Diseases, Illnesses & Conditions

Are you home from school or work because you're sick but you've checked Facebook one too many times already? Here's 22 productive things to do when you're home sick and bored.

An encounter with transient global amnesia, or sudden memory loss. How life can change in an instant...

Almost a year ago, I had an implantable cardiac loop recorder placed in my chest to monitor my arrhythmia. This is a short tale of that experience.

Diverticulitis is easy to confuse with other health issues, such as food poisoning and the common stomach flu. This was my experience with diverticulitis and how I was able to identify it and seek treatment.

An honest account of what it's like to get gum grafting surgery, written by a patient the morning after the procedure.

I have MGUS—monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. Never heard of it? Neither had I until it was discovered on a routine blood test.

I have a kidney transplant and just turned 74. I manage myself, my foods, and my activities so that I feel I am able to get the most out of every day. COVID-19 is a challenge, but common sense is what will help everyone.

Anosmia is a lack or loss of the sense of smell. To learn more about this smell disorder, from causes and treatments to my personal experience, read on.

When I had floaters and flashes in my eyes, I learned that I had Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). I'll tell you about the symptoms and what you need to do.

Carotid artery dissections are rare, so there isn't a lot of information out there. This is the story of my husband's experience with this life-threatening condition.

TPN stands for total parenteral nutrition, and it is used when the body cannot get nutrition from foods because the food doesn't get absorbed in the body. Some people get TPN for extended periods—or even for a lifetime.

Eczema can torment sufferers with terrible itching, blistering, and weeping skin that turns into scaly patches. I suffered for years before finding a complete cure.

Read one mother's experience of trying to eradicate pinworms from her household—and regain some semblance of a normal life.

If you've just been diagnosed with PMR and feel leery of taking prednisone, this article will list the pros and cons of choosing to use steroids and the effectiveness of other PMR treatments to help you see the larger picture.

My father's story of having throat cancer and his first warning signs. Throat cancer symptoms can include hoarseness, change in voice, and coughing up blood. Read his heroic journey.

If you're looking for juicy tips for your intimate encounters, this is not the page for you (sorry). Here, I share how to pass the time enjoyably when you're obliged to be in bed due to illness.

Encouragement for African Americans to make use of a life-saving therapy that is often neglected

Bleeding and bruising are common problems for those who are aging and have thinning skin due to excess sun exposure. Skin care treatment is essential for protecting the body from common infections.

The cost of a Crystalens implant can vary widely. Learn how the cost can be affected by a surgeon's philosophy and product packaging—from personal experience and the experience of others.

Everyone is concerned about COVID-19, so testing is certain to be a priority for many people. Well, here's what it's like to be tested.

I thought preventing cavities would be easier with Invisalign than with braces, since the Invisalign trays can be removed for teeth cleaning. It turns out, however, that it's not quite so simple.

Hold the flowers, please! What? No “get well” cards? Learn the secrets for assembling the ideal gift or care package for a cancer patient, while avoiding dangerous blunders.

In October 2017, I developed DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and PE (pulmonary emboli) left and right. Here I recount my experience and share my accumulated knowledge of causes, symptoms, treatment, and preventative measures.

Did you wake up with a weird waddle hanging down the back of your throat? It could be a swollen uvula. Here I share information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for this condition.

Many people suffer from the debilitating effects of degenerative disc disease without fully understanding what the disease entails. This article explores what causes DDD and how it is treated.

U.S. and Canadian tourists flock to Los Algodones, Mexico, for affordable dental care. My husband and I have had extensive dental work done there, and we've been very happy with our experience.

Doctors and other professionals advise against popping cold sores—and for good reason—but the temptation will always be there. Learn how it worked for me and how to do it safely.

Fainting while laughing is a rare occurrence, but it does happen. It's happened to me. Here I share my story, as well as more information about this condition, also known as gelastic syncope.

My honest and unsponsored review of the Jaymag weighted blanket, and how it improved my quality of sleep

Having breathing issues can be terrifying. Getting no sleep is debilitating. Thankfully, CPAP can solve those problems. Here's what it's like to use one.

Burow's solution was first invented in the mid-19th century by Karl August Burow for ophthalmic use. Domeboro soaks are a useful way to dry out skin eczema weeping and have antiseptic qualities.

Are you really flexible? Have you dislocated your knees or other joints? Hypermobile joint symptoms may mean you have a disorder often called hypermobility joint syndrome, or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Advice for buying practical aids for those who have failing eyesight or vision problems.

When someone in your family is living with cancer, everything changes. In 2018, my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. This article chronicles his experience from having difficulty swallowing to having an esophagectomy.

Here are five great online resources for MS patients and their families that provide emotional support, disease information, need-based grants, registries for clinical trials, and more.

Pompholyx eczema is a painful skin disorder. For me, adult-onset allergies to dairy and lemons were to blame. I am completely cured now!

Ingrown toenails can be painful and debilitating, but surgery to remove the toenail is no fun, either. You may be able to avoid surgery with these tips.

Pareidolia is a condition in which one perceives familiar patterns in inanimate objects. One of the most common examples is seeing faces. This is known as facial pareidolia.

Whether you are a child or an adult needing braces, it is helpful to be prepared for the that first week of new sensations in your mouth. Take it from someone who has been through it twice.

My diet as a colostomy patient wasn’t much different from my pre-ostomy days, and If you’ve just had an Ostomy, you want to know what you can eat & drink, and what you can not. Here, you’ll find tips on my experience, the nutritional pattern I followed, my diet, and my general eating habits.

There are basically two types of colostomy bags, the disposable types and the re-useable ones. This article is about the disposable bags and the advantages and disadvantages of using them.

For your stoma care, there are some important colostomy supplies you cannot do without, that is asides colostomy bags. There are some other products you’ll require, without which proper management of your stoma will be virtually impossible. What are these supplies and how important are they?

Are you thinking about getting dentures? Learn what it's really like from someone who has personal experience. Separate fact from fiction.

Ringworm isn't a worm at all; it's a fungal infection that is not only contagious but also embarrassing. I tried a succession of treatments over a three-month period before I finally got rid of the rash.

What is sleep apnea? What are the symptoms, causes, and treatments? This is my story of this hidden illness.

Crawling sensations? Itchy bites? Doctors sometimes don't recognize scabies because of inaccurate or incomplete knowledge. My husband and I had a yearlong battle with misdiagnosed scabies.

Sometimes PMR is hard to diagnose. Many have to persist—through scores of tests, misdiagnoses, misinformation, and lack of knowledge—to find out what's wrong with them. This article is to help newly diagnosed PMR sufferers understand what is happening to them and know what to ask their doctors.

I cannot offer you a miracle cure for tinnitus, but I can suggest some techniques that can help you enjoy life again.

Breathe Right strips are great for opening your nasal passages for freer breathing, but if you leave them on too long, they can be hard to remove. Learn how to easily remove them without hurting yourself.

Your doctor may not tell you everything about what to expect during treatment for breast cancer. I learned the hard way.

Lupus is curious disease that greatly decreases your quality of life. Trust me—I've lived with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for over 45 years. I'll walk you through what it was like to live with lupus and the changes I had to make to regain control of my life.

Living with pancreatitis sucks. If you have pancreatitis, you know what I'm talking about. In this article, I share how I managed to live with it as well as tips to avoid further complications.

Reusable colostomy bags are best for you if you discharge waste frequently. Because they are drainable, you'll not only save money, you will also worry less about disposing of filled pouches.

This article discusses how I managed to get rid of my toenail fungus after more than 10 years with onychomycosis by fixing my low body temperature.

Symbrachydactyly is a congenital hand malformation that occurs in 1 in 32,000 births. I was born with this condition, and this is my story.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that steals your vision like a thief in the night. What is it? What are the symptoms? Learn more about this silent thief.

As an ostomate, caring for your stoma and ensuring that it is clean and germ-free is an important part of a stoma care routine. A clean stoma will guard against bacteria that may result in irritation, or worse, an infection. Learn how to keep your stoma hygienic and infection-free.

Learn about what GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) feels like from someone who knows all too well.

Kidney stones cause a great deal of pain, especially when urinating, and can even cost you one or both kidneys. In this article, I will discuss how to prevent kidney stones from forming.

A review of the postoperative results of a Crystalens AO implant. Observations, improvements, and problems from a patient's viewpoint.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is different than IBS, which stands for irritable bowel syndrome. One is a disease that needs medical attention, whereas the other, little can be done medically.

Some colostomy patients wonder if they can travel with an ostomy without having unpleasant occurrences but having an ostomy shouldn't stop you from travelling long distance. Find out how you can travel without worry, how to prepare, and why you don't need to cancel a holiday because of your ostomy.

In this article, I talk about my experience having my wisdom teeth removed and offer personal tips and facts from sources regarding the preparation, surgery and recovery. Learn what to expect if you are having or expect to have this procedure done in the future.

A personal guide that will help you recognise thyroid symptoms and side effects that your doctor may not know, from harmful tablets to seeing the illness in your face and body.

As a colostomy patient, you will experience a few stoma problems that are best described as minor mishaps. What are they, when do they occur, and how can you overcome them or keep them to the barest minimum? Find out in this article.

It's been a long nine years on a journey I would not wish on my worst enemy. Finally, I received a diagnosis. Finally, I have started to get my life back.

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis offer good arch support and motion control for your foot. I've compiled recommendations that can help with heel pain as well as a torn or inflamed plantar fascia.

Getting dentures can be a process—from getting the teeth pulled and impressions made, to learning to talk and eat again. I've been through this already myself, I can help you know what to expect.

My colostomy reversal procedure was done one year after my colostomy surgery. But what do you need to know about and stoma reversals and how long should you wait before the stoma reconnect procedure? Find out what to expect, and more.

How does one cope with wearing colostomy bags? If you asked me a week after my procedure, I’ll tell you I wish I were dead! But then, a few weeks down the line and I soon became an expert at managing a stoma. It’s not so bad after all.

This is the story of my yearlong battle with scabies—followed by a series of confusing and worrisome reactions to the treatment. I hope this information will be helpful to others.

What are some of the most common reasons for not taking thyroid medication? There are many reasons why you might avoid taking medication, but of course there are many important benefits, as well.

Sleep Apnea affects more people than you think, and you might have it. You could be exhibiting various symptoms, both at bedtime and during the day, and don't know it. Find out more!

Here's a look at my life with rheumatoid arthritis, from getting diagnosed to testing out different treatments. I'll always have this condition.

If a friend or loved one suffers from Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, this article can help you understand what it feels like to walk a mile in their shoes.

Topical steroid creams and ointments, as well as over-the-counter steroid creams used for any skin condition, have a potential for Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS). Please practice caution if using.

This article talks about what happens to hair after chemo therapy has ended and your hair starts growing back.

I have bad teeth, and I know I'm not alone. This article lists 10 things people with bad teeth want you to know about them and their situation.

I have successfully recovered from COVID-19, but it's been a tedious journey. This is my story of getting diagnosed and treated and my ongoing recovery.

A leaking colostomy bag can turn out to be an unpleasant situation and many ostomy patients will encounter this. How do you know when to expect this bag problem and what can you do to reduce its incidence to the barest minimum? This article is about my own personal experience.

Rest easier by knowing what to expect when cataract surgery looms in your future.

Carrageenan is a thickener used in many foods that can cause allergy and intolerance symptoms in some people. Learn the symptoms of a carrageenan allergy and how to avoid foods with carrageenan.

This article describes a struggle to get proper treatment for a father with bladder cancer. If you or someone you know is infected by BCG, seek an infectious disease specialist.

You no longer need to endure the embarrassment of cold sores. From effective first aid to long-term prevention, modern developments have transformed life for cold sore sufferers.

Do have anemia? Are you wondering what a round of iron infusions might be like? I have lived with chronic iron deficiency anemia and have had two iron infusions. I share my experience in this article.

Why can't they just do the things they're supposed to? Written by a woman with diabetes.

If you are living with a colostomy, bags ballooning out, caused by gas build up, is one of the most common problems you’ll encounter. How can you avoid this? If it happens to you often, what are the possible ways to reduce its occurrence? Find out how I coped with my ostomy bags ballooning issues.

I am losing my eyesight to a disease called MacTel, or Idiopathic Juxtafoveal Macular Telangiectasia. The doctor told me there was no treatment, but I found out that laser treatments or cryotherapy injections can be done.

On September 13, 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is my story, with my tips for coping with your own breast cancer diagnosis.

This is my honest and unsponsored review of Cyxus blue light blocking glasses. It is also an honest account of how I use them to reduce digital eye strain at work and at home.

I was sick with COVID-19 in March of 2020. Here were my symptoms and how I got tested.

In February, I reached out to get started with Smile Direct Club. My experience was horrendous with problems from the start and customer service had no idea why their own company was unable to fulfill my order.

Can you be allergic to melted cheese? Why do some people have a cooked cheese allergy? We look for answers to these questions.

As humans, we are used to having our muscles control our limbs. In MS, this may not be the case and may surprise us with episodes of embarrassment and Street Comedy. How to cope? What to do?

Face-down positioning after a vitrectomy can be a boring yet stressful time. Here are a few things I did to make the experience easier for me.

I've detailed my experience with the human parasite cleaner, Humaworm. I've included pictures of the actual parasite found in my stool. Find out if this cleanse is right for you and what to expect.

As a concerned mother and registered nurse, I'm writing this article with not only the hope my son's symptoms will be familiar to others who may be able to help us conquer a diagnosis, but also to increase awareness on the growing number of mystery illnesses in today's population.

Here are nine strategies you can use at home to stop tooth pain in its tracks. I've tried all of these solutions, and I can vouch for their effectiveness.

Personal experience with cataract surgery and a Crystalens implant, including the surgery, early results and the costs of the procedure

If you have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, here are the things you need to do to make informed decisions regarding surgery and treatments.