Finding hope & helping others: Meet @heyjoe415

JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@heyjoe415: It was 2022 and I had two very arthritic and painful knees. I was 68 at the time, and I was looking for similar experiences and suggestions.

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

@heyjoe415: While I first came for advice, I now enjoy helping others on health topics I have experienced.

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

@heyjoe415: A lot of trust comes from the solid reputation Mayo Clinic enjoys. The people on Mayo Clinic Connect are genuinely looking for help, or providing help. It’s comforting to belong to this community.

JOHN: What support groups do you participate in?

@heyjoe415: I spend most of my time with groups dealing with joint replacement, like the Joint Replacements support group and Bones, Joints & Muscles. I’ve had both knees, my right hip, and left shoulder replaced – all very successfully. I think I have a lot to offer to these groups, as well as a lot to learn from the members.

I also participate in groups dealing with Mental Health and Depression & Anxiety. I started getting panic attacks at age 18, along with chronic depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I’ve gotten help and much relief from these issues. I like to share my experiences when they can be of help to others.

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

@heyjoe415: Well, a mentor @sueinmn in the Bones, Joints, & Muscles group has cited me a few times. She has also asked for my input and shared her own extensive experiences.

It’s nice to be noticed by other members as well as the group mentors. It reinforces that my input is valued and encourages me to continue.

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

@heyjoe415: People are unafraid to hold back. I’m a recovering alcoholic with 14 plus years sober. In the Addiction & Recovery support group I find a lot of hope for myself, and in turn, like to think I’m helping others.

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

@heyjoe415: I’m a very curious person. I’m retired now and get up at 5AM and spend several hours checking email, but primarily engaging in meaningful social media sites like Mayo Clinic Connect.

JOHN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@heyjoe415: In addition to getting up early and reading a lot, I’m in the gym 7 times a week. I took up spinning after my knees were replaced in 2022 and love it. I can’t run anymore, so the rush I get from endurance exercise keeps me physically and mentally focused.

I also work with a personal trainer twice a week and have for the last four years. Tyler has helped me immensely to prepare for and recover from joint replacement surgery. I highly recommend the use of a personal trainer, even for a short time. These trainers are invaluable, and especially helpful on form — the correct way to do any exercise.

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

@heyjoe415:

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T.S. Eliot

JOHN: Puppies or kittens?

@heyjoe415: My wife and I had five cats who all lived between 17.5 and 20 years – Weezie, Pete, Bunny, Zuzu, and Mokey. They were all rescue kitties and they added so much to our lives. We adopted two rescue kitties in 2024 – both female, Iggy and Poppy. They provide a great deal of energy to our household. The picture above shows me holding Iggy, at 4 months old.

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