Networking

Other people are one of the best sources of information you can possibly find. 

Friends, Family, Co-Workers, and other Non-Health Related People

From support groups to casual conversations, talk to everyone about your disease or condition and ask them if they know of anyone else who deals with it, or if they might know someone else who does. 

Advocates

You will have an advocate working with you to help you keep track of what you learn and what your next steps are.  In addition, there are professional advocates who may be able to help you.  Ask around.

Support Groups

Every major disease or condition has an organization associated with it.  Many of these also provide support groups, even at the local level.  There are a few sources for finding groups.  Check your phone book first to find local groups.  Ask your physician or his/her staff if they are familiar with local groups.  Search the web for the national organizations and they may list local affiliates who can help you.

Online Support Groups

Most diseases and conditions have an online support group -- or maybe several -- and you can contact them for membership in the group.  The benefit is that they are available 24/7 and you can often find someone whose disease or condition is exactly parallel to yours.  The information these groups provide can be invaluable, and they will be a prime source of questions and answers you can take to your physician.

Links to listings of these groups are available on our Resources page -- link to Specific Diseases and Conditions.

Referrals

As described on our Professionals page, there may be non-physician professionals who can help you, but it may be difficult to decide who will be effective due to a lack of credentials.  Networking with others mentioned above will be an excellent resource about which of those professionals can really help you.  Don't be afraid to ask for references or testimonials from the people you meet.