Marie, the moderators have given us various ways of reading the Mayo Connect posts. I think you can avoid reading any personal observations. Just take a look at the main site or at the digest and avoid the topic "Non pain related personal discussions." In regard to what medic has said about not being interested in "hearing anecdotal references to Uncle George's problems": ALL of our postings are anecdotal. What works for one person for pain may not work for another person. So, medic and Marie, why not avoid a topic that gets you upset?

I think the forum is very helpful. For those who don't, for whatever reason, he or she can sign off. What I'd love to see is more politeness and civility. Yes, we are ALL in pain. But we are all humans on the other side of the computer screen. Please, let's just be polite in a very impolite world. Thanks.

Just my opinion. Or perhaps "just my anecdote."

Hazel (@hazelblumberg)

Well said Marie, it's what I've also been trying to say. Please all of us give room for us as individuals to speak our minds, our questions, our shirts, and anything else that we would like to post.

No matter what the name of this generalized thread is called, someone tried to make it a place for any subject. I think you all understand that is why this was started. That way you can identify it and not read it, is asking for the digest version. It lists every single topic of discussion, then you can click on the ones that you were interested in and avoid the others. That's my best suggestion for those that find this to open at the forum because it allows things they don't want to talk about.