Episode 56 Ryan Lythall: Overcoming MASSIVE adversity [PODCAST]

Most of us have been through adversity in our lives in one way or another. But very few of us have experienced the kinds of trials to our mindset, determination, and faith that today’s guest has had to face. Ryan Lythall is a regular listener to David’s podcast (most notably his older show, “The Kick Ass Life”) and connected with David to share his story and how the podcasts have impacted him in a positive way. David was so amazed by Ryan’s story and the journey he’s been on as he was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and now lives in defiance of the prognosis of 1 year to live that he was given 37 years ago. You’ll be inspired by this brave man’s determination and willingness to create a more positive world for himself through the way he looks at his life. You seriously want to hear this conversation.

A diagnosis nobody wants to hear.

Ryan Lythall was a typical older teenager – living out his rebellious years, engaging in alcohol and drug use, sowing his wild oats. It was during that season of his life that he began to struggle with physical ailments. First it was pneumonia but quickly things turned for the worse. After a battery of tests he was diagnosed with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy: Nemaline Myopathy. He quickly lost use of his limbs and it wasn’t too long before he couldn’t even breathe on his own and required a ventilator 24/7. This candid conversation with David chronicles Ryan’s journey through the prognosis, the sudden loss of his healthy, and the struggles he’s been through dealing with anger, distrust, and many other things. There’s something for everyone to learn from this heartbreaking story of victory, and you can hear it on this episode of Crank It Up, with David T.S. Wood.

A courageous choice to buck the system.

For years Ryan Lythall was required to live in a full time care facility once his diagnosis of Namaline Myopathy was conclusive. But the cost was prohibitive and he felt there had to be other options. Against his doctor’s advice he decided to move back to his home and hire caregivers to be available around the clock to help him with his daily needs. It would not only be a situation he was more happy with but would also save himself a ton of money. Reluctantly his doctors consented to the move and Ryan’s been living happily at home ever since. In this episode Ryan chats with David about making tough decisions, living life on your own terms in spite of difficulties, and how his life has become a happy and fulfilling one, even as he experiences it from the seat of a wheelchair.

Lessons learned from the seat of his wheelchair.

The debilitating effects of his disease have not kept Ryan Lythall from learning lessons about himself and about life. He’s courageously taken on the opportunity to grow in spite of the difficulties and discouragements he faces daily. One of the most predominant is the realization that life is fleeting and that nobody is guaranteed another day. That reality has caused Ryan to develop an attitude of thankfulness. He often says, “I’m lucky,” which is a powerful statement coming from a man who is stuck in a wheelchair and depends on caregivers around the clock. He believes that no matter the circumstance you face, you have to be able to find that attitude of thankfulness – and it makes all the difference when you do. Hear Ryan’s story on this episode.

How should those without handicaps treat those who do have handicaps?

Of course, every person who battles a handicap or limitation could answer this question in a different way, but Ryan Lythall gives us some advice about how to approach and befriend him and people like him. He says that when people see his wheelchair they often become uncomfortable right away. It’s a response he understands but also knows is entirely unnecessary.