I've been around since being diagnosed in 2010. This site has been a great help and resource for me throughout the years.
Lately, it seems as if traffic is down significantly. In my "early years" there would be dozens and dozens of new threads per day with numerous replies. Now it seems we only get a handful.
Just wondering what others thought. Do you think its because social media sites like Facebook now have many lyme groups, etc.
Posted by HW88 (Member # 48309) on :
I haven't been here long enough to comment on the traffic, but I do know that this site (really the people here) are of MUCH greater help than the fb support group.
There is A LOT of knowledge here with those that have been kind enough to stick around and help.
I read a lot, but don't always post. Maybe there are a lot of stalkers like me. Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
It's pretty typical for Lyme folks to take a break during the holidays. Then they are in recovery(somewhat more so) after the holiday.
I'm sure many have been effected by all the nasty weather the last few weeks also.
It will pick up.
Pam
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
sometimes people jus have a ton of stuff going on in their lives and it all gets overwhelming so they take a break.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Bob you are right. The visitation is down about 2/3 of what is normal and has been for a while.
Typically this site and other sites are crazy busy this time of year. Much more than in the summer time when you'd think it would be in the prime time because it is "tick season".
Winter time is the time of year people are (more so years ago) getting new or their first computers as gifts (holidays)...
And those who were bitten and treated with the CDC/IDSA failed protocol are sick again, typically are getting the run around and are saying...
"What the hay?"
They finally realize they need answers and come to LymeNet and/or contact volunteer patient advocates to get them, often after the rush of the holidays are over.
My guess is that we've been (a big group) very successful in educating the masses and people are learning because they know someone who has Lyme or they've read about it, or they can access the info easily.
You are right too, there are many more Lyme related sites each year and folks don't have to depend on the CDC/IDSA for crumby answers.
When people are better educated, less people will be running to sites like this for help because they will already know the tests are rotten, you need treatment ASAP because Lyme can be serious- even deadly, and they will know what docs to see, etc.
I am THRILLED to see this happening. Thirty-three years of trying to educate people local and even world wide has been so so hard on me and other volunteers. But, if it is helping, in my opinion it is worth it.
And if some day soon we can all have a big party (crab and lobster fest is my choice) and retire from the Lyme business, that would be fantastic!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
And may God bless all of the members who have been here for years on end and have reached out to help others along the way.
Thank you!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Just an example...
In the Seeking A Doctor section there have only been 3 new requests and 1 established member's request all year.
Only 4 requests in 8 days. That is lower than I've ever seen it.
Got to love it!
Posted by Mashieniblick (Member # 50588) on :
I know one thing that slowed me down in finding this place. What the heck does ‘flash’ discussion mean. It should be changed to the word forum or board... I would suppose many like me almost never click those words in the top left ‘flash discussion’
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
Unlike Hw88 I have been here a long time but I totally agree with what he said above.
There is so much more experience and knowledge here than on facebook. I try to help In some of the groups...but its hard
The majority not only don't have good knowledge of Lyme...they have many beliefs that are really off base.
I go to fb more for other conditions I have ended up with. I'm not sure I've ever learned anything new there about lyme
Occasionally I see tincup pop up on my page but I don't think she belongs to any of the Lyme groups I am in
Posted by koo (Member # 30462) on :
I was surprised to see this post since I was thinking the exact same thing and thought about posting as well.
I have noticed in the last 18 months or so traffic way down. It used to be a whole page filled with discussion every day.
Is there more information out there? Are people getting better educated?
Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :
I have been on lymenet for 1 year. I have noticed many missing lymenet members. Oh, how I miss them.
I think they are feeling better and returning back to their lives.
We form these intimate relationships during the darkest and lowest point in our lives. Their words are so comforting and without judgements. We need them in our lives and when they are not around, we worry about them. 💚
I do believe in local support groups. I send a lot of sufferers there because there is so much information and so many volunteers to help navigate this horrible DISEASE.
All we as a community can do, is to promise to keep in touch.
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
Thanks all.
I didn't mean is traffic down these past few months. I mean if you go back to when I came on in 2010 there were numerous new threads per day, lots of replies, etc.
Seems like now we only get a handful of new questions per day and fewer replies.
Posted by TrekCoord (Member # 48888) on :
It is probably a combination of the many things mentioned here. People are busy, people are feeling better so they don't feel they need to come here, etc.
Posted by TrekCoord (Member # 48888) on :
Wanted to add that I think some read but don't respond and as there are no counters to let us know if someone even read the post, we are unsure if someone even knows about it.
Posted by MADDOG (Member # 18) on :
I guess I just sort of haven't been here as much .
I kind of excepted my plight and just do the best I can on my own.
Hopefully due to education, not so many are getting Lyme.
I have been here almost since the beginning.
Have had Lyme for 33 years.
Since Charlie passed away I do not come here as much.
MADDOG
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Brings up a subject I haven't posted about in a long time.
I see (again) many posts that have a lot of information shared and that takes a lot of time and often includes research and/or sharing past experiences and "putting yourself out there".
This service is offered to members by other members- all volunteers with experience who want to help. They are very educated and dedicated and try really hard to help others!
Aside from original poster not acknowledging the replies, or even saying that the responses were seen, another thing that is lacking are two simple words back to those who made the effort to help...
"Thank you!"
Just saying that a thank you can go a long way for those who spend hours on end here helping out.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Agree Maddog.
I miss all those we've lost to this sucky disease. That's one of my reasons for returning to try to offer help or at least some answers and support.
I don't want to lose anyone else. I don't want to see people in pain and suffering.
Posted by Brussels (Member # 13480) on :
It is very down, I agree.
I guess people are visiting other forums / social networks?
I visited 'healingwell' for a while, met some interesting people, but discussions there do not get deeper usually...
I guess it's due to the format of the forum, that does not allow longer threads...
And moderators that are sometimes too 'conservative' ....
The worst cases are usually here in lymenet, I mean, the unhealthiest cases (poor us)...
at least, it used to be the case, in the past.
They may not have energy to even come and post?
If they have a family, and still have to deal with their own disease, it is very challenging.
No energy or time to socialize ?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It's sad .. I think most people hang out on Facebook and it's easier just to look for FB Lyme groups there. I don't belong to any of those, but I belong to a TON of FB groups.
I agree on the "flash" thing!
Posted by LisaK (Member # 41384) on :
I have not posted / contributed as much as I was at all in the past several months.
I have been making really good progress and feeling better and better so I was using my time to organize my house that was falling apart
and filled with boxes and endless bags of paper and bills and "important" things. literally our house isfallting apart.
I have started back to work VERY part time and make a tiny amount each month, but this keeps me super busy since most of my energy gets used up fast (still) although slower than it used to!
I have not tried looking on FB and /or other lyme places except a couple that I had alread found that were good, like this place.
When I did check in this time and the last couple times I have noticed a huge decline in posts and responses here. It does make me a bit sad. I am not sure what it is, but me thinks
it could be what tincup(I think) said about the info is out there more so people can find it easier on their own. I do try and thank people . I know how important that is from my own experience. ,
but I do miss the larger crowd here. I wish more would stay to help as someone stated above. I try to contribute when I can. and another big THANK YOU to everyone who has- even if they arent specifically contributing and answer- your quesitons and complaints have also
helped me a great deal since it got my own brain churning for answers.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)