How to Search on Connect - It can help you!

John, I'm thrilled you started this discussion.
Just a note for everyone. The search looks different on a computer (desktop or laptop) than on a mobile device. The 1st image below shows where to find search on a computer. The 2nd shows search on a phone.

You will find the search function on every page of Connect. Type in your search term and then click Enter on your keyboard or Go on your phone.

I use search all the time. I love it! Thanks for publicizing it.

I,ve never used the search but will thanks for the post

@colleenyoung Happy to see this post! My "aha" moment made my day! Thanks for all you do!

Here are a few more search tips:

1. Sort a discussion from newest to oldest
Did you know that you can switch the ordering of messages in a discussion thread to see the new message first? Read this message to find out how:
* [NEW] Customize the Order You View Posts – See New Posts First https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-customize-the-order-you-view-posts-see-new-posts-first/

2. Search for a discussion in a Group
When I want to see if there is a discussion already on a certain topic, I do the following on my computer or laptop (not so good on mobile devices):
a) Go to the Group page, i.e., MAC https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mac-bronchiectasis/
b) Scroll to the bottom and click VIEW MORE until all the discussions are shown.
c) Click Ctrl + F on my keyboard. This will open a search window in the upper right corner of your screen.
d) Enter a search term in the search window. For example "probiotics". All mentions of probiotics in the discussion titles will be highlighted in yellow.
e) Click the discussion of interest.

3. Searching for a specific term WITHIN a discussion.
You can use the same method as above for a discussion, click VIEW MORE until the entire discussion is unfolded. With long discussion threads of more than 1000 messages, that would be a long and frustrating task. But for the shorter discussions, it can be useful.

Thanks Colleen. That’s a great tip!

John- I had forgotten all about that! Thank you

I joined Connect today, looking for information on stem cells and neuropathy. When I search, I cannot find the topic. And, What I do see are comments that date back to 2018. Is Connect still active?

Hi @rcicchillo - Welcome to Connect! Yes, Connect is still very active and welcoming new members every day. Glad you found us! I haven't had stem cell treatment, but I'm going to share some links that might interest you. One has to do with stem cells for arthritic knees. It is in the Group called Bones, Joints & Muscles. The second link will take you to a conversation about Foot Neuropathy in the Group called Joint Replacements. And the third will take you to a conversation on Living with Neuropathy in the Group called Neuropathy. All three of these Groups contain helpful information and you'll find even more as you browse through the conversation threads in each group. I would also suggest that when you click on a thread, check out the box at the right just above the comments. It will probably say Oldest to Newest. Click on it and select "Newest to Oldest" to make the most current comments appear first. Hope you find these links helpful. Can you share more information about what condition(s) you are interested in treating with stem cell therapy?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stem-cell-therapy-for-arthritic-knees/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/foot-neuropathy-after-total-knee-replacement/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-neuropathy-welcome-to-the-group/?orderby=DESC#chv4-comment-stream-header

Q: I wish that there was a search for different topics. How do I find if a topic is already being discussed somewhere on Connect?
A: You can filter your search results by "Discussion". This will narrow your search results to only discussion titles and the first posts where your search term appears. Allow me to illustrate.

1. If I search for the term "palliative care," the search results include every post, discussion, blog, Q&A, event, etc that mentions the term "palliative care".
2. If I apply the search filter "Discussions," then the search results are limited to discussions only where the search term was mentioned in the title and/or the first post.

See the image below.