Last month, we talked about precision medicine and what it could mean for psychiatry. What’s precision medicine again? It’s a relatively new way of preventing and treating illnesses that takes into consideration people’s genetic makeup, environment and lifestyle.1 Today — just in time for ALS Awareness Month — we’re digging deeper into how it can be… Continue reading A new precision medicine program for ALS patients
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.
Patients as Partners: Member Jeff on teaming up with your doctors
This year, the Team of Advisors has been thinking about partnerships in healthcare. They introduced the Partnership Principles, outlining ways to make the most of your relationships with the many people you encounter in your health journey — medical students, clinical trial coordinators, and “normals.” Now, they’re each sharing personal stories about these principles in… Continue reading Patients as Partners: Member Jeff on teaming up with your doctors
“Adapt, improvise and overcome.” — PatientsLikeMe member Dana shares her experience for Sjögren’s Awareness Month
In honor of Sjögren’s Awareness Month, we connected with PatientsLikeMe member Dana, a New Jersey-based poet and screenplay writer who was recently diagnosed. This isn’t the first time we’ve interviewed Dana — she was a member of our 2014 Team of Advisors! Here, Dana talks about the daily challenges of living with Sjögren’s, an autoimmune… Continue reading “Adapt, improvise and overcome.” — PatientsLikeMe member Dana shares her experience for Sjögren’s Awareness Month
“I am working on all of it slowly” — Member David opens up about his experience with PTS
Meet member David (david61060), a United States Air Force veteran who’s living with multiple conditions including PTS, sleep apnea, and epilepsy. When we caught up with him, David shared what it was like to grow up as a “navy brat,” his experience in the military, and how It took him more than nine years to… Continue reading “I am working on all of it slowly” — Member David opens up about his experience with PTS
“Seesawing Libidos”: A podcast for Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and this year we’re getting personal. “Seesawing libidos,” an episode of WBUR Boston’s Modern Love podcast, explores an unexpected side effect of a Parkinson’s medication: an overactive sex drive. The story comes from comedian Marc Jaffe, whose wife Karen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 15 years into their marriage. Before Karen’s… Continue reading “Seesawing Libidos”: A podcast for Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Food for Thought: IBS Awareness Month edition
Did you know that 9% – 23% of the world’s population live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)1, including over 5,000 members on PatientsLikeMe? For IBS Awareness Month, we’re digging deeper into how people are coping with this condition that affects so many. We asked IBS members for some insight — which foods help and… Continue reading Food for Thought: IBS Awareness Month edition
“Technology is the cure”: An update with member Steve Saling (SmoothS)
Recently, we paid a follow-up visit to ALS member Steve Saling (Smooth S) to see what he’s been up to and talk about future plans. When we last spoke with him in 2012, Steve was using his expertise as an architect and his interest in technology to spearhead the ALS Residence Initiative (ALSRI), starting with the Steve… Continue reading “Technology is the cure”: An update with member Steve Saling (SmoothS)
“These lungs are a precious gift” — Member John shares his new “new normal” for National Donate Life Month
April is National Donate Life Month, an annual awareness effort to encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors — and to celebrate those who have donated and saved lives. We recently caught up with IPF member John (John_R), who we interviewed back in 2014. At that time, John described what his “new… Continue reading “These lungs are a precious gift” — Member John shares his new “new normal” for National Donate Life Month
World Bipolar Day 2016 – Share how you’re #MoreThanADiagnosis
“What am I in the eyes of most people – a nonentity, an eccentric, or an unpleasant person – somebody who has no position in society and will never have; in short, the lowest of the low. All right, then – even if that were absolutely true, then I should one day like to show… Continue reading World Bipolar Day 2016 – Share how you’re #MoreThanADiagnosis
“Each day is different and you do what you can” — Member Rick shares his story for Myeloma Action Month
A few weeks ago, we shared Marcia’s story for Myeloma Action Month. Today, we’re introducing Rick (ricktowner), another member of the multiple myeloma community. Before he was diagnosed in 2012, Rick and his wife led active lives volunteering in private, state and federal parks. Now in remission, he still travels when he can and rides… Continue reading “Each day is different and you do what you can” — Member Rick shares his story for Myeloma Action Month