Robbie's Journey: Embracing Healing Through Microdosing After Stroke
Listen to the complete 1-1 conversation with Robbie and Jake McWink.
Robbie, a wonderfully vibrant woman, experienced a life-altering stroke September 18th, 2021 – age 69. While enjoying time at her cabin in Estes Park, Colorado she felt an unexpected wave of dizziness and nausea. She had been prepping soup in the kitchen, "I kind of felt my eyesight closing in, my right leg started tingling, feeling like I was gonna buckle." Despite the sudden symptoms, she tried to brush them off, hoping they would pass.
“I stood up to go back to the other counter. And I guess at that point, I kind of lost it. I was told that my son saw me and caught me, I was starting to fall. And I don't remember that.“
Her family's quick response led her to the hospital, where she received critical care – administering tPA (Tissue plasminogen activator) which is a thrombolytic medication used to treat acute ischemic stroke. Administering tPA promptly can dissolve the clot, restore blood flow, and improve neurological outcomes. From there she was transferred to a Denver ICU, and remained for two days before being released.
“I didn't realize I couldn't really walk. I could shuffle. My balance was bad. My eyesight was bad. I couldn't really swallow. And nobody talked about any of these things. So the next three weeks here at home were hell.”
The stroke ended up affecting her cognitive abilities more than her physical ones. "I've always been a very decisive person, very driven... now it's like I can't decide what to eat for dinner." Executive functioning was hit hard. It’s responsible for a lot of decision making throughout the day. As she lost some of her peripheral vision, quick decision making, and short term memory issues, she’s not able to drive anymore– so she lost her freedom. The emotional and mental challenges became the most significant hurdles in her recovery.
Feeling the need for something more to aid her recovery, Robbie became curious about microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms. "They had been there in the background... for healing reasons," she explained. Despite never experimenting with such therapies before, she felt a strong calling to try something new.
She began a microdosing protocol (combining with Niacin (Vitamin B3) once every three days, over the course of six weeks. Each lab-tested microdose had 1mg psilocybin. In this case, the results were better than expected.
“It brought me out of the fog. Fired up my emotions. Gave me my confidence back. Made me feel whole again.”
Her experience with microdosing was transformative. "I got me back—a better version of me. It was like a light switch," she said enthusiastically. The constant nausea and feelings of being unwell disappeared. She noticed a newfound clarity and emotional resilience that had been missing since her stroke. It also helped her realize that the stroke didn’t simply take away from her life, but the experience overall “balanced out things that I've gained by having the stroke. I think because we've lost part of our brains, we've opened up parts that were never open before. That's the cool part. That's very cool.”
It wasn’t all sunshine, however. And this is very important. Halfway thru her second protocol, her depression that initially went away, came back in full swing. It was significant enough for her to go back on pharmaceuticals to support her. She subsequently stopped microdosing.
This highlights a really critical component, that microdosing may NOT work for everyone. Nor will it work ALL the time.
Robbie encourages others recovering from strokes to remain hopeful and proactive. "Don't give up on yourself. Explore alternatives, ask questions, do your own research as much as you can," she advised, and emphasized the importance of listening to one's body and seeking out supportive communities and resources.
When asked about resistance from others regarding her alternative approach, Robbie remains unfazed. "Even if they had judged me, I could care less. This is me dealing with that," she stated confidently. Her determination to explore every avenue for healing highlights her courage and open-mindedness.
Reflecting on her journey, Robbie acknowledges the profound impact of embracing alternative therapies. "I firmly believe you will get some level of benefit. Just make sure you're working with the right person and you're doing it right," she counseled.
“With the right facilitator I’m feeling that alternative meds can give great success where western medicine may fail.”
“Is there more to uncover? I will stay in touch with my learning. But for now I’m honoring that the plant called me and then did what was most important at the moment.“. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and the willingness to venture into new healing modalities.
By sharing her experience, Robbie hopes to resonate with others facing similar challenges. Her journey underscores the potential of microdosing in stroke recovery and the importance of being courageous enough to try something new. "I've been given so much more," she concludes. "It's been great working with people who have their heart and soul in it."
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. This account is not condoning or encouraging the use of illicit substances. It is recommended you follow all laws applicable to your jurisdiction. The information is based on medical and scientific evidence, which is limited but growing. The information may change as research evolves. It should not be construed as medical advice or medical clearance. Always follow the advice and direction of your healthcare provider(s). Do not attempt to stop or make changes to your medications or care plans on your own, as this can be dangerous. Be advised there can be many other factors that contribute to your overall risks of using psilocybin mushrooms or other psychedelics that should be considered in addition to interactions with your medications or health conditions. The creators of this account and its content are not responsible or liable for any damage you may suffer resulting from any outcomes related to its use.
