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.

Bloating and Excessive Gas from Ulcerative Colitis

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Bloating and excessive gas are common multifactorial symptoms for people living with ulcerative colitis (UC). If you have UC, you may notice that you’re passing gas more often than usual or have uncomfortable bloating. While gas is a normal part of digestion, UC can make it… Continue reading Bloating and Excessive Gas from Ulcerative Colitis

Stomach Pain After Eating – A UC Symptom

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) is challenging! Gastric distress, stomach pain, and cramping are unfortunate symptoms of UC that many people with the condition have to manage. These symptoms are not only uncomfortable but can make eating an anxious experience! Understanding why this happens and what… Continue reading Stomach Pain After Eating – A UC Symptom

Bipolar Disorder and Aging

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is usually diagnosed during late adolescence or early adulthood. But over a quarter of individuals living with bipolar disorder are over the age of 60. According to the National Institute of Health, “it’s generally agreed that older people with bipolar tend to have more depression than mania and… Continue reading Bipolar Disorder and Aging

The Benefits of Journaling With Anxiety

Positive affect journaling also known as PAJ is an “emotion-focused self-regulation intervention that has been associated with positive outcomes among medical populations,” according to the National Institute of Health. This study from 2018 focused on the impact of a 12-week web-based PAJ intervention on psychological distress and quality of life in general medical patients. These… Continue reading The Benefits of Journaling With Anxiety

A New Weight-Loss Treatment is Coming: GLP-1 Pills

medicine for pain relief for nerve pain

There’s exciting news in the world of weight loss treatments. GLP-1 medications, previously only available as injections, are now being developed in pill form. This change could completely change the weight-loss space, making the drugs more accessible and convenient for millions of Americans. GLP-1 Drug Popularity GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have gained massive… Continue reading A New Weight-Loss Treatment is Coming: GLP-1 Pills

How Does Metformin Affect CKD?

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. One medication that comes up for CKD patients is metformin. While metformin is typically used to treat people with… Continue reading How Does Metformin Affect CKD?

Exercise and GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications have taken off in popularity the last few years. These drugs, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are being used for treating both type 2 diabetes and for weight loss. They help manage blood sugar levels but also suppress appetite, which is why many people are able to shed significant pounds. GLP-1s are highly… Continue reading Exercise and GLP-1 Medications

Lupus Friendly Bread Options

By: Kellsey Reed, RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor Living with lupus, an autoimmune disease, often means managing so many things at once: medications, diet, symptoms, and more. Inflammation, fatigue, and digestive issues are common symptoms that can be affected by what you eat. One food group that many people with lupus often navigate cautiously is carbohydrates,… Continue reading Lupus Friendly Bread Options

Does Menopause Actually Cause Depression?

A big question in the medical community surrounding menopause is its impact on mental health. Does menopause actually cause depression, or is it merely a side effect of mood shifts? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that mood changes are very real for those experiencing menopause or perimenopause. Perimenopause is the stage in… Continue reading Does Menopause Actually Cause Depression?