What happens when you experience MS symptoms, but don’t yet have a diagnosis?

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we hear from Maureen Haith, who first experienced neurological symptoms in 2002 but wasn’t diagnosed with multiple sclerosis until 2019. Along the way, she was told she had clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) – a term many people are unfamiliar with, but which can be an early stage of MS.

Maureen shares her experience of recognising early symptoms, navigating uncertainty, and deciding when and how to tell others about her condition. She also reflects on how discovering the Overcoming MS programme influenced her lifestyle, from diet and exercise to building community through local support groups.

This is a thoughtful and reassuring conversation for anyone facing MS diagnosis uncertainty, exploring practical ways to take control and make sustainable lifestyle changes over time.

Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.

02:02 First MS symptoms: fatigue, tingling and early warning signs 03:49 New symptoms appear: changes in walking and sensation 04:55 What is clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and why it matters 07:38 Deciding when and how to share an MS diagnosis 11:37 MS risk and family: understanding genetics and environment 14:23 Discovering Overcoming MS and making lifestyle changes 16:35 Finding support: building connection through local MS circles 20:19 Following the MS diet while travelling and eating out 26:03 Managing weight on a whole food plant-based diet 29:29 Coping with brain fog: practical tools that help 31:33 Advice for newly diagnosed: start small and build gradually

• Read all of the Overcoming MS books
• Find plant-based restaurants on the Happy Cow website
• Check out the Chef Cards for eating in a restaurant
• New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
• Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
• Visit the Overcoming MS website

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• Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
• Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.

If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.

Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.

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What’s the best way to approach exercise with multiple sclerosis? In this bonus from the archive episode of Living Well with MS, Trevor Wicken explores neuroplasticity, “neural edge” and how to find a movement routine that works for you.

Trevor Wicken is the founder of The MS Gym and a neuromuscular movement specialist who supports people with MS through brain-based movement, mindset, education and community. In this episode, he explores how movement can support confidence, resilience and day-to-day wellbeing, and why progress with MS is often about recognising small victories along the way.

Whether you’re just starting to explore movement with MS or looking for renewed motivation, this episode is a reminder that exercise is not about doing everything perfectly, it’s about finding what works for you.

Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful.

01:28 What is The MS Gym?

04:45 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, where you’re from, and the journey that brought you to launching The MS Gym?

13:45 How is your fitness philosophy particularly tailored to people with MS?

18:53 Is it worth getting an MS specialist approach rather than just a normal physical training instructor?

21:10 What are the biggest obstacles to getting people – with or without MS – to adopt a regular exercise regimen?

28:39 For the people you serve under The MS Gym umbrella, how do you measure their success or progress?

44:06 If you could articulate one specific outcome you can say you really nailed in your work through The MS Gym, what would that be and why?

54:53 What motivates or inspires you as a human being?

For many men with multiple sclerosis, diagnosis brings uncertainty and fear – and it’s not always easy to talk about.

In this episode, Steve Rose, a psychotherapist living with MS shares his perspective on men’s mental health, from coming to terms with diagnosis to managing stress, anxiety and changing identity over time. He explores the importance of mindset, the role of mindfulness and rest, and why learning to understand your own patterns and limits can make a meaningful difference.

The conversation also looks at the challenges men can face in opening up, and the value of finding the right support – whether through trusted relationships, therapy or community.

This episode offers a thoughtful, honest look at what it means to live well with MS, emotionally as well as physically.

Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Steve’s bio.

02:20 Steve’s diagnosis story and early mindset shifts after MS 04:46 Challenging limiting beliefs about exercise and MS 06:39 Managing stress with mindfulness and regular mental breaks 09:02 Visualising MS as a “tiger in a cage” 11:12 Processing diagnosis: grief, anger and emotional adjustment 12:31 Advice for newly diagnosed: why talking really helps 13:15 Navigating relationships and finding people who understand 14:45 Creating community: a virtual space for men with MS 16:52 Final advice: understanding your body and adapting over time

• Connect with Steve and learn more about his work
• Stay up to date on the Might Spoons virtual pub for men with MS
• New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
• Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
• Visit the Overcoming MS website

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• Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
• Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.

If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.

Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.

If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Navigating disability benefits with multiple sclerosis can feel overwhelming – especially when symptoms are invisible, fluctuating and difficult to measure.

In this episode, Social Security disability attorney Nancy Cavey speaks to Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Vickie Hadge to explore how MS is assessed in disability claims, when to consider applying, and what steps you can take early to strengthen your case. From documenting symptoms and functional impact to understanding how work, fatigue and cognitive changes are evaluated, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in real-world experience.

You’ll also learn what to expect from the application process, common mistakes to avoid, and why planning ahead – financially and medically – can make a significant difference.

This episode focuses on the US disability benefits system, but many of the insights around documenting symptoms, planning ahead and advocating for support may still be helpful wherever you live.

Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.

02:11 Nancy’s story – why she specializes in disability law 03:20 When MS symptoms start affecting your ability to work 04:12 How to document MS symptoms for stronger evidence 07:35 How MS disability claims are assessed step by step 10:52 What happens after a disability claim is denied 11:40 Proving fatigue and cognitive symptoms in MS claims 13:09 Can you work part-time and still claim benefits? 16:43 How mental health symptoms are considered in MS cases 19:08 Common mistakes people make when applying for disability 20:38 Workplace benefits vs government disability support explained 23:24 Financial planning for a long disability application process 24:04 Early steps to protect your future disability claim 26:18 Why your doctor’s support can make or break a claim

• Visit Nancy’s Website

• Follow Nancy on YouTube

• Listen to Nancy’s Podcast
• New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
• Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
• Visit the Overcoming MS website

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest

• Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
• Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.

If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.

Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.

If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Making lifestyle changes with MS is one thing. Making them stick is another. In this episode of Living Well with MS, we speak with pharmacist-turned-health coach Dr Amy Behimer about why healthy habits can feel so difficult, especially when fatigue, stress and unpredictable symptoms get in the way. Drawing on her own experience of living with primary progressive MS, Amy shares a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to building habits that feel realistic, flexible and supportive in daily life.

Together, we explore the role of mindset in behaviour change, how to avoid all-or-nothing thinking, why perfectionism can backfire, and how to create routines that work on both good days and bad. If you feel overwhelmed by lifestyle change, this episode offers practical encouragement to help you start small and keep going.

Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.

02:25 Amy’s MS journey and why habits became her focus 05:05 The six areas that shape health with MS 09:46 Why healthy habits are harder than they seem 13:38 Building habits when fatigue and symptoms are unpredictable 16:03 How mindset and emotions shape behaviour change 18:29 The real secret to living well with MS 22:25 Why perfectionism makes healthy habits harder to sustain 25:25 Can self-talk affect day-to-day energy and symptoms? 29:18 Creating flexible routines for good days and bad 30:53 Common habit traps and how to avoid them 33:10 Redefining health when you cannot control your diagnosis 34:58 Where to start when lifestyle change feels overwhelming 37:57 A simple daily practice to make change easier

• Take Amy’s habit quiz
• Listen to Amy’s podcast
• Learn more about Amy’s work
• New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
• Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
• Visit the Overcoming MS website

• Facebook
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• YouTube
• Pinterest

• Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
• Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.

If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.

Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.

If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

What does it really mean to live well with multiple sclerosis over the long term? In this episode, we’re joined by writer, podcaster and MS advocate Ardra Shephard, creator of Tripping On Air and author of Fallosophy: My Trip Through Life with MS. Ardra shares her journey from diagnosis in her early twenties to becoming a powerful voice in the MS community.

Together, we explore the realities of visible symptoms, stigma and learning to adapt when life doesn’t go to plan. Ardra reflects on why she chose to share her story publicly, the role of humour in coping with chronic illness, and how her memoir brings honesty and vulnerability to the MS experience.

She also discusses identity, relationships, and the importance of representation through her work in podcasting and adaptive fashion.

This conversation is a reminder that while MS can be challenging, it’s still possible to build a meaningful, joyful life.

Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Ardra’s bio.

00:00 Introduction to Ardra and her MS journey 02:55 Why she shared her MS story publicly 06:00 Using humour to cope with chronic illness realities 09:08 Podcasting, relationships and the wider impact of MS 11:55 Changing representation through adaptive fashion and media 14:54 Key lesson: creating joy while living with MS

• Connect with Ardra:
• • trippingonair.com
  • com/ms_trippingonair/
  • facebook.com/trippingonair/
• New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
• Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
• Visit the Overcoming MS website

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest

• Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
• Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.

If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.

Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.

If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Welcome to Living Well with MS podcast, where we are joined by Alison Potts. Alison is a meditation coach, wellbeing mentor, meditation teacher-trainer writer and teacher in self-care, meditation, and wellness. Largely due to her own healing journey with MS, she is passionate about teaching the power of cherishing our individuality and intuition, sharing practices to connection to our innate states of freedom, healing, creativity, spontaneity and joy.

Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful.

01:24 Tell us about yourself and your with MS and the Overcoming MS program

07:17 What is your relationship to meditation? What’s Innate Being?

18:36 What are the main obstacles you find people face in getting into a regular meditation practice?

23:14 Tips for getting into good meditation practice?

33:28 Top hacks for getting into the meditation groove and making it a healthy habit

44:27 Alison conducts a mini guided meditation (5m)

52:42 Any final words of wisdom or thoughts on embracing a meditation practice?

What role can diet play in autoimmune health, and what does the science say about plant-based eating and multiple sclerosis?

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we speak with Dr Elizabeth George, a board-certified family physician and co-founder of the Healthy Eating Adventure programme. With more than 40 years of experience in preventive care, she shares why she began exploring the impact of diet on chronic disease and autoimmune conditions.

The conversation explores the growing research linking whole-food plant-based diets, inflammation and the gut microbiome. Dr George explains how fibre-rich plant foods support beneficial gut bacteria, which produce compounds that help maintain gut health and influence immune function.

We also discuss practical ways people can start eating more plant-based foods, the importance of community support when making lifestyle changes, and how to have constructive conversations about diet with healthcare professionals.

Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Dr George’s bio.

02:38 – Why a family physician turned to plant-based medicine 05:22 – The community experiment that launched a 28-day plant-based programme 09:53 – Can plant-based diets influence autoimmune conditions like MS? 11:42 – Gut microbiome, fibre and the link to inflammation 14:26 – Why most doctors receive little nutrition education in training 16:08 – Real patient stories of lifestyle change and chronic disease improvement 18:37 – Simple ways to start eating more whole plant foods 20:45 – How community groups help people sustain lasting lifestyle changes 24:38 – Talking to your doctor about diet and lifestyle choices 27:48 – Making plant-based cooking easy, enjoyable and family-friendly

• Connect with Dr Elizabeth George
• Follow Dr George on Facebook
• New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
• Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
• Visit the Overcoming MS website

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest

• Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
• Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.

If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.

Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.

If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.