Welcome to the Get Connected Message Board

About Get Connected

As part of our ongoing efforts to expand our network of support to those affected by scleroderma—whether friends, family members or patients—we created the Get Connected Message Board. This board is intended to serve as a tool for people who do not have access to a Support Group in their area or are unable to attend one due to health or transportation issues.

Our goal was to provide you with access to others who understood your concerns and could help you with coping strategies, support and encouragement. Your overwhelmingly positive feedback has confirmed that this goal has been realized.

Some of you have also expressed your concerns regarding our current format (i.e., the inability to read the responses to posts). Therefore, we have decided to replace the original bulletin board with a forum type message board. Now you may post, respond, and read others’ responses in an open format.

All we ask is that you observe certain guidelines so this can be a positive experience for everyone involved. In addition, we have enabled filters to delete words or phrases that may be considered offensive or inappropriate. Before proceeding to the form, we encourage you to take a moment to read the Helpful Hints section. These hints will help to ensure that your experience on this board is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Please do not post any messages requesting specific medical advice (asking others to make a diagnosis, compare symptoms, confirm medication usage or dosage, etc.) If you have a medical question, please consult your physician so you can obtain the most appropriate information for your particular situation or complication.

If you receive advice about a particular medication or dosage, please do not make any changes to your prescribed regimen without consulting your physician. If you receive advice about a particular symptom, please confirm this information with your physician. Only your physician can evaluate whether this information is appropriate for your specific situation.

If you need information about a particular complication related to scleroderma so you can discuss it with your physician, please feel free to contact the Scleroderma Foundation.

If you encounter any technical problems, please contact our webmaster.