#wellness

Check-in with Denise and celebrate persistence through the recovery rollercoaster (replay from S3)

June 3, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Denise Bishop
AI: Stiff Person Syndrome
HSCT: 9/12/17, Chicago
Superpower: increased empathy

How often do you listen to the voice in your head? How much can you afford to endure? What are your strategies to sort through all that needs attention?

Replay Denise (1)

Join us to check in with Denise following her two-year check up post-HSCT in Chicago. Learn more about the unexpected twists and turns along her ongoing rollercoaster, and how Denise faced the fluctuations including another autoimmune diagnosis, a traumatic fall, and tragic loss of her grandson. 

Despite all the setbacks she has faced, Denise holds firm to a positive attitude and resilient mindset that is inspiring for any warrior. Tune in, find connection, and share in the sense of community.

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. 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 reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would definitely love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease… if you could take a moment to share your story, 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.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Check-in with Denise and celebrate persistence through the recovery rollercoaster (replay from S3)

Learn more from Chris about the challenges of CIDP and diagnosis by exclusion (replay from S2)

May 27, 2020 — Leave a comment

Snowflake: CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy)
HSCT: August 14, 2018
Superpower: ability to walk again

Have you ever lingered on the brink of life? Or wondered why diagnosis by exclusion takes so long? How much energy would you have to spin your wheels?

Replay Chris

Meet Chris, a physical therapist familiar with physical movement, injury, and the understanding that when numbness, tingling, and pain consumed his abilities to move, he needed to fast-track some answers. Despite the shuffle from doctor to doctor without diagnosis, once his body completely shut down while driving to work, Chris and his wife knew they had to find their own answers and fully adorn the role of advocacy.

Tune in to learn more about the back-and-forth Chris experienced along his path of diagnosis with CIDP that led him to HSCT, the concern for others struggling to find the right diagnosis, the importance of self-advocacy, and the spirit of hope in sharing awareness.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, and access the latest HSCT research and resources. 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.

Resources noted:
GBS/CIDP Foundation: https://www.gbs-cidp.org/

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Learn more from Chris about the challenges of CIDP and diagnosis by exclusion (replay from S2)

Revisit inspiration from Tamra and find resiliency among the uncertainty (replay from S3)

May 13, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Tamra Minch
AI: MS Caregiver
HSCT: April 7, 2019
Superpower: Humility

Are you able to make time for yourself when caring for others? When faced with the uncertainties in life, what do you focus on? How does resiliency inform your outlook?

Replay Tamra (1)

When her husband was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the whirlwind experience suddenly had Tamra searching for answers and alternatives to the pharmaceuticals that only guaranteed harsh side effects with terrifying probabilities. After learning more and connecting with individuals that had gone through HSCT, Tamra’s husband decided to take the leap and forgo medications to pursue HSCT. 

Tune in and learn more about their fundraising efforts to get to Clinica Ruiz, the turnabout to pursue treatment in Chicago, and how Tamra provides support to others in the HSCT family.

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. 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 reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would definitely love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease… if you could take a moment to share your story, 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.

Revisit this check-in with Katie and be inspired to find hope and understanding

May 6, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Katie Hominsky
AI: MS
HSCT: 4/15/19, Chicago
Superpower: Confidence

Who has your back when things get tough? When facing struggles in life, where do you seek support? How do you find hope and understanding?

Replay Katie

Tune in for this post-HSCT update from Katie, our first hopeful interviewed about her Hope Journey to HSCT and hear more about the ups and downs of her recovery rollercoaster at nearly six months post-transplant. In addition to simply catching up, Katie offers important updates on her fundraising initiatives and support strategies, and shares more about her ongoing Hope Journey. 

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. 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 reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would definitely love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease… if you could take a moment to share your story, 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.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit this check-in with Katie and be inspired to find hope and understanding

Revisit some great reasons to smile along Tracey’s journey with HSCT (replay from S3)

April 29, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Tracey Rossi
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: August 2018
Superpower: Motivation

Are you looking to fit all the HSCT pieces together? What is your outlook on life? How often do you choose to turn a frown upside down? 

Replay Tracey

As a former surfer, Tracey became an expert in finding balance and going with the flow. Having lived with the MS monster since 2009, Tracey was shocked when Dr. Burt was surprised enough by her symptoms to expedite her enrollment in the MOST clinical trial. Tune in and hear the latest updates from Chicago when Tracey was seen for her one-year follow-up in August.

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. 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 reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would definitely love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease… if you could take a moment to share your story, 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.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit some great reasons to smile along Tracey’s journey with HSCT (replay from S3)

Revisit reflections on contributions with Jarrod (replay from S3)

April 15, 2020 — Leave a comment

How much effort/time/money has been spent battling autoimmune disease? What is your contribution to the outcomes that you are seeking? How committed are you to making time to build habits that nourish your mind, body and soul?

recruit (1)

In this replay from season three, learn more about this 17 year experience with MS to an auto accident that injured his neck, Jarrod continues to find improvements post-HSCT through reducing a majority of his stress, finding the importance of sleeping and rest, and committing to movement and exercise.

Tracing his 17 year experience with MS to an auto accident that injured his neck, Jarrod continues to find improvements post-HSCT through reducing a majority of his stress, finding the importance of sleeping and rest, and committing to movement and exercise.  

Jarrod’s message that “You get out of HSCT… what you put into HSCT” inspires shifts in thinking and movement of both the mind and body. Recognizing the challenges that he might still face through ongoing recovery, by embracing a positive mindset and gratitude Jarrod is able to find patience and space to focus on getting better and living his second chance at life.

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. 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 reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would definitely love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease… if you could take a moment to share your story, 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:
MS Gym
Jarrod’s HSCT Journey FB group

Join us in meditation of loving kindness to honor healthcare workers and find a sense of calm

April 8, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: everyone
Superpower: Loving kindness meditation

Have you wanted to express gratitude for all the healthcare professionals who are on the front lines, responding with care for individuals battling life threatening illness? Do you know how to find calm within a state of stress and anxiety?

HSCT Warriors Podcast S4.Ep. 10 (1)

In this special episode, join our host zen Jen and her lifelong friend Jessica in a guided meditation practice to extend gratitude and loving kindness to healthcare professionals and others on the front lines of the covid-19 pandemic.

Founder of the Radically Rooted Yoga and Lifestyle Center, Jessica Lichaa started exploring the integration of body practices through yoga in 1999 and over time has developed an emphasis on cultivating autonomic regulation through the fascia of the body. The practices led by Jessica have helped many individuals to improve the stress and trauma induced holding patterns within the tissues of the body to cultivate healthier ways of dealing with the emotional responses of life and improve overall well being.

In September of 2016 Jessica Lichaa developed a unique yoga teacher curriculum focused on neuroscience, early childhood psychology, body awareness, mindfulness, and self-compassion practices.  She integrated timeless ancient techniques with current research in neuroscience and developed a highly acclaimed yoga teacher training, that not only emphasizes asanas, philosophy and pranayama, but also manual tissue movement to assist the body in accessing the relaxation response, to foster deeper states of homeostasis, and awaken one’s immune system to detox the cellular matrix of free radicals.

The guided meditation featured in this episode can be practiced by anyone at any time to find a sense of calm and connection to self and others, and cultivate gratitude for all the healthcare professionals who are caring for so many who are battling covid-19. May we feel safe and protected… may we be happy… may we be healthy… may we be free from pain and suffering.

Feel free to reach out for more information or to learn more about the practices or music highlighted in this episode. 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 immediately.

Resources:
JessicaLichaa@liveradicallyrooted.com

Join John in finding possibility, similarities, and appreciation with multiple sclerosis (Ep. 45)

April 1, 2020 — 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?

HSCT Warriors Podcast S4.Ep. 9

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.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 immediately.

Resources:
Patient care manuals for post-HSCT
Research articles

Meet Kim and the sunny disposition that keeps her fighting back against scleroderma (Ep. 44)

March 25, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Kim Rodning
AI: Scleroderma
HSCT: September 4, 2018 at Duke University Medical Center
Superpowers: perseverance, patience, and perspective

Do you practice daily affirmations of positivity? Does your self talk promote healing or judgment? How does hearing the stories of other Warriors help you?

HSCT Warriors Podcast S4.Ep. 8 (1)

Having encountered the possibility of HSCT by chance, Kim explored more about the research and program for Scleroderma patients at Duke University. Thankfully, she found HSCT just before her lungs hardened to the point where she wouldn’t have qualified.

Tune in and learn more about her experience and symptoms of scleroderma, the aid she received to fight for insurance coverage, and the team of caring angels at Duke that helped motivate Kim to fight back.  

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 immediately.

Resources:
Facebook @KimberlyRodning

Join Lydia to turn inward and find self-efficacy along her battle with Crohn’s disease (Ep. 42)

March 11, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Lydia Rosenbaum
AI: Crohn’s Disease
HSCT: August 2002 at Northwestern Memorial, Chicago
Superpower: Empathy and self-efficacy

How often do you push your limits? After spending time planning to die, how do you shift to celebrate success with surviving? How do you find compassion for people who have never walked in your shoes?

HSCT Warriors Podcast S4.Ep. 6

Despite suffering extreme complications with Crohn’s disease that kept her in and out of the hospital through multiple surgeries and dangerous fevers, Lydia woke up after surgery one day and was suddenly told “you cannot eat”. Before she turned 30, on medical disability, living in the hospital more than out and realizing she was on palliative care, Lydia found herself advocating for consistency and questioning the ethics of doctors and insurers.

Having prepared to face death from her aggressive form of Crohn’s, Lydia was surprised to find herself feeling so isolated after HSCT when she realized she could prepare to live. Join us and learn more from Lydia about her battle and the path that led her through the Phase II Clinical Trial as one of the very first patients treated with HSCT for Crohn’s Disease by Dr. Burt at Northwestern.

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 immediately.