Being able to laugh at nothing and everything: Meet @dsisko

JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@dsisko: I honestly don’t remember but I’m guessing that I saw something at or from Mayo Clinic that recommended this forum. Since then, I’ve referred many people to the site who have unanswered questions or would benefit from connecting with others who have the same health issues. 

JOHN: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect and makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@dsisko: I have had questions answered and hopefully have provided some answers or personal experiences myself. Not all health issues can wait and some issues are helped by learning what has worked (and hasn’t) for other members. It can give me confidence to pursue a path I’ve been considering and can give me direction to look into another solution. If I have concerns about advice I’ve been given or am hesitant about a path my doctor recommends, it helps to learn if others have been successful on this same road.

JOHN: What groups do you participate in?

@dsisko: I participate and learn from the Lung Health, Heart Rhythm Conditions and Autoimmune Diseases support groups. I periodically search other groups if I have a specific question that I’d like to see how others handled.

JOHN: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@dsisko: I had a question about a recommendation from my cardiologist that I disagreed with. I posed the question and many people responded with their experiences and suggestions. This helped me make a decision on what route to go. Ultimately, I switched doctors and went with another treatment which, in retrospect, was right for me.

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

@dsisko: While I find that there are many postings that do not apply to me, I also discover many that I could have written myself as they accurately describe what I am experiencing. So much compassion. Many good ideas and experiences that I can use in my own health journey.

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

@dsisko: As an introvert, I find energy by being alone. I love to read and this quiet time gives me time to breathe and recharge my internal batteries.

JOHN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@dsisko: Travel and photography are my passions. Fortunately, I can do both at the same time. I just got back from a trip to Churchill Canada to see the polar bears and the aurora borealis. Both were stunning.

JOHN: What do you appreciate most in your friends?

@dsisko: Honesty, the ability to laugh at nothing and everything, someone who listens and shares equally, and has a positive, non-critical attitude. 

JOHN: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

@dsisko: A young Katherine Hepburn. What an independent, vibrant, talented soul she was.

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

@dsisko: We live in the north in the summer. It is beautiful, full of lakes, and has the nicest people. Love it there! The rest of the year, we live in the south. This allows us to bike, swim, kayak, and hike while listening to our friends up north describe the latest snow storm.

JOHN: Puppies or kittens?

@dsisko: Puppies! I have huge allergies to cats even though they are so cute and cuddly.

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