Hey everyone, welcome to MS Michigan Man 64. I'm Brian Wallace, and this is where we get real about living with multiple sclerosis - no medical jargon you can't understand, just honest conversations between people who get it.

Today I'm talking with Beth from Oklahoma, who brings a unique perspective - she worked in mental health AND she's been living with MS since her 2007 diagnosis. Beth's journey started with losing eyesight in one eye and getting her diagnosis over the phone after an emergency MRI. Talk about a way to find out!

We're diving into something that doesn't get talked about enough - grieving the loss of yourself after you get diagnosed. Beth speaks honestly about that process and how MS affects mental health. She opens up about memory problems and learning to accept when you need help.

Beth mentions MS hugs - those symptoms that feel like heart attack symptoms and terrify you until you know what they are. We talk about how her faith in God has been her stability through this journey, and how relationships get impacted when dealing with a lifelong diagnosis.

She encourages journaling to process this MS journey and emphasizes finding support, even through social media. Beth's wisdom about overcoming hurdles to still do what you love is something we all need to hear.

You can find me on TikTok and Instagram @msmichiganman64 and Facebook, Brian Wallace Brunswick, Ohio. Both of us can be found on TikTok. Beth's TT user name is Dr. Beth (followed by 3 orange hearts)

Let's dive in.