For the final episode of the MS Diagnosis Journey podcast, regular host Laura Kolaczkowski and editor Steve Woodward reflect on the stories that they've heard throughout the series. In this chat, Laura and Steve look back on what they found most interesting in previous interviews. Mostly what they take away from the series is the generosity with which guests have shared their own personal stories. Thank you to them and to everyone who has listened to and shared the MS Diagnosis Journey podcast. If you or anyone you know can help with future sponsorship of this podcast, please email msdiagnosis ..read more

39. Laura Kolaczkowski: "Don't Make It A Solo Act" In a change to our regular broadcasting, this time around it's regular host Laura Kolaczkowski's turn to share her journey to a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Despite having a family member with MS, Laura never thought that it was in her future, pushing past a number of symptoms that seem obvious in retrospect. In this interview, Laura relates her initial symptoms and talks about how it was her mother who persuaded her to follow them up. She also talks about the dramatic event which started her road to a diagnosis and how she was lucky enough t ..read more

As a physician and a patient living with Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Susan Payrovi has a unique perspective on managing the condition. But even she dismissed her own initial symptoms, putting them down to exhaustion and tendonitis. In this conversation, Dr. Payrovi recounts seeing four separate neurologists before a friend (who was a plastic surgeon) put a name to her symptoms. She also gives some great tips for keeping records of any unusual sensations.  Through the use of self-care and lifestyle habits, Dr. Payrovi says that MS has given her the gift of focusing on what is important to her ..read more

When Cassie Martin noticed sensations of tingling and numbness, she initially put it down to being in Wisconsin in the fall. But a feeling like a buzzer, running from her head to her feet, eventually led Cassie to Doctor Google who told her all about Lhermitte’s Sign, a possible symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. In this interview, Cassie says that her diagnosis came about fairly quickly. But this was only because she took her initial symptoms to her primary care physician (PCP) as soon as possible. It can be hard to express what you're going through but getting to an expert early can provide you ..read more

Linda Kanner was diagnosed with MS in 2007. She had an awareness of the disease through an Uncle, but her official diagnosis still took twenty years after first presenting symptoms to a medical professional.  Shortly after this, Linda became a member of the board of The Accelerated Cure Project for MS. She also now serves on the iConquerMS Governing Board. In this interview, Linda recounts her first symptoms and how, despite MS being the "definitive sickness" in her family, it still took her a while to recognize these symptoms for what they were. She also reminds patients that no one is m ..read more

When she noticed the appearance of strange symptoms, Kathy Reagan Young put them down to being an exhausted stay-at-home mom. It was only down to the input of friends and business associates that she was able to be fast-tracked to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Kathy recognizes the privilege and luck that played a part in her high-speed diagnosis. But since then she has dedicated herself to providing education, inspiration, and motivation to everyone dealing with Multiple Sclerosis. She does this by blogging about her own experiences, interviewing experts and other patients on her podcast ..read more

Hope could have been Teresa Wright-Johnson’s middle name because she exudes hope in all she does. Treatment for a workplace injury was the trigger for her MS diagnosis, which added an additional dimension to her already impressive health advocacy work. She shares the story of learning she had multiple sclerosis on top of living with congenital heart disease, and how neither of those conditions changed her outlook on life. Teresa also touches on her diagnosis with MS despite having no symptoms, her belief that your body will always tell you when something is going on, and the plus side of havin ..read more

Renita Larsen was an athlete and a dancer when her mysterious symptoms began. She shares her journey over several years and even surgery before connecting with a neurologist who put her history together. Renita credits the support of her family for getting her through years of doctors who told her she was too young and active to have any issues. In this interview, Renita relates how, on receiving a diagnosis, "You know what it is but you don't know what it is." She also tells how she received her diagnosis while grocery shopping with her husband, her previous awareness of MS, and how she conti ..read more

In a first for this podcast, Susan Silver was diagnosed with MS not once but twice. Initially, Susan was told that the symptoms she was reporting - including fatigue, vertigo, and problems with her vision - were caused by her high-pressure job and irregular hours. Eventually, she was told she had MS, given a collection of leaflets, and told to go home and choose one of the CRAB medications (Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, and Betaseron). A second neurologist then said that she didn't have MS and it was all in her head. She eventually met her "forever neurologist" and received a final diagnosis. In th ..read more

Hope could have been Teresa Wright-Johnson’s middle name because she exudes hope in all she does. Treatment for a workplace injury was the trigger for her MS diagnosis, which added an additional dimension to her already impressive health advocacy work. She shares the story of learning she had multiple sclerosis on top of living with congenital heart disease, and how neither of those conditions changed her outlook on life. Teresa also touches on her diagnosis with MS despite having no symptoms, her belief that your body will always tell you when something is going on, and the plus side of havin ..read more