Searching for Answers With Others: Meet @johnbishop

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.

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.

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