Welcome!

This is the place to start if you would like to learn more about our support groups.

Along with introductions and questions answered for new members, this forum also contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions about illnesses, forums, and the website.

Announcements

Announcements, website changes and updates. This forum also includes Posting Guidelines and our Medical Advisory Board and Community Manager's Bio's.

Website Help

1. Help Topics

Ask technical questions here about how to use the features of the website. This includes the forums, blogs, and chat rooms. If you are having trouble registering, please contact us.

Mental Health

1. Mental Health Reporter Newsfeed

This forum is used to discuss anxiety, depression, addiction, rehab, fear, isolation and social phobia and how it relates to your Digestive illness. Resources: Anxiety Disorders Association of America, National Institute of Mental Health, Rehab Info, SAMHSA Treatment Facility Locator.

Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

1. Fibromyalgia Reporter Newsfeed

Use this forum to discuss Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Post your questions and/or other information that may be helpful to others.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

1. GERD Reporter Newsfeed

Use this forum to discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Heartburn. Post your questions and/or other information that may be helpful to others.

Research Studies

Research subjects are needed for the following posted studies.

Medical researchers are continuously searching for new or better ways to treat illness or disease. If they discover something that may be helpful, it cannot be put into general use until years of careful phased testing has been done. Research studies are what enable medical research for a drug to, in turn, become available to physicians and patients. Research studies may also be referred to as clinical studies, clinical trials, drug trials or drug studies. Read Understanding Research Studies for further information.

If you are the Primary Investigator and have a research study that you would like posted, please contact us.

Apps and Media

Use this forum to discuss GI and health related apps or media for the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android or BlackBerry device . Provide advice by writing a new review or commenting on another.

GI and Health Related Books and Literature

Use this forum to discuss GI and health related literature, namely books and electronic books (Kindle, Nook, iPad), booklets, periodicals, magazines, and e-mailed newsletters. Provide advice by writing a new review or commenting on another.

GI-related Diagnostic Tests

Discuss what to expect or how you feel about medical procedures such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, endoscopy, barium enema, GI series (barium swallow).

Websites or Services

Use this forum for posting about other websites or services. Under no circumstances are advertising of products allowed. If you would like to advertise a product on this website please refer to our Advertising page. Thank you for your understanding.

Dealing with Relationships

Our thoughts and experiences play a part in how well we feel with an illness. How our partners, spouses, children and extended family members relate and communicate with each other is another factor that can have an effect on illness. Use this forum to discuss how we deal with relationships while having a digestive illness. Resources: Mind-Body Digestive Center.

Traveling with a Health Condition

The changes in schedule and diet when traveling can sometimes cause big digestive problems. Discuss how to plan, manage and minimize GI discomfort while traveling. Share your travel destinations and travel tips in this forum for accessible travel and/or traveling with a disability. Resource: Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH)

Working and Careers

Having a digestive illness is especially hard on people at work. Use this forum to share the ways you cope with work and your career.
. Resources: WebMD.

Going to school

Living with a digestive condition presents certain limitations that are likely not understood by teachers or professors in the classroom. Use this forum to discuss what it's like, what are the challenges and how do you cope when you go to school or college with a digestive illness. Resources: Chronic Kids.