My email inbox is always brimming with suggestions and invitations to new sites that focus on MS. Many of them are nice enough, but are basically retreads of what's already available. But there are always a few thoughtful souls who manage to provide information in a unique way, or to fill gaps of information in our wired world.
This month's article focuses on three new websites (at least, new to me) that are worth checking out.
Site: RemedyFind.com
Motto: "Rate Which Health Treatments Really Work, and Which Don't"
Philosophy: Brett Hodges, who has lived with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 1982, created this site early this year, largely out of frustration at not being able to figure out which treatments would help Brett's CFS symptoms of fatigue, sleep and digestive problems, depression, etc.) RemedyFind.com is a non-sponsored, objective web site where treatments for debilitating illnesses like CFS, Fibromyalgia--and now, Multiple Sclerosis--can be rated and shared.
Strengths: Treatments for MS are listed in several categories, such as "Treating the Underlying Disease", and for the major symptoms:
- Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
- Cognitive Dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Sexual Dysfunction, and
- Spasticity / Pain
The list of treatments is very comprehensive and covers prescription and over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, alternative therapies, self-care treatments and psychological therapies.
Ratings can be posted anonymously, or visitors can register at the site and create a member name to access all options on the site. Hodges stresses that privacy is strictly protected. RemedyFind does not sell anything and is TrustE certified.
Caveats: The multiple sclerosis section of this site is quite new, and you will immediately discover that many common treatments and symptoms are not yet listed, although some obscure ones are included. The number and quality of ratings is key to the usefulness of this site, and its success and full potential will be realized only by the participation of the MS community.
Overall Impressions: I was very impressed with the focus and mission of this site. Brett appears very committed to responding to suggestions and input to further develop the quality of the MS section. Just imagine how helpful it will be to look up a potential treatment you're considering and see how real people describe and rate their experiences. Remember, if only a handful of ratings are posted, the information will not be particularly useful. But if thousands (or more!) rate our experiences, we will have invaluable information to consider as we learn to live better with MS. With this site, we have the opportunity to truly help each other discover the most helpful treatment trends.
 |
 |
 |
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Pamela Martin's Multiple Sclerosis/MS topic, please visit the Discussions page.