Searching for Answers With Others: Meet @johnbishop

Apr 27, 2018 | Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Comments (30)

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.

John Bishop

 

JEN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@johnbishop: My Mayo Clinic neurologist diagnosed me with idiopathic small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) and confirmed my worst fear: there are no available treatments that help with the numbness associated with polyneuropathy, just drugs to mask the pain.

After a nanosecond of being depressed, I decided to do my own research to find something that worked for me. During one of my late evening Internet search fests, I ran across a Connect discussion thread and had to join before I could post. The rest, as they say, is history.  

P.S. I am glad I found Connect!

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

@johnbishop: Connect makes me feel comfortable to share and be open because its members are all looking for answers for their health concerns, which means that we can, hopefully, learn from each other.

JEN: What groups do you participate in?

@johnbishop: I participate mostly in the Autoimmune Diseases and Neuropathy Groups, but I have been known to lurk in other groups and discussions because I want to learn more. It also helps me with my daily goal: learn at least one new thing per day.

JEN: Who has been a special connection for you on Connect?

@johnbishop: To be honest, anytime I am able to provide a member of Connect something that is helpful or helps them be a better advocate for themselves, that gives me the feeling of a special connection.

JEN: What surprised you the most about Connect?

@johnbishop: The Connect community itself: I admire how members reach out to find out about their own health concerns and share what they have learned with others — the support and strength they give each other to be better advocates for themselves.

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

@johnbishop: My wife, and primary caregiver, energizes me — or rather, gives me attitude adjustments when needed. Fortunately for me, this doesn’t happen too often. She helps me keep my priorities straight and offers encouragement when I need it.

JEN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@johnbishop: Looking out my computer room window at the bird feeder and daydreaming, and taking photos of birds and other creatures from my window are some of my favorites. I also love going out for coffee with the guys, Saturday morning breakfast with my daughter and cuddling with my wife.

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

@johnbishop: To the question, “How are you?”

I’d say, “Finer than frog’s hair split three ways!”

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

@johnbishop: I love living in a small Minnesota town where everyone knows me as “Lavon’s husband.” It’s a quaint little town with a nice restaurant, two coffee shops, a courthouse, two antique stores, and, most importantly, The Chocolate Shoppe.

See more Member Spotlights.

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the About Connect: Who, What & Why blog.

@johnbishop, Thank you for sharing your story. I have already met you in several discussion groups on Connect, and I have learned much from you about how to be the best advocate for my own health. I know that you are helping many members along with me by your example and your willingness to help others.
Keep on doing what you are doing!
Rosemary

REPLY
@rosemarya

@johnbishop, Thank you for sharing your story. I have already met you in several discussion groups on Connect, and I have learned much from you about how to be the best advocate for my own health. I know that you are helping many members along with me by your example and your willingness to help others.
Keep on doing what you are doing!
Rosemary

Jump to this post

Thank you for the kind words Rosemary @rosemarya! You all are my heroes and I have learned much from you and others here on Connect also.

REPLY
@rosemarya

@johnbishop, Thank you for sharing your story. I have already met you in several discussion groups on Connect, and I have learned much from you about how to be the best advocate for my own health. I know that you are helping many members along with me by your example and your willingness to help others.
Keep on doing what you are doing!
Rosemary

Jump to this post

@johnbishop John:

I always enjoy your down to earth approach to everything - must be that small town atmosphere where you are known as "Lavon's husband."

REPLY
@rosemarya

@johnbishop, Thank you for sharing your story. I have already met you in several discussion groups on Connect, and I have learned much from you about how to be the best advocate for my own health. I know that you are helping many members along with me by your example and your willingness to help others.
Keep on doing what you are doing!
Rosemary

Jump to this post

Thanks Teresa @hopeful33250, it is a great place to live. There are times when I miss the warm weather though. You should see the town the weekend after Labor Day when the Marigold Days celebration is on. Seems like the town explodes to a gazillion people, or at least that's what it seems like when I'm trying to make a left turn onto the highway out of town.

-- http://www.marigolddays.com/

REPLY
@rosemarya

@johnbishop, Thank you for sharing your story. I have already met you in several discussion groups on Connect, and I have learned much from you about how to be the best advocate for my own health. I know that you are helping many members along with me by your example and your willingness to help others.
Keep on doing what you are doing!
Rosemary

Jump to this post

Marigold days looks like a beautiful event!

REPLY

Thanks, John, for your candid and heart-warming answers to our interrogating comrade! As I read your spotlight, I had an unusual feeling that I wasn't learning very much from your answers; then I realized that was not so odd, because you are so out-and-about every day when you weigh in with your helpful, humorous, and handy suggestions for Connect members who look to you for counsel. Glad to have this added chance to align with you on Connect! Martin

REPLY
@predictable

Thanks, John, for your candid and heart-warming answers to our interrogating comrade! As I read your spotlight, I had an unusual feeling that I wasn't learning very much from your answers; then I realized that was not so odd, because you are so out-and-about every day when you weigh in with your helpful, humorous, and handy suggestions for Connect members who look to you for counsel. Glad to have this added chance to align with you on Connect! Martin

Jump to this post

Thanks Martin! Volunteering on Connect has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I've had.

REPLY

Martin said it so well!

Teresa

REPLY

@johnbishop- John, your posts I found early on that I felt I could relate to and understand. Lots of great commomsense and friendlyness! Your ways of encouraging I find myself being so receptive to and always appreciate reading through them. Thank you for what you bring to all the Connect Groups nearly every day! God bless you & Lavon.

REPLY

@thankful - Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate your feedback.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.