And the Internet has allowed us to reach out to people we never would have found otherwise. They may search the Web for information, but above all, they exchange experiences and opinions with others who share their special concerns. But the volume of traffic to these community sites and mailing lists is tremendous, and they are immensely useful to patients. They can be a lifeline for patients in small towns and for those who have rare disorders and doctors who have never treated a similar case. But the forums aren't useful just for patients.
Some doctors moderate on-line chats to stay in touch with patients' concerns.
When you're in a chat room with a professional, the whole mood moves from experiential to authoritative. Karen Courtenay sees his point. It shouldn't surprise me, since it helped me. But that such a little thing can mean so much is a testament to the power of the Net.