"Think back, Arthur. Think baaaaack." - Merlin, The Sorcerer.

Many of us who find solace within this site have been on the other side of a diagnosis for a long, long time now. Others are still in their rookie year. We've gathered a pretty broad spectrum over the past six months - Yep, we just celebrated our 6-month anniversary here at the Life with MS blog. I'd like to pick your collective brain for ideas to help the next wave of MS newbies.

I make no secret about my connection to my local chapter of the National MS Society(NMSS). It is an organization from which I have taken so much, therefore, I do what I can to balance that account. We are designing a new program, coupling with locally affiliated MS clinics, to offer their new patients answers to the most important questions after they hear, "You have multiple sclerosis."

The plan (at least at this point) is to have monthly programs at each of the six affiliated MS Clinics in the area. The docs and nurses at said clinics are falling over themselves for this program. Our goal is to make sure the patients get what they need. Here's where I am enlisting your help. Here's where I need you to, 'Think baaaaaaack'.

In those first couple of weeks and months, when you were still spinning, still reeling, still wondering if your doctor really said those words; what do you wish you had heard (other than, "...but it's not that big of a deal, MS is curable")?

The way we have written the program thus far includes a clinical overview by one of the clinic's neurologists, medical information, FAQ's (including drug options and Complimentary and Alternative (CAM) therapies) given by the nurse and then a presentation of client programs and services offered by the chapter from a NMSS Ambassador. That would all be followed by Q&A.

Imagine that you were to have been among the group of the wide-eyed to take part in such a program, what would you have needed/wanted? If you could impart some of your gained knowledge, what would you be sure to pass along? If you've ever thought to yourself, "If only I'd known that!" What was 'that"?

Indirectly, by commenting here, you'll be helping scores (yes, that many around these parts) of people new to the idea of living with MS as well as their families. Directly, you'll be offering your experiences to the hundreds who seek new information from each of us, here at this site. Here is your chance to give back to your community. Don't we all look for that in life?

On behalf of those who will be served by your input, thank you!

Wishing you and your family the best of health.

Trevis Gleason

Trevis' Blog can be found at http://blog.healthtalk.com/ms/

For more information, articles and programs on Multiple Sclerosis please visit http://HealthTalk.com/multiplesclerosis/