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Communication is easy with patients like me: Meet @rfherald
ROSEMARY: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?
@rfherald: I was discussing a difficulty I was having with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) with a close friend and former employee of the Mayo Clinic. She put me on to Mayo Clinic Connect. It took a little while to get used to it because I had never seen or heard of a social network tool like it. I’m glad she pointed me to it. It is a great source of information on many subjects. I can choose to get information on what ails me or get first-hand information on a topic that I find interest in.
ROSEMARY: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?
@rfherald: Whenever I talk to a doctor, I am always careful with my word choice to ensure I don’t mislead them. The people on Mayo Clinic Connect are patients just like me and that makes it easy to communicate. Members can find experienced patients. Some members have had a problem that I can easily relate to and learn from. Sometimes I have experiences that can help other members. Often discussions go back and forth and grow over time – that makes it even more interesting and valuable.
ROSEMARY: What support groups do you participate in?
@rfherald: I participate in the following support groups:
I also follow and comment on these blogs:
I take part and post where I can, but sometimes I am just a listener.
ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect.
@rfherald: I enjoyed teaming up with @bill5letsfixthis to exchange our experiences with BPH and how we deal with it. We learned from experience using different medications and shared what we learned. We exchanged results and helped each other.
ROSEMARY: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?
@rfherald: What surprised me most was how easy it is to jump into a subject and be received as a neophyte. I could ask questions and get answers.People on Mayo Clinic Connect like to help each other.
ROSEMARY: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@rfherald: Good health energizes me. Light exercise energizes me. When I get back from a good hike in a forest or in the clean mountain air I feel refreshed and new. It changes my whole attitude..
ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@rfherald: My favorite pastime used to be riding a road bike. I LOVED it. Unfortunately, I’ve had several concussions and I’ve been told to avoid getting another one. My newest activity is traveling with my wife. When we take a hike in a different part of the United States we are always rewarded, invigorated and come away having learned something new. Many times my wife sees things that I miss and we get into a great conversation.
ROSEMARY: What food can you simply not resist?
@rfherald: Denver chocolate sheet cake. Ask me and I'll send you the recipe.
ROSEMARY: What do you love about where you live or vacation?
@rfherald: I love living in Colorado. It is a great tradeoff between Minnesota winters and Arizona (lack of) humidity.
ROSEMARY: Puppies or kittens?
@rfherald: Puppies. Hands down. Puppies know how to have a good time. They stumble, fall down, get up and laugh about it. I like kittens but they always grow up to become a cat.
Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.
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If you think having your bike taken away from you is difficult, how would you feel if your car keys were a thing of the past. I had spinal surgery (stenosis, sciatica and scoliosis and it left me with a weakness in my right leg. My physical therapists would not certify that I could drive because in the event that I had to jam on the brakes, I would not have enough strength in my left leg to do so. I am divorced and as a result, I am stuck in the house and unable to be the busy bee that I used to be. I need to use a roll about to walk. But my faith in God sustains me because I am 85 years old and have had a wonderful and exciting life and even though my energy level is still quite high, I am grateful that I am still alive. Hang in there everybody and try to do the best that you can despite pain or loss of whatever function you used to have and be happy that you still have life, liberty anf the pursuit of whatever happiness you can find. God bless each and everyone of you.
Yvie
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5 ReactionsThank you for the hug, Lori. I needed that today.
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2 ReactionsHi @yvie, I didn’t get a chance to sit down for a chat this morning. But you really hit home with having to give up car keys. That is the ultimate relinquishment of freedom, isn’t it? I’m 69 so hopefully a few years to go before it happens permanently. But during my medical odyssey a few years ago, I went for the better part of a year without being able to drive. I felt like a prisoner not being able to grab the keys and head out the door on a whim to meet with a friend, grab something from the store, or just go out for a drive to clear my head. Every trip had to be strategically planned to coincide with my husband’s errand list. Though I knew he’d take me to shop if I wanted. But it’s not always easy to browse when someone is tapping toe to ‘get the job done’. 😅
Your attitude for life and coping is just wonderful. It’s so important to cherish every day as a gift. I’ve learned that too. We may never know what each day holds as there are always challenges. It’s how we chose to handle those hurdles that keeps us going and puts things into perspective.
I’m happy you found Connect and that I could give you that virtual hug. We all need those, don’t we? 😊
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3 ReactionsThank you for your inspirational words. I’ve learned a lot since my new medical journey began last year. Be your own best healthcare advocate AND mindset is everything. Keep doin what you’re doing!
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3 ReactionsMy dear friends : Thank you for your kind words. You are on the right track and my prayers are with everyone that responded to my story. Whether any of you believe in prayer or not, you are getting it from me. I care about all of you and I want everyone to hang in there and enjoy life even though you may be suffering emotional or physical pain. Thank you…thank you…thank you for your act of kindness, Yvie
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2 ReactionsThank you, RF. You are a handsome, young man. Good luck to you and your loved one.
@yvie, I am happy to welcome you to Connect. I was riding in the car this afternoon with my husband when I read your own words of appreciation for the kind and caring messages that you have received from other member who have responded to your own story. I also want to commend you for the encouraging words you share with others!
I would like to share some groups that came to mind as I thought about you.
- What's outside of your picture window today?
The introduction to this group begins, "All I have to do is look out the window and observe some of natures beautiful creatures, how they interact and ponder how small it makes my troubles seem."
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/whats-outside-of-your-picture-window-today/
This group was started as a space to share and discuss our Gratitude Journey.
- Gratitude Discussion Group
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gratitude-discussion-group/
@yvie, Click on the link. Read, comment, enjoy!
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3 ReactionsI did road bike cycling for a few years, but I didn't like the hunched over feeling and the discomfort it gave me. I switched to a mountain bike that gives you a more upright riding position. For those who have difficulty with either road or mountain bikes, there are so-called "comfort" bikes, on which you sit virtually upright. I am hoping to not have to resort to that after my morphine pain pump surgery next week.
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1 ReactionI spend a lot of time in my recliner looking out the window in front of it. The window has a beautiful arch at the top of it from which I can see the sky and the beautiful stars when they appear at night. I use this time to speak to my Creator and thank Him for letting me live another day. I ask for guidance in how I should treat others and ask pardon for any irritation or rudeness I might have shown to those who have not treated me with kindness. I offer my suffering for those who cannot accept what is. If there are no stars shining in the heavens, I watch the heavy winds that blow and the torrential rains that fall and I tell myself “this too shall pass”….and it does!
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1 ReactionThank you for the hug, Rosemaria. It filled my heart with joy.
Yvie
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