#thankstohsct

Explore the nuances of functionality with Charissa and her physical therapist, Dr. Gretchen Hawley (Ep. 81)

April 27, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Charissa Rigano
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: December, 2020
Superpower: self-confidence

How committed to functionality are you? Are you aware of integrated, holistic approaches to health? How secure are you with confidence? 

In our first tandem interview, meet HSCT Warrior Charissa and physical therapist, Dr. Gretchen Hawley, who have been collaborating throughout Charissa’s experience with multiple sclerosis. Dr. Hawley committed to specializing in multiple sclerosis and, in consideration for the challenges that any particular day might introduce to someone battling autoimmune disease,  to making her services and support more accessible and available to her clients. Charissa met Dr. Hawley years prior and reconnected with her upon returning home from Clinica Ruiz for HSCT.

Join us to learn more from the professional perspective about the nuances of neuroplasticity, and specialization of physical therapy for autoimmune disease, as well as to hear comparisons from the patient perspective on the experiences with dedication to “move it or lose it” in order to support wellness for the next decades.

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.

Resources:
www.msinglink.com
Instagram: Dr.Gretchen
Facebook: MS Wellness and Support with Dr. Gretchen PT
Youtube: DrGretchenHawley

Celebrate the start of spring and check-in with Ali at 4+ years post-HSCT (Ep. 77)

March 23, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: November 6, 2017
Superpower: Gratitude

How happy are you with what is happening today? Where are you along the journey with acceptance? How do you live your best life?

The beginning of a new season offers the opportunity to check in with Ali at the four-year mark of HSCT recovery. Tune in to learn more about how Ali has navigated psychological and emotional wellbeing and learn how she found a way to accept all the changes that come along with the long process of healing damages incurred by multiple sclerosis including the invisible aspects of orthorexia, finding alternative exercises to promote bone and muscle strength, and exploring supplements that can support our well-being. 

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.

Resources:

The MS Gym

Reconnect with Michelle and be inspired to pursue decisions you feel are right (S5 replay)

March 16, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Michelle Webb
AI: Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 5/19
Superpower: Compassion and understanding

Are you someone to believe that everything happens for a reason? How often does your experience with disease cancel plans with friends and family? How often are you kind to your body and mind?

After realizing the eighth disease modifying therapy she tried (since 2011) wasn’t helping her feel any better, Michelle began looking into options. As a person who doesn’t trust blindly, hear more about how Michelle – also, a high school friend of Jen’s – gained information when she found herself seeking guidance about next steps, and found the courage to move forward despite her doctor’s opinion.

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 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:
HSCT Warriors, Inc.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Be inspired and find commonality in John’s appreciation for HSCT (S4 replay)

February 9, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: John Taylor
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: September 2019 at Northwestern
Superpower: Appreciation

Have you ever tried to describe the sensation of severe pain, despite knowing that you’re also physically numb? When side effects and risk outweigh the good, how do you make a choice? How do you feel when selected for the chance of a lifetime, knowing others have to miss that chance?

An infographic with the HSCT Warriors Podcast logo and details about the interviewee depicts a man squinting his face in anger or pain, with one eye open and the other eye covered by his right hand which is glowing red as though in pain.

After years of living with symptoms considered insignificant, John finally received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2010 from his third opinion doctor. While the first disease modifying therapy seemed to work for nearly a decade, just as John began to fear a future with little hope about his new normal, his wife stumbled upon HSCT in time for him to be treated in Dr. Burt’s last cohort before sabbatical.

Tune in and learn more about John’s experience with loss of balance, shooting pains, burning sensations, optic neuritis, and other symptoms that he experienced with multiple sclerosis.

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 immediately.

Resources:
Patient care manuals for post-HSCT
Research articles

Meet Cassidy along her journey of over-achieving before and after HSCT* (Ep. 67)

April 21, 2021 — Leave a comment

*This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners, including mentions of suicidal ideation. Please check the show notes for more detailed descriptions and take care of yourself*

Warrior: Cassidy V. Chapman
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: July 15, 2019
Superpower: Passion for bringing awareness to HSCT

To what extent are you an over-achiever? How open are you to receiving support from others? Where do you find family?

After being diagnosed with MS her first year of law school, Cassidy was initially able to manage her disease with a variety of disease-modifying therapies. Though building a successful career as an attorney came with compounding stress that caused significant relapses which left Cassidy fighting optic neuritis and blindness, it was the fatigue and cognitive impairments that ultimately led her doctor to recommend she stop working. After waiting 33 months to be approved for social security disability, Cassidy found creative ways to stay afloat while managing her relapses and steroid psychosis. Thanks to the guidance of an eleven-year HSCT veteran, once Cassidy decided it was time to pursue HSCT, she surrounded herself with caregivers.

With frank conversation about Cassidy’s experience seeking disability about the side effects of multiple sclerosis and its’ medical treatments, including steroid psychosis that led to homicidal and suicidal ideation (skip 40:00-42:30 and 1:02:00-1:05:05 if you want to avoid these parts of the conversation), this episode offers helpful insights about MS symptoms to look out for both pre- and post-HSCT. Tune in to learn more about Cassidy’s scare at 14 months post-HSCT and how her experience with HSCT has shifted her perspective and her priorities.

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.

Revisit Dave’s reflective journey through HSCT and gain valuable strategies

November 25, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Dave Carey
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 9/11/17, Chicago
Superpower: Perspective

When you pause to reflect about what has changed during a year, what do you see or feel? If you take time to recognize your own personal successes, have you ever hesitated to share what you find with others? 

Meet Dave, a warrior who tried nearly every treatment available to treat his multiple sclerosis before finally receiving HSCT November 11, 2017 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Dave used a cane and experienced regular active relapses before transplant so he was ready for a life-changing event. As he worked to get things in order and prepare for the worst, he ended up surprised when Dr. Burt said to him, “I can help you” without caveat. 

Dave approached HSCT with a commitment to “not fight anything” except his eagerness to get back to normal once he returned home. Listen to Dave’s strategies for keeping a positive mindset, accept all aspects of the process, “take a beat” and embrace the emotions including the difficult, stressful, or uncomfortable ones. Dave’s story will inspire you to “like yourself more,” embrace family and friends, develop an affinity for unexpected relationships, and experience life with a newfound perspective.

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.

Resource: 
Bradberry, T., & Greaves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. TalentSmart. ISBN-10: 0974320625

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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.