#mindovermatter

Learn from HSCT hopeful Javor and all he gains through consistency and positive mindset (Ep. 73)

October 27, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Javor Milanov
AI: Relapsing Remitting MS
HSCT: Scheduled in March 2022

Superpower: Consistency

How well do you attune with culture? Is your mindset one of growth, or is it fixed? How do you navigate your internal compass?

After his diagnosis, Javor felt tired and run-down facing his experience as a new immigrant working three or four jobs at a time. He experienced terrible side effects after steroids and trying an initial disease modifying therapy, so returned home to Bulgaria for a long respite. Rest, reduced stress, and time with family and friends  helped reduce his symptoms and after six months, he returned to Canada and began noticing his disease becoming more active. 

Refusing to accept an incurable disease as his destiny, Javor made radical changes to his diet and lifestyle to become as healthy as possible. Tune in to learn more about Javor’s experience with the Wahl diet, mesenchymal stem cells in Panama, how he leaned on the discipline of swimming to keep his motivation and disposition positive, and his ability to anticipate (rather than react) to what is on the horizon, including his plans to pursue HSCT in Russia.  

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Join Mike along his newfound journey to HSCT and be inspired by his humble fortitude (Ep. 71)

October 13, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Mike 
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT scheduled for January 2022
Superpower: fortitude

How do you share your diagnosis with others? How familiar are your loved ones with the demons you battle? How do you reconcile your experience with disease?

Having received a diagnosis at the young age of 22 after a bout of optic neuritis, Mike experienced reversal of his symptoms after a round of steroids and figured the disease would be manageable. Fast forward ten years and suddenly Mike realized the disease had actually been simmering just beneath the surface and after a severe hurricane, began more noticeably interrupting his daily functioning. 

After trying a couple of different disease modifying therapies, Mike was introduced to the idea of HSCT in social media advertisements for the Selma Blair documentary, and began exploring it as an option just two months ago. Tune in to learn more about the various ways that Mike has felt supported along his journey despite the questions and concerns that any HSCT Hopeful has also considered. 

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Revisit Brooke’s journey to HSCT in Russia and find your path to normal (S2 replay)

June 16, 2021 — 1 Comment

Warrior: Brooke Slick
Snowflake: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: May, 2013 in Moscow, Russia
Superpower: Patience

How do you navigate your diagnosis? Would you describe your perspective as positive or negative? How do you normalize your disease? 

After years of experiencing symptoms, Brooke was diagnosed with RRMS in 2006 and cycled through various disease modifying therapies, participated in a clinical trial, and sought alternatives to avoid the risk of developing PML. Despite working full time and distracting herself from the avalanche of symptoms, Brooke found herself transitioning into Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

Inspired by the first American “ninja warrior” to receive HSCT in Moscow who blogged every detail about her experience, tune in to learn more about how Brooke focused her attention and perspective on the gifts and possibilities of HSCT. Brooke’s realistic perspective helped her embrace a positive approach and tackle the treatment that worked for her.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.


Resources:
MS Gym
Yoga
Aa Maximov Hospital, Moscow Russia

Revisit important insights shared by Dustin in this replay of our second interview

November 11, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Dustin Fairchild
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 4/19/17, Chicago
Superpower: Zen

Do you find yourself struggling to adapt with shifting realities of autoimmune disease? Are you looking to find peace in your life? Or get inspired by transformational journeys?

Meet Dustin, a warrior diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who received HSCT at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, four years after his initial diagnosis. His abilities were rapidly declining, he relied on a cane to walk, and was eager to find a “cure for MS.” 

His resolve helped him let go of the need to be in control and stop trying to plan for future uncertainties. He was able to allow Dr. Burt to “take the reigns,” and completely trusted the nurses and staff throughout the HSCT process. Hopefully Dustin finds continued healing and someday soon he will be able to accomplish all that he feels ready for. 

Tune in to hear Dustin’s journey with HSCT, his secrets to staying positive and strategies to cope during the two-week-plus long hospital stay where “you’re never alone, but you’re always lonely.”

Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Tune in next Wednesday for a brand new episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Learn more about HSCT amid the global COVID pandemic from Jan-Marie and the power of patience (Ep. 48)

August 12, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Jan-Marie
AI: RRMS
HSCT: 6/20
Superpower: Patience 

Do you take doctors’ opinions as gospel? How comfortable are you asking questions and conducting research? Who helps you through tough times?

Jan-Marie

Not only does Jan-Marie set a shining example to approach life with optimism and positivity, she offers insight into what it’s like to research scientific evidence to inform opinion, foster support both emotionally and financially, and gain confidence to pursue HSCT during the COVID pandemic. As a nurse by trade, Jan-Marie used her training in evidence-based medicine to be informed about her options with disease modifying therapies that ultimately did not work. After finding herself frustrated and hopeless with the progression of her multiple sclerosis, Jan-Marie was introduced to HSCT by a girlfriend and within hours completed the application, and in days secured a schedule.

Tune in to hear more about Jan-Marie’s journey to HSCT, changes to the typical experience in Monterrey at Clinica Ruiz for COVID, and how Jan-Marie is faring the first few weeks post-transplant.Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:
Calm app

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Learn more about HSCT amid the global COVID pandemic from Jan-Marie and the power of patience