The Web Can Help Serious Illness

Aug. 2, 2009— -- Having a serious illness brings on extra burdens for the entire family. Fortunately, from research to support groups to health records management, help can be found online.

Find links to sites mentioned at www.komando.com/news.

Do your research

Your doctor should be your primary source for health information, but you should still do your own research.

Researching your condition tells you what to expect. You may also learn about late-breaking treatments and gain enough information to know what questions to ask.

Make sure you visit reputable sources. WebMD is a great place to learn about conditions and symptoms. The Mayo Clinic site is invaluable, as is Healthline.

Find support groups

No matter your health condition, you need support. With support groups, you'll get encouragement from others with the same condition, or find answers to your questions. You can also find details on treatment options and advice on clinical trials.

Sadly, some groups take advantage of members, so choose a group carefully. Watch out for promises for sure-fire, quick cures. If such cures were available, your doctor would suggest them.

Likewise, avoid groups that encourage you to stop medical treatment. Groups charging high fees or encouraging you to buy products aren't your friends either.

You'll find online and local support groups. If you're uncomfortable, start with an online group. It could give you courage to visit a local group. Sites to visit are DailyStrength and MDJunction.

The support of family and friends is paramount. That's where Caring Bridge comes in. Create a free website to update family and friends. In turn, they can offer words of encouragement and support.

Find clinical trials

Clinical trials assess new and experimental treatments. The hope is to discover treatments that will be approved for future use. Clinical trials may not help you.