From our community of health care consumers:

• Hello, my wife and I are new to RSD she was diagnosed in early April of this year. This forum has been a great help to both of us.
  CHAT ROOMS RSD
  neurologychannel forum
  GMCGOTTY, May 2008
• Thanks for your story. It made me feel as though I'm not as crazy as I've been feeling.
  How long can one go without sleep?
  Living with Neuropathy
  Conner, May 2008
• I am thankfull to this group as I find assurance from here, also for all of your support very much appreciated. Just getting a diagnoised of my disease means alot so now I know what to expect and what things I will do to help myself through all of this. Thanks to the room and god bless you all.
  mild emphysema
  pulmonologychannel forum
  nelwhynot, May 2008
• Been looking for a Forum like this for ages. ... great to get on here and get it off my chest with people who understand.
  Newly diagnosed
  cardiologychannel forum
  Kiddybee, May 2008
• Wow I'm so glad I found this forum. It was so reassuring to see people having the same symptoms as me. I just had to post ... I will be sure to post back ...
  scared
  Living with Pericarditis
  WayneM, May 2008
• I dont have any where else to really turn to for support, so Im grateful I found this forum...
  Im 21 and diagnosed with IC today
  urologychannel forum
  AChase, April 2008
• Thanks everyone for posting on here. It is great to communicate with others who are in the same boat and understand!
  Cryogenic technology to treat neuromas
  podiatrychannel forum
  susanmn, April 2008
• wow what a great forum and what a relief to be able to read about others who have been in the same situation as i have!
  24, Fit and Endocarditis!
  Living with Endocarditis
  Nathan, April 2008
• I am glad that I was able to find this website and be able to share my story.
  rediagnosed with Bells Palsy
  Living with Bell's Palsy
  Amy, April 2008
• This is a second home to me. lol I can come in at anytime and ask questions, vent, and share courage. Your going to love it here! Ask away or vent! No one here is biased, and is ALWAYS helpful. I hope you enjoy this board as much as the rest of us do!!!
  Free from religion -just support
  neurologychannel forum
  okiebutterfly, April 2008
• First of all I just want to say this site is wonderful. We can all learn from other people writing in about their pet problems and maybe one of our articles will help another pet.
  Allergies
  Living with Animal Health Problems
  Colleen, April 2008
• This is an awesome forum. Didn't know anything like it existed.
  blood in urine after sex
  urologychannel forum
  thenxtgrt, April 2008
• I've researched a lot of the RSD/CRPS sites. This is the site I liked the best even though it isn't solely dedicated to this one disorder. After reading all the posts and the info I felt more comfortable with this site and the people on it.
  Looking for general advice and support
  neurologychannel forum
  katiekat, April 2008
• I really enjoy getting on this forum and reading everyone's stories and thoughts. It has been good for me to "talk" to people who understand and are frustrated, too. Even though we are at different stages, we are helping one another.
  14 years of Myasthenia Gravis
  Living with Myasthenia Gravis
  liddyann, April 2008
• You've come to the right place. Of all the sites dealing with Multiple Sclerosis on the web, this one has impressed me the most. Wherever else you go, this one is a "keeper." It seems to be the most user-friendly, helpful, open-minded and seems to be getting better every time I come here.
  Any ideas... as im very confused
  neurologychannel forum
  Rajjpuut, April 2008
• I'm the same way ,I have no one here at home to talk to about rsd and this is my life line. They are others on this forum that would be glad to chat with you also.
  Free from religion -just support
  neurologychannel forum
  Lily, April 2008
• coming on here, finally and seeing that 1) Im NOT crazy and 2) many people experience these things has been really comforting and helpful.
  Narcolepsy
  Living with Narcolepsy
  christinagrace, April 2008
• This a great forum. I have found out I am not the only one with severe pain. I have gotten some great tips from reading others testimony.
  BP is trying
  Living with Bell's Palsy
  patch, April 2008
• This is my 1st visit to this site & I was very relieved to see the great input -like you said, testicular pain is not something you sit around the coffee room & talk about.
  Two reasons for Testicular pain
  urologychannel forum
  burgess, March 2008
• I'm glad I found this site, not that misery loves company but to know there's a support team of sorts out there.
  Need help badly
  urologychannel forum
  srtlrt, March 2008
• im glad to have looked this up. i feel better knowing im not the only one going through this.
  vaginal bulge
  Living with Vaginal Prolapse
  cola, March 2008
• This chat format is a great opportunity to talk with others that can relate to the issues that affect RSD'ers. Any body and every body that would like to chat on this topic and others, has a place to vent or communicate with friends.
  Petition for RSD Awareness Day
  neurologychannel forum
  G0J0G0, March 2008
• I have often felt like I am making decisions that are based on intuition rather than fact and I am fortunate that I can find things on the internet to help keep me informed and to learn when to ask questions...Your site has been clearer on information giving than most sites I've looked at. Thank you for the help!
  Brain Cancer - What Comes Next?
  Living with Brain Cancer
  Judith, March 2008
• This forum has been a source of comfort because it helps to defeat the sense of isolation that comes from dealing on a day to day basis.
  Dealing With The Pain
  neurologychannel forum
  ttuck, March 2008
• you will find that we have a good friendship here and support group going on here. we care for each other and share our good days and bad ones too.as for me i love this page i feel and see and give support and understanding when sometimes it feels like theres no one in the world that understands you.
  Give me hope
  Living with Morton's Neuroma
  luisa, March 2008
• I've been reading here for some time and finally decided to join up so I could post. Thanks to everyone for all the friendly and informative posts. I look forward to being a part of the discussion in this fine community. ... Great to find this supportive community! Hope to be able to participate.
  New SteadyShaker Checking In!
  neurologychannel forum
  steadyshaker, March 2008
• Thank you for the posting---after I read your story , I went looking for the exercises-found them and did them ...I think it helped...I would have been in the ER too...but you saved me the trip.
  Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
  Living with Vertigo
  Bobbye O, March 2008
• You are writng under the heading of "fear of the unknown" there is a peer to peer section of this website this offers a wealth of information and support for people like yourself that have unaswered questions. ... The unknown that you all are experiencing is to be feared, but knowledge is power and here you will find an abundance of knowledge.
  Fear of the Unknown
  Living with RSD
  G0J0G0, March 2008
• Having stumbled across this forum while researching MN, all I can say is thank goodness!
  Bunion surgery a year ago, and now Morton's Neuroma
  podiatrychannel forum
  tootsie, March 2008
• I'll write more later ok? I hope we can keep in touch until surgery. My son says I'm addicted to this forum! It's just nice to discuss problems with others who understand.
  Bunion Surgery - Please Help
  podiatrychannel forum
  alwaysunderfoot, February 2008
• This is my first post and I am glad to have found these boards. ...I've been checking back to these boards all morning and it is nice to be able to talk (somewhat) to somebody about this.
  Any advice or experience with this??
  pulmonologychannel forum
  joyfulwoman, February 2008
• Thanks to all of you; this is a fantastic site, and an important resource for men like us.
  Long Term Affects of Varicocele Surgery
  urologychannel forum
  rich, February 2008
• i have met some really wonderful caring people on this web sight and it has really helped me alot. we all now what each other are going through and can understand when some of your family and friends can't. i truly believe God led me to this sight for help from others because he knew i was in pain and very scared of my what my future would be and i've learned alot from everyone here and to know i'm not alone.
  Finding a PAIN Specialist?
  neurologychannel forum
  Lily, February 2008
• Hi I am new to the site and want to say how much useful info you all provide on here.
  infertilty worries after 1st PID diagnosis
  womenshealthchannel forum
  GIJane, February 2008
• i've been so blessed to find this website to talk to other people dealing with the same pain and understanding each other and caring.
  Help!!!! New to RSD!!!
  neurologychannel forum
  Lily, January 2008
• Hello! I was reading the posts and find them soooo encouraging! Just knowing someone else is out there makes me feel a little better. At least you all know and understand what it is like living with RSD.
  Dealing With The Pain
  painchannel forum
  okiebutterfly, January 2008
• I've read the personal stories on this site, and I am so very encouraged by the strength and dignity of those who shared their stories. I needed to hear from others just who have gone through and are going through what I am now, and to get a better perspective of just what I am dealing with.
  Just diagnosed with BC
  Living with Bladder Cancer
  Chris, January 2008
• OMG, reading some of these posts my heart goes out to you all...now that I'm experiencing some similar symptoms I'm glad I found this site. ...I'm just glad I found this site to read up on ppl who have experienced the same situation and to get support and/or recommendations for the fastest relief
  Possible IC
  urologychannel forum
  kichikoi, January 2008
• This article [Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture] was extremely helpful...[It] was easy to read and full of information I needed! I will visit this site [animalhealthchannel] more often.
  Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
  animalhealthchannel content feedback
  dokmerlin, January 2008
• I really appreciate the information I get from everyone on this forum. This is the first time I've ever been a member of any forum and I would never have thought it would be so helpful to have people with the same problems to talk to.
  morton's neuroma - surgery or not?
  podiatrychannel forum
  alwaysunderfoot, January 2008
• I think this is an awesome place and believe that support forums are one of the major resources to receive relief from pain, confusion about a broader topic and camaraderie with others that experience very similar day-to-day lifestyles.
  I love someone who has Diabetic Neuropathy.
  neurologychannel forum
  Bilirubinthesidekick, January 2008
• I just found this website and I wish I had 3 1/2 years ago. I don't know if you will recieve this or not, but.... I am so glad to find stories of people that know what I go through everyday.
  About to have a 2nd Nissen
  surgerychannel forum
  carlsonburke, January 2008
• I just wanted to say "hi", as I will be visiting regularly. I look forward to reading the posts of other BC "club" members, as I have a great deal to learn about this disease, and its affect on activies of daily living. I know everyone is different, as are their individual experiences. But I can learn from that, and maybe I'll even be able to give something back.
  Newly diagnosed
  urologychannel forum
  cgb, January 2008
• ...at this moment, I feel relieved beyond words to have found this website. I've been searching for what feels like forever to find a forum that doesn't contain outdated posts written 2 or 3 years ago.
  My Dad's Story
  Living with REM Behavior Disorder
  rpda, December 2007
• I am grateful to have this forum as it gives a sense of belonging at times to what has been a very lonely period because of a lack of understanding by those who do not suffer from this condition.
  Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
  neurologychannels forum
  ttuck, December 2007
• I just got on this forum today, I think it's great to hear of other men(and womans) successes.
  Erectile Dysfunction
  healthchannels forum
  Jack67, December 2007
• Finding this forum has helped me by giving me people to talk to and listen to their problems. It lets you see that you're not alone in your suffering.
  Neuropathy
  neurologychannels forum
  alwaysunderfoot, December 2007
• Thanks to other peoples stories I don't feel so alienated. That night really put a dent in my self esteem but after coming in contact with this website, I don't feel as bad.
  Lady of the Night
  Living with Erectile Dysfunction
  A.S.A., December 2007
• I am glad I found this website it is nice to know that we IC'ers are not alone!
  Interstitial Cystitis
  painchannels forum
  madjen66, December 2007
• ...So now I’m waiting to have a colposcopy done, and I’m really nervous. That said, I feel much better having read some of your stories. It helps to know there are others out there.
  Unnerved...
  Living with Cervical Dysplasia
  JCB, November 2007
• I look forward to having the forum as a way to connect with others who have CMT. It's always great to share info with others who are in your boat.
  Charcot Marie Tooth Disease
  healthchannels forum
  hma14424, November 2007
• i agree w. you about this forum. i found it on friday and feel less lonely knowing i can talk to other people who are just like me!
  s.g.-blocks do they work? [RSD Forum]
  neurologychannels forum
  crabby0713, November 2007
• I was devasted when the doctor told me of the surgery required and had no one to speak with so I joined this forum and it has been a pleasure.
  Vaginal Prolapse
  healthchannels forum
  mic, October 2007
• I just started reading the comments in this forum, and as I write comments I feel it's a great way to release my thoughts knowing there are other people out there who are going through a similar, yet unique, physical crisis...
  Scared, unsure and worried about MS [multiple sclerosis]
  healthchannels forum
  Christina Marie, October 2007
• Finding this forum has been fantastic - I only feel sad that so many people struggle not only with pain but with the difficulty of getting questions answered by their own doctors. After a couple of hours reading here I am much better informed. Thank you to the doctor and to those who respond and also to everyone for asking all my questions for me.
  my 4th stone [kidney stones] - joining the club
  healthchannels forum
  Birdsong, September 2007
• I just thought I'd share my story. For over 13 years, I have suffered from severe vertigo, to the point that if someone wiggled the chair I was sitting in, I would instantly think I was going to be sick. For years, I've had to sleep on 2 pillows because I can't lay flat. Several years ago, I got into a fight with a surgeon during an operation because he refused to let me have a small pillow. In the end I won, after he saw how green I was turning with my head laid flat.

  I found your forum about a week ago, and started scouring for answers. (PS my doctor for years has said there's nothing wrong with me.) My first step was to start taking allergy meds (for allergies I also have), then I read somewhere about cotton swabs in the ears and figured it wouldn't hurt to cut that nasty habit out of my life too.

  I am only 8 days later, but I can't even begin to express what a difference I feel. I haven't felt dizzy in days, and am actually sleeping better at night.

  I just wanted to thank everyone in this forum for their advice and empathy. It's truly made a difference, and I KNOW the answer is out there for all of you, somewhere, whether with your doctor or not, you just have to look for it.
  Coping With Vertigo
  Ken, September 2007

• When I had cancer 11 years ago, I chose to keep my diagnosis from many friends and family members as I was determined not to let it upset too many people and I couldn't cope with being the reason for pain in people I cared about. This decision asked a lot from those I did share my pain with. I wish I had had access to sites like this [oncologychannel] at the time.
  P., June 2007

• I am 54 and have been living alone with essential tremor until right now. The first time I noticed it was when I was about 6 years old....Today I googled essential tremor (ET) and found dozens of great sites, including this one [neurologychannel]. Things have really changed! I also found several doctors within 50 miles that I can visit and be prescribed specifically for my ET, not the social anxiety disorder that I never had. Wow. What a relief. I'm not some freak. I'm just a person with ET who was really, really good at hiding it for a really, really long time. Thanks.
  L., June 2007

• I have tried everything to try to fall asleep earlier, including alcohol, sleeping pills, no caffeine, laying in bed trying to force it. Nothing has worked. It is frustrating and makes me feel like a failure...and a lazy person. I felt such a sense of relief when I stumbled upon this description of delayed sleep phase syndrome [sleepchannel]. I read the symptoms and everything described was and has been me!!! I am hoping that now that I know what it is...I can try to see if the treatments will finally help me get into a "normal" sleeping pattern.
  D., May 2007

• I just wanted to thank you for your hard work [on lgbthealthchannel]. Thanks to you, I was able to find a mental health provider near me. I've searched online for days, but found it on your site within seconds. Thank you.
  S.B., May 2007

• Urologychannel is a very useful WEB of information. I learned about symptoms and primary diagnosis of incontinence and this was very important for me to decide to visit my urology MD. Thanks for this free public service.
  R.P., May 2007

• I just wanted to say that I finally feel like maybe I am NOT imagining this feeling after reading everyone else's posts [under Coping with Vertigo]. Not many people understand vertigo. I am a teacher and I feel like when I miss a few days with an attack, some people are very unsure as to why I can't just tough it out. But it's just so hard to focus on completing a task, you can't focus, and having people move around me makes me feel even worse. My first appointment with an ENT will be in three weeks. Hopefully some real answers will come then. Thanks to all for sharing.
  K.T., May 2007

• As a result of this website [urologychannel] I was able to open up to my husband about some of my apprehensions regarding sexual intimacy [as a result of incontinence treatment procedure]. He read the stories and got a sense of what women are experiencing. I think we can finally communicate about some things now that have been suppressed.
  G.P., April 2007

• I am so impressed with your website [cardiologychannel]. I recently was diagnosed with a heart condition. I was searching the internet for info and your site was the most thorough and easiest to use. All of my questions were answered within minutes. I just wanted to compliment you on a great job. Thanks!
  L.F., September 2006

• Thank you for this incredibly informative and helpful resource. I received no aftercare information after my surgery. Fortunately I found your website [surgerychannel]. This information will no doubt help me actually make a more effective recovery. Thank you.
  T.A., January 2006

• I thought your neurologychannel site was just great and so reassuring for someone who knew nothing about neurology - until my doctor said I needed a neurologist. Just wanted to say thanks very much - I feel so much better with all the information available.
  J.W., June 2005
  

• THANK YOU! for having this web site [urologychannel]. This was the most user friendly site for a "noncomputer" person like myself to use. Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with a mass in my kidney. I was referred to a urologist and will be having a ct scan. At this point my doctor isn't sure what it is. More than likely it is benign, however there is a chance that it is not. I was trying to just get info on both [benign and malignant] so I can be more prepared for either diagnoses without "scaring the pants off of me" like the other web sites did. Everything was written in terms that I could understand. What a blessing it was for me to find this web site! Also information on both benign and malignant tumors were found on the same site which was a bonus for me. Once again thank you for making my life a bit less stressed.
  H.B., October 2004
  

• I was doing some research and came across podiatrychannel.com. What a great website and source of good, easy-to-understand information! I just wanted to let you know how helpful it has been to me and to thank you for maintaining this site.
  D.B., July 2004
  

• I just wanted to let you guys know what a great site this is! [neurologychannel ] It's so informative, and it's laid out really nicely and it's very easy to navigate and find the information you need on it. It provides wonderful, accurate information, from the most basic to the more intricate and technical aspects.
  S.M., February 2004
  

• I just wanted to thank you for all the information on your website [urologychannel]. As a new mom, this information has been a valuable resource to me.... Our son was born with several urological problems. We will be going in for another surgery soon and I feel more confident when I am able to understand some the doctor's jargon before actually meeting with the doctors. I feel like I am able to ask more educated questions which helps put my mind at ease. Thank you so much.
  D.L., January 2004
  

• This is an excellent reference site [podiatrychannel.com]. Concise, informative, and rich in cross-references as well as other links. Thanks for employing the web the way it was designed; it is quality like this which makes technology such an aid.
  J.M., January 2004
  

• I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with your website [oncologychannel]. I found just the information I was looking for, and it was presented in a concise, easy-to-understand format. I wish I had known about this website when my mother-in-law was dying. Thank you for this invaluable resource.
  B.G., March 2003
  

• There is a vast wealth of information right at the fingertips that has answered many questions for me, just in the past few days... Keep up the great work. This website [urologychannel] is also very easy to navigate. Great job to those who initiated and maintain this site.
  N.R., January 2003
  
  
• I would like to thank you for an informative, easy to navigate, realistic, lung cancer web site [oncologychannel].
  J.D., January 2003
  
  
• This is a very informative site [nephrologychannel], one of the best I have seen so far.
  K.P., December 2002
  
  
• Thank you so much for the information on your site [oncologychannel]. My mother was recently diagnosed with stage 3a ovarian cancer, and until I found your site I had no idea what that even meant. The information you present is clear, informative, and very helpful.
  -A.P., September 2002
  
  
• I was recently diagnosed with mitral regurgitation. Your webpage [cardiologychannel] has given me a great deal of information and understanding. Thank you.
  -S.L., September 2002
  
  
• Hello, I just wanted to say thanks. Over the last cople days I have been having dizzy spells and couldn't figure out why. I used Google to look it up and your website kept coming up and I just wanted to say that it is by far the most informative. Very clear and easy to understand. I did go to the doctor and I discovered I had vertigo and I had already predetermined that from the info on your website and it made me much more informed about the sickness. Your website is great and I am going to recommend it to everyone. Thanks.
  -A.M., August 2002
  
  
• I am in tears having just read the doctor's (urologychannel) forum on kidney stones...it's the best information I've found and gives me hope and some invaluable information. I cannot express how appreciative I am that this information is available!
  -S.Z., August 2002
  
  
• Thank you! Last night my cat had a CCL rupture and your site [animalhealthchannel] helped to explain exactly what it was and what my options were. Great site!
  -K.B., July 2002
  
  
• I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for your clear and concise information on UTIs [urologychannel]. It was easy to access and certainly put my mind at rest, as a doctor is quite hard to consult at 11:45 p.m.! Thanks again.
  -R.L., July 2002
  
  
• Thank you for neurologychannel. I really needed to know what dementia was and I could not find a site that just told me what it was, that is until I came here! I am really grateful because we just found out that my uncle has this. THANK YOU ALL!
  -I.B., April 2002
  
  
• Your site, neurologychannel, is very helpful to me because I am one of those people who have grand mal seizures. I found out more about the things I did not know that were possible for me. Thank you so much.
  -T.D., April 2002
  
  
• My 15-year old son has recently been admitted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with pericarditis and a pericardial effusion. He was given emergency treatment and the fluid aspirated (approx 500 ml was removed but the cardiologist was unable to successfully leave a drain in place). I have been happy enough with the treatment he is receiving but I wanted to find out what I could about his condition in laymans terms. I found your website on first hit (via Ask Jeeves) and I wanted you to know how impressed I am and how helpful the information has been. Thank you.
  -K.S., April 2002
  
  
• I just want to thank you for having this web page [oncologychannel]. I am right now battling AML, which I knew nothing about until I found your web page. Once again thank you.
  - J.M., April 2002
  
  
• Urologychannel is a wonderful site. It is such a useful idea for teenagers that have health questions. I hope you answer my question quickly because I really need your help. Thanks!
  - J.E., April 2002
  
  
• Podiatrychannel is very informative and user friendly site. Please consider developing an Orthopedic Channel. Thank you.
  - S.M., April 2002
  
  
• This is to acknowledge the fact that this [mentalhealthchannel.net] is the best website on depression I have ever visited. My best wishes to all of you. Thank you!
  - M.E., March 2002
  
  
• A very good website [neurologychannel]. Last week I had identical visual symptoms to those you describe on your site. Visual impairment on the left side of both eyes, in a zig-zag pattern, accompanied by dizziness. My doctor (as well as myself) suspected a mini-stroke. The day after I saw my doctor, I came down with the worst migraine I've had in years. I did not know that visual problems were a warning sign of a migraine until I visited this site. I'll continue with the tests that my doctor ordered, but will definitely ask him about this as well. Thanks!
  - E.D., March 2002
  
  
• I just wanted to say that it's wonderful that you provide a site with so much information on adrenal cancer. I recently lost my mother to this rare cancer, and just a year ago we couldn't find much information on her cancer. Thank you for your site.
  - M.R., February 2002
  
  
• Quite a good site. Having an upper GI series today left me with many questions that your site answered. The use of medical terminology and treating your site viewer intelligently, confident that they could understand you, was very good. Keep up the good work.
  - D.K., January 2002
  
  
• I would like to thank the people who put the neurologychannel website together. The information on Bell's palsy was very informative. I found out that this disorder is what I have and I will now talk with my doctor about the symptoms that I have been having.
  - D.T., January 2002
  
  
• Thank you ever so much for having this website [dermatologychannel.net]. I was diagnosed with scabies recently and was given lanoline lotion, but the symptoms didn't go away. Thanks to the resources on your site, I can rest in peace, knowing I don't have herpes. My doctor never really explained it to me and now I can better treat myself. Thank you once again.
  - J.C., January 2002
  
  
• I am scheduled for a colon resection in February for chronic diverticulitis. I have been searching all over the Web for information on the operation. Your site offered the best information yet and I want to thank you for this.
  - M.C., January 2002
  
  
• I just wanted to thank you for information I received from your website. My 79-year-old mother took a fall and was diagnosed with a spinal fracture. I started doing research asap and found your article about vertebroplasty. Long story short, I sent my sister the article and they were able to find a doctor in Jacksonville who performed the procedure on my mother last week. She is out of severe pain and got immediate relief after the procedure. Thank you again for your website.
  - D.M., January 2002