Our members have been asking us for years for a place to discuss chronic pain on PatientsLikeMe. We heard you. The new Chronic Pain forum is here, and it’s a place for members with any health condition(s) to connect on the topic of pain – from your treatment experiences to day-to-day living with recurring or long-lasting pain.… Continue reading Connect about pain: The new Chronic Pain forum is live on PatientsLikeMe
Category: Patient Experiences
Age-By-Age Guide To Navigating Reproductive Health With Lupus
Lupus can affect your reproductive health in a variety of ways throughout your life and can raise the risks of complications during pregnancy. Thanks to medical advances, the chances of having a safe pregnancy have improved — the key is careful planning. Check out this timeline of gynecological and reproductive health considerations when you have… Continue reading Age-By-Age Guide To Navigating Reproductive Health With Lupus
Parenting with bipolar II: Alysia’s story
Meet Alysia, a member of the 2018 PatientsLikeMe Team of Advisors who’s living with bipolar II disorder. Here’s what she had to say about parenting with a mental health condition, learning to adapt and how she “defies the odds.” When I was younger I wrote stories about my alter ego who had kids. I lived almost… Continue reading Parenting with bipolar II: Alysia’s story
Service, therapy and emotional support animals: What’s the difference?
When it comes to living with a chronic condition, animal companions can add another layer of comfort, safety and service. So, we’re opening up a conversation about therapy, emotional support and service animals, and the differences between them. Do you have an animal? Join the community and share a pic of your pet using the hashtag #PLMPets. Service animals… Continue reading Service, therapy and emotional support animals: What’s the difference?
Discussing your health condition with kids? 5 handy resources
With Father’s Day coming up this weekend, parenting is on our minds. Do you talk about your health with your kids, and how do you go about it? Read on to see where to get pointers as a parent living with cancer, a mental health condition or chronic illness. 5 sites or articles to… Continue reading Discussing your health condition with kids? 5 handy resources
How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment: 7 tips from member Cathy
Ever feel confused or overwhelmed after a doctor’s appointment? Forget to ask important questions or bring up new symptoms? Covering all of your concerns in a 30-minute appointment can be tricky. MS community member Cathy can relate — read on to see how she’s learned to make the most of her appointments and check out her… Continue reading How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment: 7 tips from member Cathy
The benefits of just a bit of exercise (+”forest bathing”?)
If frequent, long workouts aren’t in the cards, here’s some good news: A new research analysis based on decades’ of studies shows the potential mental health perks of even just a smidgen of light exercise. Also, see the results of a Japanese study on something called “forest bathing.” Exercise linked to good vibes “Even a Little Exercise… Continue reading The benefits of just a bit of exercise (+”forest bathing”?)
CyberKnife, VATS + other surgical and less invasive treatments for lung cancer
Surgery is among the most common treatments for people with lung cancer. Let’s take a closer look at various types of surgery for lung cancer, as well as emerging non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments, like CyberKnife or “SBRT,” cryosurgery and “VATS.” Huh? Read on… we’ll explain. Common types of lung cancer surgery Before we explore… Continue reading CyberKnife, VATS + other surgical and less invasive treatments for lung cancer
Parkinson’s disease + anxiety/depression: Stigma-busting for Mental Health Month
Stress. Anxiety. Depression. Have you experienced any of these along with Parkinson’s disease (PD)? As National Mental Health Month comes to a close, we’re highlighting how common these non-motor symptoms and mental health issues are among people with PD. Plus, see some new research on the prevalence of feeling demoralized (vs. depressed) with PD, and… Continue reading Parkinson’s disease + anxiety/depression: Stigma-busting for Mental Health Month
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and product FAQs: Fad or effective? Legal or not?
Trending: Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, gummies, tinctures and more. Why are cannabis products gaining popularity as medical treatments and in general? As more states have legalized medical marijuana, more people have shifted their views on cannabis treatments (like former Speaker of the House John Boehner’s recent change of heart). And last month, an advisory panel at the U.S. Food and… Continue reading Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and product FAQs: Fad or effective? Legal or not?