Online Communities: Are they really that great?
Since my diagnosis, I began looking into online communities, websites, YouTube videos,and chat rooms that focused on MS. Some that I found merely turned out to be more like cliques, while others that I've found really are genuinely supportive. They are well maintained and friendly to those new to this MesS.
1. We're Not Drunk, We Have MSTM
As most of the world is familiar with the titan that is Facebook, the idea of groups is nothing new. I found a closed group, asked to join, and was amazed at what I found. This is an amazing group of almost complete strangers. I feel comfortable sharing my worries and woes that elsewhere would only seem like complaining. The common bond is not only MS, but also a common knowledge of how this disease impacts lives. While each of us deal with different levels of symptoms, medications, problems, or joys, we all understand each other.
2. Rituxan For MS
This group is also from Facebook. But it is geared toward a specific medication that is rather new to the world of MS. Here I find support and help with issues that surround this medicine and its six hour infusion.
3. My MS Team
My MS Team is a unique site. It is basically a Facebook devoted to multiple sclerosis. It is full of good support, ideas, and information.
4. Google+
Google+ is growing. I think of it as the more academic of two social networks that I visit. I am a member of a Multiple Sclerosis community on Google+ and it is far more academic than social. I do not mean that to demean one or the other, but rather I view as used certain libraries while in college. For a more 'fun' and loose research night that involved maybe going to a restaurant, or a street show, we'd go to Athens. If we wanted a more cerebral, academic night of research and maybe some coffee, we'd hit Clemson. It is like that for the differences between Google+ and Facebook. For some more relaxed and sociable fun and a little information, I head to FB. If want a more seriously focused time, I head to Google+.
2. Rituxan For MS
This group is also from Facebook. But it is geared toward a specific medication that is rather new to the world of MS. Here I find support and help with issues that surround this medicine and its six hour infusion.
3. My MS Team
My MS Team is a unique site. It is basically a Facebook devoted to multiple sclerosis. It is full of good support, ideas, and information.
4. Google+
Google+ is growing. I think of it as the more academic of two social networks that I visit. I am a member of a Multiple Sclerosis community on Google+ and it is far more academic than social. I do not mean that to demean one or the other, but rather I view as used certain libraries while in college. For a more 'fun' and loose research night that involved maybe going to a restaurant, or a street show, we'd go to Athens. If we wanted a more cerebral, academic night of research and maybe some coffee, we'd hit Clemson. It is like that for the differences between Google+ and Facebook. For some more relaxed and sociable fun and a little information, I head to FB. If want a more seriously focused time, I head to Google+.
Note: This is just a small look at what support I have found online. There are hundreds of groups, sites, and networks out there that I'm sure I would love. I am also sure that there are some people out there who do not like online support. That is also fine. I'm just here sharing my experiences with four different groups of people with MS.
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