The MS Trust podcast

MS Trust

Our podcast brings together a range of voices from the MS community to cover all aspects of life with multiple sclerosis. We know that living with MS can be life changing and can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why we’re here with you at each stage of the journey.Look, we know that we don’t have all the answers. But our podcast’s aim is to bring you the most up to date, trusted information from experts across the MS space including neurologists, therapists and researchers.Plus, hosts Helena and Nick hear real-life experiences from the MS community and find out your tips, tricks and the things that make you tick. We pose your burning questions to our experts and find out the information that you really want to know.Listen now for helpful information on symptoms, treatments, updates and a whole lot more.

  1. 3d ago

    MS fatigue: practical strategies for living well with limited energy

    Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Fatigue is one of the most common and misunderstood MS symptoms. In this episode, we explore what MS fatigue really is, the emotional weight it can carry, and practical ways to manage fatigue in daily life. We're joined by Helen Cole, occupational therapist; Ruth Stross, MS nurse and Director of Services and Health Professional Lead at the MS Trust; and Dr Rebecca McGuire, Associate Professor in Psychology who lives with MS herself. Together we discuss all aspects of MS fatigue, from how to avoid the "boom and bust" cycle through pacing and planning, to navigating feelings of guilt and frustration when fatigue stops you doing things the way you used to. Episode Notes Information on fatigue from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/fatigue Living with fatigue booklet: shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/living-with-fatigue/ Telling people at work that you have MS: shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/telling-people-at-work-that-you-have-ms/ Ask the Expert coping with fatigue: mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/ask-expert-coping-ms-fatigue Learning to listen to fatigue - a personal story on fatigue: mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/learning-listen-fatigue Fatigue, more than just being tired - a personal story on fatigue: mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/fatigue-more-just-being-tired Online fatigue management course from MS Society www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/signs-and-symptoms/fatigue/managing-fatigue/online-fatigue-management-course   Miles for MS challenge: mstrust.org.uk/event/miles-ms

    1h 22m

  2. Apr 27

    Understanding steroids for MS relapses: what they do, when they’re used and what to expect

    Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this episode of the MS Trust podcast, We take a closer look at corticosteroids and how they’re used to treat MS relapses. Joined by MS nurse Mavis Ayer and MS specialist pharmacist Stavroula Charisi, we break down what steroids actually do, when they’re recommended, and why experiences can vary so much. We talk about: When steroids should (and shouldn’t) be used How steroid treatment is given Possible side effects and how they’re monitored What to expect during and after a course Listen now to better understand the role of steroids in treating MS relapses. Show notes: Steroids for MS relapses mstrust.org.uk/a-z/steroids-methylprednisolone Managing MS relapses mstrust.org.uk/information-support/ms-symptoms-diagnosis/managing-ms-relapses Treatment finder mstrust.org.uk/information-support/ms-drugs-treatments/treatment-finder Diary of a steroid taker by Carla King, a personal story from MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/diary-a-steroid-taker-carla-king

    41 min

  3. Feb 23

    How MS is diagnosed: your questions answered

    Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Getting an MS diagnosis can be straightforward for some people, but for many it’s a long, confusing journey filled with uncertainty. In this episode, we explore one of the questions the MS Trust is asked most often: How is MS actually diagnosed? We look at why diagnosis can take time, what tests are involved, why symptoms aren’t always obvious, and what happens when tests give unclear results. We’re joined by Professor Alasdair Coles, neurologist and MS specialist, who guides us through the current diagnosis process from first symptoms to MRIs, lumbar punctures, evoked potentials, OCT scans, and what will happen after the point of diagnosis. Episode notes How MS is diagnosed - info from the MS TrustLumbar puncture  - info from the MS TrustEvoked potentials - info from the MS TrustMcDonald criteria - info from the MS TrustDisease modifying drugs (DMDs) - info from the MS TrustLimbo land - what you can do while you wait for an MS diagnosis - MS Trust podcastWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingVideo resources from MS Trust What happens in a Neurological examination?What is a Lumbar Puncture?What is an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) test?

    1h 3m

  4. 12/15/2025

    Coping with MS pain in the long term: how to look after your mental health

    Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Living with persistent MS-related pain isn’t just a physical challenge it can take a big toll on your emotional wellbeing and mental health too. In this episode, we explore the psychological impact of chronic pain. We are joined by Dr Phillip Simpson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of NHS experience, and Heather Daly, who shares her personal journey of living with MS and chronic pain, as we explore topics such as What chronic pain really means and how it affects the mindThe emotional challenges of living with persistent MS painHow psychological therapies such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness can helpPractical coping strategies, acceptance, and behaviour change techniquesIf you are living with long term MS and what to explore different approaches to cope with it psychologically, this is the episode for you Episode notes Pain and MS - info from the MS TrustTreating nerve pain in MS  - info from the MS TrustPain resources - info from the MS TrustMindfulness and MS - info from the MS TrustWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingResources mentioned by Dr Phil Simpson  livewellwithpain.co.uk -  website with resources and information paintoolkit.org - focused on self management and has been created by an expert by experience  flippinpain.co.uk-  focused on challenging misconceptions about pain problems.

    1h 25m

  5. 12/03/2025

    Bonus episode: guided mindfulness for MS pain

    Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this special bonus episode of the MS Trust Podcast, mindfulness teacher Justin Standfield shares two guided meditations designed to help ease the challenges of living with MS pain. You’ll hear a shorter practice for pain awareness and relief, plus a longer meditation created especially for chronic pain. These two meditations can offer practical tools to bring comfort and calm whenever pain feels overwhelming. Episode notes Pain and MS - info from the MS TrustTreating nerve pain in MS  - info from the MS TrustPain resources - info from the MS TrustMindfulness and MS - info from the MS TrustWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingMS and mindfulness with Justin Standfield - Video with Justin from MS Trust's YouTubeCan mindfulness really help with my MS? - podcast from the MS Trust with Justin

    18 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Managing MS nerve pain: what you can do yourself

    Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Neuropathic pain or nerve pain is one of the most challenging symptoms of MS, unpredictable, intrusive, and often invisible. In this episode, we focus on what people can do themselves, at home, to ease that pain and take back some control. We talk to lead pain specialist nurse Katherine Dyer and mindfulness teacher Justin Standfield who share practical strategies and calming techniques that can make a real difference. We also meet the MS Trust helpline team and learn more about the vital support they provide to people affected by MS. Episode notes: Episode notes Pain and MS - info from the MS TrustTreating nerve pain in MS  - info from the MS TrustPain resources - info from the MS TrustMindfulness and MS - info from the MS TrustWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingMS and mindfulness with Justin Standfield - Video with Justin from MS Trust's YouTubeDonate to MS Trust helpline - info from the MS Trust A selection mindfulness apps (not reviewed or endorsed by the MS Trust) HeadspaceCalmInsight Timer

    1h 20m

  7. 10/28/2025

    ECTRIMS Patient Community Day: why researchers need people with MS to get involved

    Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this episode we explore the biggest breakthroughs from ECTRIMS 2025, the world’s largest MS research conference. We look into new treatment insights, the push for inclusive research, and how people with MS can shape the future of care. Featuring Brett Drummond from MS translate, Natalie Busari from The Nerve of My MS, Dr. Claire Winchester research and engagement, at MS Trust , and Lucy Taylor our MS Trust CEO Episode notes ECTRIMS 2025 news round-up - news from the MS TrustCriteria used to diagnose MS updated  - news from the MS TrustECTRIMS patient Community - video recordings from the dayMS and Cognition - info from MS TrustDiet and MS - info from MS TrustLeave a gift in your will -  info from MS TrustMS Trust new strategy - info from MS TrustThe Nerve of My Multiples Sclerosis - Natalie Busari Instagram

    1h 10m
  8. What does the MS hug feel like? Banding tightness, rib cramps, stitch sensations, girdling pains, and how to deal with it

    09/22/2025

    What does the MS hug feel like? Banding tightness, rib cramps, stitch sensations, girdling pains, and how to deal with it

    Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this episode of the MS Trust Podcast, we explore the MS Hug—one of the most confusing and uncomfortable symptoms of multiple sclerosis. From tight banding and rib cramps to stitch-like pain and breathlessness, we unpack what it feels like, why it happens, and how to manage it. Neurologist Kate Petheram joins us to explain the science behind the symptom, and we hear from people living with MS who share their personal experiences and tips for coping with this unwelcome embrace. Episode Notes The MS Hug - info from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/ms-hug  MS Pain - info from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/pain Stream for MS - Fundraising challenge from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-and-events/ms-trust-exclusives/streamforms

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Our podcast brings together a range of voices from the MS community to cover all aspects of life with multiple sclerosis. We know that living with MS can be life changing and can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why we’re here with you at each stage of the journey.Look, we know that we don’t have all the answers. But our podcast’s aim is to bring you the most up to date, trusted information from experts across the MS space including neurologists, therapists and researchers.Plus, hosts Helena and Nick hear real-life experiences from the MS community and find out your tips, tricks and the things that make you tick. We pose your burning questions to our experts and find out the information that you really want to know.Listen now for helpful information on symptoms, treatments, updates and a whole lot more.

Information

  • Creator
    MS Trust
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The MS Trust podcast
  • Show Website
    The MS Trust podcast

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