Doctor Chooses His Top Internet Multiple Sclerosis Support Groups
For everyone with multiple sclerosis who's looking for information and encouragement and is willing to share with others what you know and have experienced to help them, we bring you a physician-approved list of the best MS support groups on the Internet. We're delighted to spread the word. Dr. George Krucik, MD, MBA picked what he believes are the nine most engaging, informative support group sites for individuals with MS. Here they are, in no particular order: Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Healthline
In full disclosure, Healthline is the online publication that Dr. Krucik oversees. He responsible is for reviewing content and clinical applications for the site, where you'll be able to receive and share tips and recommendations, ask questions, and keep in touch with MS patients and caregivers nationwide. The site is also a wealth of lifestyle and medical research articles.
MS Connection In a world where every connection counts, MS Connection can acquaint you with other MS patients worldwide. The site requires that you create a profile for access to all their components, with a few questions that tell them if you've been diagnosed, or if you're on their site as a caregiver or loved one. You'll have a choice of forums like "Living Single" or "Newly Diagnosed, where you can focus on the areas most helpful for you, read stories shared by other users, and share your own story. Other forums include financial planning and discovering the latest research. They also offer a one-on-one "peers connection" program. Patients Like Me
What's cool about this site is that multiple sclerosis patients are given the ability to track their health with several online tools that monitor your health and the progression the condition. If you choose, that information can be provided to researchers working on more-effective treatments. When you go to the site, you'll have to access the MS forum (with more than 35,000 members!), because Patients Like Me offers similar services for many conditions. Once there, though, you can share stories, ideas, and advice with other members.
MS World The folks who operate this site are volunteers who either have multiple sclerosis or are a caregiver for an MS patient. Described as "very straightforward", MS world offers several forums centered on categorical questions, with topics like “MS Symptoms: Discussing the symptoms that are associated with MS” and “The Family Room: A place to discuss the Family Life while living with MS.” Something appealing on this site is a general discussion chat room available, though there are certain times of the day designated for MS-related conversation.
Multiple Sclerosis of America (MSAA) Networking Program You'll have to fill out an online application and join their community to use this site that contains an online research library, along with a link to financial-assistance organizations. Besides a history of your experience with MS (patient or caregiver), you're also asked to furnish an outline of the kind of help you need. One enticing perk is that the site can connect you with other members or groups in your area for local community-based, mutual benefit.
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation's (MSF) ShareCare Page If you'd like to have your MS or any other questions answered by medical experts, this is your site. Not only can you get your questions answered, but you'll be able to see all the answers they provide to others. You're given access to MSF programs and services on their interactive site, including a national toll-free help line operated by experienced caseworkers and peer counselors.
Daily Strength: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group Another site from ShareCare, Daily Strength, which provides support groups for a variety of conditions, has an interesting structure, once again putting you in touch with multiple sclerosis patients worldwide. You'll tap into hundreds of forum and chat topics. Through Sharecare, you're given access to questions answered by actual people willing to talk openly about their lives and experiences while living with MS.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Facebook Group Join this open group of more than 4,000 users who post questions, provide advice, and help one another. When you need expert advice, MSF site administrators connect you with their best authority. This is another "conversation" you might want to join. It's not every day you make 4,000+ friends who have comments and suggestions just for you.
MS Voices: A Multiple Sclerosis Community Here's another Facebook community for your consideration. Working in conjunction with MS Lifelines, which is run by Pfizer, Inc. (the developers of the MS medicine Rebit), the site is a "peer-matching program that connects individuals with MS to lifestyle and medical experts." With your peers, you can learn about and share research, nutritional recommendations, and personal lifestyle success that may work for others. It may be worth your time to check them all out to see which one is most comfortable and useful for you. If any of our readers uses one of these sites on a regular basis, we--and many others--would appreciate your opinion! Source: healthline.com/health-slideshow/multiple-sclerosis-support-groups sharecare.com dailystrength.org Image Sources: healthline.com tphd.org