MS and SEX

I'm reposting my MS story as a part of my new focus on "MS and Sex". (It's not "The Pleasure Principle" anymore; however, never fear, we'll still talk plenty about pleasure.)

In this episode, I talk about my new focus on MS again and then replay a portion of my MS story that aired way back in 2020. (that seems like a decade ago doesn't it?) We all have a diagnosis story and many of us have had MS long enough to have a story about "the bad one".

Part One covers my diagnosis in 1993, and Part Two covers "the MS episode that was never supposed to happen to me".

If you or someone you love has MS, please reach out to me at [email protected]. I'm gathering stories! We all have unique tales to tell and they are treasures that help listeners and storytellers alike.

www.MSexualHealth.com

Last month, I talked about the primary, secondary, and tertiary effects that MS has on our sexuality. This month, I'm going to talk specifically about how our sexual self-worth is affected.

Today, I will outline the three categories of M.S. effects on sex: primary, secondary, and tertiary. This is an overview that will get us started on an interesting, reassuring, and exciting path to sexual health and well-being. After listening, join us on October 20th at 5 PM for a live Q&A. We'll talk in more detail about the causes of sexual dysfunction in MS patients and then we'll cover some solutions.

This is a featured episode of "My Immune System Hates Me!". Chelsey produces a great podcast where she interviews folx with autoimmune disorders, and in this episode she interviews me. As someone who has been on the other side of the mic stand/camera for decades- this felt vulnerable and like a loss of control. Interestingly, this is one of the many topics we covered in this interview.

I talk about what M.S. is, my diagnosis, and how I took denial so far it could have cost me my life. We talk about the ways in which chronic illness can affect sexuality and ways that we can deal with those challenges; including how some kink activities may be helpful for those suffering from chronic illness. If you do not have a disability or chronic illness, then you are a TAB and this episode is for you as well. (tune in to learn what a TAB is)

Find Chelsey on her website: MyImmuneSystemPod.com. You can find out about her RA warriors group there as well as order a copy of the upcoming book that features her essay. Follow her on Instagram and FB @MyImmuneSystemPod

Don't forget to follow, rate and review our podcasts!

The charming and delightful Chelsey Storteboom is my guest this month. She seems to have dealt with her autoimmune diagnosis with an "eyes wide open bravery that I could not muster when I was diagnosed. Her podcast is "My Immune System Hates Me!" In this engaging podcast, she not only gets real about her own diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis but she interviews other folks with autoimmune disorders.

September of 2021 is the month that I shift my focus from general sex education to Holistic Sex Education in the context of M.S. and other chronic illnesses. I know from experience that multiple sclerosis and other chronic illnesses affect our connection to our bodies and our sexuality. I also know that it is difficult if not impossible to get supportive, evidence-based answers to these challenges from our healthcare providers. It has taken me decades to get real with myself about having a progressive and incurable disease; but I have learned a lot along my stumbling path forward and I am committed to helping others find answers, empowerment, and a sense of peace.

So as always..."Get ready. Don't flinch!"

Get to our live Q&A through this link: https://linktr.ee/Joyful_Sex_Ed

This is another special episode of The Pleasure Principle Podcast. I am producing this series for the people in my life who are fighting off the COVID-19 virus right now. All my meditations will be based on scientific fact, though some of them will indulge in more artistic license silliness than others. My two main sources of information for this episode are posted below; one is a link from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and one is from the Radio Lab podcast which is an episode that focuses on breath.

As I witness the tragedy of this pandemic unfold in the United States of America, it has dawned on me that we will have a large population of people experiencing the long-term effects of illness brought on by the COVID-19 virus. Because many of the long-term side effects are neurologically based, I have some understanding of what their struggles will feel like. Fatigue, brain fog, weakness; these are all symptoms I deal with daily. It is my hope that disabled and chronically ill folks who have learned to deal with these disheartening symptoms will be a resource for those who may suffer some amount of long-term covid. I wish you all a rapid recovery and good health.

Everyone, get vaccinated so this madness can end.

Resources:

NIH: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/how-lungs-work

Radio Lab: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radiolab/id152249110?i=1000525199233

Today we are talking about how cancer affects our sexuality and how the medical community can help us deal with the challenges brought on by the course of the disease as well as the treatments. Dr. Boatman's specialty is the AYA population, or Adolescents and Young Adults- this means anyone from 15-39 years old. However, you can benefit from this information at any age!

Today we are talking about how cancer affects our sexuality and how the medical community can help us deal with the challenges brought on by the course of the disease as well as the treatments. Dr. Boatman's specialty is the AYA population, or Adolescents and Young Adults- this means anyone from 15-39 years old. However, you can benefit from this information at any age!

Kailey Larson talks to us about using mindfulness and other aspects of DBT to help us release sexual shame and anxiety. This will allow us to be more comfortable with ourselves, find deeper intimacy with our partners, and have the relationships and sexual experiences that will lift us up!