Connect
ROSEMARY: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?
@rfherald: I was discussing a difficulty I was having with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) with a close friend and former employee of the Mayo Clinic. She put me on to Mayo Clinic Connect. It took a little while to get used to it because I had never seen or heard of a social network tool like it. I’m glad she pointed me to it. It is a great source of information on many subjects. I can choose to get information on what ails me or get first-hand information on a topic that I find interest in.
ROSEMARY: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?
@rfherald: Whenever I talk to a doctor, I am always careful with my word choice to ensure I don’t mislead them. The people on Mayo Clinic Connect are patients just like me and that makes it easy to communicate. Members can find experienced patients. Some members have had a problem that I can easily relate to and learn from. Sometimes I have experiences that can help other members. Often discussions go back and forth and grow over time – that makes it even more interesting and valuable.
ROSEMARY: What support groups do you participate in?
@rfherald: I participate in the following support groups:
I also follow and comment on these blogs:
I take part and post where I can, but sometimes I am just a listener.
ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect.
@rfherald: I enjoyed teaming up with @bill5letsfixthis to exchange our experiences with BPH and how we deal with it. We learned from experience using different medications and shared what we learned. We exchanged results and helped each other.
ROSEMARY: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?
@rfherald: What surprised me most was how easy it is to jump into a subject and be received as a neophyte. I could ask questions and get answers.People on Mayo Clinic Connect like to help each other.
ROSEMARY: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@rfherald: Good health energizes me. Light exercise energizes me. When I get back from a good hike in a forest or in the clean mountain air I feel refreshed and new. It changes my whole attitude..
ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@rfherald: My favorite pastime used to be riding a road bike. I LOVED it. Unfortunately, I’ve had several concussions and I’ve been told to avoid getting another one. My newest activity is traveling with my wife. When we take a hike in a different part of the United States we are always rewarded, invigorated and come away having learned something new. Many times my wife sees things that I miss and we get into a great conversation.
ROSEMARY: What food can you simply not resist?
@rfherald: Denver chocolate sheet cake. Ask me and I'll send you the recipe.
ROSEMARY: What do you love about where you live or vacation?
@rfherald: I love living in Colorado. It is a great tradeoff between Minnesota winters and Arizona (lack of) humidity.
ROSEMARY: Puppies or kittens?
@rfherald: Puppies. Hands down. Puppies know how to have a good time. They stumble, fall down, get up and laugh about it. I like kittens but they always grow up to become a cat.
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.
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THANK YOU!
Robert
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3 ReactionsHello again, @rfherald. I remember a few conversations we’ve had in the past regarding our love for writing. It’s great to hear you’re doing well, though I’m sad for you with the loss of biking. (Almost as bad as having the car keys taken away) Biking was our first launch into freedom as kids. But we adapt and move on, right?! Swapping out bikes for good hiking shoes is an excellent way to still get out to embrace nature and its ability to heal.
I was happy to see your interview with @rosemarya. Our Connect support groups work so well because of people like you who jump right in, willing to share, exchange information and offer encouragement for fellow members. So kudos on the recognition and wow, if you have any of that cake made…what time is afternoon coffee hour? 😋
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10 ReactionsHello @rfherald
It was so good get to know you. You echo the thoughts of many of us on Connect. This is such a good place to learn and share experiences. Often in a doctor's office it becomes difficult to really share what's going on, but on Connect we are free to muddle through our problems with others who understand only too well!
@rosemarya
Thanks, Rosemary, for interviewing @rfherald and sharing him with the Mayo Connect community.
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7 ReactionsHello, @rfherald So glad you’ve joined Mayo Clinic Connect! It can be hard work, but we meet so many nice people who all have the same goal in mind: helping others. I probably won’t run into you in discussions because I’m mostly in the autoimmune and caregivers groups.
Welcome!!
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5 ReactionsThank you! It's good to be here. I feel very welcome by all of the volunteer mentors.
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2 Reactions@rfherald - I am curious about the the biking jersey that you are wearing in your photo. I see 'Elephant Rock' on what looks like it could be a ride-for-a-cause. My girlfriend completed a Cancer Ride last summer, and she spent countless hours of riding in all kinds of weather as preparation for a 3 day ride.
I know that it is disappointing for you that you no longer ride. I hope that you have memories that you treasure. Where was this ride? Were you part of a group?
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4 ReactionsHi @rfherald - what a nice Spotlight. I'm with you about puppies - you describe it just as I think it. Haha!
Your positive attitude about "good health and light exercise" is inspiring and so often the name of the game. I join in that endeavor. It sounds like you've seen some gorgeous scenery in your travels and have reaped benefits of nature's healing. Glad to have you on Connect. Keep on keeping on!
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1 ReactionRachael, Thank you for the kind words regarding my Spotlight. They are appreciated especially from someone with the internal strength required to have successfully traversed road you have traveled. That you have been through so much and still have such a positive outlook is more than admirable.
I loved, absolutely loved your Spotlight, "Where there's a Winney, there's a way." You researched your condition on your own, discovered Dr. Sletten and found you had CSS. Your story is one of hard work and success. It's a pleasure to know you better.
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5 ReactionsI can't thank you enough for such a kind, considerate reply, on my birthday no doubt! Your timing was impeccable and I consider it a gift. You made me feel proud and recognized which sometimes can be lost sight of in daily chronic management. It's quite amazing how total strangers can appreciate, inspire and motivate us even when we don't expect it. Ahh...the beauty of Connect! You are in the right place, my friend, as your genuineness shines through.🌟
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1 ReactionRosemary, when I rode I belonged to a bicycle club and participated is several rides every year. The Bicycle Tour of Colorado, a seven day ride was my favorite. It always included biking over four or five mountain passes and on one of the days the ride was 100 mile long. I miss all of that. I do NOT miss the nightly camping out in a tent and sleeping bag.
The Elephant Rock ride is one of the early rides in the year and could be 45, 62 or 100 miles long "on scenic roads near Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument" It started and ended in Castle Rock and the start was deceivingly steep making the rider think, "Why did I sign up for this?" What made it particularly difficult it was held early in the year when the leg muscles weren't strengthened by daily rides. I always tried for the 62 miles but found a shortcut that permitted me to get back to the starting line with some strength left. I usually rode Elephant Rock alone. No one wanted work that hard early in the year. I didn't either, but I loved to ride regardless.
Thanks for asking. Writing brought back memories.
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