We’re exploring how pain is subjective, and expressing it using the classic 1-to-10 or “smiley face” scale can be tricky. What are the shortcomings of these scales? And what can help you communicate better with your doctor? Pain scale problems NPR recently reported about the trouble with the most common pain scales: Adam Rosette, a 33-year-old… Continue reading The Pain Scale 1 to 10 falls short
Category: Patient Experiences
What’s the lupus/kidney connection? Our healthcare pros explain lupus nephritis and more
“Kidney” is one of the top terms that PatientsLikeMe members are searching for in the lupus forum (click here to join the site for forum access). Last year’s news of Selena Gomez’s kidney transplant put a spotlight on the lupus/kidney link. Lupus can affect your kidneys in a few different ways, so we asked our Health Data Integrity Team (our in-house… Continue reading What’s the lupus/kidney connection? Our healthcare pros explain lupus nephritis and more
Why is dietary advice so all over the place? Nutrition experts explain
If you’re confused about what kind of milk to drink, what type of cooking oil is “healthiest” or whether the Mediterranean diet is the ticket to heart health, you’re not alone. Nutrition experts dig into the complexity of dietary research. Digesting dietary advice The constant churn of nutrition news, books and blog posts — combined… Continue reading Why is dietary advice so all over the place? Nutrition experts explain
Advance directives: What are they and why should you have one?
If you find talking about end-of-life care and advance directives isn’t easy, you’re not alone. One 2013 survey by The Conversation Project found that while 90% of respondents said talking about it with loved ones is important, only 27% actually started the conversation. And according to another recent study, as few as 38% of patients living with a… Continue reading Advance directives: What are they and why should you have one?
MS & Vertigo: How do you cope?
Ever have a sudden loss of balance or feel like the room is spinning? You’re not alone —it’s a popular topic in the forum, and vertigo might be to blame. See what other members have shared about their experience with this symptom and how they cope. What’s vertigo? Vertigo is the feeling that you, or the… Continue reading MS & Vertigo: How do you cope?
“Not tonight”: How health conditions can affect your sex life + relationships
Personal (but important) question: How’s your sex life? Explore how your diagnosis (and symptoms and treatments) can impact your romantic relationships, see what members are saying about the topic on PatientsLikeMe — and learn what you can possibly do about love-life struggles. Intimacy, interrupted According to sexologists, people with a variety of health conditions can… Continue reading “Not tonight”: How health conditions can affect your sex life + relationships
MS constipation blues? See 12+ treatment options
Feeling “irregular” on the regular? Constipation is a common issue for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting as many as 40% of patients. Over 15,000 MS members on PatientsLikeMe report experiencing bowel problems and of those, about 47% have reported it as “moderate” or “severe” – take a look here. With help from our team of… Continue reading MS constipation blues? See 12+ treatment options
Let’s talk: Parkinson’s disease, speech changes + communication issues
Parkinson’s disease can cause your voice to become raspy, quiet or unsteady, and motor symptoms can make writing and typing more difficult. Have you experienced communication issues like these? See what others have tried — from Lee Silverman Voice Treatment and voice-activated “smart” devices to (drumroll please…) singing classes. How PD can impact communication Parkinson’s… Continue reading Let’s talk: Parkinson’s disease, speech changes + communication issues
It’s Self-Care Day! 7 “pillars” for taking care of you
Has your self-care — from diet and hydration to hygiene and hobbies — been slipping because of competing priorities? Bring it back into focus with these “seven pillars” recommended by health care experts – plus some easy TLC ideas from your fellow member, Laura. What are the “7 pillars”? The International Self-Care Foundation has developed… Continue reading It’s Self-Care Day! 7 “pillars” for taking care of you
Staying mobile with assistive walking devices: Member Cathy weighs in
Do you have difficulty walking or getting around? Have you considered using a wheelchair, walker or cane? Making the decision to use a walking or mobility aid can be difficult. You’re not alone. Here, PatientsLikeMe member Cathy living with multiple sclerosis shares about how she overcame the fear of losing her independence and how using a cane is… Continue reading Staying mobile with assistive walking devices: Member Cathy weighs in