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TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?
@drsharon: I found Mayo Clinic Connect when I was trying to understand what was happening to me and why I felt so sick. I have been referring to the Mayo Clinic website for years and trusted their advice and somehow happened upon Mayo Clinic Connect. I read the stories and not only learned things, it made me realize there were many others going through similar issues.
TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?
@drsharon: I started taking part in the community when I realized I might be able to help other people learn some of the things I have learned, just as I have learned from other people‘s experiences. As a health professional (dentist), I was forced to stop working very suddenly due to asthma caused by external irritants. I really miss being able to help people and make a difference.
TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?
@drsharon: I think the community is very honest and is just trying to cope with difficult and limiting situations. I share many of their issues.
TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?
@drsharon: On Mayo Clinic Connect, I take part in the discussions in these support groups:
Outside of Mayo Clinic Connect, I follow art groups and take EdX courses.
TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment you've experienced on Mayo Clinic Connect.
@drsharon: I found it quite meaningful when I realized that other people were dealing with the same issues. It is difficult when you have to limit yourself and stay home when you really want to go out. Living with asthma, it’s difficult when some people don’t understand and won’t make changes to help, such as removing scented candles or not wearing perfume. Sharing strategies and helping others to recognize that these items are also unhealthy for everyone is important. Being connected and not alone really helps.
TERESA: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?
@drsharon: I was surprised by the number of people out there dealing with the daily challenges of asthma. I don’t know anyone else personally.
TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@drsharon: My family and friends are really supportive and make sure that their homes are safe for me which helps a lot. I like to cook and have people over. I also have my art and my art teacher is making the studio safe for me (hopefully). I exercise and read and try to live as full a life as possible.
TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@drsharon: My favourite pastime (or obsession) is realist art, from portraits to still life. I like challenges.
TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?
@drsharon: I guess my favourite life motto is to never give up. Keep fighting to live my best life and make the best out of what I have. It could be a lot worse.
TERESA: What do you appreciate the most in your friends?
@drsharon: My friends and my family have been my rocks through this journey and I’m so grateful for them.
Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Mayo Clinic 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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@drsharon Thank you for sharing your story - I understand environmental factors limiting activities, and also try to educate others.
I am interested in your pursuit of art - what medium do you favor? A friend of mine had to give up oil painting in favor of watercolors due to chemical sensitivities. Do you think that all the chemical and environmental irritants you were exposed to as a dentist contributed to your sensitivities?
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3 Reactions@drsharon thank you for sharing your experiences.
I have cough variant asthma. I’m not sure how it is affecting my breathing, but I know it is. All my scans are very good.
I started painting in 2020 when I was 70. I love abstract paintings. For me, I swipe paint on a canvas, board, or paper. then stare at it until I see an idea. It’s like looking at the sky and seeing the cloud elephant.
My favorite medium is watercolor followed by acrylic and alcohol ink.
Painting when you have tremors can be frustrating. I have a neurological disorder. It is frustrating.
Again, thanks for sharing your story with us.
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12 ReactionsHello @drsharon,
I am so glad that you agreed to be interviewed for a Connect Spotlight. It was a pleasure working with you! Your retirement has allowed you to make a difference in the lives of many people who walk the halls of the Asthma/Allergy support group. Thanks for your desire to share your experiences and to encourage others. I have certainly benefited from your knowledgeable and helpful posts!
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4 Reactions@sueinmn Hi Sue, I use good quality oil paints that are basically pigment mixed with oil and I use linseed oil to thin and clean. . I paint on wood. Basically the same materials as used in the Renaissance. No turpentine, no terpenoid, no mediums, and I use unscented dish soap to clean my brushes. (Murphy oil might be ok but I haven't tried it. If your friend modifies her materials she might be ok. I also ask a friend to put the final glaze on outdoors and it all works out well. I do think the work related chemicals like methylmethacrylate and powerful sterilizing cleaners may have contributed to this misery but genetics didn't help and my doctor thinks there may be a viral link. I think encouraging the use of hepafilters in work places may help prevent this for other people
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5 Reactions@SusanEllen66 I'm glad to hear you're sticking with your art in spite of the challenges. Time stands still when you're creating and many of us keep painting with challenges from Matisse (cancer) Renoir (rheumatoid arthitis) Monet (could barely see) and Van Gogh (mental issues) Hang in there! I love oil painting in part because I can make mistakes and correct them.
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2 Reactions@hopeful33250, Hi Teresa, I really appreciate this group and the time you spend in helping so many people cope with this sometimes overwhelming issue. Being part of this group is so helpful to all of us!
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3 Reactions@drsharon thank you for the encouragement. So what if my arm jumps on the canvas. I just go along with it.
Please show us a picture of one of your paintings
I’m going to attach one of mine here
First one I did with Gouache, and the second is alcohol ink. Bottom is watercolor.
The top picture is weird. It looks like a finger print.
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8 ReactionsI love this. I also have cough variant asthma but consider it lower on my chronic issue list :(. I also paint and do multi media collage from my paintings and gel prints. I try different mediums to keep it interesting and love taking classes to keep focus off of my health issues !
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3 ReactionsThank you for sharing your story! Creativity is stress-reducing among other benefits; I love the subtle soothing colors in your paintings. Gouache is a new term for me! Many people do not realize how serious asthma can be, because so many people deal with it on a daily basis, I never wear perfume. What do you do with your finished paintings?
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1 ReactionThank you for taking the time to share your story..
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3 Reactions