Breaking it down - A multiple sclerosis podcast MS Trust

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