Are you familiar with the four stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, RA is characterized by chronic inflammation. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and joint damage. Millions of people worldwide live with RA. About 70% are women, and 55% are older than the age of 55. This… Continue reading The Four Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Justice Department Moves to Reclassify Marijuana
The Justice Department has proposed reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug. This marks a significant shift in U.S. drug policy. Marijuana has been a Schedule I drug since 1970. This change acknowledges marijuana’s medical uses and its lower potential for abuse compared to other Schedule I drugs. The proposal, approved by Attorney General Merrick… Continue reading Justice Department Moves to Reclassify Marijuana
Navigating a Vitamin A Deficiency Caused by Amyloidosis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Among the different types of amyloidosis, there is one that can lead to a vitamin A deficiency in the body. Wild-type amyloidosis is characterized by a misfolding of the TTR protein. This protein, when functioning properly, moves two hormones throughout the body: thyroxine and retinol. Retinol… Continue reading Navigating a Vitamin A Deficiency Caused by Amyloidosis
Home Based Tips for Managing Amyloidosis with Confidence
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA What are the best ways to deal with a complex diagnosis? It is important to work with your physician, stick to a medication regimen, and follow any lifestyle changes that are recommended. A common question for those living with a complex disease like amyloidosis is what… Continue reading Home Based Tips for Managing Amyloidosis with Confidence
Your Guide to Specialized Care for Amyloidosis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Amyloidosis can affect many different parts of the body. If you are going in for treatment, you may have to work with different doctors throughout your health journey. This can be confusing! For many patients, understanding who they are talking to and what they do is… Continue reading Your Guide to Specialized Care for Amyloidosis
Lifting the Curtain on AL Amyloidosis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Amyloidosis is a disease that affects around 200,000 people in the United States each year. It is caused by proteins, called amyloids, that can misfold and build up in different parts of the body. When this happens, the organs they build up in are affected. There… Continue reading Lifting the Curtain on AL Amyloidosis
How to Know if You Have Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow in the skin tissues. Normally, old skin cells die off, and new ones replace them. But when this process is disrupted, often by exposure to sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) light, cells can grow rapidly, leading to cancer. These abnormal cells may be benign (noncancerous) or cancerous. If… Continue reading How to Know if You Have Skin Cancer
Common Medications for Treating Mental Health
In the United States, 1 in 5 people live with a mental illness. They can range in severity, from a condition that minimally affects your day to day life to a serious illness that requires intervention. Whatever the case, the most popular treatment among various options is managing through medication. Understanding these medicines, what they… Continue reading Common Medications for Treating Mental Health
Can CKD Cause My Skin to Itch?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects your kidneys’ ability to filter waste products from your blood. While kidney disease may not initially show signs on your skin, it can lead to a range of symptoms as it progresses. One common symptom experienced by many CKD patients is itchy skin, also known as… Continue reading Can CKD Cause My Skin to Itch?
Understanding Early Signs of Lupus in Women
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects women more often than men. This condition can cause damage to any part of the body as the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs. Women with lupus have a higher risk of experiencing other health problems, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. In this overview, PatientsLikeMe… Continue reading Understanding Early Signs of Lupus in Women