Yeah, this circumstance was problematic because the poster was discussing another person's negative experience, and even without names this could have easily identified the patient to the surgeon, which in turn could have jeopardized that relationship in a time of surgical complication. Not good. Sadly, the poster didn't understand this, got huffy and left.
As to your question, I don't have an answer. There are lots of private groups available already, and while they are helpful many of these spaces can also be intimidating and competitive. Good or bad, I imagine I will find my best support via one-to-one conversations. (That's how it worked out with a previous surgical complication.)
Joshua