"Learning never exhausts the mind”: Meet @athenalee

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.

ROSEMARY: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?  

@athenalee: I had my liver transplant in August 2020. A couple months after my surgery, I developed hand tremors, soon followed by the feeling of “pins and needles,” numbness, nerve pain, and muscle pain. My transplant doctor thought at first it was due to Tacrolimus (medication to prevent organ rejection), but as the symptoms continued to escalate, she said I needed to see a neurologist. 

In the meantime, I started doing research and looked up my symptoms online. That search led me to Mayo Clinic Connect! I not only discovered the Neuropathy group, but also the Transplants and Autoimmune Diseases groups! 

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

@athenalee: I have learned so much from members on Mayo Clinic Connect. Before I found out about the bookmark feature, I was taking notes based on the information and tips shared in the Neuropathy Group discussions. (@johnbishop should write a book. I suggest the title “A Patient’s Perspective on Neuropathy.”) 

Furthermore, I feel I’ve gained valuable friendships from so many wonderful people in the Transplant group. 

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

@athenalee: Well, I’m definitely not known for being shy. I think all the members and volunteer mentors create a welcoming and supportive community where anyone can feel comfortable. Writing is a great art and an awesome way of expressing support and empathy, sharing experiences, and just chatting with Mayo Clinic Connect friends. The website is very well designed and easy to use, and the mentors do an amazing job at keeping discussions flowing, providing guidance, and oversight as needed. 

I also appreciate @estrada53 and I were permitted to start the Transplant Culinary Arts series on Zoom. It’s been wonderful working with @estrada53 and chatting with Mayo Clinic Connect friends virtually! 

ROSEMARY: What groups do you participate in? 

@athenalee: I’m largely engaged in the Transplants and Neuropathy groups, but I do venture into Autoimmune Diseases, Chronic Pain, Healthy Living, Just Want to Talk, and others. I also enjoy the articles in the Transplant expert blog and other featured articles as well.  

ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect. 

@athenalee: I’ve experienced so many meaningful moments, but I’d say a favorite is the discussion called “What do you order when eating at a restaurant?” in the Transplants group. I learn things, share things, and really enjoy the discussion. @hello1234 is a wonderful person to connect with. She posts great discussions!   

I truly found it fascinating to discuss bone marrow transplantation with Lori, @loribmt. I have gained a new found respect for bone marrow transplant recipients and the conversation sparked me to do research into the differences between solid organ and stem cell transplants.  

I also discovered things about solid organ transplants that I didn’t know. 

I enjoy sharing information and experiences that I’ve discovered and found helpful. It's nice when sharing information is appreciated and when I feel it benefits people. Learning, sharing, and, the best part, meeting and conversing with so many wonderful people makes it worthwhile. 

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

@athenalee: Despite the pain and hardship people have gone through, so many Mayo Clinic Connect participants remain positive and hopeful. Mayo Clinic Connect offers a very giving and supportive environment and has helped me grapple with my own health problems and remain positive. I’ve also found it therapeutic to be able to offer my research and personal experience for support to others. I’ve never been into counseling or therapy, but I have found the support and kindness of fellow members to be inspiring. 

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

@athenalee: I awake each morning grateful for my second chance at life. This serves to start my day in a positive way. I’d say learning as much as possible about my ongoing health issues, eating healthy and cooking, and walking, dancing, and exercising. I tend toward evoking humor when possible. This helps me remain upbeat.  

ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.  

@athenalee: Music, dancing to loud rock and roll, and listening to the opera. Also, watching Sci-Fi and good horror films. 

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

@athenalee: Leonardo da Vinci is a hero of mine…so, here’s two quotes I aspire to incorporate in my life:  “Learning never exhausts the mind.” and “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.”  

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

@athenalee: I live in a small town in Vermont with a population of 12,000 or so. I moved to a small town because I was tired of city traffic and chaotic living. My town has lots of music and events, a theater, a large food coop, a thriving downtown, a year-round farmers market, and a diversity of restaurants. The Connecticut River separates the town from New Hampshire, offering beautiful views. We have 20,000 acres of hiking trails around the town, scenic low-lying mountains, and lots of wildlife. I live just five minutes from downtown. I’m an hour or two away from amazing art museums, concert halls, festivals, historical sites, hiking, and more. The drawback…I don’t like snow and as I write this it’s a balmy 2 F outside! Ugh. Spring, summer, and fall are great though!

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