Ms Trust

It’s estimated that 130,000 people in the UK have multiple sclerosis. Every week around 130 more people are diagnosed. Are you worried that your symptoms might be MS? Have you looked MS up on the internet and read about symptoms that sound like the ones you’re experiencing? Or perhaps someone in your family may have MS and you are concerned that you may also get it.In this podcast, we chat about what you should do if you are worried that you might have MS, as well as what your next steps could be. Although don’t turn off if you already have a diagnosis, as we’re also sharing an interesting personal story from Dr Daniel Matterson, better known as @the.ms.doctor on Instagram. He chats to us about his diagnosis and shares some tips about what you can do if you are worried you have MS. Episode notes- Worried you have MS?: mstrust.org.uk//information-support/ms-symptoms-diagnosis/worried-you-have-ms- MS Trust what is MS?: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/what-ms- MS trust how is MS diagnosed?: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/what-

How can I explain MS fatigue to my family? What treatments are available for MS fatigue? What can I do to help my fatigue? We answer these questions and many more submitted by you in a special MS fatigue livestream with Claire from our information team. Listen now to our sister podcast: 'Multiple Sclerosis breaking it down live!'Want to get involved in the next livestream? Join our MS streaming community mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-and-events/ms-trust-exclusives/msplayEpisode notes:- MS Trust information on fatigue:  mstrust.org.uk/a-z/fatigue- Book - Living with fatigue: shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/living-with-fatigue/- Video on how Fatigue makes me feel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DnjDH2v8XY&t=3s -Describing fatigue to others: mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/describing-fatigue-others-Can cacao really help with MS fatigue? mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/can-cacao-really-help-ms-fatigue-Fatigue and MS webinar - mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/can-cacao-really-help-ms-fatigue-Ask the e

Frustrated how multiple sclerosis is typecast in the media? We often hear that TV shows, newspapers and social media do not show the kind of MS most of you experience. So we asked three journalists with MS for their standpoint. Listen to our chat with Rachel Horne, Daf Wyn and Richard Sprenger - as we shine the spotlight on MS in the media, and why we think a more realistic approach is long overdue.  Episode notes: - MS Trust News and stories: mstrust.org.uk/news-stories - Share your story with the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news-and-stories/send-us-your-story - MS Trust Blog, What made Daf Wyn call his doctor?: mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/what-made-daf-wyn-call-his-doctor - MS Trust Blog, A sceptic's guide to wellness: mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/sceptics-guide-wellness - Guardian series; A sceptic's guide to wellness: theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/series/a-sceptic-s-guide-to-wellness - Rachel Horne Prize for Women's Research in MS: Rachelhorneprize.comNews & storiesStay in the know with the

In this episode, we talk about altered sensations. So what are altered sensations then? They are a bunch of sensory symptoms that can occur in MS, such as burning, tingling, pins and needles, crawling, numbness, prickling and the list goes on!  We talk to Dr Amanda Howarth, a pain specialist about what exactly they are and why they happen. We also share some of the MS community's life hacks around living with altered sensations.Episode notes: - MS Trust A-Z page on altered sensations: mstrust.org.uk/altered-sensations - MS Trust A-Z page on pain: mstrust.org.uk/pain - MS Trust Blog - What's with the strange tingling, crawling, burning and prickling feelings?: mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/whats-strange-tingling-crawling-burning-and-prickling-feelings- MS Trust A-Z on Complementary and alternative medicine: mstrust.org.uk/complementary-and-alternative-medicine- MS Trust A-Z on Cannabis: mstrust.org.uk/cannabis- MS Trust A-Z on Sativex: mstrust.org.uk/sativex- MS Trust A-Z on Gabapentin: mstrust.org.uk/g

New year, new podcast! In this episode, we cover new research developments, education and what’s new at the MS Trust.  We kick off the year by talking a little about what’s happening in the world of MS, the MS Trust and more.We chat to Rachel Horne who is a journalist with MS. She breaks down her MS journey and how she launched ‘the Rachel Horne Prize for Women's Research in MS’.  Next, our guest Helen from our MS Trust education team discusses the training we do with MS nurses and what this means for people living with MSEpisode notes:- The MS Trust podcast: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/support-services/podcasts-ms-trust- More about MS Specialist Nurses: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/ms-specialist-nurses- Rachel Horne Prize for Women's Research in MS: Rachelhorneprize.com- MS Trust Disease modifying drugs books; shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/?type=treatments Next episodeThe next episode will be on altered sensations and MS. We’re finding out about those weird, odd, creeping, crawling, fizzing and so

For our last podcast of the year, we thought we'd get back to basics and concentrate on one of the most important things the MS Trust does, and that is answering your questions about MS.  We've compiled a list of the most popular topics which people have contacted us about this year. We chat with our Head of Information and Engagement, Claire who works on the MS Trust helpline, to talk us through some of these topics.Episode notes:- What we do; mstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/about-ms-trust- MS helpline and information; mstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/ms-helpline-and-information- MS Trust Facebook group facebook.com/groups/multiplesclerosistrust Whether you have recently been diagnosed, want to know more about a symptom you are experiencing, or need information on the different MS drugs and treatments, our MS Trust helpline team are here to answer your questions. 

In this short episode, Helena talks to Tristan about an exciting fundraising opportunity to double your gifts to the MS Trust at no additional cost. Help your money go further and double the impact for people with MS.Episode notes:Double your donation at mstrust.org.uk/big-give - From 29 November to 6 December 2022, give through The Big Give to double the value of your donation at no additional cost to you!

This time on Multiple sclerosis breaking it down, we’ll be talking about thinking problems in MS. Problems with thinking and memory affect around half of all people with MS. Cognition is the medical term for thinking, and problems with thought and memory are known as cognitive problems. Issues include memory, attention span, planning, decision-making, understanding or concentration.To explain cognition issues in MS, and some strategies that may help you, we chatted with Professor Roshan das Nair. Helena and Debs also share their experiences with cognition difficulties and what they do to manage them.Episode notes:- Thinking problems in MS - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/health-wellbeing/thinking-and-memory-problems-Staying Smart - tool from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/staying-smart-Brain health - article from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/brain-health-Exercise is good for your brain  - research update from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/research/resear

This time on the MS Trust podcast we’ll be talking about eye problems in MS. Multiple sclerosis can affect your vision in several ways. Problems with your sight, such as optic neuritis, can be an early symptom of MS, but can also arise if you've had MS for some time.To try and explain the ins and outs of visual problems we chat to Dr Benson Chen a neuro-ophthalmologist, about some common eye issues in MS and ask him some questions the MS community sent us.  We also chat to Deb about her own experiences with eye issues that eventually led to her MS diagnoses.Episode notes:- Visual problems in MS - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/visual-problems-Optic neuritis - article from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/optic-neuritis-Double vision (diplopia) - article from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/double-vision-diplopia-Nystagmus - article from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/nystagmusNext episodeOur next podcast will be on the topic of Cognition and MS. If you have anything that you'd

We are back with part two of our Sex and MS podcast. At the MS Trust we have produced content about Sex and MS for many years, and if there is one thing that we have learnt, it is that sex is a tricky subject to talk about. That’s why, we’ve once again invited subject experts, Denise Middleton and Lesley Catterall to answer some of the of your questions around sex and MS for men. We also chat with Dom from the MS guide, about his own experiences on the subject of sex and MS. Episode notes:- The MS Guide- Dom's YouTube channel www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpq0cm2wIfKJ6H8xs2AxGA - Sexual problems for men with MS A-Z of MS - Information from the MS Trust:  -mstrust.org.uk/a-z/sexual-problems-men-ms- Relationships and family life - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/life-ms/relationships-and-family-life- Ask the expert: Sex and MS - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news/views-and-comments/ask-expert-sex-and-ms-Reduced sexual desire - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/redu

At the MS Trust, we know that talking about sex and sexual health isn’t easy. Many people find it an awkward or embarrassing topic to discuss, whether that’s with partners or health professionals. That’s why, we’ve invited subject experts, MS nurses,  Denise Middleton and Lesley Catterall to answer some of the questions you may want to know the answer to but didn’t want to ask. Before that we hear from Roxy, aka Multiple Sclerosis Fashionista about their experiences of sex as someone living with MS and hear some tips she has for others. Episode notes:- Sexual problems for women with MS A-Z of MS - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/sexual-problems-women-ms- Relationships and family life - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/life-ms/relationships-and-family-life- Ask the expert: Sex and MS - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news/views-and-comments/ask-expert-sex-and-ms-Reduced sexual desire - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/reduced-sexual-desire- MS Trust

Disease modifying drugs (DMDs) are a group of treatments for people with multiple sclerosis. Most DMDs are for people with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), but there are some that are licenced for use by people with progressive MS. For people with RRMS, disease modifying drugs reduce the number of relapses you might experience as well as reducing the severity of any relapses you do have.There are a wide range of drugs approved for use by the NHS in the UK. Each drug offers a different combination of benefits and possible risks.In this podcast we are going to be chatting to neurologist Kate who is going to explain the ins and outs of DMDs and how you can go about choosing one. Then we will be talking to Sam, who shares her personal journey of choosing DMDs.Episode notes:- Disease modifying drugs - MS Trust A-Z: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/ms-treatments/disease-modifying-drugs-dmds- Frequently asked questions about DMD - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/ms-treatments/ms-decisions/frequently-aske

Our relationships with the people around us, whether family, friends, partners or work colleagues, are important for our emotional health and practical support. But sometimes MS can feel like a barrier to those relationships, making it harder to maintain the ones that matter to us or develop new ones in the future. So today we are going to dive into some of those issues. We will be joined by Billy from shift. MS who lives with MS himself and Flora from or MS Trust helpline.  Episode notes: - Relationships and family life - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/life-ms/relationships-and-family-life - Talking with fiends and family about MS - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/life-ms/family-and-relationships/talking-friends-and-family -Information for carers - Information from the MS Trust:mstrust.org.uk/life-ms/family-and-relationships/information-carers - MS Trust booklet; Someone I know has MS: shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/someone-i-know-has-ms/- MS Trust booklet; Kid's guide to

As temperatures start to soar in the UK we catch up with Dr Nikos Evangelou about how and why heat affects people with MS. We also share some of your thoughts and real life experiences of heat sensitivity as well as tips on how to deal with it.  Episode notes: - Temperature Sensitivity - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/temperaturesensitivity - Can't take the heat - article from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news/cant-take-heat -Uhthoff's Phenomenon mstrust.org.uk/a-z/uhthoffs-phenomenon - How does cold weather affect MS? - Podcast from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/resources/podcasts-ms-trust/how-does-cold-weather-affect-ms - Dr Nikos Evangelou's paper on Temperature sensitivity in multiple sclerosis: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30377640/ Next episode Our next podcast will be on relationships and MS. This could be romantic relationships, family connections, or even friendships. We get a lot of questions relating to this topic, including what it's like to date with MS, how to t

Today we are talking about the often misunderstood topic of advance care planning. The MS Trust recently published an information book titled ‘Thinking ahead: setting out your wishes for your future care and treatment’. It’s a useful resource designed to help you to understand and share your personal values, and preferences, for your future medical care with your loved ones and your healthcare team.  The resource was produced by Ali, a member of the Information team here at the MS Trust, as well as MS Specialist Nurses and subject experts, Ellie Garlick and Sarah Roderick. In this episode we have all three along to shed some more light on the subject of advance care planning. What is an Advance care plan and why should you have one, how can you write one, when should you consider writing one and who can help with writing one? *There are a few mentions of end of life care which some listeners may find upsetting.*Episode notes- MS Trust booklet; Thinking ahead: shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/thinking-ahead-se

Most people with MS receive their diagnosis as adults in the midst of working life. This latest podcast from the MS Trust talks about what working life is like when you have multiple sclerosis. We discuss what rights people with MS have at work, how to disclose health conditions to an employer, what to do when you feel like you have to give up work or reduce your hours and much more. Joining us on this episode is Discrimination Case Worker, Lance Baynham, who covers your rights and what the Equality Act means for people with MS. We also chat to Gideon Schulman, a HR professional and person with MS, about his own experiences. Episode notes- MS Awareness Week webinar on work and MS: mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/ms-awareness-week/work-and-ms-webinar- MS Trust web page on Working life with MS: mstrust.org.uk/life-ms/your-finances/working-life- MS Trust web page on Legal advice: mstrust.org.uk/life-ms/your-finances/legal-advice- MS Trust A-Z Equality Act:  mstrust.org.uk/a-z/equality-act - MS Trust personal story

Multiple sclerosis is a very active area of scientific research. Developing new treatments for MS can be a long and complicated process. In our latest podcast episode, we learn about the journey an MS treatment goes on with Dr Nick Cunniffe, a researcher in Cambridge. We also chat to Faisal about what it is like to take part in a clinical trial when you have MS.  Episode notes- MS Awareness week webinars: mstrust.org.uk/MSAW- MS Awareness week Research webinar: mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/ms-awareness-week/ms-research-webinar- MS Trust  A-Z of MS : mstrust.org.uk/a-z- MS Trust contact us:  mstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/contact-us- Getting involved in a clinical trial: mstrust.org.uk/research/getting-involved-research - Hellie's clinical trial adventures: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/ms-research/hellies-clinical-trial-adventures- All current clinical trials going (not just MS): clinicaltrials.gov- The CCMR2 trial - www-neurosciences.medschl.cam.ac.uk/jones-coles-group/ccmr2-a-trial-of-metormin-and-clemastine-as-re

MS is a condition affecting the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). It’s estimated that 130,000 people in the UK have MS. In this podcast we chat to two guests about MS. Simon, from our MS Trust information team, who answers questions from people affected by MS on a daily basis, via email and our MS helpline. He gives us an MS 101 lesson, covering topics such as how MS is diagnosed, who gets MS, what treatments are there for MS and much more.We also chat to Hugh Nibloe who is a Wheelchair Curling World Championships silver medal winner and Wheelchair Curling Paralympian for Team GB who lives with MS. Episode notes- MS Trust what is MS?: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/what-ms- MS trust how is MS diagnosed?: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/what-ms/how-ms-diagnosed - MS Trust newly diagnosed: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/newly-diagnosed- MS Trust  A-Z of MS : mstrust.org.uk/a-z- MS Trust contact us:  mstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/contact-us - MS Awareness week webinars: mstrust.org.uk/MSAW- Diagnosing MS - Lumbar punctu

Our volunteer Will returns with another episode taking a peek behind the scenes at how the MS Trust works. This time, he talks to Simon and Janice from the MS Trust Information team. Whether you have recently been diagnosed, want to know more about a symptom you are experiencing, or need information on the different MS drugs and treatments, our MS Trust helpline team are here to answer your questions.  In this episode Will chats to Janice and Simon about questions they get asked, and other work they do at the MS Trust  such as  ensuring everyone with MS can access the treatments and services they need and deserve.  Episode notes:- What we do; mstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/about-ms-trust- Meet the enquiry team; mstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/meet-our-enquiry-service-team- Drugs in development; mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/ms-treatments/drugs-development

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis.It's described as a feeling of exhaustion that's out of all proportion to any activity you may have been doing.People with MS often find it had to explain fatigue to others so in this episode we ask how you would describe life with fatigue and what tips you would give for managing it. Plus, occupational therapist, Kate Hayward, shares some of her own fatigue management techniques.  Episode notes- MS Trust  A-Z on fatigue: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/fatigue- MS Trust Ask the expert about fatigue: mstrust.org.uk/news/views-and-comments/ask-expert-coping-ms-fatigue -MS Trust book - Living with fatigue (free to download or send after): shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/living-with-fatigue/-MS Trust Research update: Could cocoa help MS fatigue? : mstrust.org.uk/research/research-updates/181015-could-cocoa-help-fatigue -MS Awareness week 2022: mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/ms-awareness-week