Connect
You’ve joined Mayo Clinic Connect. Now what?
Here are a few tips on how to be a contributing member of a community that works — a safe space where members support one another and together we help improve our health and well-being.
Share your experiences
A community thrives on members sharing their experiences.
- Let your vulnerabilities show. By sharing openly and honestly, you give others the courage to share the hard stuff, too.
- Recognize your knowledge. While you may have questions, you also have experience and knowledge to share.
- Don't tell others what to do. It helps to use phrases like: “In my experience...” or “What worked for me was…” or “In my situation...”
Think conversation
While most of the sharing in the community is done by writing messages, imagine a conversation. Imagine yourself speaking directly to the person to whom you’re responding or that you’re sitting around the kitchen table with a group of friends having coffee.
- Listen (read) carefully to what the other person is saying and perhaps what is left unsaid.
- Share your thoughts while imagining their situation.
- Ask a question at the end of your reply to get more clarity and to keep the conversation going.
Be clear
There are things you can do to help make sure your message comes across as you intend it.
- Make the title descriptive: If you start a new discussion, use a title that clearly states what you want to talk about. For example: “Looking for tips to improve my sleep” “Just diagnosed with bladder cancer: What’s next?”
- Spell out abbreviations and acronyms the first time you use them.
- Proofread and check spelling before posting your reply. You have a 30-minute window to edit it after posting.
- Got a long message to share? Add paragraph breaks to make it easier to read. Or consider sharing the main points and writing more as the conversation develops.
Learn more about how to use Mayo Clinic Connect
Once you get the hang of posting a message and replying, you may want to learn about the other things you can do in the community.
- See the Get Started guide for instructions about the basics.
- Follow the About Connect blog for advanced tips. Sort by Tips and How to Use.
Be safe
It’s a good idea to follow good online safety practices when participating in an online community or social network. We have guidelines for keeping Connect safe, welcoming, respectful and inclusive.
- See the Community Guidelines.
- Know how you can use Connect safely.
- Report spam or commercial posts or if you’re concerned for someone’s safety.
Get to know fellow members
The community works best as you get to know fellow members. After you’ve introduced yourself and connected with others, come back to see how people are doing.
- Login regularly (daily, weekly, whatever works for you).
- Check in on members. You might simply ask “How are you doing?”
As they say, “sharing is caring.” What are your tips for contributing to a thriving, supportive community online?
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Connect
Atrial fibrillation, God bless you and your family you've got problems, you've had problems
Hi. Just new to site. Looking to find which vitamins/supplements work together and which ones to take at different times. I have at least 7 that I take daily but not sure when to take them for the most benefits. Would rather not have "expensive pee" 🫣Thanks.
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1 Reaction@frankie062472
You have to be careful about what vitamins and minerals you take while on prostate cancer drugs. One of the women here had her husband taking a number of non-prescription drugs, and they ended up causing serious problems with his Liver. I get monthly blood test and they include two different types of liver tests.
If you’re on ADT, then you need to take calcium, At least 500 mg twice a day. The pharmacist That calls me twice a year said I should take calcium citrate. Vitamin D, you need about 1000 IU. Magnesium is not a bad idea. You need to take the first two things because ADT deteriorates the bones and those drugs help keep them strong. I take a multivitamin as well. Costco sells Calcium citrate that has vitamin D and magnesium in it. If you want to take other Vitamins or minerals you should check with your doctor to make sure they don’t conflict with the drugs you are taking. ADT. Drugs can be hard on your liver and kidney and you want to make sure you don’t take something that makes it worse.
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3 Reactions@frankie062472 My oncologist had a pharmacist at Mayo Clinic look at my supplements and make suggestions. It was very helpful. Your local pharmacy might offer that service also. A helpful tool is Memorial Sloan Kettering's Integrative Medicine site. You can look up individual vitamins and herbs, etc to look for interactions and safety concerns. I have found it quite helpful.
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5 Reactions@frankie062472 Welcome to MayoClinicConnect! I’m glad you found the site. I would caution you to let your doctor know exactly what vitamins/supplements you take. Your doctor will know the health of your kidneys and liver and can caution you to stop certain supplements. You don’t know which ones will interact with medicines you must take and you don’t want to find out the hard way.
I also think that you have found out how Connect works—sharing of personal experiences and learning from others.
May I ask how you found MayoClinicConnect?
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3 Reactions@becsbuddy
I think that I found the site through an email ad. I was trying to find information on a specific product and was looking for reviews by other sources. Mayo Clinic came up as a suggested source for information.
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2 Reactions@sepdvm
Hi. Thanks for the information. I will be seeing my doctor within the month for my annual checkup and will take my list with me. And I'll also check out the site you suggested.
I really appreciate the replies I am receiving. Very helpful and friendly. 😊
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2 Reactions@jeffmarc
Hi.
Thanks for the useful tips. I will make a list of vitamins and supplements my husband and I take. When we get our annual checkup I will make sure to take it with me. 😊
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2 Reactions@frankie062472, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, an online community where people can share experiences and ask each other questions about any health issue. Here's how to take part in discussions relevant to you:
- Check out the Support Group directory here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/groups/ and follow any group related to your health.
- Use Search to find discussions related to your questions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/
- Find more tips about getting started on Mayo Clinic Connect in the Help Center. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/help-center/
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5 Reactions