Keeping my drive to beat the odds: Meet @randallshields56

ROSEMARY: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@randallshields56: I was looking for a support group after surgery for a brain tumor. I was having many issues that weren't normal, like falling down and poor balance, and later on seizures. I wanted to find other people who had similar issues and could also help with the anxiety and depression I experienced.

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

@randallshields56: Now I am lucky to have lived long enough to share with others tips on some of the issues that they might be going through. I see the problems people post and, having been through so much growing up, I feel I can help in many different areas. By sharing my experiences, I try to put them at ease and to make them feel happier that they found Mayo Clinic Connect. It makes my heart happier sometimes and heavy other times. But I like to help people. 

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

@randallshields56: Sharing is easy with the community. I share things I am going through now or past experiences. I drove a semitruck delivering freight for over 20 years and was also a driver trainer and safety manager both in office and on the road. I was a mechanic off and on and still tinker as I’m allowed. I was also a convoy commander and contractor for 4 years and.paratrooper and heavy equipment operator for 9 years in the military (army). Throughout my life I have had many injuries and have seen a lot of work-related injuries.

I’ve also experienced loss. I’ve been married 3 times and unfortunately lost my last wife to a hemorrhagic stroke in 2010. They kept her alive for 5 days until I could  get back from Iraq. 

These experiences and others give me a way to connect with a lot of people here.

ROSEMARY: What support groups do you participate in?

@randallshields56: I mostly take part in the following support groups on Mayo Clinic Connect

• Brain Tumor
• Depression & Anxiety
• Epilepsy & Seizures
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

I monitor a lot of other support groups, look at recent topics and, if something catches my eye, I read it. Sometimes I reply simply to let new members know that this is the place to ask your questions and that they will get great help here.  

I also take part in regular online meetings hosted by the Brain Injury Association.

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

@randallshields56: I have made great connections in the Epilepsy & Seizures support group and the Depression & Anxiety support group as well as the Brain Tumor support group. There are people ready to give up or struggling with something. I like to let them know they’re not alone.

I’ve been in contact with so many members, each one is different and discussions can lead to exciting discoveries. When I first found the seizure group, I read a lot of posts and some came close to what I was experiencing. Mentor @santosha asked how I know when I am about to have a seizure, which was an interesting discussion called Which Seizure Trigger Is Your Hardest Battle?

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

@randallshields56: What surprised me the most is genuine compassion from the moderators and volunteer mentors day in and day out helping to connect new members. Their replies aren’t just canned replies selected from a premade list of things to say. Their replies are personal: It might be as simple as pointing the new member toward someone who can help them a little better. They don’t leave new members out there to wonder if they have been heard. I applaud the mentors and all the members who step up to the plate and try to make things manageable. They offer a helping hand and it makes a difference.

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

@randallshields56: My inspiration comes from a long history of prayers being answered and loved ones adjusting their lives for me. Looking in the mirror, I no longer see the person I was a year ago. Trying to get some of my former self back is my goal. 

I practice balance daily. It can be something simple, like just getting up and telling myself this is going to be a great day. I try to eat properly and make today something better than the day before. I might do things like give a hug or a kind word, share the improvements I’m making with my girls, or get tasks completed and not left unfinished. I’m also trying to find better ways to deal with setbacks and keep my drive to beat the odds — to smile and mean it. 

ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@randallshields56: My favorite activity is fly fishing and fishing in general. I'm hooked on fishing. 🙂

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

@randallshields56: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. 

ROSEMARY: What do you appreciate the most in your friends?

@randallshields56: Honesty

ROSEMARY: What food can you simply not resist?

@randallshields56: Chocolate anything.

ROSEMARY: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see cast as you?

@randallshields56: Brad Pitt 

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

@randallshields56: We live in the boonies where the people are friendly and keep an eye on each other. When I vacation, I like a place that has clear water for diving or snorkeling.

ROSEMARY: Puppies or kittens? 

@randallshields56: Kittens. They have a way of knowing if a person is good or not.

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.

See more Member Spotlights.