Living with Chronic Pain

In today’s episode, Janice Brown talks with Serita Valmond about pain management and chronic pain. Janice and Serita talk about using supplements, diet, exercise, and other tools to help deal with pain.

Conversation Highlights:

{02:40} Story of Serita Valmond

{22:29} Diet and pain management

{23:30} The pieces of pain management and the time it took to incorporate into everyday life

{32:15} Pain management improvement from accident to today

{34:15} Using supplements

{40:15} Primary care providers and their knowledge of pain management

{47:30} living with an invisible disability

{51:00} Product- Practice- Purl of wisdom- Purpose- Pleasure and Pride.

Resources:

Instagram @Iamchronicallyresilient.

To read the book "The Comeback Anthology", in which she authored a chapter email her directly at [email protected].

betterhealthandrehab.com

In today’s episode, Janice Brown talks with Leslie Green about her health journey that led to limb loss. Leslie found education helped her find healing and purpose. Now she shares her education with both doctors and amputees.  

Conversation Highlights:

{01:00} Leslie’s story

{19:39} Leslie’s career experience and education led to healing and finding purpose.

{26:30} Choosing your attitude and being with other amputees and developing communities

{44:54} Education for everyone. The growth and future of amputee communities

{47:39} Statistics

{57:05} The invisible disability

{1:02:38} The three Ps

Contact

Leslie Green

[email protected]

952-221-5186

Resources:

Daily Motivational Emails

Weekly Podcast based on issues/topics of interest

Peer mentor program

Amputee Resource Educational Communities (Monday-Friday, and Sunday pm)

• BALANCED Spanish Amputee Community The FIRST Monday of the month –STARTING JANUARY 3rd–11-12:00 pm central time (12-1:00 pm eastern time; 10-11:00 am mountain time, 9-10:00 am pacific time) zone on Zoom. Come and discuss issues related to living with limb loss and limb difference—a Spanish interpreter is present.

• Monday – BALANCED BILATERALS–  –10-11:00 am central time (11-12:00 pm eastern time; 9-10:00 am mountain time, 8-9:00 am pacific time) zone on Zoom

• Monday—BALANCED Diabetics— –7-8:00 pm central time (8-9:00 pm eastern time; 6-7:00 pm mountain time, 5-6:00 pm pacific time) zone on ZoomCome and discuss issues related to living with limb loss and diabetes
• Tuesday – BALANCED WOUND, CHARCOT, AND PARTIAL AMPUTATION –

10-11:00 am central time (11-12:00 pm eastern, 9-10:00 am  mountain, 8-9:00 am pacific time)  on ZoomCome and discuss issues related to living with chronic wounds, and Partial amputations

• Tuesday—BALANCE— –7-8:00 pm central time (8-9:00 pm eastern time; 6-7:00 pm mountain time, 5-6:00 pm pacific time) zone on Zoom
• Wednesday BALANCE AND BEYOND (surgery to year one)—

10:00-11:00 am central time11-12:00 am eastern time; 9-10:00 am mountain time, 8-9:00 am pacific time) zone on Zoom

• Wednesday BALANCED WOMEN—3-4:00 pm  central

(4-5:00 pm eastern, 2-3:00 mountain, 1-2:00pm pacific) on Zoom

• Wednesday BALANCED MEN— meet from 7-8:00 pm central (8-9:00 pm eastern time; 6-7:00 pm mountain time, 5-6:00 pm pacific time) time zone on Zoom
• Thursday BALANCED MIDWEEK—need a break?

Join us for some laughter and light-hearted conversation in your day. This group meets from 10-11:00 am central (11-12:00 pm eastern, 9-10:00 am mountain, 8-9:00 am pacific time) on Zoom

• Thursday BALANCE TOGETHER—the group for spouses, family members, and friends will meet from 7-8:00 pm central (8-9:00 pm eastern time; 6-7:00 pm mountain time, 5-6:00 pm pacific time) time 
• Friday BALANCE  UP—An amputee community for those living with upper extremity amputations and limb differences.  This group meets from 10:00-11:00 am central (11:00-12:00 pm eastern time; 9:00-10:00 am mountain time, 8:00-9:00 am pacific time) time zone on Zoom
• Sunday Balanced Beginners Pediatric Community—An amputee community for youth and parents who have a limb difference.  Youth of this group meet from 6:30-7:00 pm and the parents   meet  from 7-8:00 pm central (8-9:00 pm eastern time; 6-7:00 pm mountain time, 5-6:00 pm pacific time)time zone on Zoom
• Sunday BALANCED Conversations—Come gather together for some casual conversations, and a chance to be focused on the week ahead.  We will meet from 7-8:00 pm central (8-9:00 pm eastern time; 6-7:00 pm mountain time, 5-6:00 pm pacific time) time zone on Zoom
• Sunday  Balanced Beginners Pediatric Community—An amputee community for youth and parents who have a limb difference.  Youth of this group meet from 6:30-7:00 pm and the parents   meet  from 7-8:00 pm central (8-9:00 pm eastern time; 6-7:00 pm mountain time, 5-6:00 pm pacific time)time zone on Zoom

betterhealthandrehab.com

In today’s Episode, Janice Brown talks with Dr. Payne about his journey with MS. Taking huge jumps literally and figuratively to find purpose in life when living with a chronic illness.

Conversation Highlights:

{01:33} The journey of Dr. Payne

{14:14} Stress and the affects on MS

{22:25} Health Coaches

{25:07} The modes that we work in

{28:00} Empathy, honest and support people

{32:20} Lifting yourself up from your low point

{40:53} Adaptive sports

{48:25} Finding your tribe and purpose

{51:45} The 3 Ps

Resources:

yourlifelivedwell.com

betterhealthandrehab.com

In today’s Episode, Janice Brown talks with author Sheila Preston Fitzgerald about her amputation. Sheila lost her leg in a vehicle accident. While at first, it looked as though her leg had been saved, after a year it had to be amputated. Sheila talks about learning how to adjust to her life, dealing with narcotics, and learning to let people help her. She also talks about creating a new life that you can be proud of.

Conversation Highlights:

{00:41} The story of Sheila losing her leg

{07:00} How Sheila finds her strength in God

{08:24} Getting MERSA

{12:28} Navigating the new world of needing to learn about the scientific parts of amputee life

{14:50} Dealing with Narcotics and letting people help you

{18:37} Using crutches

{22:30} Creating a new life you can be proud of

{34:25} Using writing to work though her emotions

{36:40} The Future looks good

{42:55} The 3 Ps

Resources:

www.OneFootInHeavenOnline.com - this is Sheila's website where you can read more about Shelia’s story, download the first 2 chapters of her book, and purchase her book or hire her for a speaking engagement. 

https://www.stumpbutter.com - this is the product Sheila uses to help maintain moisture and skin integrity of her amputated limb, a necessary part of limb loss care when using a prosthesis. 

betterhealthandrehab.com

In today’s Episode, Janice Brown talks about the importance of resiliency. What is resiliency? How do we become resilient?

Conversation Highlights:

{00:41} What is resiliency?

{03:01} The importance of being intentional?

{06:14} Be true to who you are.

{07:43} Why do you need to ask for help?

Resources:

betterhealthandrehab.com

In today’s Episode, Janice Brown talks with Dr. Bastas. Dr. Bastas had an amputation when he was 17 years old. However, that didn’t stop him from going to medical school and becoming a doctor. Dr. Bastas shares his story and advice.

Conversation Highlights:

{00:41} Intro to Dr. Bastas

{06:20} Complications from the treatment

{09:00} getting the recommendation to have an amputation at age 17

{11:28} Moving to the states, culture shock

{18:00} Living with the disability, having a good attitude

{23:00} Life in medical school

{28:00} Devices to use for limb loss and what he doing now.

{37:00} Advice

Resources:

betterhealthandrehab.com

In today’s Episode, Janice Brown talks about Grit. What is Grit? How does someone develop Grit?

Conversation Highlights:

{00:41} what is Grit

{01:55} How does one get Grit?

{05:00} Choosing how you’re going to live your life

{05:20} Exercising Grit

{07:49} Courage

{11:06} Who needs Grit?

Resources:

betterhealthandrehab.com

In today’s Episode, Janice Brown interviews two guests on the topic of Hospice care. D.J. Ryan is a hospice nurse and John Reinhart is a hospice volunteer.

D.J. and John talk about the importance of hospice care, how their lives have been touched personally by hospice care, and the difference between hospice and palliative care.

Conversation Highlights:

{00:41} Introduction of the topic.

{01:44} Introduction of the guests.

{02:29} What is a virtual dementia tour?

{05:15} Hospice is about quality of life, not the end of life.

{09:11} What a hospice volunteer does.

{10:30} What hospice offers your loved one.

{13:30} The hospice team members.

{23:16} How hospice has changed and how it has stayed the same over the years.

{30:00} The difference between hospice and palliative care.

{40:00} The financial part of hospice care.

{42:36} The three Ps (Product, Practice, and Pearls of wisdom)  

Resources:

John P. Renyhart | Facebook

 Home - Hospice of Marion County

 betterhealthandrehab.com

In today’s Episode, Janice Brown talks to Lexi. Lexi was a regular college student who became ill in her senior year. The illness left her unable to move her arms or legs. She was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM).  After a long time in rehab, she was able to gain some movement again. Lexi continued to Law school and shares her story of inspiration.

Conversation Highlights:

{01:00} Introduction of Lexi

{01:50} Getting a diagnosis of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) in college

{05:30} Dealing with a sudden change

{07:00} In Rehab

{08:00} What Lexi has learned from the experience

{13:15} Learning to walk again

{20:00} Going to Law School and practicing construction law

{25:00} The 3 Ps. Perl of wisdom, Product, Practice

Resources:

betterhealthandrehab.com

Billy Shoes https://billyfootwear.com/collections/all-shoes

 InMotion Lofstrand Crutches! https://www.millennialmedical.com/products/in-motion-pro-forearm-crutch

In today’s Episode, Janice Brown talks to Chelsey. Chelsey was diagnosed with the very rare disease of Fibrous Dysplasia. She talks about learning she had the disease and how it has impacted her life. I hope you enjoy this conversation.

Conversation Highlights:

{00:27} Intro of guest

{01:47} What is Fibrous Dysplasia

{02:35} Being diagnosed with Fibrous Dysplasia

{05:00} Learning the rarity of FD

{07:11} Treatment options

{13:00} Dealing with depression

{17:00} Things that changed, leaning on support systems

{24:00} Future goals

{26:00} The 3 Ps. Perl of wisdom, Product, Practice

Resources:

betterhealthandrehab.com

Fibrous Dysplasia Overview | NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center