Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Host, Boots Knighton, interviews Dr. Robin Thompson, a naturopathic doctor specializing in biotoxin illness. They discuss the major health obstacles faced by heart patients, including exposure to mold and other biotoxins in water-damaged buildings. Robin explains how these toxins infiltrate the body, causing inflammation and a range of symptoms like chronic fatigue and GI issues. She shares practical advice for detecting and treating biotoxin-related illnesses, recommending resources like SurvivingMold.com and ISEAI. Boots shares her own health journey, highlighting profound improvements under Robin's care. They stress the importance of holistic, personalized treatment for long-term recovery.

About Dr. Robin Thomson

Dr. Robin Thomson is a naturopathic physician who has been practicing medicine since 2005. She provides primary care as well as expert care for biotoxin illnesses like tick-borne infections and mold illness, as well as mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, and symptom relief for chronic COVID sufferers. 

Dr. Thomson graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. In 2008 she received a grant from the Turn the Corner Foundation to study Lyme and other tick-borne disease treatments with the highly acclaimed Dr. Bernard Raxlen in New York City, and then moved to Montana in January 2009. In 2013 she gained further training in environmental illnesses such as mold toxicity, and completed the Dr. Richard Shoemaker Certification in Biotoxin Illnesses. And in 2020, delayed due to the pandemic, she finally received certification from the Walsh Institute in the natural treatment of mental illnesses.

Affiliations:

• ILADS (the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society), the
• AANP (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians), the
• MANP (Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians), 
• OANP (Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians),
• and
• ISEAI (the International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness), where she is a Diplomate member. 

 Dr. Thomson is licensed as a naturopathic physician in the states of Montana and Oregon.

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group starts in September 2024.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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Open Heart Surgery with Boots

#67 Inspired by Warren Zevon’s philosophy to "enjoy every sandwich," Billy Haas walked on the treadmill for hours, eating sandwiches post open-heart surgery in order to cope with depression and the reality that his world had changed in an instant. In this episode, Billy shares about how drinking too much coffee on Denali led to a dual diagnosis of Septal Defect and Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return resulting in open-heart surgery instead of a trip to Pakistan. A year later, he began to experience Severe Vena Cava Occlusion leading to the placement of a stent. Billy walks us through how this major health challenge offered him a fresh lens to view success and failure. Ultimately, Billy successfully navigated his path to physical and emotional wellness and got to go on that trip to Pakistan. Bravo Billy.

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group starts in September 2024.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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Open Heart Surgery with Boots

#67 Joel Oliver, a heart surgery patient from Calgary, Canada shares his mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve in 2018. Despite the initial struggles during recovery, Joel has since lived a full and active life. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and patience through the difficult recovery period. Joel also discusses his current medications and how, aside from these, he feels no lasting impact from his surgery.

More about Joel: Joel Oliver is the owner and founder of East Coast Studio, a podcast production company which helps entrepreneurs enjoy the benefits of podcasting, while making the process as smooth as possible.

Since starting as a solo freelancer a decade ago, Joel's knowledge and skills evolved to grow the business to what it is today, notably through a major heart surgery in 2018 where he was forced to let go of the reigns and fully trust the team he had built. After surgery, Joel spent several years as a digital nomad. He remains at the heart of the company, seamlessly balancing the distinctive challenges and freedoms that come with entrepreneurial work.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-ecs/

https://eastcoaststudio.com/

Email Joel: [email protected]

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group starts in September 2024.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Hey Heart Buddies! Oooooo today's episode is another episode I needed when I was starting my heart journey. I interview Jennifer Johnson, an ER nurse, who dishes on all the things our doctors aren't going to tell us heart patients... at least I haven't had one tell me all that Jenn shares in this episode. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive about health, grieving, and understanding women's unique heart attack symptoms. The discussion covers practical tips for heart patients, including keeping a detailed symptom journal, bringing medication lists to the ER, and financial assistance for medications. They highlight the significance of humor, intuition, and having an advocate in healthcare settings. The episode underscores the value of early intervention and proactive care to prevent severe cardiac events and complications. Subscribe to join the supportive heart patient community on Patreon.

30 Days: A Symptom Tracker for Heart Patients: Johnson RN, Jennifer A: Amazon.com: Books

TheIntuitiveNurse - Etsy Canada

Hi, I’m Jennifer Johnson, and I am a wife, mother of two, and a Registered Nurse in Ontario, Canada. I have spent the last sixteen years of my career in the emergency room of big and small hospitals all over Northern and Southern Ontario. I have personally been a part of all the heartbreak, drama, bullying, life to death moments, and then also trying to cope in the ER during an ongoing pandemic. My books are my rally cry to all the other nurses struggling through this pandemic and finding that they are losing their love of nursing. They (as well as I) are burnt out and depressed and feeling hopeless. The love, caring, and camaraderie of nursing have changed for all of us, and the expectation that we continue to show up to a job that puts our lives on the line is new to us, and we are not doing well. I wanted to put this book out there to let nurses know they are not alone. Bringing back the love of nursing is possible. Now more than ever, we need to support and help raise each other.

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group starts in September 2024.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Hey Heart Buddies! We hear from Holly Morrell who shares the profound impact of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on her family and herself including her personal experience with a faulty defibrillator implant, multiple surgeries, and a life-threatening rupture that necessitated open-heart surgery. Despite these challenges, Holly finds strength and purpose, continually striving to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in communities through her nonprofit, Heartfelt.

You can get in touch with her at [email protected]

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group starts in September 2024.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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Open Heart Surgery with Boots

#64 Boots brings you her childhood friend, Todd Sykes (aka Toddy), a survivor of endocarditis, a stroke, and a brain aneurysm. At just 37, Todd faced a life-threatening situation during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to two heart surgeries and a remarkable recovery. He needed his mitral and bicuspid valves replaced and had unknowingly been living with a bicuspid valve his entire life (just like Boots). He shares powerful lessons on the importance of loving well, prioritizing family time, and being prepared with insurance and wills. Todd's story highlights resilience, faith, and the need for physical and emotional strength. Todd reminds us to cherish each moment and plan for unforeseen events to protect our loved ones. Todd's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of life's unpredictability and the power of hope.

You can find Todd at @toddsykes (Facebook/ Linked In).

And while you are here, you are the first to learn about the Patreon community Boots will be launching in September. Check it out! Show some love and support for this podcast and keep it on the air.

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and LEAVE A REVIEW. Help this podcast continue to grow and reach heart patients around the globe. This podcast has been downloaded in 55 countries and counting! xo Boots

#63 Listen up, Heart Buddies. Today's conversation with Hyvelle is important. She walks us through the importance of gaining information and taking accountability for one's health by sharing her truly shocking personal experience that highlights the consequences of ignoring early warning signs. A stroke ultimately saved her life by revealing a critical heart condition. Hyvelle gets real about the mental and emotional impact of facing life-altering surgeries and the transformative power of finding gratitude in the face of adversity. She also sheds light on the healthcare disparities faced by communities of color and the financial burdens that hinder access to essential resources. Hear about her upcoming health extravaganza event with Heart Sistas, Inc, aimed at raising awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention through accessible health screenings.

I was forever changed from my conversation with Hyvelle. There is so much more we need to be doing in the USA about treating all hearts the same no matter the color of our skin. Please connect with Hyvelle and show her some love.

More about Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis

Hyvelle Ferguson Davis She is a global Health Advocate and an Ambassador for the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association, CEO of Heart Sistas Inc., a newly published author, and a Tedx Speaker.

She is also a stroke, heart attack, and quadruple bypass survivor, living a purposeful life despite her diagnoses after navigating the complications of her illnesses and the treacherous complexity of our healthcare system. She became extremely concerned about disparities in treatments and dissemination of information that she wasn't aware of before she became ill; to better her survival outcome, Hyvelle joined many health groups and organizations to learn how to gain the upper hand. 

***Support the show!*** Your financial support means so much to me and fellow heart patients. Thank you for considering donating today.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

How to connect with Boots

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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Open Heart Surgery with Boots

#62 Heart surgery buddies! I needed this episode when I was facing heart surgery and I know you do too. Dr. Kim Peirano and I discuss the power of storytelling and mindset in managing pain and medical experiences. She emphasizes the importance of choosing empowering narratives, embracing vulnerability, and finding balance between taking control and accepting reality. Dr. Peirano also warns about false promises in the wellness industry and advises listeners to research practitioners thoroughly. She introduces the concepts of "optimistic realism" and "optimistic nihilism" as ways to transform one's perception of challenging situations. The conversation also touches on preparing for heart surgery, managing fear and anxiety, and the role of hypnotherapy in influencing physiological states. Throughout the episode, the host and guest highlight the significance of self-awareness, boundaries, and informed decision-making in healthcare and personal growth. I know you will find this episode helpful. Be sure to share with a buddy as this conversation applies to any challenge in life.

More about Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, CHT

Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, CHT, brings a wealth of expertise as a seasoned and highly skilled Jungian-based life coach and hypnotherapist. Specializing in areas such as chronic pain and illness, navigating major life transitions, cult and coercive recovery, and providing general support for personal and spiritual growth, Kim caters to high-functioning individuals seeking profound transformation.

Her extensive qualifications include a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a dual board licensed Acupuncturist, and certifications as a Jungian Life Coach and Hypnotherapist. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, Kim establishes a neutral yet inviting space, offering invaluable guidance to clients on their healing journeys. Her approach is characterized by support, compassion, and the ability to gently usher individuals beyond their comfort zones, empowering them to step forward into a life of vibrant fulfillment.

Tiktok.com/@couragetotransform instagram.com/couragetotransform

www.couragetotransform.com

***Support the show!*** Your financial support means so much to me and fellow heart patients. Thank you for considering donating today.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

How to connect with Boots

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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Open Heart Surgery with Boots

#61 Despite leading a healthy lifestyle, John Spilman required a triple bypass due to severe blockages. He describes warning signs like fatigue and shortness of breath that led to lifesaving surgery. John's recovery included challenges like Afib, but through cardiac rehab and determination, he completed a half Ironman just a year later. His experience emphasizes being your own health advocate and finding support in the heart patient community. John's inspiring journey offers hope to others facing major health obstacles.

More about John Spilman: I've been in endurance sports for over 25 years, participating in over 35 marathons, 15 half Ironman triathlons, and 6 full Ironmans. My routine involved early workouts, a full day of work in corporate strategy, and family time.

In July 2023, I learned I had severe blockages requiring a triple bypass. Despite being a vegan and monitoring my health, my heart struggled with >90% blocked arteries. Signs of fatigue and shortness of breath led to necessary tests and surgery.

The surgery was successful, and I quickly started recovery. I faced challenges like AFIB but continued to push forward. Cardiac rehab and personal workouts helped me regain strength. By July, nearly a year after surgery, I completed a 70.3 half Ironman.

My experience taught me the importance of being your own advocate and focusing on recovery. Listen to your body and keep moving forward every day.

You can find John on Instagram @spilman65 or LinkedIn

***Support the show!*** Your financial support means so much to me and fellow heart patients. Thank you for considering donating today.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

How to connect with Boots

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

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Flashback to episode 34 when this podcast was called The Heart Chamber Podcast, I had nutrition expert Michelle Routhenstein share her wisdom on heart health and nutrition. We talked about the importance of personalized care and finding qualified healthcare professionals, cautioning against one-size-fits-all diet trends like the keto diet or ancestral diets. Here's the thing... we need macronutrients to support heart health!!! Michelle's long-distance nutrition programs aim to address the root causes of heart disease through personalized, science-based nutrition. Listeners are encouraged to be proactive in their healthcare and ask questions, emphasizing the need for individualized nutrition approaches.

If you are looking for something specific - here's where you'll find it:

06:08 Dietitian focuses on heart health and prevention.

10:35 Emphasis on teamwork in patient care. Doctors lacking nutrition knowledge, refer patients to nutritionists.

14:37 Impact of stress on health; the importance of self-care for overall well-being; the need to choose the right medical professionals.

19:24 Avoiding one-size-fits-all diets. Emphasis on personalized, sustainable approach to diet for heart health.

21:16 Rethinking past advice.

25:18 Low carb diets may lead to heart issues and nutrient deficiencies.

27:28 Low carb diets lead to ketosis, but may stress kidneys, liver, and cause health issues like keto flu.

32:22 Adequate nutrition is crucial for athletes' health and performance, as improper balance of macronutrients can lead to increased free radical production and plaque formation in arteries. It is important to question and understand the biological mechanisms behind nutritional claims.

35:58 Group and 1 on 1 support for heart health with personalized guidance, blood work focus, resources, and accountability.

39:26 Be your own health advocate. Understand your numbers, ask questions, and take care of your heart.

40:29 Encourages reaching out to Michelle for heart health tips and joining her group. Airing weekly heart health episodes in February.

Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, serves as the owner and president of Entirely Nourished LLC, a specialized private practice in nutrition counseling and consulting focused on the prevention and management of heart disease. Employing a science-based, holistic approach, she is dedicated to enhancing individual's heart health by addressing cardiometabolic risk factors and mitigating the likelihood of cardiovascular issues as individuals age.

Acknowledged as a thought leader and expert in heart disease management and prevention, Michelle is deeply committed to educating individuals on nurturing their hearts for healthy and thriving lives. She adopts a dynamic perspective on nutrition that addresses the root causes of chronic diseases, safeguarding individuals' hearts for longevity. Her passion lies in translating Nutritional Sciences into an easily understandable language that can be applied for the long term.

Michelle has a compelling presence on social media, particularly on Instagram (Heart.Health.Nutritionist) and LinkedIn (/in/michellerouthenstein/), where she shares valuable information to educate and empower her followers to take ownership of their heart and overall health, guiding them in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

As the author of "The Truly Easy Heart Healthy Cookbook" and a member of the Forbes Health advisory board, Michelle has delivered numerous lectures on heart health to diverse audiences. She has been cited in reputable journals, including Medical News Today, Fox News, Forbes Health, LiveStrong, Eating Well, Health, and VeryWell.

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University (NYU), her Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from NYU, and completed her dietetic residency at NYU. Before establishing her private practice, Michelle gained valuable experience on the surgical floor of New York City hospitals, including a level 1 trauma center, where she played a crucial role in managing various high-intensity clinical diagnoses.

Website: www.entirelynourished.com

Instagram: @Heart.Health.Nutritionist

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellerouthenstein/

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group starts in September 2024.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:

Open Heart Surgery with Boots