of the leaders in this charge is… Continue reading How FARA Is Helping Move FA Research Forward and Why Collaboration Matters More Than Ever
Tracking Your FA Progression Without Letting It Take Over Your Life
You do not want to have a condition like Friedreich’s Ataxia take over every part of your life. However, tracking your progression, and understanding how your physical capabilities alongside your mental health change over time, is important! So how can you track your progress while still preserving time throughout your day to do things you… Continue reading Tracking Your FA Progression Without Letting It Take Over Your Life
The Walking Routine People Actually Stick With After a Heart Health Scare
A heart scare is a frightening event to go through. The concern about your health and your future is often too much for people to process all at once. While working with your doctor, you will likely need to address the healthy lifestyle changes you should make to reduce your chances of a future event.… Continue reading The Walking Routine People Actually Stick With After a Heart Health Scare