MS Understood

After working in a high powered, incredibly busy job Courtney noticed she had developed vertigo and was struggling to walk in a straight line. After her diagnosis Courtney focused on simplifying and being less stressed, one habit at s time. The thread of simple and stress free are strong throughout Courtneys life. We talk about the line in the sand, the before and after that comes from a chronic illness diagnosis and how it often feels self indulgent to really take time to care for ourselves with out a life changing diagnosis. Courtney's beautiful book, Soulful Simplicity inspired me to create more physical space in my home to create more emotional and mental space. There's so many great tidbits throughout this interview, I really hope you find something to take from this episode. Find Courtney on Instagram Find Courtney's work here Find Courtney's podcast here

Today on MS understood we chat with Steven. Steven shared a story that is all too familiar, being diagnosed as a young man at 16 and how confusing this can be in the formative years, when being a teenager is hard enough on it own. We talked about what am amazing financial support the NDIS is, and Steven not only receives the support but works for the NDIS and is so grateful to be able to give back. Steven shared with us about the book he wrote for his children, and now it's a children's book that can explain this crazy neurological disease. His book is called A Conversation About Multiple Sclerosis With My Family. Conversations About Multiple Sclerosis with My Family by Steven Koutsodontis

Hayley was diagnosed quite quickly, and after having two failed treatments she has been recommended to join the stem cell treatment at St Vincents hospital in Sydney. We talk about the eligibility criteria, why it's still a trial in Australia, and why it's such a difficult decision to make. Hayley is going to do a video journal of her stem cell process. I found this such an interesting chat about a different method of treatment available for MS in Australia. Follow Hayley's journey on Instagram Other chats about HSCT: Deciding on HSCT treatment with Victoria What it's like to have HSCT as a treatment with Shereena

This episode of MS Understood is sponsored by the Reassess Your MS campaign by Novartis Australia, helping people with MS to monitor their symptom changes and have informed discussions with their healthcare teams. Reassess Your MS Campaign Sarah shares with us about her diagnosis battling with a newborn, an unprecedented pandemic and a new business. Sarah talks about how her career in the law doesn't always fit with having MS. Sarah talks about being able to define the difference between ‘new family' tiredness and MS fatigue. Living with almost completely invisible symptoms is a battle in working in the legal profession, from finishing work earlier that traditional legal profession hours, not wearing high heels and working through cognitive issues. Sarah talks about how beneficial is has been to opening her own business and managing her MS. There's a lot of gems in this episode and I really hope at least one of them lands for you. Find Sarah on Instagram Multiple Sclerosis and Discrimination in the workplace with Catherine Brooks

When we recorded this interview Reena was in hospital in the process of receiving HSCT treatment for multiple sclerosis. After being diagnosed at 17, Reena was told for years that her MS was mild, even while having yearly relapses, and not to worry about taking medication to help stop progression of her disease. During this episode Reena talks through the process of getting approved for HSCT in England. Reena talks about what it's like to be going through the HSCT process. And we both talk about how bloody hard it is to live with multiple sclerosis. Deciding on HSCT as a treatment with Victoria

This chat with Brooke was full of so many lightbulb moments for me. We talk about a diagnosis leading to the uncovering of co exisiting conditions. I was activated when Brooke talked about using a wheelchair instead of pushing through. This conversation was a catalyst for my decision to start using a wheelchair. Brooke talks about using medicinal cannabis, and there's some links to other episodes about MC in the show notes if you're interested in others experiences. As mentioned in a lot of episodes we talk about the incredible level self awareness and how Brooke had to really take time to figure out who they were after the MS diagnosis. Unmasking is the term Brooke used and I think that is so accurate. Medicinal Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis with Marianna Gaul Medical Marijuana and Multiple Sclerosis with Matthew “Beardo' Herakovich Brooke on Instagram

Today on MS Understood we chat with Chris. We talked about the skewed view of disease in the world but particularly when working as a chronic care nurse working with people who are quite debilitated from their multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Living with MS and working in that space is curious and a constant reminder to Chris that is really is a spectrum disease. We talk about the guilt that arises in our relationships of not being able to do what we once did before diagnosis. We also talk about toxic positivity and being in denial after a diagnosis and the importance of finding a good psychologist or therapist after a diagnosis.

On today's episode of MS understood I chat with Victoria, an English expat living in Hong Kong. Victoria talks about her journey to deciding to have HSCT, how her symptoms show up now and how before she was diagnosed, as with so many of us, her experiences and awareness was only with people who lived with physical symptoms of MS. Victoria's mum also has MS, so she has grown up with the disease but at the time for interviewing she hadn't told her mum. Victoria shares with us why she decided to start the HSCT process, what really impacted her decision and why she started to fundraise for her treatment. Find Victoria on Instagram https://instagram.com/hot_m.s?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Support's Victorias Go Fund Me https://www.gofundme.com/f/victorias-race-for-stem-cell-hsct4vic

MS Understood Listener Survey Affirm. Affirmation Cards. A dose of daily inspiration for life with a chronic illness Today on the MS Understood Podcast we chat with Ashleigh Rose, from The A Rose Collective. Ashleigh is a ray of light who shares her MS story on Instagram and her website pretty candidly. Today she shares her difficult diagnosis story. I think story is really important to share how difficult t can be because the initial diagnosis can be such an overwhelming experience and how it's worth finding the team that works for you. Ashleigh chats about how her faith has helped her to accept her diagnosis. We talk about why she started sharing her MS life online, and finding a community of people who understand. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Ashleigh on Instagram @ARose, you can find me @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a review, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help.

MS Understood Listener Survey Affirm. Affirmation Cards. A dose of daily inspiration for life with a chronic illness Today on MS Understood we chat with public speaker, resilience coach, artist and medical advocate Justine Martin. We talk about how her life has done a complete 180 since diagnosis, we speak about how art has changed her life, and so much more. I seriously loved her answer to my "what's been the best thing to happen to you because of your MS?', so make sure to stick around to the end of the episode to hear that. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Justine on Facebook at JUZT art Justine Martin Artist, and you can find her Australian MS Support Facebook Group at Supporting Each Other With MS in Australia. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a review, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help

MS Understood Listener Survey Affirm. Affirmation Cards. A dose of daily inspiration for life with a chronic illness Today on the MS Understood Podcast we chat with comedian, actor, writer, screen writing teacher and MS advocate Tim Ferguson. He shares about using MS as your gimmick, why he accepted of his MS, how he gets by day to day, why he decided to disclose his diagnosis to the world, why people should employ with with disabilities and so much more. Links mentioned: Tim Ferguson's Book Carry A Big Stick Ep 5. Nina Crumpton Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Tim on Instagram at @therealtimferguson. You can find me @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms, and share this episode on your Instagram, don't forget to tag @MSUnderstoodPodcast. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help.

MS Understood Listener Survey Affirm. Affirmation Cards. A dose of daily inspiration for life with a chronic illness Today on the MS Understood Podcast we chat with Ardra Shephard who shares her MS story through her blog and Instagram Tripping On Air. Today Ardra talks about how bladder and bowl issues effect her, and how they shouldn't be so stigmatised, about why she shares her life so publicly on her blog and Instagram account, about ableism and expectations around love and marriage and the power of media in changing perceptions of people living with disabilities well as so much more. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Ardra at MS_Trippingonair on Instagram ad be sure to check out her blog Tripping On Air. You can find me @Clare.Reilly or @MSUnderstood Podcast. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on you other podcast listening platforms, and share this episode on you Instagram, don't forget to tag MSUnderstoodPodcast. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think might help. 14 Valentine's Day Questions about True Love and MS Tripping on Air: My Trip Through Life with MS Video | WebMD

MS Understood Listener Survey Affirm. Affirmation Cards. A dose of daily inspiration for life with a chronic illness Today on the MS Understood Podcast we chat with interviewer, teacher, writer and advocate Astrid Edwards. We talked about her chapter in the newly published Growing Up Disabled in Australia. She shares talks about trusting yourself when you know something just isn't right in your body, she offers suggestions about how we can make studying more comfortable for students living with chronic illnesses. Astrid shares her incredible list of MS related symptoms and how she now refuses to feel shame in relation to her MS. We had such a full chat where we covered so many topics. I'm absolutely sure there'll be something for everyone. Anonymous Was A Women - Fortitude Pain and Prejudice - Gabrielle Jackson Show Me Where It Hurts - Kylie Maslen Growing Up Disabled in Australia - Carly Findlay Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. I hope you enjoyed this chat as much as I did. You can find Astrid on Instagram @_astridedwards_. Don't forget to check out growing Up Disabled in Australia. You can find me @Clare.Reilly or @MSUnderstoodPodcast. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a review, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help.

Today on MS understood we chat with Carol Cooke. Carol like so many of us had a devastating diagnosis story. Through her story it is evident that mindset really is everything. After Carol was diagnosed she had to stop working and she created a whole new life herself. It's really true for Carol that there is a before and after her MS diagnosis. After her diagnosis she created a huge fundraiser that fund the MS Go For Gold scholarship, she became a Paralympian, she's written two books and is an incredible advocate for multiple sclerosis, What I love most about this conversation is the transformation Carol had at her diagnosis and how we can all live a second very fulfilling life after a diagnosis. Carol Cooke Finding Your Inner Gold The Force Within Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast.

AFFIRM. daily inspiration for life with a chronic illness link Today I'm chatting with Zoe and Rosie from Neurological Physiotherapy Geelong. We chat about the difference between muscular physio and a neurophysio. If and why you might see both types of physiotherapists. How an individual treatment plan is designed and how a neurophsyio can have a great wholistic understanding of our disease. I loved chatting with these ladies who have such a great overall understanding and kindness around life with MS. I hope you get something out of this chat and if you'd like to get in contact with them you can find the links in the show notes. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. Neurological Physiotherapy Geelong Website Neuro Physio Geelong

Today on MS understood we chat with Dave Walsh. Dave was training for able body strong man competition when he got his first MS symptoms. Having family members with MS didn't make Dave's diagnosis any easier. After grieving is love for the strong man competition he discovered disabled strong person events. Turns out this was great for rediscovering himself and steering away from toxic masculinity. He's now set to compete in the worlds strongest person events in Canada in June, and different to the abled bodied events, the disabled events are all self funded. Dave is running a crowd funding campaign to help get him to Canada, you can find a link to this in the show notes if you're happy to donate. Dave Walsh Instagram The Talking' Bull Talks... Disabled Sports Podcast. Get David Walsh To WSDM 2022 Crowdfunding campaign Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast.

I sat and chatted with my seven year old son about what it's like to have a mum with multiple sclerosis. I was given my diagnosis when Elliot was just two and a half, so it'd really all he has ever known. I also don't have invisible symptoms and can't hide them, so we're very open about MS in our house. This is just Elliot's experience. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast.

Today on MS understood we chat with Lissette Galarza. Lisette was passionate about changing her mindset but working towards small goals and took control of her life. Lisette went from struggling to walk to doing an Iron Man and she shares how she did that. We talk about how maintaining our health is stressful and a full time job. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast.

On today's episode we chat with Chantelle Otten. Chantelle is a Melbourne based Psycho-sexologist who is passionate about empowering people to feel great about their sexual health, self-esteem, communication and education. Chantelle is well known for her gorgeous voice, her educational Instagram account and her passion for normalising sexuality. She has built an incredible career and business around shattering taboos around sex and supporting people from all walks of life to embrace their sexuality. In this episode we chat about scheduling sex, how our mind is our biggest sexual organ and how, when and why to get in contact with a sex therapist, as well as so much more. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. Mating in captivity by Esther Perel Emily Nagosaki The Sex Ed You Never Had by Chantelle Otten

Today on MS understood we chat with Leann Stickel. Who works as a life coach with people with MS. She shares her diagnosis story, how she talked to her 4 kids about her diagnosis. She says she's genetically optimistic, how we can learn to be more positive and how her positivity was tested after her diagnosis. Leann is so positive that it's a joy to hear her speak. Hope you get some light out of listening to this episode. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast.

Today on MS Understood we hear from Mike Fitzsimon who is an exercise physiologist based in Melbourne. He excels at helping and supporting people to move well through life. Throughout this chat we talk about what an exercise physiologist is, why they can help, when we could start going to an EP and the difference between a physiotherapist, an EP and a personal trainer. I started seeing an EP after my chat with Jillian Kingsford Smith and swear by it. If you're considering checking out an EP, I highly recommend listening to this chat with Mike. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. Pride Plus Multiple Sclerosis, the Great Wake Up call with Jillian Kingsford Smith Exercise Sports Science Australia

Today on MS understood we chat with Julie Stamm. Wrote a beautiful book call Some Days. After having rough days and writing letters to her son she turned these heart felt letters into a gorgeous children's book. We spend a lot of time chatting about how we are raising our kids, and the guilt we feel when asking for help. Julie's sister also has MS and she talks about how heaps of people in her grade school or primary school who have been diagnosed with autoimmune diseases. We chat about grief 15 years after diagnosis and how it's ok to grieve but you can't sit in it. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. Some Days by Julie Stamm Find Julie on Instagram @thedancermovement is the dance organisation Julie spoke about

Today on MS understood we chat with Dr Sally Shaw. She is a psychologist who was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago. Sally works with a lot of people who live with MS, which I think is so great. Imagine seeing a psychologist who understands exactly what you're going through. I loved this chat! We talked about realistic optimism, a phrase I am now absolutely in love with, we talk about finding ourselves post diagnosis and how must people really don't have to find themselves. Sally shares her diagnosis story, which I think is so cool coming from a professional in our care teams. We chat about why everyone should find a psychologist, even it's a few casual appointments. And seriously, so much more. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. VIA Character survey Dr. Sally Shaw Focussed Health Psychology MS Get Your Head Around It online course

Find the Reassess Your MS interactive assessment tool at reassess.com.au Today on MS understood we chat with Lexi Uff. We talk a lot about staying aware of our symptoms and keeping an eye on ever the ever changing nature of our disease. We talk about meditation and how that has been the best thing Lexi has added to her arsenal and how we should all find what works for us. I noticed throughout this episode and Lexi agreed that even after 12 years, journeys of acceptance and learning about our diagnosis can move and weave back and forth as we learn to work with our body as things change. And we talk about why Lexi decided to share her story publicly on Instagram. This episode of MS Understood is sponsored by Novartis Australia and the Reassess Your MS campaign #Ad.

Today on MS Understood we are chatting with Dr Samantha Balistreri. She's a physical therapist who works primarily with people who have multiple sclerosis and has even written a book for those wh have a new diagnosis called Breakthrough Multiple Sclerosis: For the Newly Diagnosed and Minimally Impaired. You can find the link check it out in the show notes. In this episode we talk about what prehabilitation is and why it's so important for those of us with MS, how there is primary and secondary fatigue in MS, how important it is to be the team captain of your care team. I really enjoyed this chat with Sam and I hope you get something out of it. What To Do When Newly Diagnosed With Dr. Samantha Benson Breakthrough Multiple Sclerosis: For the newly diagnosed and minimally impaired Find Sam on Facebook Find Sam on Instagram

Today on MS understood we chat with Christy Batta. She has a beautiful hand lettering business called Human Plus Kind Co where she makes hand lettering about her MS experience. My favourite quote she shares is Because MS. We talk a lot today about the fears around others expectations of us living with an invisible disease and how this has impacted Christy's experiences. Christy talks about bravery, how there are different types of bravery and how some bravery quotes are really just toxic positivity. Christy so generously shares how she thought she had accepted her diagnosis 10 years ago but is now realising that she hasn't. I think this is so valuable to share, acceptance is like grief, nonlinear. Human Plus Kind Co Instagram Human Plus Kind Co Etsy Find me on Instagram - @Clare.Reilly

On this episode of MS Understood we have Katy back to talk about how her mountaineering trip went. Her story is really one that makes me want to get up and go, make some sweet goals and start moving towards them. I'm so excited to be able to share her story with you. Find Katy on Instagram

Today on MS understood we chat with Katy Glenie. We cover a lot of things in this episode. Katy talks about how she has a meditation break in the middle of the day, as this allows a mini reset so she can feel refreshed for the afternoon. Katy mentions that she sees her neurophysio over zoom and how well that works. Just as a reminder for those of us who don't have a neuro specific physio in our area. Katy also chats about reframing adventure and her next big adventure. In this chat we talks about her plans to go mountaineering up a 3000 meter peak in New Zealand. If you enjoy this chat with Katy, make sure to check out the next episode for an update on how her trip went. Find Katy on Instagram

Today on MS Understood we are chatting with Jo Betz, who is giving grief a voice. I first heard Jo's story about loosing her husband suddenly on another podcast and knew that I needed to talk with her for the MS Understood podcast about grief. We talk about the 5 stages of grief and how it's a great initial framework but doesn't list all of the emotions that we go through. We talk about the bullshit 'self care' and how on those days of deep grief it's really important to look after our basic needs. While Jo's experience of grief is around death and ours is around an incurable illness there are so many similarities between how we process these incredible emotions. I hope you get something out of this chat, just as I did. Jo Betz on The Choice with Amy Bett Jo Betz on Instagram More about Jo and her Grief Journal Find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly

Today on MS understood we chat with Ashley Ratcliff. Soon after Ashley was diagnosed with MS she wrote a part memoir, part self help book, Jesus Year: The first year of the rest of my life after I was diagnosed with MS to provide others with what she needed when she got diagnosed. Ashley is passionate about people being their own advocates, finding a team to support you and about asking for help. Jesus Year: The first Year of the Rest of My Life After I Was Diagnosed With MS Ashley Ratcliff Instagram Clare Reilly Instagram

Today on MS Understood we are chatting with Alanna from YO-T, where she blends the benefits of yoga and occupational therapy interventions. We talk about the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy. We talk about mental health support with yoga and the connection to sense of self through this modality. We talk about strengths that Alanna has seen in his clients with multiple sclerosis. She says that sometimes our strengths get ignored. YO-T website Dr Gretchen Hawley website YO-T Instagram @Clare.Reilly on Instagram

Find the Reassess Your MS interactive assessment tool at reassess.com.au Today on MS Understood we chat with Sarah Preissner. Sarah's story takes us back to when she was 8 years old when she and her mother noticed that her hand writing was messy and she had no control over it, she was then not diagnosed until the day after her 13th birthday. We talk about how it grew with her and how grief for her looked so different to what it does for others given that she was so young. She finds she now grieves for her parents having to go through that with their child. And while she didn't grieve for herself when she was young, she's now finding it something she really has to put focus on now that her and her husband are talk about having a family. We talk about how an MS diagnosis can be seen as an excuse or crutch from the outside, and when Sarah heard people saying this about her, she and her sister decided to run a half marathon. This episode of MS Understood is sponsored by Novartis Australia and the Reassess Your MS campaign #Ad.

Today on MS Understood we are chatting with Sarah who was my local area coordinator with the NDIS. Today we talk about all things NDIS. She shares tips on how to get initially accepted access into the NDIS, and then talk through the next steps. She answers questions from Instagram like, what's completely unreasonable to ask for, how does she recommend creating a good application, and what's the most outrageous thing she has heard anyone requesting. I know NDIS can be tricky to navigate and I really hope this can help you with your application. Project Euphoria website Project Euphoria Instagram

Find the Reassess Your MS interactive assessment tool at reassess.com.au Today on MS understood we chat with Lance Lugo. He reached out to me to share his story, as a man who is Native American/Hispanic it's not a story we hear often. Today is a big one so buckle in. Lance is so open about his battle with alcohol and how that impacts his MS symptoms. He has two half sisters who also have MS and since his diagnosis has realised that he could have reached out to them more before this diagnosis. We talk a bit about Lance's cultural heritage and how that impacts his diagnosis and how he has dealt with the emotional impact of the diagnosis. This episode of MS Understood is sponsored by Novartis Australia and the Reassess Your MS campaign #Ad.

Today on MS Understood is the first episode where I chat with someone doesn't have MS but can provide support to those who do. In the online MS community DR Gretchen Hawley needs no introduction. She is a physical therapist or physiotherapist who has trained specifically to support those with multiple sclerosis. We talk about how improving walking can mean different things to different people, how preventative physiotherapy is so important, we talk about neuroplasticity and how our brains can find new pathways to send the messages, we also talked about how this process of improvement can take a long time. Dr Gretchen Hawley website

Today is an interview with, well, me. When I interviewed Stephen way back when I started the podcast, we got off the recording he offered that if I ever wanted to be interviewed myself then he would be honoured to do that. So I reached out to him for my 12 month anniversary of starting the podcast to interview me. In today's episode we talk about how the podcast has gone over the 12 months and tips that I've learnt from others while doing the podcast, how I feel about famous people getting diagnosed with MS, how having funding from the NDIS has changed my life and some highlights from my plans, as well as the best thing to come from my diagnosis and what I would tell people to make MS more understood. Before we get into the interview I just want to say a huge thank you to Stephen for taking the time to interview me, I want to say thank you to anyone who has listened to even one episode, thank you to my parents and friends who listened to my idea before I was ready to dive in, thank you to anyone who has volunteered their time to be a guest on the show, obviously this podcast wouldn't exist without you and thank you to anyone who has listened to an episode and taken the time to send me a message, the podcast is still going because of you! I'm really excited for the next 12 months of MS Understood, I'm mixing things up a little bit. I have some incredible interviews coming for you from an MS Physiotherapist, from someone who use to work at the NDIS, occupational therapists and someone who is all to close with grief, as well as incredible and inspiring episode from people from all over the world who live with MS. Constant Pain and Multiple Sclerosis with Stephen Papadopolous Multiple Sclerosis, the Great Wake Up Call with Jillian Kingsford Smith

Today on MS understood we chat with Rachel Reus. Rachel tells a story that will be all too common these days, being diagnosed during lockdown. We talk about having never met her neurologist in person. How she was diagnosed after having an epileptic fit. She yet another person living with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis who has no symptoms. And we talk about her desire to have kids and how MS impacts how she looks at the future. Multiple Sclerosis Mamas with Clarissa Hidalgo Pregnancy, Breast Feeding and Multiple Sclerosis Clare Wilkin Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message my instagram account. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help.

Today on MS understood we chat with Dannii Orawiec. Dannii is an Emotional Health & Expression Coach; Holding her Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology and trained in emotional & energetic clearing, she now marries science with energetics to support epic healing and change for her clients. Her life mission is to show people that speaking their heart and showing their true selves - whether it's in the bedroom or the boardroom - can be safe, and create incredible depth, trust and intimacy in their relationships. We had a beautiful conversation about finding the diet that works for you, we talk about preventative models of health care, Dannii talks about her careful use of language around the diagnosis of MS, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. Dannii also includes the Wim Hoff Method in her health care kit, the cold therapy and breathing. As someone who lives with no symptoms Dannii shares so many things that struck a cord with me and I hope they do with you too. You can find Dannii on Instagram at @danniiorawiec. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The Connection documentary Wim Hoff method When the Body Says No: The cost of hidden stress

Today on MS understood we chat with Cara Molloy from Derry in the north of Ireland. When Cara was dealing with her per diagnosis symptoms she was living in London working in the career field of her dreams in the entertainment industry. Since moving back to Ireland because of both covid and her diagnosis she has started volunteering as a music therapist as is loving it. Throughout this chat Cara talks about having no zero days, a concept that I love, where she aims to do something, just one thing every day. She also talks about how she hasn't yet accepted her diagnosis, but the fear surrounding what might happen and how her future might looks dissipated. Before we get into todays episode, I wanted to share something that I'm super passionate about. For over 10 years I have been sharing simple living tips and tricks online. Initially our simple living adventure started because of our need to be budget conscious, and continued because of our passion for the environment. At the moment, if you signup to my newsletter list, the link is in the show notes or go to Clarereilly.com/newsletter, you can have access to my brand new ebook 10 Steps to living the simple life with a chronic illness and you can get a 15% off code to my sourdough bread made simple ecourse. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Cara on Instagram at @the_ms_adventure. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message my instagram account. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help.

Today on MS understood we chat with Bridget Botelho. She is a certified integrative health practitioner who helps women with autoimmune issues intuitively rebalance their bodies to reclaim their energy and power. After her own personal journey living with Multiple Sclerosis she became inspired to be a health practitioner. Today we talk about supporting ourselves through a holistic approach, how everyone is so different in what their body needs and how Bridget uses holistic modalities and takes pharmaceutical medication for her MS. Bridget talks about how long it took her to develop acceptance after being diagnosed at 17, and shares an incredible story about going to therapy that I found quite relatable and compelling. Before we get into todays episode, I wanted to share something that I'm super passionate about. For over 10 years I have been sharing simple living tips and tricks online. Initially our simple living adventure started because of our need to be budget conscious, and continued because of our passion for the environment. At the moment, if you signup to my newsletter list, the link is in the show notes or go to Clarereilly.com/newsletter, you can have access to my brand new ebook 10 Steps to living the simple life with a chronic illness and you can get a 15% off code to my sourdough bread made simple ecourse. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Bridget on Instagram at @immune.intuition. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message my instagram account. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help.

Get my 10 tips to living the simple life with a chronic illness ebook here - http://www.Clarereilly.com/newsletter Today on MS understood we chat with Leanne Robson. Leanne is a mum of three girls who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2020. Leanne started having symptoms four years ago and had heaps of visits to the doctors regarding that, she was told her MRI was clear and that she had possibly had a stroke. Early in 2020, after having numbness down one side she ignored it because she had been brushed off so many times before. Finally she was diagnosed in March 2020. Throughout this episode we talk about how she talks to her girls about it. She's very open about having not come to terms with her diagnosis and how hard it's been. She also, like so many others talks about how the community has gotten her through. Before we get into todays episode, I wanted to share something that I'm super passionate about. For over 10 years I have been sharing simple living tips and tricks online. Initially our simple living adventure started because of our need to be budget conscious, and continued because of our passion for the environment. At the moment, if you signup to my newsletter list, the link is in the show notes or go to Clarereilly.com/newsletter, you can have access to my brand new ebook 10 Steps to living the simple life with a chronic illness and you can get a 15% off code to my sourdough bread made simple ecourse. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Leanne on Instagram at @l3ann3r0bs0n19. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message my instagram account. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help.

Get my 10 tips to living the simple life with a chronic illness ebook here - http://www.Clarereilly.com/newsletter Today on MS understood we chat with Edie Sohigian. Edie was working as a vice principal when she was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a high powered, stressful job and she had a stressful home life growing up and was unable to tolerate things very well. Throughout this chat about many things in this episode. Edie chats bout how and why her pool has been a life saver. How stress is one of her top triggers, and the things she's had to do to release that trigger. Edie also hosts a podcast called Thriving Over Surviving and she lights up when she talks about it, the incredibly supportive online multiple sclerosis community and why she decided to share these uplifting stories. Before we get into todays episode, I wanted to share something that I'm super passionate about. For over 10 years I have been sharing simple living tips and tricks online. Initially our simple living adventure started because of our need to be budget conscious, and continued because of our passion for the environment. At the moment, if you signup to my newsletter list, the link is in the show notes or go to Clarereilly.com/newsletter, you can have access to my brand new ebook 10 Steps to living the simple life with a chronic illness and you can get a 15% off code to my sourdough bread made simple ecourse. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Edie on Instagram at @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast, and you can find links to anything we chatted about in the show notes. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message my instagram account. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Get my 10 tips to living the simple life with a chronic illness ebook here - http://clarereilly.com/newsletter Today on MS understood we chat with Kate Wain a passionate MS advocate who believes that the more we talk about our illness the more understanding there will be in the world. Throughout this lovely chat Kate talks about her passion for fitness and how she's fitter now then before her diagnosis. About how the MS community is one of the best things to come from her diagnosis, something echoed by some many guests on the podcast. We also chat about how that initial step of going to the neurologist nearly didn't happen. Before we get into todays episode, I wanted to share something that I'm super passionate about. For over 10 years I have been sharing simple living tips and tricks online. Initially our simple living adventure started because of our need to be budget conscious, and continued because of our passion for the environment. At the moment, if you signup to my newsletter list, the link is in the show notes or go to Clarereilly.com/newsletter, you can have access to my brand new ebook 10 Steps to living the simple life with a chronic illness and you can get a 15% off code to my sourdough bread made simple ecourse. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Kate on Instagram at @Kate_Wain, and you can find links to anything we chatted about in the show notes. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message my instagram account. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Today on MS understood we chat with Fatima Mese is a hard working mum of two young-ins who works in the disability space as an NDIS support coordinator. Fatima has lived with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis for 10 years and while it's a part of her, she's so much more than her MS, as we all are. Today we chat about why Fatima didn't want to disclose her diagnosis and why she eventually decided to, we chat about different medications and how they effected her differently, and she shares some tips on how she lives her best life, and fits exercise into her busy life. I'm honoured to be able to share stories from people living with MS from all works of life from all over the world. Something you could do to help me out is give me a five star review, this helps others to be exposed to the podcast. and may just reached a newly diagnosed person when they really needed it. Alright let's dive in to todays chat. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. You can find Fatima on Instagram at @fatima_mese, and you can find links to anything we chatted about in the show notes. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message my instagram account. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Today on MS understood we chat with Jess who is one half of Rethink MS. We chat about the life changing time of becoming a new mum and then having an MS diagnosis so soon after that. Jess shares how she's navigated the diagnosis process as part of the LGBTQI+ community and the assumptions made by medical professionals. Jess talked about Rethink MS the live stream podcast she and her friend started to share their lived experiences and what life is like for them with MS. Jess also talks about introducing medicinal canabis to her medical arsenal and how it's been surprisingly refreshing. I'm honoured to be able to share stories from people living with MS from all works of life from all over the world. Something you could do to help me out is give me a five star review, this helps others to be exposed to the podcast. and may just reached a newly diagnosed person when they really needed it. Alright let's dive in to todays chat. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. you can find Jess on Instagram at @rethink_ms, and you can find links to anything we chatted about in the show notes. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message my instagram account. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Today on MS understood we chat with Elise from msbreakingbarriers on Instagram. Elise was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis within seven hours of her first symptoms in Athens, Greece. She talked about the huge difference between getting diagnosed in Greece and then having to come home to Australia and get diagnosed again. We talk a lot about medical gaslighting, which is not something that I have experienced. Elise talked about how her symptoms weren't taken seriously and she was told she was depressed. We talk about the amount of lesions versus the location of the lesions makes the biggest impact. We talk about the emotional impact of having MS, living every day with debilitating symptoms and how much life changes, and the loss we go through. Elise is a teacher and talks about how she returned to work after her diagnosis with the support from her school. We covered so many things in this chat and I really hope you'll find something in it that resonates with you. I'm honoured to be able to share stories from people living with MS from all works of life from all over the world. Something you could do to help me out is give me a five star review, this helps others to be exposed to the podcast. and may just reached a newly diagnosed person when they really needed it. Alright let's dive in to todays chat. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. you can find Elise on Instagram at @msbreakingbarriers, and you can find links to anything we chatted about in the show notes. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Today we chat with Annette Evans. As a relatively private person Annette reached out to share story on MS Understood, after listening to the podcast and getting something out of each one. She thought that if she's got so much out of it, then someone might get something from her story. We chat about being a registered nurse and how that impacted her awareness around her diagnosis. We also talked about why Annette and her family decided it was time for her to stop work. Soon after her diagnosis Annette and her fiancé at the time decided to return home from their working holiday in Scotland and travelled home through Asia, we chatted about why that was important and how she managed her new diagnosis. We talked about if her life looked very different now to what she imagined pre-diagnosis. I'm honoured to be able to share stories from people living with MS from all works of life from all over the world. Something you could do to help me out is give me a five star review, this helps others to be exposed to the podcast. and may just reached a newly diagnosed person when they really needed it. Alright let's dive in to todays chat. FACETS program Wellbeing Neuro Course Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. you can find Annette on Instagram at @honeyblushdeisgns, and you can find links to anything we chatted about in the show notes. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly or @MSUnderstoodPodcast. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Today on MS understood we chat with Clarissa Hidalgo. Clarissa received her yoga teacher certification in 2017. She had begun practicing after her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2010, and experiencing mobility issues in 2012. After becoming pregnant in 2015 she discovered and fell in love with prenatal yoga. He speciality has become accessible yoga, working with those of all bodies and abilities. After the birth of her second daughter Clarissa founded Multiple Sclerosis Mamas, a facebook support group for women with multiple sclerosis. And is currently creating a paid wellness program for women with multiple sclerosis. Throughout this chat we talked about being mamas with MS, and how difficult that can be, we talked about the community that Clarissa has built and the support that she gives and receives in there and we chatted about her finding yoga and how that's changed her life. I hope you get something out of this chat, just like I did. I'm honoured to be able to share stories from people living with MS from all works of life from all over the world. Something you could do to help me out is give me a five star review, this helps others to be exposed to the podcast. and may just reached a newly diagnosed person when they really needed it. Alright let's dive in to todays chat. Mother to baby Multiple Sclerosis Mamas Facebook Group Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. you can find Clarissa on Instagram at @multiplesclerosismamas, and you can find links to anything we chatted about in the show notes. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly or @MSUnderstoodPodcast. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Today on MS Understood we chat with Marianne Gaul. Marianne reach out to me after I shared Beardo's episode where we talk briefly about medical cannabis. I loved being able to continue the conversation MC and ask all of the questions. She explained the difference between off the street marijuana and medicinal cannabis. We also chatted about Peer Support through MS Connect in our states and how you can easily get incredible one on one or group support. Marianne talked about how she managed her huge work days, how changing medication changed her life and how her family support has been so crucial for her. Medical Marijuana and Multiple Sclerosis with Beardo Tim Ferguson MS Connect - 1800 042 138 Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. If you're interested in any of the information that Marianne spoke about please get in contact with me and I can connect you with Marianne. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly or @MSUnderstoodPodcast. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help

Today on MS Understood we chat with news anchor Katie Collett. She shares about managing her MS symptoms while being a morning news anchor and why she talks about her MS symptoms with her viewers, she talks about what a day looks like for her and how she manages her fatigue, we've both got seven year old boys and we talk about talking with them about our multiple sclerosis. It was such a lovely chat, I really hope you enjoy it. I'm honoured to be able to share stories from people living with MS from all works of life from all over the world. Something you could do to help me out is give me a five star review, this helps others to be exposed to the podcast. and may just reached a newly diagnosed person when they really needed it. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. you can find Katie on Instagram at @KatieCollettTV where she shares behind the scenes of life as a news anchor with MS. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly or @MSUnderstoodPodcast. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a rating, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help

Today on MS Understood we chat with MS advocate Kelly Wright. Kelly's mum passed away from a common cold due to weakness caused by her multiple sclerosis, when Kelly was just 16. Even after having lived with it for her life, she still put her symptoms down to a pinched nerve. Kelly moved across the world to manage her temperature sensitive, and wears the highest heals she can because her feet are numb. In fact she wore gorgeous red stilettos on a fundraising walk across the Great Wall of China. We talk about how the grief of diagnosis never goes away. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of MS Understood. Please head over to Instagram and check out Kelly at @kellywright_msfighter. You can find me on Instagram @Clare.Reilly or @MSUnderstoodPodcast. The best thing you can do to support this podcast is click follow on Spotify, Subscribe on your other podcast listening platforms and leave a review, this helps others find the podcast. I'm always looking for new guests for the MS Understood podcast, if this is you or someone you know, please send me a message via either of my instagram accounts. In an effort to make sure to have representation I'd love to hear from any members of the lGBTQI+ community, our Black and BIPOC community or any men willing to share their stories of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks again for listening and please share this episode with someone you think it might help