Online Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Groups

What can online rheumatoid arthritis support groups do for you? Are they worth your time and effort? Studies show that online support groups fill a gap that is missing for arthritis sufferers when their only support is their primary care physician. Those with rheumatoid arthritis who see a specialist such as a rheumatologist rank their support higher than those who only see a primary care physician. But even those who see a rheumatologist benefit from support groups.

Prior to the 1990s finding support from people who also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis was very unlikely. The distance between people sharing the same problems from the same disease was too great to make contact. With the advent of the internet and online forums and chat rooms all of that has changed. People not only from different towns or states, but also from different countries come together online to discuss their challenges, pain, treatment, and other issues relevant to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

If you want to get the most out of your online chat time you should spend some time preparing. Search the web for different forums and chat groups. Read some of the open posts to get a feel for the people already participating. Be willing to share your experiences and think before you type. Always be honest and polite. Take time to learn some chat room etiquette since things like typing in ALL CAPS means you are SHOUTING and other such practices. Be careful not to disclose personal private information. Attend the chat regularly and be open to further communication via email to continue topics with individuals who share a special interest.

A survey of online medical help and chat rooms ranked online information as more useful than their primary care physician or their specialist. Some of the reasons for this ranking were convenience, cost-effectiveness, best source of medical referrals, best source of in-depth information and practical coping tips, and emotional support and empathy from groups.

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers who take the time to research the groups on the internet and prepare and participate find help that is not available from other sources.