After an Accident She Thought She Was Dying — Then Everything Changed

She was preparing to die before her fifth surgery.She couldn’t eat or drink for weeks, relied on a walker, a service dog, and a full-time caregiver — and doctors still couldn’t explain why her body was failing.What makes this story different?Antoinette Lee, MBA, wasn’t guessing.She was a U.S. Army air-assault–qualified expert field medic, trained in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, imaging, infection control, and disease prevention. She later became a tech CEO, business leader, and high-performing professional who deeply understood the systems meant to keep people alive.And they still weren’t working.In this episode of the Green Living Now Podcast, Antoinette shares the moment everything changed — and how she rebuilt her life after a traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, and severe PTSD left her at rock bottom in 2014.Today, her life looks unrecognizable from where she began.She’s now a sponsored adventure sports athlete, outdoor industry influencer, health and wellness columnist for Culturs Magazine, motivational speaker, and host of the New Normal Big Life podcast.This conversation isn’t about rejecting medicine or chasing miracle cures.It’s about what happens when someone with deep scientific, military, and business training starts asking better questions — and listens closely to the answers coming from her body, nature, and lived experience.In this episode, we explore: • What happens when high-level competence still isn’t enough to heal • The moment Antoinette believed she was going to die — and what she chose instead • How she turned her recovery into a repeatable framework for building a “new normal” • Why time in nature is one of the most powerful — and underused — healing tools we have • How ordinary people can reclaim energy, confidence, and joy after illness, injury, or lossThis is what happens when we ask better questions — and have the courage to live the answers.00:00 Near-Death Experience and a New Resolve00:49 Introduction to Antoinette's Journey01:23 Military Service and Initial Health Struggles03:32 Life After the Military04:40 A New Health Crisis08:18 Turning Point and New Beginnings13:12 Creating a New Normal17:49 Steps to a Healthier Life24:25 Reducing Inflammation with Patches24:43 Skin Benefits and Anti-Aging27:02 Training for Whitewater Kayaking28:40 Gut Health and Fermented Foods30:05 Living in Harmony with Nature41:19 Importance of Movement and Physical Activity44:28 Transitioning to a Writing Career48:43 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAntoinette’s:Blog: https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nnblpodcast/ Podcast: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/175371555728328881c036efa On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinetteleemba/ I’m Amy Todisco Hartshorn—green living mentor, organic farmer, and upcoming TEDx speaker—here to help you build a non-toxic life that actually works in the real world.🌿 Notes from the Rebellion (Free)Subscribe here: https://8c02-amy.systeme.io/2f1bd82cExplore Courses, Programs & Coaching🌎 https://www.greenlivingnow.comConnect with Amy:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amytodisco/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amytodisco/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.d.todiscoAbout Amy• Upcoming TEDx speaker (elegant, practical paths to living clean)• Technical Editor, Green Living For Dummies (Wiley)• Household toxins educator for 30+ years (speaking, workshops, on-farm learning in Vermont)• Organic farmer & community educator, featured in national media• Frequent podcast guest on wellness, sustainability, and toxin-free livingDisclaimerThe views expressed are personal opinions and not medical advice. This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding health decisions. Some links may be affiliate links; using them supports the channel at no additional cost to you.