OK, Here's a proposed draft for newbie welcome

[Polly]

Hi Friends.

Here is a draft for you to review and comment on. I tried to remember those things that we usually say to newbies. But you will not hurt my feelings if you want to totally change it. Seriously.....it is just meant to be a take-off point. Please post your comments.

Welcome to Newcomers

Welcome! We are happy that you are here but sorry for the reason that prompted you to find us. Microscopic colitis (MC), which includes both lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC), can only be diagnosed when a biopsy specimen is taken from the colon and examined under a microscope.

We know from experience how frustrating, embarrassing, and life-limiting this disease can be. Many of us have found that our doctors know very little about MC. Unfortunately, the latest research findings about MC have not yet been published, so practicing physicians usually do not know about them. Within this website you will find cutting-edge knowledge and information about MC and related diseases, suggestions about treatments that work (or not), and practical tips for day-to-day living with MC. You will also find caring, understanding and support for what you are going through.......and lighthearted talk and humor, too!

The good news is that there is HOPE! No matter how sick and discouraged you may feel at the present time, it is important to keep in mind that almost all with MC can find a way to manage their disease successfully. It is often a process of trial and error to find the best treatment plan. Some may choose medications to control the disease, while others find that they can use diet alone. Still others use a combination of both or have found "alternative" means that help. Information about all of these options can be found here.

Please take lots of time to browse through the site, and then introduce yourself and ask any questions you have. No question is too dumb or silly or gross. Whining or ranting and raving about MC are allowed here, too! We have all "walked in your shoes" and understand exactly how you are feeling just now. We are eagerly looking forward to meeting you and sharing experiences!

[TendrTummy]

Polly, I love it. It's simple, short, and to the point. It's not overwhelming for newbies (I recall being a newbie and not wanting to read the PAGES upon PAGES of info that was, to me, another language and "all the same"), and can be taken in easily in a short amount of time, without throwing all kinds of terminology on them that they're not ready for yet!!! I think it's absolutely perfect. But that's my humble opinion. You ROCK Polly..

Christine

[tex]

I agree. It say what needs to be said, without putting anyone to sleep, and encourages the readers to look further into the site for more information--exactly what they need to do.

Excellent job! (We do need some "gold star" smileys here, don;t we?)

Love,
Tex

[Peggy]

Good job, Polly - I'd give you more than one gold star

[annie oakley]

I Like it Polly. I simple and to the point. I vote to go with that one. Love Herb Lady

[starfire]

Polly, I think it's great and have absolutely no desire to change a thing. :clapping smiley: and :gold star:

Love, Shirley

[Polly]

Why, thank you all very much for the strokes! I did go back and change a few minor things - some redundant words mainly. Also added that it is OK to do more than just ask questions - that ranting/ranting about the disease is fine too. So, you might want to re-read it to see if it is still OK.

Thanks again for the encouragement to plow ahead with getting stuff down on paper.

Love,

Polly

[Mars]

Many gold stars Polly! Not only are you being straight forward but you are letting them know that they are in the right place for support, encouragement and understanding!

If I were a newbie, I would want to dive right in and "look around" for more! Oh, wait - I am a "newbie"! Just under a year old makes me a "seasoned -in-progress-newbie"!

GREAT JOB!

[harvest_table]

I think that's perfect too. Polly, you don't mess around and get things done quickly. Thanks and have a good weekend. Love, Joanna

[Babci]

It sounds great Polly. Pretty much what you all said to me when I came on. Short & sweet & to the point. Thanks so much for doing this. Love & light, Rita

[moremuscle]

Polly, I agree with all that's been said above. It is excellent.

Love,
Karen