The Patient Voice- Fibromyalgia member Becca shares her story

  What does sharing about health experiences and donating #dataforgood mean to her? “I’m hoping that my contribution is going to help others who come behind me who have these conditions have an easier time of it.” -Becca If you missed our video interview with Ed, a Parkinson’s disease member, you can catch that here.

Spreading the word for arthritis

Lupus? Check. Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS? Check. ALS, cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, mental health, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression? Check! There’s been a ton of awareness going on in May, but there’s still one more theme to go – National Arthritis Awareness Month. This month, the Arthritis Foundation (AF) is encouraging us all to spread the word to… Continue reading Spreading the word for arthritis

Turning blue for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Awareness

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

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

Food for Thought: Recipes, Diets and Tips

What’s for dinner? Does this phrase haunt you the same way it does us? It is hard to come up with something to eat for every meal each day, especially if you have dietary restrictions due to your condition. If you feel like you are stuck in a meal rut, the PatientsLikeMe community is here… Continue reading Food for Thought: Recipes, Diets and Tips

As 2013 winds down… Part I

We wanted to take a quick look back and share how the PatientsLikeMe community has continued to change healthcare for good over the last year. Thousands of members added their voices to real-time research, all while providing support to one another and sharing about their personal health experiences. It really is a group effort, so… Continue reading As 2013 winds down… Part I

May 12th, International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological & Neurological Diseases

Did you know that May 12th was chosen for International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND) because it’s also Florence Nightingale’s birthday? She was a statistician, social reformer and is credited as the founder of modern nursing. It’s also believed that she suffered from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). That’s just one… Continue reading May 12th, International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological & Neurological Diseases

Women’s Health Week: “It’s Your Time”

Ladies, we know your lives get busy.  So why not pull out your calendar or smartphone right now and see if you’re due for a visit to your health care providers?  You’ll be doing your part for National Women’s Checkup Day (observed today, Monday, May 14th), an annual event that’s part of National Women’s Health… Continue reading Women’s Health Week: “It’s Your Time”

Coping with Nerve Sensitivity

Do you suffer from nerve sensitivity – or a feeling akin to pins and needles?  Known clinically as paresthesia, this uncomfortable sensation if often described as a tingling, pricking and/or creeping feeling.  For some people with nerve sensitivity, it can be painful for clothing to touch your skin.  Although there is no objective causes, nerve… Continue reading Coping with Nerve Sensitivity

Canine Caretakers: How Service Dogs Can Help Many Types of Patients

Now that PatientsLikeMe is open to any patient with any condition, we’ve noticed more patients with different conditions sharing similar lifestyle modifications. One example is the use of a service dog. What are the benefits – both expected and unexpected – of a four-legged assistant?  We asked some of our members to talk about their… Continue reading Canine Caretakers: How Service Dogs Can Help Many Types of Patients