“I am the only 7-fingered diabetic record-holding powerlifter and motivational speaker you know!” Chris (ChrisRuden) says in his profile. He was born with two fingers on his left hand and a shorter left arm. He was bullied in high school, and he struggled with depression, alcohol and drug use. Chris was diagnosed with diabetes at… Continue reading Member Chris finds the uplifting side of type 1 diabetes
Category: Patient Experiences
Communicating drug risks/benefits so the message really gets through
Last month, Jim, a member of the PatientsLikeMe Team of Advisors, was invited by Sally Okun, PatientsLikeMe’s VP Advocacy, Policy & Patient Safety, to present at the Drug Information Association (DIA) Pharmacovigilance Conference. He also led a lunch roundtable for drug risk/benefit communications experts. Sally, who also participated on the roundtable panel, says requests for… Continue reading Communicating drug risks/benefits so the message really gets through
“I feel it needs to be told”: Member Cathy shares a memory
Last year, we spoke with Cathy (Catrin) about her experience transitioning into a caregiver role for her husband, Fred, who was living with bulbar onset ALS. Shortly after that, Fred passed away, and to mark the year of his passing, Cathy recently shared the following memory. Here’s what she had to say… “I have been… Continue reading “I feel it needs to be told”: Member Cathy shares a memory
What do PatientsLikeMe members think about the Affordable Care Act?
With a new administration in Washington, the future of “Obamacare” is uncertain. So we wanted to know: What do patients think about potential changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? More than 2,000 PatientsLikeMe members recently shared their thoughts in the largest patient poll on the 2010 health care law. Previous large-scale polls about the… Continue reading What do PatientsLikeMe members think about the Affordable Care Act?
Meet Christopher – “PTSD is not just soldiers whining and complaining about struggles in life”
Say hello to Christopher (ChrisBC), a father, musician and Purple Heart recipient living with PTSD and bipolar disorder. We recently caught up with him to hear about how PTSD affected his marriage and how his diagnosis pushed him get the help he needed and connect with his feelings. Keep reading to learn how he copes… Continue reading Meet Christopher – “PTSD is not just soldiers whining and complaining about struggles in life”
Meet Lindsay from the PatientsLikeMe Team of Advisors
Meet Lindsay (Shyandspicy), a member of the PatientsLikeMe 2016-2017 Team of Advisors living with bipolar II, fibromyalgia and diabetes. We recently caught up with Lindsay to learn how she finds purpose in her relationships with her family, her faith and helping others. Keep reading to get to know her story and how she tackles… Continue reading Meet Lindsay from the PatientsLikeMe Team of Advisors
Keeping it fresh for heart health month
Did you know February is Heart Health Month? Although heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in America, it’s also one of the most preventable diseases. It may seem impossible to stay on top of your heart health, but remember, sometimes the slightest change can make a huge impact!… Continue reading Keeping it fresh for heart health month
World Cancer Day – Voices from the community
Over the last year, we’ve shared many stories from the cancer community on the PatientsLikeMe blog. This year, in honor of World Cancer Day, we’d like to highlight some of those stories: Member Iris (Imartinez), shared her story for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Iris opened up about getting diagnosed at just 28 years old,… Continue reading World Cancer Day – Voices from the community
Top Rheumatoid Blogs of 2016
Today is Rheumatoid Awareness Day and this year we wanted to share some of the top rheumatoid arthritis blogs that were included in Healthline’s 16 Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Blogs of 2016 list: Itis Stay up-to-date to learn about RA’s long-term effects and practical tips for living with RA. This blogger’s socks help treat the pain… Continue reading Top Rheumatoid Blogs of 2016
Meet Hetlena from the PatientsLikeMe Team of Advisors
Say hello to Hetlena (@TheLupusLiar) from the 2016-2017 Team of Advisors. We recently caught up with Hetlena and she chatted with us about some of the challenges she faces living with lupus and why she won’t let it stop her: “Putting off your aspirations, dreams, and wants due to the fear of what an illness… Continue reading Meet Hetlena from the PatientsLikeMe Team of Advisors