There's peacefulness in long views and mountain sounds: Meet @upstatephil

JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@upstatephil: After decades of managing my back challenges via OTC (over-the-counter) pain meds, stretching, and just enduring, I reached the point where surgery was the next best option. I had heard many scary stories from back surgery patients and was highly interested in educating myself as to what to expect – especially during recovery. I have had medical connections to Mayo Clinic for well over 30 years, so my online searching naturally landed me on Mayo Clinic Connect!

JOHN: What motivates you to take part in the community?

@upstatephil: I am motivated to participate in Mayo Connect because, in many of the posts I read, I can see where sharing what I’ve learned might help someone struggling with many of the same unknowns I faced. In fact, I am actually busily documenting my learnings in a more formal way – learnings I hope to share more broadly with spinal patients.

 JOHN: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@upstatephil: Simple, I always get quick and useful responses to my queries. This makes me feel it’s a good use of my time to come to Mayo Connect with all manner of medical inquiries.

JOHN: What support groups do you participate in?

@upstatephil: Spine Health and Men’s Health support groups. No doubt my list will grow…

JOHN: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@upstatephil: I was extremely fortunate to encounter Jennifer @jenniferhunter in Spine Health early on. I was struck by her well-reasoned answers to my questions as she combined her personal spinal surgery experience with amazing general medical knowledge. I felt I always gained a new perspective from Jennifer and, at the very least, I knew my concerns were being listened to.

JOHN: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@upstatephil: The sheer breadth of medical issues where there’s a specific blog section. So many volunteer mentors and helpful members who feel something like how I do and just want to help others navigate the complexities and unknowns associated with chronic medical challenges.

JOHN: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@upstatephil: No one thing…I’ve always “needed” lots of physical activity to stay in shape both physically and mentally. Also, I am especially energized when I learn new things which serves to connect me closely to Mayo Connect (pun intended). I’m long retired so the balance part is fluid and I’m fortunate to have the time to go in whatever direction I find intriguing at the time.

I stay very active with:

1. Serve on public company board for 10+ years
2. Serve on private company board for 19+ years
3. Head our neighborhood Single Malt Whiskey club. We have 150+ members.
4. Co-chair the annual employee holiday gift fund in our community
5. Serve as auctioneer at an annual fundraiser
6. Dote on our new granddaughter…!!!

JOHN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity

@upstatephil: There’s no one favorite. I read voraciously and switch genres regularly between fiction and non-fiction (history and biography) plus I especially enjoy historical fiction. I love to golf, hike, and explore. Those activities have been “on hold” for the past year as I resolve my spine issues. Same with traveling. But I’m optimistic about re-engaging with my old favorite activities!

JOHN: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@upstatephil: “to err is human” this means to me it’s perfectly fine to make mistakes and don’t be afraid to take a risk. Sort of along the lines of: “nothing ventured, nothing gained”.

JOHN: What do you love about where you live or vacation?

@upstatephil: We live and vacation surrounded by mountain terrain in both South Carolina and North Carolina. I can spend hours just staring at the horizon enjoying the inherent peacefulness of long views and mountain sounds. This environment is the opposite of city life.

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