Blink of an Eye

#233 Occupational Therapy and Going the Max with Ryan Bird

In this episode, we shift our focus to Ryan Bird, an occupational therapist at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, Kansas, and a close friend of Jarod Nieder. Jarod, our featured guest in this chapter of Season 5, became a C5 complete quadriplegic following a diving accident at a Mexican resort at age 28. In a previous episode, Jarod shared his perspective on the in-patient physical therapy experience and the pivotal role his occupational therapist played in his journey toward recovery. Today, we hear the other side of this remarkable rehabilitation story—directly from the occupational therapist who not only helped Jarod heal but also inspired him to pursue his own path as an adaptive fitness instructor with “Totally Paralyzed.”

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#232 Love and Persistence In In-Patient Rehab and Into a Nursing Home with Jerod Nieder

Our next guest is a true hero who transformed a life-altering moment into a decade of resilience and achievement. After facing total devastation, Jerod found love, hope, and excellence, guiding us through his incredible journey from trauma to recovery. His story underscores that the road to healing is often filled with setbacks, but also moments of triumph.

Jerod's accomplishments, including completing the New York City Marathon as a C5 quadriplegic, exemplify the immense power of human potential to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. In addition, his evolution into an adaptive fitness instructor and creator of the social media platform "Positively Paralyzed" highlights the transformative impact of embracing change and inspiring others along the way.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#231 Understanding Trauma: Why Can’t I think my way out of this?  

In this episode, trauma specialist Mary Sue McCarthy delves into the emotional and psychological impact of spinal cord injury on families, debunking myths about trauma. She explains how the amygdala triggers responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn and emphasizes the need for somatic therapy and bottom-up recovery. Mary Sue also discusses the connection between grief and love, the role of nature and sensory experiences in trauma healing, and the integration of top-down and bottom-up approaches in treatment. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and being present for those affected by trauma.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#230 In The Eyes of a Surgeon with Dr. Hasan Zaidi

In today’s episode, we have the privilege of talking with Dr. Zaidi.

Dr. Zaidi is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School and Co-Director of the Adult Deformity/Scoliosis Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He specializes in treating complex spine diseases with minimally invasive techniques. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Zaidi, who performed revision surgery on Dianne Vitkus' neck. Dianne, our featured guest for Chapter 2 of Season 5, sustained a C6 complete spinal cord injury at age 27, rendering her quadriplegic/tetraplegic. In this chapter, we explore the ICU experience and the types of surgeries someone with a spinal cord injury might consider.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about Skills Training and Relational advocacy and mediation for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#229 Help Hope Live with Sonny Mullen

This episode features Sonny Mullen, a passionate advocate who transitioned from a career in television to working with the nonprofit Help Hope Live, inspired by her family's experience navigating her younger brother's rare disease diagnosis. At Help Hope Live, Sonny is dedicated to alleviating the financial burden faced by families dealing with catastrophic injuries, transplants, and rare diseases. She emphasizes the importance of smart fundraising that protects eligibility for state-funded medical care and advocates for the power of community in providing a cohesive support system. With over 40 years of legacy, Help Hope Live demonstrates that with the right support, families can not only survive but thrive, turning challenges into victories.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#228 A Father’s Courageous ICU Advocacy with Mike Uppenkamp 

This episode features Mike Uppenkamp. Mike is a vital member of BLINK of an Eye’s rapid response HEAL team network in the San Diego/Los Angeles area and an SCI Navigator.  His advocacy journey began in 2019 when his son Alex was paralyzed from the chest down in a mountain biking accident—an event Mike describes as a "hard right turn" in the lives of their family. The family faced the challenges of ICU care, rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, and adapting their home for accessibility together. Realizing that many others lack the same support, Mike became dedicated to providing immediate bedside assistance to SCI families, offering hope, advocacy, and practical guidance in the critical early days following injury. This episode is full of raw truths about the ICU experience for SCI families and insights and tips for families, friends and nurses and medical staff, all who are needed for the care of a catastrophic injury. 

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#227 Redefining ICU Mental Health Support with Melissa Carman

Welcome to Season 5 of Blink of an Eye, where we delve into the transformative journey from trauma to resilience for those with spinal cord injuries. This season, you'll be captivated by raw and real-life experiences, from the initial injury through the arduous recovery, showcasing not just survival but the quest for a better, thriving new normal.

In this episode of Blink of an Eye,  Louise and Dr. Melissa Carman, a psychologist with a focus on holistic wellness during life transitions, delve into the profound emotional and mental health challenges that accompany a traumatic spinal cord injury in the early days of the ICU.  With permission from her patient Dianne Vitkus, who lives with quadriplegia and is the focal point of this chapter, Dr. Carmen discusses the therapeutic work they did together in the first weeks of injury.  Dianne was 27 years old when a catastrophic accident left her with a C5 complete spinal cord injury. Dr. Carmen shares insights into the therapeutic aspects of navigating the early stages of trauma, the emotional complexities of the ICU experience, and the crucial role of mental health support during SCI recovery.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#226 The ICU: The Power of an ICU Nurse with Allison Butler

Welcome to Season 5 of Blink of an Eye, where we delve into the transformative journey from trauma to resilience for those with spinal cord injuries. This season, you'll be captivated by raw and real-life experiences, from the initial injury through the arduous recovery, showcasing not just survival but the quest for a better, thriving new normal.

Our next guest is Allison Butler, a dedicated ICU nurse whose compassion and expertise go beyond medical care. In the fast-paced ICU, Allison is not only a guardian of life, providing critical support to patients in their most vulnerable moments, but also a source of warmth and humanity. Her empathy and ability to forge genuine connections set her apart.

One remarkable connection was with Dianne, our chapter 2 hero. Despite the clinical nature of their interactions, Allison and Dianne discovered shared interests and personal stories, forming a profound bond that highlights the impact of compassionate care on the healing process.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#225 The ICU: Through the Eyes of the SCI Patient: with Dianne Vitkus - Part II

Welcome to Season 5 of Blink of an Eye, where we delve into the transformative journey from trauma to resilience for those with spinal cord injuries. 

Welcome to part 2 of Dianne Vitkus’ story in Chapter Two of the SCI Journey: the ICU. In this episode, we delve into practical tips for supporting individuals with high spinal cord injuries in the ICU, focusing on the roles of medical professionals, families, and friends. Louise and Dianne discuss creating a healing sanctuary and how to create a community energy field to aid in trauma healing and recovery. Dianne emphasizes that the trauma of SCI affects the entire circle of family and friends, not just the injured person.

We’ll explore best practices from ICU care to early physical therapy, including what goes into a decision on where to rehab such as at Spaulding Rehab Center in Boston.  The episode also features a vulnerable conversation on women's health and concludes with tender reflections on faith and spirituality, for those navigating the emotional and psychological challenges of SCI.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about Skills Training and Relational advocacy and mediation for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.

#224 The ICU: Through The Eyes of The SCI Patient with Dianne Vitkus - Part 1

Welcome to Season 5 of Blink of an Eye, where we delve into the transformative journey from trauma to resilience for those with spinal cord injuries. 

In today’s episode, we hear from Dianne Vitkus, SCI C6 complete quadriplegia, about her early days in the ICU of a Level 1 Hospital. What matters most to a patient? What can staff learn to change a life? What role to friends and family play in the shock and overwhelm of SCI? You’ll hear it from the mouth of a health care professional who found herself on the other side of the equation as a trauma patient. Dianne was a Neuro Trauma Physician Assistant now an SCI mentor, ambassador, and advocate. Now a member of the Blink of an Eye SCI Navigation Team, her goals are to create community, instill hope, and spread joy for other Spinal cord injured people and their families.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about Skills Training in Relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or crisis, visit www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediator self-awareness.