Do you have feel embarrassed about your MS symptoms? Do you find some topics difficult to talk about?
You’re not the only one. 85% of people we surveyed felt embarrassed by at least one of their symptoms and many of the community were hiding their symptoms from their partners.
A third of people living with MS also avoided seeking medical help due to embarrassment. It’s time to shatter the stigma.
MS Trust ambassadors, Trishna Bharadia, Dr Agne Straukiene and Richard Sprenger tackle taboo subjects like sexual dysfunction, bladder and bowel issues, drugs and opening up to your employer.
Listen now for honest experiences, tips and more.

Show Notes

MS Awareness Week 2024
mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/ms-awareness-week
Working life and MS
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/work-money-legal/working-life
Equality act
mstrust.org.uk/a-z/equality-act
Sexual problems for men with MS
mstrust.org.uk/a-z/sexual-problems-men-ms
Sexual problems for women with MS
mstrust.org.uk/a-z/sexual-problems-women-ms
Bladder and Bowel problems
mstrust.org.uk/a-z/bladder-and-bowel-problems

Podcasts
How can I manage my MS bowel problems?
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/how-can-i-manage-my-ms-bowel-problems
How can I manage my MS bladder problems?
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/how-can-i-manage-my-ms-bladder-problems
Talking toilet troubles in MS
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/talking-toilet-troubles-ms
Cognition and thinking problems in MS
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/cognition-and-thinking-problems-ms
Sex and MS part 1 (women)
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/sex-and-ms-part-1-women
Sex and MS part 2 (men)
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/sex-and-ms-part-2-men
Relationships and MS
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/relationships-and-ms
Working life and MS
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/working-life-and-ms

Have you ever wondered how your hormones might affect your MS?
We're joined by podcast guests Olivia Mason, a woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis not long after giving birth, and Professor Ruth Dobson, a consultant neurologist specialising in MS.
Together, we explore how periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can influence MS.
 
Here's what we cover
•      Can periods make MS symptoms worse?
•      Is pregnancy protective for women with MS?
•      Can you use disease modifying drugs (DMDs) whilst pregnant?
•      Can women with MS safely breastfeed?
•      How does menopause affect MS symptoms?
•      Plus, Olivia shares her personal experience and insights on navigating an MS diagnosis as a new mother.
 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand more about how periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding and the menopause can affect multiple sclerosis.

Listen now for all of the latest information, tips and more!

Episode notes
- MS Trust  A-Z on MS and Hormones: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/hormones
- MS Trust  A-Z on MS and pregnancy: mstrust.org.uk/search/pregnancy
- MS Trust  A-Z on MS and breastfeeding: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/breastfeeding
- MS Trust  A-Z on MS and menopause: mstrust.org.uk/search/menopause
- MS Trust  Podcast on  MS and menopause: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/how-does-menopause-affect-ms
- Can the menopause affect MS - Research update: mstrust.org.uk/research/research-updates/update151013-menopause-MS
-UK guidelines for treating multiple sclerosis symptoms during pregnancy - Research Update: mstrust.org.uk/news/research/230515-uk-guidelines-treating-multiple-sclerosis-symptoms-during-pregnancy
- Why I created The Twelve Day Marathon - Blog by Olivia on MS Trust website: mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/why-i-created-twelve-day-marathon
- UK MS pregnancy Register: ukmsregister.org/pregnancy

Bowel problems and MS. The underdiscussed topic that can leave many feeling anxious about leaving home. Have you experienced constipation or incontinence and wondered what part multiple sclerosis plays in them?

Our podcast guests, Noreen Barker (MS Nurse Consultant) and Concetta Brugaletta (Clinical Nurse Specialist), are on a mission to shatter the stigma around bowel issues and MS. We talk treatments, strategies, tips and more!

Join us as we discuss the loo taboo. Plus, find out what options are available for people living with MS bowel issues.

 Listen now.

Show notes
Bowel problems in MS - information from MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/a-z/bowel-problems
Manging your Bowel - Free book from MS Trust
shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/managing-your-bowels
Ask the expert  bladder and bowel problems in MS - information from the MS Trust mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/ask-expert-bowel-and-bladder-problems-ms
Finding a toilet when out and about - article from MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/finding-toilet-when-out-and-about

Are MS bladder problems bursting the seams of your day-to-day life? You’re not alone. Around 75% of people living with MS experience bladder issues and we know how frustrating and isolating they can be.
That’s why we’re talking to MS specialist nurse, Grace Hazlett, about treatment options, preventative strategies and practical advice. She gives us the low down on pelvic floor exercises, fluid retention, catheters and more!
Whether you’re constantly fighting the urge to go, or looking for ways to prevent future bladder problems, this might just be the podcast for you.
Listen now to find out tips, tricks, and practical advice to support MS bladder issues.

Show notes
Bladder problems in MS - information from MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/a-z/bladder-problems Manging your Bladder - Free book from MS Trust
shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/managing-your-bladder/
Ask the expert  bladder and bowel problems in MS - information from the MS Trust mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/ask-expert-bowel-and-bladder-problems-ms
What can you do about bladder problems in MS - MS Trust video with  Angie Rantell, Consultant Nurse in Urogynaecology youtu.be/qXitm--wAnw

Living with MS means you might hit some unexpected mental health turbulence at times. Throw in the cost of living crisis, shocking world events and the gloomy news cycle and things around you can easily start to feel pressurised.

Well, we may not have the answers to all of the world’s problems, but what we do have is a rather brilliant podcast guest: Professor Derek Willis. He tells us how being kind to yourself can unlock new perspectives in life. Plus, he outlines some practical strategies for managing the expectations of others and taking healthy breaks.

 Listen now for tips, tricks and more! And … breathe. 

Episode notes
MS and mindfulness with Justin Standfield - video on YouTube
Mindfulness and MS - Information from MS Trust
Wellbeing and MS - Information from MS Trust
Can mindfulness really help my MS? - podcast from MS Trust
MS: your emotions and feelings - podcast from MS Trust

Ok, you’ve heard all about mindfulness and maybe you’re even considering giving it a go. But can it actually help you manage life with MS? Is it just one of those trendy well-being fads like eating charcoal or moss smoothies (yep, they’re both actually real)?

 Mindfulness teacher, Justin Standfield, lives with MS and he joins us to dispel a couple of mindful myths. Plus, he shares some practical ways that he manages his own MS symptoms using mindfulness. 

Join us to learn tips, tricks and approaches to mindful matters and MS.

Episode Notes

MS and mindfulness with Justin Standfield - video on YouTube
Mindfulness and MS - Information from MS Trust
Wellbeing and MS - Information from MS Trust
How to meditate for beginners - information from the NHS
comeonbabylightmyfire.com - Justin's Blog
Justin on X

 A selection mindfulness apps (not reviewed or endorsed by the MS Trust)
Headspace
Calm
Insight Timer
Simple Habit
Buddhify

What have the MS community been asking about this year? We interview Corinne from our helpline team who tackles the burning MS questions and trends that our service has encountered in 2023. 

 In our busiest helpline year yet, the range of questions has been vast! We cover symptoms, equipment and a whole lot more.

 Plus, Dr Claire Winchester joins us for a fun experiment! We put forward your questions to an AI chatbot to see if it could be a useful source of MS information. Dive in to see if it has same level of expertise as our helpline service.

 Listen now for tips, helpful information and more.

Episode Notes

• MS Trust Helpline
• Supporting the MS Trust - information from the MS Trust
• MS Trust Facebook Group
• mstrust.org.uk/a-z/fatigue - MS Trust information about fatigue
• mstrust.org.uk/a-z/pain - MS Trust information about pain
• mstrust.org.uk/information-support/newly-diagnosed - MS Trust information for the newly diagnosed
• mstrust.org.uk/information-support/work-money-legal/working-life  - MS Trust information about work and MS
• mstrust.org.uk/information-support/home-and-travel/equipment -  MS Trust information about equipment 
• mstrust.org.uk/a-z/altered-sensations  -  MS Trust information about altered sensations 
• mstrust.org.uk/a-z/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri - MS Trust information about MRI's
• mstrust.org.uk/news/focus-fact-or-fiction - MS Trust new item about on to work out if an information source is reliable or not 
• multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/news-posts/2023/11/27/ news item from Multiple Sclerosis news about  AI's helping out reading MRI scans.

If you’re not sure how to best prepare for your next MS Nurse appointment, this could be the podcast for you.

No matter where you are on your MS journey, talking about your condition can bring on a wave of emotions. Your mind is likely to be brimming with questions and points to raise.

Add in long NHS waiting lists and squeezed appointment times, and it might feel as though you’re facing a steep challenge.

When your appointment does come around, how can you make the most of your time with an MS Nurse and avoid information overload?

Our podcast guest, MS Trust Lead Nurse Specialist, Dr Lou Jarrett explores some helpful tips on how to best prepare for your appointment. 

Learn how to build long-lasting relationships with your MS Nurse, what questions to ask and what to do whilst you’re waiting to be seen.

Finally, we'll touch on why the MS Trust is on a mission to train MS Nurses in the UK.

Episode notes

• Making the most of your appointments - information from the MS Trust
• Questions to ask health professional - information from the MS Trust
• MS Trust Helpline
• The Big Give - fundraising campaign from MS Trust
• Supporting the MS Trust - information from the MS Trust
• How we train and support your MS health professionals
• Patient initiated follow-up (PIFU) - information from NHS
• MS Trust Facebook Group

Feeling overwhelmed and anxious at the thought of discussing your MS with a neurologist? Wondering what questions to ask and what you should bring? You’re not alone. Whether you’re preparing for your first appointment or your tenth, emotions can be heightened.

 Add in the limited time that you get to talk to them and lengthy NHS waiting lists, and it can make you feel as though you’re fighting an uphill battle.

We caught up with MS Trust Ambassador, Dr Agne Straukiene, to set out some strategies for making the most of your neurology appointments. Find out how to bring up sensitive topics, what you can do when you’re waiting to be seen and who you should bring with you. 

 Listen now to hear our helpful tips and get yourself prepared for your next neurologist appointment. 

Show notes:

Making the most of your appointments - info from the MS Trust mstrust.org.uk/information-support/newly-diagnosed/making-most-appointments
Questions to ask health professionals - info from the MS Trust mstrust.org.uk/a-z/questions-ask-health-professionals
 MS Trust Helpline: mstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/ms-helpline-and-information
Bee Well With MS Podcast with Dr Agne Straukiene  beewellwithms.com

Ever wondered if smoking affects your MS? Sure, we all know the health risks linked to smoking. But, does smoking cause multiple sclerosis progression? And will your MS symptoms improve if you quit smoking?
 
 We dive deep into these questions with consultant neurologist, Professor Richard Nicholas. Plus, Caroline Smith, who lives with MS, talks us through the steps she took to quit smoking. 

Listen now!

Show Notes

Smoking and MS - info from the MS Trust:  mstrust.org.uk/a-z/smoking
Quitting smoking slows down MS progression  - info from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news/research/230411-quitting-smoking-slows-down-ms-progression
Five top tips for improving your lung health – blog from Jodi Barber - -mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/five-top-tips-improving-your-lung-health
Stoptober - Stop smoking campaign from NHS  www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking
The MS Register: ukmsregister.org
Set up a fundraising challenge: mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-and-events/do-it-your-way 

Multiple sclerosis can affect breathing in advanced MS. But breathing problems can begin at any stage with MS. To explain more in this podcast we talk to Racheal Moses who is a Consultant Respiratory Physiotherapist and Neuro Physiotherapist Jody Barber. They explain how you can spot breathing problems early, what you can do if you have breathing difficulties and what you can do to try to prevent them occurring in the future.

 Show Notes

Breathing problems - info from the MS Trust:  mstrust.org.uk/a-z/breathing-problems
Breathing exercises - info from MS Trust: /mstrust.org.uk/information-support/exercise-ms/build-your-own-exercise-routine/breathing-exercises 

Five top tips for improving your lung health – blog from Jodi Barber - -mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/five-top-tips-improving-your-lung-health

Speech and language therapy – info from MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/a-z/speech-and-language-therapy
Mindfulness and MS – article Jody mentions - mstrust.org.uk/news/views-and-comments/mindfulness-and-ms