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? •      Ca ..read more

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 i ..read more

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 ti ..read more

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 a ..read more

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 ..read more

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 J ..read more

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 ..read more

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/r ..read more

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/r ..read more

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/inform ..read more