Life Over Pain

Life Over Pain is a podcast full of inspiring stores from people with chronic pain and/or traumatic brain injury. Their stories are about how they are not defined by their pain or injury. They describe how they make choices to adapt to their present circumstances to create lives of value despite pain and loss. And, BTW, If you'd like to share your story, or know of someone who might have a story to share, please email LifeOverPain1@gmail.com.

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Life Over Pain

Life Over Pain - Joseph Ryan - Finding a Purpose in Recovery

August 23, 2021 • Patti Freeman Evans

Joseph Ryan oozes enthusiasm. He's overcome so many brain injuries that his head seems to have been a target for danger rather than a protected space. As with many who have suffered brain injury pre-2018, his had gone undiagnosed. So he struggled. Smart, energetic, creative, adventurous; yet he struggled. But, his brain wasn't keeping pace.

As years passed and injuries mounted, Joseph finally found help via Pennsylvania's head injury program. This program provided all the elements of help he needed: counseling, PT, OT, out patient. His case manager helped him through financial issues, insurance issues as well as personal growth issues. The people in this program helped Joseph holistically. They helped him to get the home support he needed and to fundamentally turn his life around.

In fact, Joseph has gone from despondent to vivacious. He has a new lease on life and a life purpose to visit all major league baseball stadiums in the US. And he's well on his way having been to 16 of the 31 parks already and will add the minor league parks, too. He's a fan of the Boston Red Sox in spite of his Philadelphia residence (he says it must be the ultimate rebellion because he is the progeny of die hard Phillies fans).

Along with his new-found life's passion, Joseph is on a bit of a mission to share his story hoping to help others who have similarly struggled. His advice: Don't keep it to yourself. Tell someone, because someone else will know how to help. Keep asking questions. Advocating for yourself doesn't always mean knowing what to ask for, but it does mean speaking up and telling your story so someone else can help.

Joseph is very happy to help anyone directly and he has generously offered his contact information here:

Joseph Ryan
C:267-819-6186
E: musingechoes@gmail.com
Facebook contact pages: facebook.com/RSOXGUY215
Facebook profile:
Joseph TBISURVIVOR Ryan (full name). There, you'll also see my baking album photos.

A Note On The Life Over Pain Theme Music: Emily Bielagus graciously and generously composed the lovely theme music for the Life Over Pain podcast. Find her music at Spotify, wildyawp.com, and reach her at wildyawpband@gmail.com.

Thank you to RØDE Microphones for donating the NT-USB microphone that was used to record this story. You can check it out on their website at: http://www.rode.com/microphones/nt-usb.