Let's not be ridiculous!

[Guest guest]

Carla, and anyone else interested in this discussion:

It seems as if some of you (namely, Carla and ) have

misinterpreted my guidelines regarding medical advice. Let me clarify.

I do not want people giving medical advice on this list. Period. Does

that mean we can't discuss treatments that have worked for us? Of

course not!!!! I'm pleased when I hear stories of how Estrace worked

for Dee, or how antifungals worked for Robin, and even how Vicks worked

for Shirley. However, there is a B I G difference between sharing our

stories of personal success (or failure) with a particular treatment and

giving medical advice.

For example, if I say - I've had great success with Estrace. I apply it

topically once daily and it's worked very well for me - this is

perfectly FINE.

However, if I say - I use Estrace and it works. Get a prescription from

your doctor and apply it once daily forever - this is NOT okay.

See the difference????

It's in the way people say things that there's a discrepancy. I am not

allowed to say, " You should use/try Vicks because it worked for me " -

but I am allowed to say, " I've had great success with applying Vicks on

my vaginal skin. "

Hopefully we're all on the same page of the same book now.

Furthermore, I want to remind everyone that I created this list as a

means of SUPPORT! It is a SUPPORT GROUP, first and foremost. That

means, it's a safe place to share our frustrations, our sorrow, or hopes

and our joys. It also means it's a place to share what has worked or

not worked for us. It is * N O T * a place to get medical advice. The

disclaimer on ONElist that someone referred to is something that * I *

wrote. One would hope that this type of commentary would go without

saying, but too often it's not. Common sense would dictate that one

shouldn't drive with a cup of hot coffee in their lap, yet just a few

years ago someone did just that, scalded themselves and then proceeded

to sue the place who gave her the coffee - and WON. Disclaimers and

guidelines are the only way to protect ourselves and our list from

liability. Beyond liability and law, it is my goal to prevent any harm

from coming to any of you if you apply information from this list to

your own treatment. I don't want to feel responsible - even partially -

for causing someone more pain or damage.

In the end, you're all entitled to your opinions. Some of you may think

that this is not a " free " enough way to run this list. That's your

opinion. The fact of the matter, though, is that Carley and I make the

rules. The list is " ours " , but it is offered to you by me. I try to do

the best job I can moderating the list so that everything runs smoothly

and it's serving as a positive resource for as many women as it can. If

you are unhappy with the lists guidelines, you are welcome to mail me

OFF-LIST for a discussion about the rules. If you choose to disrespect

my rules, ignore them, or pooh-pooh them - you will be given a warning.

If you persist, you will be removed from the list. Ultimately, you are

free to create a list of your own if you are unhappy with this one.

I'm not trying to be a bitch (excuse my language) or a dictator. I have

ALWAYS taken into consideration what the listmembers think about

decisions I have made. I am ALWAYS willing to list to a conflicting

opinion and discuss ways to improve this service. But it is a service

I'm providing to all of you of my own free time and my own energy. I

think that some of you need to remember that.

Heidi