Author name: Meaghan Wamboldt

4 Tips for Preventing Organ Transplant Rejection

Organ Transplants / By

After a long wait on the transplant list, you finally get your transplantation surgery. You immediately start to feel better, but suddenly you notice some tenderness over the transplant site. You may even begin to experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches. While this could be an infection, it could also be a sign of organ rejection.   Rejection is a terrifying word that may cause feelings like fear and worry. But don’t panic too quickly. Rejection doesn’t always mean that you will lose the transplanted organ or that it is failing. In fact, most people who have organ transplant surgery will experience one episode of acute rejection within the first year after a transplant.  What is Organ Rejection?  Organ rejection occurs when the immune system recognizes the transplanted organ as a foreign object and attempts to protect the body by attacking it.   There are three main types of organ rejection:  Hyperacute rejection is caused by mismatched antibodies, meaning the antibodies of the donor organ were completely different from those of the recipient. It typically happens within minutes and up to a few hours after transplantation and will cause the organ to no longer be viable. Because of …

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What Happens to Your Mental Health If You Don’t Get Adequate Sleep?

Mental Health / By

You’ve probably noticed that after a rough night of sleep, you don’t quite feel yourself. You may be a little slower to get out of bed in the morning, go for an extra cup of coffee, or even opt for a mid-afternoon nap. The physical effects of sleep deprivation are usually pretty clear, but the mental repercussions may not be as obvious.   What is Mental Health?  The term mental health is commonly used in our society and can refer to a variety of aspects that fall under the umbrella of psychological health. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines mental health as emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It’s not simply the absence of mental illness, but rather the ability to live a life filled with joy, peace and happiness while managing the inevitable ups and downs you may face.   Emotional well-being is the first pillar of mental health. It is described as the ability to successfully handle life’s stressors, adapt to change, and generate positive emotions. When you’re emotionally healthy, you are better equipped to manage life’s challenges and the array of emotions that come with it, without feeling like you are out of control. Research suggests that people …

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6 Facts You Should Know Before Getting An Organ Transplant

Patient Experiences / By

When you’re facing a chronic condition, chances are you will have to undergo a few months or years of a detailed treatment plan to help heal your condition. After a while, you may find that your body has been responsive to treatment. But, you may be like thousands of others only to realize that despite your and your doctor’s efforts, your condition has progressed. You may find yourself feeling like you will never get better. Faced with a difficult decision of what next steps you should take, you may come to the conclusion that a transplant is your best option. Many people need an organ transplant. Some genetic conditions like a heart defect or cystic fibrosis warrant a transplant, while other chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, and diabetes are also reasons for an organ transplant. In 2021, over 40,000 life-saving organ transplants were performed, hitting a record number of kidney, heart, and liver transplants. A 2015 study published in JAMA Surgery found that over a 25-year period, more than two million years of life were saved and that the donated organs improved the quality of life during those years. What is an Organ Transplant? Organ transplantation is a …

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How Is Serotonin Actually Linked to Chronic Disease

Health, Health and Wellness / By

Have you ever been doing something you really enjoy, like spending time with a loved one or playing your favorite game and felt overwhelmed with happiness? Or maybe you’ve experienced the opposite, where you felt down for a few days or weeks? Have you had difficulty falling asleep? Or experienced stomach cramping and bloating after a meal?  If you’ve ever experienced one of these things, or all of them, you may think they have nothing in common. But, thanks to a hormone and neurotransmitter called serotonin, they actually have more in common and are more connected than you think.   What is Serotonin?  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and the gut. The body uses it to send messages between neurons, or nerve cells, throughout the body. The messages sent by this neurotransmitter are responsible for regulating mood and sleep, as well as appetite, digestion, and cognitive function.   It is often referred to as the “happy chemical” because it contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness, the scientific name for serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). It is mainly stored in a cluster of nuclei in the brain stem called Raphe nuclei. Serotonergic fibers are synthesized from the Raphe nuclei and …

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5 Things You Need to Know About Intermittent Fasting and Chronic Illness

Health and Wellness / By

Chronic fatigue. Muscle and joint pain. Gastrointestinal problems. Changes in weight. Headaches. Mood swings. Brain fog. All symptoms you may experience if you have a chronic illness, like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or chronic kidney disease. While most chronic illnesses don’t have a definitive cure, many experts agree that following an anti-inflammatory diet can help ease symptoms and even prevent a second chronic illness from developing. A recent study found that pro-inflammatory diets increase the risk of 27 chronic diseases and premature death. This study reviewed 15 meta-analyses investigating the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DDI) and 38 health outcomes from 4 million people all over the world. Researchers compared the health outcomes of people who follow a pro-inflammatory diet with those who follow an anti-inflammatory diet. They found that those who followed a pro-inflammatory diet were more likely to develop heart disease, certain cancers, some autoimmune diseases, and depression. Following a diet that avoids inflammatory foods is one way to help reduce inflammation and improve health outcomes. But shifting the times you eat may help you feel even better. This type of eating plan, called intermittent fasting, has been shown to help reduce inflammation and even reverse some …

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Comorbidities: 7 Conditions You Are At Risk For

Patient Experiences / By

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a progressive autoimmune condition can be difficult. While there are ways to treat and manage RA, it can be hard to find which ones work best for you. To make things even more challenging, rheumatoid arthritis probably isn’t the only condition you’re trying to treat.   Studies show that patients with RA are more likely to develop other chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and depression, compared to people without RA. When more than one condition exists at the same it’s called a comorbidity. If left untreated, comorbidities can be fatal to people with RA.  Why Does RA Cause Other Conditions?  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects 14 million people worldwide. Autoimmune disorders mistakenly attack the immune system’s healthy cells instead of protecting them. With RA, the immune system primarily attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually cause bone erosion and joint deformity. In severe cases, it can affect the heart and lungs.  Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:   Pain or aching in more than one joint Stiffness in more than one joint Swelling or tenderness in more than one joint Weakness Widespread inflammation associated with RA is what …

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7 Ways to Feel Confident About Being Your Own Health Advocate

Health, Tips / By

When you’ve been experiencing new symptoms or symptoms that have continued to get worse, going to the doctor can be nerve-racking. You may have even been a victim of medical gaslighting that is causing you to avoid going to the doctor. Or maybe you are scared of sharing such personal information about yourself with a total stranger While it’s understandable to be wary of seeing a doctor, it’s important to feel comfortable and empowered to tell your doctor about what you are experiencing.  Because you know your body best, you play one of the most important roles in your health care. By advocating for your health and getting involved in the decision-making process, you can improve your health outcomes and reap many benefits. Be Your Own Health Advocate  Advocating for your own health can be intimidating and you may be unsure of where to start. Here are seven ways you start to can feel confident about advocating for your health. Educate yourself on your condition  Talking about your health to a stranger and sharing deeply personal information about how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally can be nerve-racking.  During a doctor’s appointment, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with emotions as …

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Here’s What You Need to Know About Epstein Barr and Multiple Sclerosis

Conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Experiences / By

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive autoimmune disease that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States. In MS, the immune system attacks myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Damage to these cells causes symptoms like pain, fatigue, impaired coordination, and vision loss. It can also cause cognitive changes that affect attention, mood, and motivation.   Although the exact cause is unknown, the connection between the human herpesvirus Epstein-Barr and MS has been suspected for many years. Recent studies have found that people who have the virus are likely to go on to develop the disease.   What is Epstein-Barr Virus?  Epstein-Barr virus, commonly referred to as EBV, is a member of the herpes virus family. It’s one of the most common human infections that most people contract during childhood, though it doesn’t usually cause symptoms. Teenagers and adults who get EBV may experience symptoms like:   Fatigue  Fever  Rash Swollen lymph nodes  Inflamed throat  Symptoms usually resolve within two to four weeks of infection, though some people may experience fatigue for several weeks or months after.   Epstein-Barr is mainly spread through the exchange of saliva, like by way of kissing or sharing …

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What is Medical Racism?

Patient Experiences / By

Racial discrimination has saturated healthcare systems around the world. Disparities in care have led to negative consequences for people of color and other marginalized groups.  Some of these consequences include gaps or lack of access to health insurance, limited access to services and high-quality physicians, and poorer health outcomes among certain populations.   Over the last year, disparities in the United States healthcare system have come to the fold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center of Disease Control reports that racial and ethnic minority groups are and have been unequally affected by economic, social, and secondary health consequences of the pandemic.  Of the case data collected, African Americans have the highest percentage (13.8%) of a positive test result. Data also shows that non-Hispanic American Indians or Alaska Natives have the highest rate of hospitalization due to the disease, while 34% of deaths were among African Americans.   While these numbers are just a glimpse into public health data, it shines a light on racial health disparities, policies, and practices that have been an integral part of medical history.  What is Medical Racism?  Medical racism is defined as the systemic, widespread prejudice or discrimination against people of color, ethnicity, or culture within …

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How Is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?

Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Experiences / By

If you’ve been having unexplained symptoms like numbness, fatigue, or cognitive changes, you might suspect a neurological disease like multiple sclerosis. However, getting a definitive multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be difficult and can often take years. Because MS is often confused with other conditions like lupus and Lyme disease, your doctor will have to rule out any other possibilities first.   How Is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?  To make a diagnosis of MS, your doctor must first find evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system (CNS). The two main areas of damage are found on the brain and spinal cord. Your doctor must also find evidence that the damage occurred at different points in time. This will help determine if you have MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Although CIS has characteristics of MS, it represents only one episode of symptoms and doesn’t mean you will develop MS.  In addition to finding evidence of damage to the CNS, your doctor will use several other methods to determine if you have MS. Some of these methods include taking a full medical history, a neurological exam, and other tests.   Medical History   Your doctor will take a comprehensive look …

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