Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

Spasticity and spasms are common MS symptoms that vary from person to person and can be challenging to understand and manage.  

In this episode, we explore how these symptoms can feel with the help of our MS community and what you can do about them.  

We asked MS specialist physiotherapist Wendy Hendrie to share her near 40 years of experience with us.  

We are very glad we did, because we learned such a huge amount. In fact, so much so that we can almost guarantee you will too in the next hour.  

And this know-how could make a real difference to the way you understand and approach your spasticity and spasms.  

She breaks these complex symptoms down in a way that’s easy to follow. She explores trigger factors, including pain – even pain you can’t feel due to loss of sensation – bladder and bowels, posture and positioning including pelvis alignment and head movement. Plus exercise, night spasms and the importance of getting medication reviews especially if you haven’t seen your MS team in a while.

Episode notes

• Spasticity and spasms - MS Trust information
• What do MS spasticity and muscle spasms feel like? - MS Trust information
• Managing spasticity and spasms - MS Trust information
• Download or order our free book on Managing spasticity and spasms - MS Trust information
• Learn what may be triggering your spasticity and spasms
• Thrower B et al.
  Recognition, Description, and Variability of Spasticity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis and Potential Barriers to Clinician-Patient Dialogue: Results From SEEN-MSS, a Large-Scale, Self-Reported Survey
  International Journal of MS Care. 2024; 26 (2): 75-80
  Summary
• Peer support: join our MS Trust Facebook community (public group)
• Peer support: join our Advanced MS Care and Support Facebook community (private group) 
• Spoon theory explanation video

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

Talking about living with MS can be a tough thing to do, but open and honest conversations are vital in building understanding for the condition. In this special episode for MS Awareness Week 2025, we explore the power of MS conversations—why they matter and how they can make a difference.

 This MS Awareness Week, we're working with the MS Society, MS Together, MS-UK, Neuro Therapy Network, Overcoming MS, Shift.ms and Talks with M.S. to shine a light on conversations and why they're important.

 So in this episode Dr Claire Winchester, Head of Engagement at the MS Trust, joins us to discuss the essential resources available to help people navigate discussions about MS with friends, family, colleagues or health professionals.  Plus, Helena sits down with the CEO and founder of MS Together Amy Thompson to reflect on real-life MS conversations they have had and the lessons learned from them.

Tune in and be part of the dialogue!

Show notes

mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/ms-awareness-week - all information you need to get started having those important MS Conversations

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

Have you been told "nothing can be done" to treat progressive MS? Then this is the episode for you. Join Nick and Helena as they debunk this myth with the expertise of neurologist Dr. Emma Tallantyre, exploring current medical and non-medical treatments, effective symptom management, and rehabilitation therapies. 

Plus, get the inside scoop on the MS Trust's new book, "Progression in MS," from its creators. Get informed, feel supported, and discover the resources available to help you make sense of progressive MS.

Episode notes

Progression in MS free book from MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/a-z/secondary-progressive-ms - secondary progressive MS info from the MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/a-z/primary-progressive-ms - primary progressive MS info from the MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/ms-and-your-emotions  - MS and your emotions  info from the MS Trust

www.facebook.com/groups/advancedmscareandsupport - MS Trust facebook group for people with advanced MS and their carers.

www.facebook.com/groups/multiplesclerosistrust - MS Trust facebook group 

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

In this bonus episode, we share some people with MS journeys of coming to terms with a progressive MS diagnosis. Adam, who lives with secondary progressive MS, is joined by his wife and carer, Sharon. Together, they reflect on how they navigate the complexities of their shared experience, from the emotional challenges to the practical ways they've found balance and connection. 

 Yvonne, living with primary progressive MS, opens up about how she dealt with her diagnoses, the initial shock and anger, and how she gradually discovered ways to regain a sense of control.

Episode notes

mstrust.org.uk/a-z/secondary-progressive-ms - secondary progressive MS info from the MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/a-z/primary-progressive-ms - primary progressive MS info from the MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/ms-and-your-emotions  - MS and your emotions  info from the MS Trust

www.facebook.com/groups/advancedmscareandsupport - MS Trust facebook group for people with advanced MS and their carers.

www.facebook.com/groups/multiplesclerosistrust - MS Trust facebook group 

instagram.com/meyouandmultiplesclerosis - Adam and Sharon's instagram account 

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

Receiving the news that your MS is progressing can be a life-altering moment. In this podcast episode, we explore the emotional impact of this change and the journey towards acceptance and adjustment.

Helena and Nick are joined by Dr Angeliki Bogosian, a health psychologist specialising in MS, who shares insights on coping strategies, the importance of psychological support, and how mindfulness can help with emotional adjustment.

We also hear real-life stories from Adam and Sharon, as well as Yvonne, who open up about their experiences of living with progressive MS. From the initial shock and frustration to finding ways to regain control and maintain a fulfilling life, their stories are brimming with honesty and useful tips.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or navigating changes in your MS, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone

Listen now for expert information, real-life experiences, and practical ways to move forward with confidence.

Episode notes

Progression in MS free book from MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/a-z/secondary-progressive-ms - secondary progressive MS info from the MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/a-z/primary-progressive-ms - primary progressive MS info from the MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/ms-and-your-emotions  - MS and your emotions  info from the MS Trust

www.facebook.com/groups/advancedmscareandsupport - MS Trust facebook group for people with advanced MS and their carers.

www.facebook.com/groups/multiplesclerosistrust - MS Trust facebook group 

instagram.com/meyouandmultiplesclerosis - Adam and Sharon's instagram account 

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

From challenges to special moments: advanced MS comes with a whole heap of them both. Listen now to hear three different perspectives: a person living with advanced MS, a carer and a health professional.

We’re tackling advanced MS in this podcast episode of ‘Breaking it down’.

Disclaimer: we discuss some sensitive topics in our interviews, including difficult MS symptoms and death.

We hear from Advanced MS Champion, Michelle Black, about how she supports people living with MS and what she sees, day in, day out.

Plus, Mark Webb talks us through his life with advanced MS, from indoor skydiving to daily challenges. We also catch up with Jen, who cared for her husband Dave until he sadly passed away. She takes us through their routine, community and those special moments together.

Ready to learn alongside us and hear the stories from our guests? Listen now.

Episode notes

mstrust.org.uk/a-z/advanced-ms - info from the MS Trust

mstrust.org.uk/health-professionals/programmes/advanced-ms-champions-programme -  info about the MS Trust Advanced MS Champions programme

www.facebook.com/groups/advancedmscareandsupport - MS Trust facebook group for people with advanced MS and their carers.

onemanandhiscatheters.com - Mark Webbs blogg

facebook.com/groups/MSCarersClubUK- carers group on Facebook Jen talk about

www.n-compass.org.uk - organisation that helped Jen get counselling 

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

Join us for a jargon busting, myth smashing podcast where we explore baffling multiple sclerosis terms and common misconceptions.

Ever heard terms like PIRA, RAW, or smouldering MS that’ve left you scratching your head and asking for a translation to plain English?

Better yet, have you been on the receiving end of a baffling tale involving one of the many MS myths out there?

 “My friend Gary told me that exercise is bad for MS, so don’t bother.”

Yep, we’ve heard them all too. That’s why we’re here with a jargon busting, myth smashing podcast where we separate the wheat from the chaff, the fact from fiction and get to the honest truth.

 We interview consultant neurologist, Dr Kate Petheram who cuts through multiple sclerosis jargon to give us easily accessible information. Plus, we catch up with Stephen, who lives with MS, and Simon from the MS Trust team to dispel some common MS myths.

 Ready to learn more? Then listen now for all of the latest trusted information, tips and updates.

Show Notes

• MS Trust Helpline
• MS Trust Shop - Here you can download all MS Trust publications for free
• Supporting the MS Trust - information from the MS Trust
• MS Trust Facebook Group - join our facebook group
• mstrust.org.uk/a-z/- MS Trust - Here you can find explanation of MS jargon
• mstrust.org.uk/information-support/about-ms/what-is-ms#myths-misunderstandings - MS myths and misunderstandings
• mstrust.org.uk/news/focus-fact-or-fiction - Article written by Simon on how to fact check information
• mstrust.org.uk/information-support/work-money-legal/working-life  - MS Trust information about work and MS

Call our free helpline on 0800 032 38 39 for practical information you can trust. Or email [email protected]. We're here weekdays from 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. 

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

What questions have the MS community been asking in 2024? We took to social media and analysed our helpline enquiries to find out.

Dr Claire Winchester and Corinne from our helpline team take us through the topics and explore the available information, support and self-management strategies.

Plus, we cover some of the more unusual things that you’ve been asking about, like tattoos, Botox and lip fillers. Ready to find out more?

Listen now for trusted information, tips and more.

Show Notes

• MS Trust Helpline
• MS Trust Shop - Here you can download all MS Trust publications for free
• Supporting the MS Trust - information from the MS Trust
• MS Trust Facebook Group
• mstrust.org.uk/a-z/fatigue - MS Trust information about fatigue
• mstrust.org.uk/information-support/newly-diagnosed - MS Trust information for the newly diagnosed
• mstrust.org.uk/information-support/work-money-legal/working-life  - MS Trust information about work and MS
• mstrust.org.uk/information-support/home-and-travel/equipment -  MS Trust information about equipment
• mstrust.org.uk/a-z/botulinum-toxin-botox   MS Trust information about botox
• mstrust.org.uk/a-z/mcdonald-criteria MS Trust information about about the McDonald's Criteria
• mstrust.org.uk/news/think-you-know-how-spot-uti - Think you can spot an UTI - info from the MS Trust

Call our free helpline on 0800 032 38 39 for practical information you can trust. Or email [email protected]. We're here weekdays from 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. 

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

Is public transport derailing your life? We caught up with Meg Barnett (Transport For All), Flora (MS Trust helpline), Richard Sprenger and Antoinette Mohamed on public transport tips, helpful information and all the latest resources.

 “It’s just really complicated. I hate having medical appointments because it’s so difficult to get to them.” - Antoinette

 Does this sound familiar? If public transport is derailing your life, you’re not alone.

Between all of the planning, symptom management, inaccessible stations and social interactions, public transport can feel like you’ve got a one-way ticket to exhaustion on the fatigue express.

 In fact, 77% of people in our study reported feelings of isolation due to barriers in transport and travel.

 That’s why we caught up with Meg Barnett from the charity Transport For All, Flora from the MS Trust helpline team, MS Trust Ambassador Richard Sprenger and regular MS Trust blogger Antoinette Mohamed.

 Our podcast guests talk us through their public transport wins and the inevitable disaster journeys. Plus, we hear about helpful apps, journey planning tips and where to turn to when our travels go severely off-track.

 Whilst we know that we can’t wave a magic wand and fix public transport for the MS community, this episode might just give you a little more confidence the next time you’re setting sail on an adventure.

 Listen now for all of the latest trusted information and tips.

Episode Notes
Driving and Transport - info from MS Trust
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/home-and-travel/driving-and-public-transport
Life changing: getting around with MS - information from MS Trust  mstrust.org.uk/news/life-changing-getting-around-ms
Transport for All - www.transportforall.org.uk
Passenger Assistance - passengerassistance.com
Citymapper - travel planner app - citymapper.com/?lang=en
MS Trust Facebook Group

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39

Are you wondering how to stay productive while managing MS? Perhaps you are looking for ways to disclose your diagnosis without derailing your career?  Then join us as we delve into the topic of MS at work.

Hosts Nick and Helena explore the impact of Multiple Sclerosis in the workplace and share strategies for Bringing Your MS to Work.

We have a jam-packed show with four fantastic guests:

• Dr. Blanca de Dios Pérez, a postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, who shares her research aimed at helping people with MS stay in the workforce for as long as they choose with the help of vocational rehab.
• Amy and Sam from the charity “MS Together” discuss their personal journeys with MS in the workplace and the supportive conversations they have been having within their community.
• Jane, recently diagnosed with MS, shares  her experience of revealing her diagnosis at work,

Tune in to hear these stories and get some ideas in managing MS in your  workplace. Let’s bring your MS to work!

Episode Notes

• MS Trust web page on Working life with MS: mstrust.org.uk/life-ms/your-finances/working-life
• Bring your MS To work Campaign mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/bring-your-ms-work - Fundraising Campaign from MS Trust
• MS Together mstogether.org/ - MS charity for young people with MS
• Volunteer at the MS Trust mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering
• Working life and MS mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/working-life-and-ms - Podcast episode about MS and your rights at work 

Other work resources that might be useful

• 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
• Law Centres offer legal advice, casework and representation:  lawcentres.org.uk
• Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work
• Access to work: gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
• Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice: acas.org.uk/