Conditions Archives

“I had no idea that my thyroid controls so much” — PatientsLikeMe member Barbara shares her experience for Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month. So, how much do you know about the small, butterfly-shaped gland that influences the way your heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin function? To help spread #thyroidawareness, we asked member Barbara to tell us about living with thyroid cancer and hypothyroidism, a condition that affects over 6,000 PatientsLikeMe members. Barbara… Continue reading “I had no idea that my thyroid controls so much” — PatientsLikeMe member Barbara shares her experience for Thyroid Awareness Month

CHSG founder Chris Hannah shares how he tracks cluster headaches on PatientsLikeMe

In an interview last June, Chris Hannah, the founder of Cluster Headache Support Group (CHSG), discussed his experience with and thoughts on cluster headaches, clinical trials and more. We recently caught up with Chris to learn how he uses PatientsLikeMe to manage his condition, and the advice he gives to others living with cluster headaches.… Continue reading CHSG founder Chris Hannah shares how he tracks cluster headaches on PatientsLikeMe

“I try my best to make the most of each new day”– An interview with ALS member Brian

Brian (Dunric) is a former game developer and has been living with ALS since 1998. Unable to find a local ALS support group where he lives in Lodi, CA, he discovered PatientsLikeMe in 2012. In a recent interview, Brian opened up about dealing with the uncertainty of his condition the best way he knows how… Continue reading “I try my best to make the most of each new day”– An interview with ALS member Brian

“It is definitely a daily challenge” – An interview with PTS member Holden

Holden Montgomery (holdenmonty), an administration support technician for the Air Force Space Command, was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and later diagnosed with PTS, depression, and anxiety. He joined PatientslikeMe in March 2015, where he’s been connecting with other vets and sharing how he copes with his conditions. We recently caught up with Holden, and… Continue reading “It is definitely a daily challenge” – An interview with PTS member Holden

“Do not give up, find a reason to keep going.” – An interview with ALS member Lee

Humor and a passel of grandchildren keep Lee (slicky) going. He’s been living with ALS for nearly three decades and refuses to let his condition get the best of him. Now retired, he delights in his family and is very active in our forums – welcoming new members, doling out information and sharing his positive… Continue reading “Do not give up, find a reason to keep going.” – An interview with ALS member Lee

“You may not like it, but make the MOST of it.” – An interview with IPF member Nikki

When Nikki (Nimiha) was diagnosed with IPF in 2010, she was already a survivor of both ovarian cancer and a heart attack. Staying positive and up-to-date on new information is now this retired RN’s best defense – and she’s been sharing it with her IPF family on PatientsLikeMe since March. We had the chance to… Continue reading “You may not like it, but make the MOST of it.” – An interview with IPF member Nikki

“I feel as if I’ve been given more time to spread awareness.” – An interview with ALS member Lisa

Lisa (Ltbeauti) was studying to become a teacher in Richmond, VA, when she was diagnosed with ALS—the same type that affected both her sister and father. After joining PatientslikeMe in 2008, Lisa has made it her mission to stay proactive about her health and, like any good teacher, offer support and share her experience with… Continue reading “I feel as if I’ve been given more time to spread awareness.” – An interview with ALS member Lisa

Still leading a full life – An interview with IPF member David

David’s (darbygreenboy) username comes from the village in the English countryside where he lives and is still an active member of the community. We caught up with this grandfather of 10 – a former business owner, mayor and leader of the town council to talk about living with IPF. Here’s what we learned … Tell… Continue reading Still leading a full life – An interview with IPF member David

Natalie shares her story as caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease

When was your mom diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease? What was your mom’s diagnosis process like for you, for your mom, and for the rest of your family and friends? My mother, Maxine, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in April of 2010. She had been living on her own for about one year, following her… Continue reading Natalie shares her story as caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease

“I am not a quitter, I never have been” – An interview with lung cancer member Jacquie

For Jacquie (Jacquie1961), a business owner and entrepreneur from New Mexico, 2013 was the worst year of her life – she’d lost two beloved pets to old age and then was diagnosed with lung cancer, which soon turned into colon cancer. After rigorous chemotherapy and the adoption of a new dog, Roman, Jacquie joined PatientsLikeMe… Continue reading “I am not a quitter, I never have been” – An interview with lung cancer member Jacquie