Nurse Practitioner Schools

50 Social Sites to Connect With Other Patients Online

With doctor’s appointments a long time away and visits lasting for only a few minutes, patients with all sorts of diseases from the devastating to the rare are turning to the internet. Go beyond typical social sites like Myspace or Facebook by checking out these 50 sites to connect with other patients and get true life stories of those who have been where you’re going.

Medical Social Sites to Connect With Other Patients Online

Stop by these sites to get connected with patients of every disease, age, gender, and more.

1. Revolution Health: There are a variety of medical topics to choose from in this community from Alzheimer’s to weight loss. You can create a personal profile and then automatically find other people with similar conditions. There are also blogs, forums, groups, and you can even ask the community a question anonymously.

2. WebMD: In addition to tons of medical information, you can also find community boards full of discussions. There are specific message boards that specialize in many conditions, or you can join in on a current discussion. Be sure not to miss one of the expert blogs with loads of information from one of their doctors.

3. Patients Like Me: Choose from a list of prevalent, or even rare, diseases to join that specific community. Also included are forum discussions, health profiles, one on one conversations, and more.

4. Daily Strength: Stop here to check out the support groups, wellness blogs, and information on treatment. Over five hundred support groups cover nearly every topic imaginable. There are even bereavement groups for those who have lost a loved one.

5. Steady Health: There are a variety of discussion on this site including men’s health, women’s, children’s, and others. Once you find a topic you are interested in, you can view and even respond without signing up. There are also useful articles included in the boards.

6. The Family Village: A global community of disability-related resources, they have been active since 1996. The site includes information, resources, and forums. There is even a legal issues section with related resources.

7. National Patient Safety Foundation: The NPSF Listserv offers a plethora of experience and background. Individuals such as patients, families, researchers, providers, administrators, and those in the boardroom make up the community. You can subscribe to the listserv or search through the archives to get many topics.

Social Sites to Connect With Other Cancer Patients Online

One of the most devastating and common diseases, cancer patients can find plenty of people to connect with in the below.

8. Cancer Survivors Network: Part of the American Cancer Society, the CSN allows you to create your own personal page that can be customized in many ways and gives a ton of information on all sorts of cancer. Once signed up, you can take part in the discussion boards and chat rooms. There is even an online patient navigator that can connect you with resources in your area.

9. Cancerbackup: This site is for cancer patients in the UK, but anyone can join. The community has chat rooms, forums, blogs, groups, and even a special section for teenagers with cancer. There is also a hotline and the opportunity to ask a nurse.

10. Cancer.com: This site has resources for the recently diagnosed and those undergoing treatment, along with a section for caregivers. The support section has community message boards and even resources for those who need medical, legal, and financial assistance. There are even free tools and trackers for those who wish to closely monitor there disease.

11. Livestrong: Part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, you can get a ton of resources on living with cancer, along with many other diseases. Support comes in the form of survivor stories and one on one help. Click on Get Organized to get free downloadable tools to help in your fight against cancer.

12. CancerCare: CC is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer. Even loved ones of those suffering from cancer can join. Log in to join the online support groups or get information on how to help pay for your medications.

13. Canadian Cancer Society: This site can connect you with a service or support group in your area for cancer patients. They also have a hotline with expert advice and the option to ask questions. Online resources include the option to read or share a cancer story, and participate in the Cancer Connections photo project.

14. Cancer Hope Network: This site stands out for its ability to immediately match you with a cancer survivor. Visitors can also read stories of courage in the fight against cancer. Survivors can also volunteer here to be matched as well.

15. Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Stop here to get dozens of survivor stories from cancer patients of all kinds as text or videos. Cancer types include breast, lung, lymphoma, ovarian, and more. There is even a section to chat live if you have questions.

Social Sites to Connect With Other Specific Cancer Patients Online

Below you will find support sites for cancer patients listed by highest number diagnosed from the National Cancer Institute.

16. Melanoma Research Foundation: One of the most common forms of cancer, there are several options at this site including a bulletin board, chat room, and personal stories. Be sure not to miss PatNet, which is the online patient database. Patients or their caregivers can anonymously register their case history to share their experiences with others.

17. Susan G. Komen: Located in Dallas, this is one of the leaders in the fight against breast cancer. The forums are full of topics such as living with cancer, treatment, and survivors. There are also many other resources and information on the disease, including personal stories.

18. Breast Cancer.org: Another breast cancer site, stop here to get discussion boards, chat rooms, and even stories of hope. Be sure to check out the Ask-the-Expert Online Conferences to ask a breast cancer expert a question. You can also get many other resources for those suffering from breast cancer.

19. Prostate Cancer Foundation: Stop here to create your own customized page for yourself or a loved one with the disease. There many are forums, groups, and blogs to choose from. There is even an Ask the Expert option with answers to common questions.

20. Colon Cancer Alliance: The online community, My CRC Connections, connects you with thousands of others from across the world who are sharing similar circumstances. Talk to other colorectal cancer patients through message boards or chat. You can even participate in a monthly chat with Dr. Laura Porter, an expert on the disease.

21. Bladder Cancer Web Cafe: Get tons of information for the newly diagnosed, along with other resources on this site. You can also start a blog, take part in trench talk, and more. There is even an Ask the Nurse option for those who need more information.

22. Lymphoma Research Foundation: In addition to tons of resources on the disease, patients can join the Support Network. It offers a one to one peer support program that matches lymphoma patients or caregivers with volunteers who have had similar lymphoma-related experiences. You can also visit the message boards or find a support group.

Social Sites to Connect With Other Rare Cancer Patients Online

If you don’t see your cancer in the above, try the below to get connected with other patients.

23. Rare Cancer Alliance: This site is for everyone with rarely diagnosed cancers from Acinic Cell Carcinoma to testicular. There are forums, stories, information, and news. There is even a cancer dictionary to help you understand terms.

24. Kidney Cancer Association: Click on community forum to create an account and connect with other patients. There are also helpful videos and podcasts on the topic. You can also chat live if you need immediate help.

25. Mouth Cancer Forums: Centered in the United Kingdom, anyone suffering from this cancer can view the thousands of posts. Topics include helpful tips, Q & A, survivor stories, and more. There is also a live chat option.

26. Blood Cancer: This page is dedicated to those who suffer from leukemia or related diseases. Communities include newly diagnosed, stem cell transplantation, and children who have this disease. There is also useful information on the homepage.

27. Candlelighters Childhood Cancer: This site is intended for the younger cancer patients. Children and families can create their own profile to join in the discussions. There are also online journals and more information on dealing with the disease.

Best Media Sites to Connect With Other Patients Online

Ever watch television just hoping that someone will bring up your condition? Then stop by the below to see if they already have and the ensuing discussions.

28. The Doctors: A popular daytime show, four doctors answer questions on a variety of health topics. There are currently over 2,400 topics on things such as medical procedures and medicine. You can even read without signing up.

29. Dr. Phil: With a brand new Speak Your Mind section, members can discuss all sorts of topics, including health. Just create your own page to get started. You can even upload a video to see if Dr. Phil can help you.

30. Oprah.com: Stop here for a very active community discussing everything from health to spirit. There is currently a discussion on Dr. Oz and other related topics. You can even start your own blog or read those of others.

31. Discovery Health: If you need help on incorporating healthier eating and fitness into your life, use this community to find the support and information you need on your journey. Get all sorts of tips on health, nutrition, diet, and exercise. You can even join the National Body Challenge if you are feeling up to it.

Best Specialty Sites to Connect With Other Patients Online

The below communities are designed with a specific disease or condition in mind.

32. American Lung Association: The Living with Lung disease section has information for those living with a variety of disorders. You can also create your own site to share your story, or simply visit to read those of others. There are also message boards and a wall of remembrance.

33. HeartHub for Patients: Part of the American Heart Association, it is designed to provide tools and resources about cardiovascular disease and stroke. Click on Ask the Experts to get answer to both common and rare questions. There is also a video library, stories of hope, and more.

34. National Organization for Rare Diseases: NORD is dedicated to helping people with rare, orphan diseases. Stop by to learn more or to create a profile. You can even take advantage of their Rare Disease Database for expert information.

35. Neurology Channel: Developed and monitored by board-certified physicians, this site provides information about conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. Active forums on the site currently include multiple sclerosis and misdiagnosis. There are also tons of information on just about every condition imaginable.

36. Autism Speaks: A well known advocate for those suffering from this disease, they also have an active social network. Create your own profile, share photos and stories, join a group, view the forums, and much more. They also have a Family Services section where you can get even more help.

37. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: A free membership helps you meet other veterans on their vets only community. You can share photos, stories, and more. They even have other resources such as mental health, legal assistance, and more.

38. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Stop here to find a support group, chapter, or clinic in your area. You can get information on all sorts of allergies including airborne and food. There are also resources for allergic and non-allergic asthma.

39. Patients Action Network: Anyone interested in health reform that provides coverage and high quality, affordable health care for all Americans should visit here. Sponsored by the American Medical Association, you can learn more about what is being done for patients. There is even a section to share your own story.

Social Sites to Connect With Other Mental Health Patients Online

Stop by the below for the best in patient connections in depression, addiction, eating disorders, and more.

40. Psych Central: Visitors can view the hundreds of thousands of posts here without signing up. Registration is free and is required to start a new thread or post. Forums are divided into support, self care, and even fun distractions.

41. Mental Health America: Stop here for links to a variety of support sites such as AA and the National Eating Disorders Association. There is also an 800 number for those in crisis and even tips on finding support groups in your area.

42. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: Use their tool to find a chapter in your area and even start your own. There is also an online support group that meets at certain times and is limited to 12 members. The homepage also has loads more resources on these and other conditions.

43. Something Fishy: This site is dedicated to eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive over eating. There are various boards to choose from including for family members and those who have recovered. You can also chat, get an AIM support list, and more.

44. Addiction Search.com: Get information on overcoming all sorts of addictions, including drug and alcohol. Forum topics include addictions and the family, recovery experiences, and newcomers.

45. Every Minute: Because every sixty seconds a suicide is attempted, visit this site for more information. You can read the expert blog or get resources on specific conditions. You can even follow them on MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Social Sites to Connect With Doctors Online

Have a question that other patients can’t answer? Then try these sites to ask a doctor directly from general practice to specialty.

46. Doctors Lounge: Choose from over a dozen specialties to view a forum on it. Questions are often answered by doctors, or you can even ask one of your own. A sign up is required.

47. Medscape: Simply choose a specialty site from the left to begin connecting with the community. They range from allergy to urology. Once there, you can join the community, sift through past answers, or ask the specialists a question.

48. NetWellness: Choose a health topic from the drop down menu on the right to begin. You will get a ton of information on the disease, along with the opportunity to ask a question. They even send you an email if and when your question is answered.

49. MedHelp: Stop here for a list of all answered questions from doctors on many different illnesses. Choose from A to Z, get international help, or even resources in Spanish. You can also use Symptom Search to help you get diagnosed.

50. InteliHealth: This site has an ask the expert section where anyone can post a question. They are answered by experts at the Harvard Medical School. You can also choose a specific expert or search through the archives.

Because going through an illness is easier when you have someone to go with, be sure not to miss these 50 social sites to connect with other patients. You can get help for a specific disease, family member, medical advice, and more.