Search Tips - how to find existing topics.

[Retro]

Could all users please refamiliarise themselves with the forum rules (see the pink strip above) and use the search facility BEFORE starting a new thread, it really does help the moderators and all members looking for things hugely.

Site Admin

[Blaadyblah]

A couple of searching tips...

Please note that by using the Advanced search facility, you can check for topics with a certain word in the title or in the first post of a topic, which reduces the number of extra results and makes it more likely you'll find what you're looking for, try looking at the oldest results first too - there really isn't very much that hasn't been discussed before!

It's also worth checking that you've spelled a condition/medication correctly if you're getting no results.

[Blaadyblah]

As noted above, when many topics are returned as the result of a basic search, try looking at the oldest results first - established topics on a subject may have been started many years ago and not updated recently (pushing them further back in the results). It is still preferable to add to the existing topic than to start a new one.

Please also note that you can search within a topic to find the individual posts you're interested in (it is not neccesary to read every page of a mammoth topic looking for info).

[Blaadyblah]

Hi all, please note that use of the search facility before starting a new topic is part of the Forum Rules. If you are having difficulty using the search facility please do let us know so that we can assist as keeping the boards organised is in the best interests of everyone who uses them.

[Blaadyblah]

The advanced search facility (this link is always in the top right hand corner of your browser window) is worth getting to know as it produces far more relevant results than the basic search.

Used correctly it is usually possible to quickly find an existing topic, find experiences already added and reply with your question/input to it rather than starting a new one (Please see Forum Rules). If you have any difficulty finding relevant results, please contact a moderator - we'll be happy to help.

The "Search within" options can vastly improve the relevance of your search results.
* Post subjects and message text (searches titles and all posts)
* Message text only (ignores keywords in titles, giving results only for message bodies)
* Topic titles only (ignores message bodies, returning only keywords in the titles)
* First post of topics only (Searches title and text of the first post in each topic)

"Display results"
*Selecting 'Posts' will in many cases return vast numbers of posts, it is helpful if you are looking for a specific message within a topic, for example where you know several keywords and the author.
*Selecting 'Topics' will show you just one post from each relevant topic found, very helpful if you're trying to find out if anyone has discussed Varicose Veins before without trawling through every mention of them in order to find a dedicated topic!

[bexley]

I know this may seem very bizzare but I have forgotten how to post a thread or start a new topic. Can anyone help ?

[Blaadyblah]

To post to an existing thread just hit reply. To start a new Topic (if you get no search results), go to the relevant forum. The new topic button is to the left of the 'search this forum' box above the list of topics.