Did you know that today is International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CINDs)? CINDs include fibromyalgia, Gulf War Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Lyme disease and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (also know as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME/CFS). ME/CFS is tough to diagnose because there are no tests for it, and other conditions can cause very similar… Continue reading Turning blue for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Awareness
Category: Patient Experiences
“In my own words” – PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor writes about her journey with bipolar II: Part I
We just posted that May is Mental Health Month, and so we wanted to help raise awareness by getting the patient perspective out there. PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor (redblack) first experienced bipolar II as a young woman, and she’s been managing her mental health with the help of her family and psychiatrist ever since. She shared… Continue reading “In my own words” – PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor writes about her journey with bipolar II: Part I
Four actions = cystic fibrosis awareness
You guessed it! Along with mental health, anxiety and depression, Huntington’s disease and fibromyalgia… May is also Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month. Here are some quick facts about CF from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF): CF is a genetic condition that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. CF causes unusually thick, sticky mucus that… Continue reading Four actions = cystic fibrosis awareness
Making fibromyalgia visible this May
The National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association (NfmCPA) is recognizing Fibromyalgia Awareness Month with an awesome theme – “C.A.R.E. & Make Fibromyalgia Visible.” C.A.R.E. stands for Contribute, Advocate, participate in Research, and Educate others about fibromyalgia, and that’s exactly what’s going on throughout May. Fibromyalgia (commonly shortened to “fibro”) causes widespread body pain or aching muscles – myalgia –… Continue reading Making fibromyalgia visible this May
Let’s talk about Huntington’s Disease
May is packed with mental health awareness, and we’re continuing to recognize neurological conditions through Huntington’s Disease (HD) Awareness Month. HD is a mental health condition that affects brain cells (neurons) and causes them to degenerate over time. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), HD can only be passed down from parent to child… Continue reading Let’s talk about Huntington’s Disease
It’s time to recognize National Anxiety and Depression Week
We already posted about raising awareness for mental health, and now we’re recognizing National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week (May 5-10). Since 1994, the week has been organized by Freedom from Fear, a national non-profit focused on raising awareness for depression and anxiety. If you haven’t heard much about these two conditions, here are some… Continue reading It’s time to recognize National Anxiety and Depression Week
“Mind your health” – Recognizing mental health in May
This May marks the 65th anniversary of Mental Health Month, which has been observed by Mental Health America (MHA) since 1949. The MHA’s 2014 monthly theme is “Mind your health,” and it’s all about building public awareness for mental health and wellness while learning about the complex connections between the mind and the body. According… Continue reading “Mind your health” – Recognizing mental health in May
Speaking up for hope during ALS Awareness Month
May is just a few days away, and we wanted to get a jump-start on spreading the word for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month. As many out there might know, PatientsLikeMe was founded on the life experiences of brothers Stephen, Ben and Jamie Heywood. In 1998, Stephen was diagnosed with ALS and his brothers… Continue reading Speaking up for hope during ALS Awareness Month
A day in the life of Software Engineer Jonathan Slate
Our members share a lot about their unique health journeys and experiences here on the blog. Just recently, Kim spoke about her shock with MS, Betty talked about her frustration finding the right diagnosis, and Lori’s been sharing about life on the lung transplant list. And as part of our ongoing “A day in the… Continue reading A day in the life of Software Engineer Jonathan Slate
“Shocked” – Kim talks about life with multiple sclerosis, becoming an advocate and PatientsLikeMeInMotion™
Last week on the blog, we celebrated the 6th year of the PatientsLikeMeInMotion program. And this week, we’re touching base with PatientsLikeMe member Kim (aka “2006”) who we’ve had the honor of sponsoring a bunch of times through PatientsLikeMeInMotion™. After she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Kim was inspired to get involved in advocacy… Continue reading “Shocked” – Kim talks about life with multiple sclerosis, becoming an advocate and PatientsLikeMeInMotion™