Unlike most of the health conditions we cover at PatientsLikeMe, cystic fibrosis is one of the few communities where the majority of our members are under the age of 29. In fact, approximately 60% of our 440 cystic fibrosis patients report that they either fall in the 0-19 or 20-29 age brackets. What exactly is… Continue reading Life with Cystic Fibrosis: Three Teenagers’ Perspectives
What Do You Know About Thyroid Disease?
Let’s start with the basics: do you even know where your thyroid is? A small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck (just below the Adam’s apple), the thyroid influences the function of the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. That’s why it’s so important to know if you have a thyroid problem… Continue reading What Do You Know About Thyroid Disease?
Glaucoma: The Disease That Steals Your Sight
Did you know that as much as 40% of your vision can be lost due to glaucoma – without your notice? That’s why they call glaucoma the “sneak thief of sight.” There are no symptoms, and once your vision is lost, it’s permanent. This is one of the urgent messages of National Glaucoma Awareness Month, which takes… Continue reading Glaucoma: The Disease That Steals Your Sight
Does Microscopic Colitis Go Away?
You may have heard of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but have you heard of microscopic colitis? One of several conditions under the IBD umbrella, this chronic, inflammatory disorder of the colon (aka the large intestine) can cause watery diarrhea and abdominal pain. It gets its name from the fact that microscopic examination of the intestinal… Continue reading Does Microscopic Colitis Go Away?
Open Access for All: PatientsLikeMe’s Epilepsy Survey Results Now Published
Last April, we had the honor of presenting the results of our epilepsy survey at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting. In some of the key takeaways, we shared that 55% of respondents consider PatientsLikeMe “moderately or very” helpful in learning about the type of seizures they experience. 45% found it useful for… Continue reading Open Access for All: PatientsLikeMe’s Epilepsy Survey Results Now Published
Living with ALS: What We’ve Learned
Yesterday, our interview with ALS blogger and three-star member Rachael gave you a glimpse into what it’s like to live with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Today we take a closer look using the data and experiences shared by our 4,844 ALS members, who comprise the world’s largest online ALS population. ALS, which stands for amyotrophic… Continue reading Living with ALS: What We’ve Learned
Spotlighted Blogger: ALS Patient Rachael of “Notes to Self”
Welcome to the third installment of our new blog series featuring patient bloggers. Last week, we introduced you to Parkinson’s blogger Steve, and today, we’d like you to meet Rachael, a three-star member who has been a part of PatientsLikeMe’s flagship ALS community since the very beginning. In fact, she joined PatientsLikeMe in May 2006,… Continue reading Spotlighted Blogger: ALS Patient Rachael of “Notes to Self”
Coping with Holiday Stress and Blues
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or is it? The holidays can be a time of merriment and joy marked by festive parties and family reunions. But they can also be quite challenging. Despite the great cheer advertised everywhere you look, some people find themselves struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness and/or depression. This… Continue reading Coping with Holiday Stress and Blues
Life with Parkinson’s Disease: What We’ve Learned
On Tuesday, our interview with blogger Steve Ploussard of “Attitude & Fitness Wins” revealed how one person is managing his Parkinson’s disease (PD). Today we take a closer look at this progressive neurological condition using the data and experiences shared by our 5,920 PD members. Taking a look at the makeup of our PD community,… Continue reading Life with Parkinson’s Disease: What We’ve Learned
Spotlighted Blogger: Parkinson’s Patient Steve Ploussard of “Attitude & Fitness Wins”
Last week we kicked off a new blog series featuring patient bloggers, and today, we’re pleased to present our second installment. Please meet Steve Ploussard, a longtime PatientsLikeMe member who writes a blog about living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) called “Attitude & Fitness Wins.” Steve decided that blogging was the perfect way to “come out”… Continue reading Spotlighted Blogger: Parkinson’s Patient Steve Ploussard of “Attitude & Fitness Wins”