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

In this episode of the MS Trust Podcast, we explore the MS Hug—one of the most confusing and uncomfortable symptoms of multiple sclerosis. From tight banding and rib cramps to stitch-like pain and breathlessness, we unpack what it feels like, why it happens, and how to manage it. Neurologist Kate Petheram joins us to explain the science behind the symptom, and we hear from people living with MS who share their personal experiences and tips for coping with this unwelcome embrace.

Episode Notes

The MS Hug - info from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/ms-hug 

MS Pain - info from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/pain

Stream for MS - Fundraising challenge from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-and-events/ms-trust-exclusives/streamforms

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

If you live with multiple sclerosis and struggle to get a good night sleep, this episode is for you. We uncover the hidden impact of night-time MS symptoms—from nerve pain, spasms, and restless legs to bladder urgency, burning sensations, and cold feet—and explore why these issues often seem to worsen after dark.

Featuring insights from Associate Professor Rod Middleton from the UK MS Register and practical advice from Clinical Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant in Rehabilitation Laura Edwards, try to we answer your questions and share strategies to ease those night time symptoms symptom. 

 Episode Notes

Night time symptoms - information from The MS Trust: https://mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/night-symptoms-and-ms

Sleep and MS - information from The MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/sleep 

Focus on sleep problems - information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/focus-sleep-problems-ms  

Sleep and MS podcast - podcast from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/sleep-problems-ms

Heat sensitivity and MS - podcast from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/heat-sensitivity-and-ms

Why do you keep needing to get up to go to the loo during the night? - information from The MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news/why-do-you-keep-needing-get-go-loo-during-night

UK MS register: ukmsregister.org

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

Worried about falling or unsure what to do if you do fall? You're not alone. Falls are a common concern for people living with multiple sclerosis.

In this episode, expert physio Hilary Gunn breaks down why people with MS are more prone to falling. Discover how to spot the early warning signs and learn what steps to take if a fall occurs. We also delve into simple, effective strategies to build strength, boost confidence, and help you keep moving safely with MS.

 Listen now to hear real life stories, expert information and more.

Donate to the MS Trust to support this podcast - donate.mstrust.org.uk

Episode notes

Falls mstrust.org.uk/a-z/falls - information from MS Trust

Balance mstrust.org.uk/a-z/balance  - information from MS Trust

Will asks the expert about balance and dizziness mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/will-asks-expert-about-balance-and-dizziness - podcast from MS Trust

Functional exercises to support everyday tasks
mstrust.org.uk/information-support/exercise-ms/exercises-support-everyday-tasks - workout videos to help with getting up from the floor and balance 

Before beginning any new exercise or activity, please consult with your GP or MS care team. If you experience pain or discomfort, stop immediately and speak to your physiotherapist. Always listen to your body and make choices that are right for you.

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

Relationships can be complicated, even at the best of times.  When one partner is living with MS, it can bring a whole host of new challenges as well as opportunities for deeper connection.

In this podcast, we explore the emotional and practical realities of supporting a partner with MS, and how couples can support each other through changing dynamics.

Psychologist Dr Ashley Brown joins us to share practical advice on how to open up conversations around intimacy, emotional support, and shifting roles in a relationship. She offers tips to help both partners feel heard, valued, and connected.

We also hear from Sophie and Delvin, a couple living with MS. Sophie shares her experience of living with multiple sclerosis, while Delvin reflects on his role as the partner who supports her.

Together, they speak honestly about how their relationship has evolved, the challenges they’ve faced, and the ways their bond has strengthened.

If you live with MS or support someone in their journey, this podcast offers practical tips, shared experiences and re-assurance that you’re not alone.

 Listen now to hear real life stories, expert information and more.

Donate to the MS Trust to support this podcast - donate.mstrust.org.uk 

Episode notes

Supporting someone with MS - information for carers - information from the MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/information-support/care-and-carers/information-for-carers

Caring for someone with MS - Podcast from MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/caring-someone-ms

Anxiety and MS mstrust.org.uk/a-z/anxiety 

Relationships and MS  mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/relationships-and-ms 

MS and your emotions: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/ms-and-your-emotions

Advance care planning - information from the MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/a-z/advance-care-planning

www.relate.org.uk a uk counselling service 

www.gottman.com a website that offers a service designed to help couples overcome relationship challenges and enhance their communication

www.cosrt.org.uk UK’s professional body dedicated to Psychosexual and Relationship Therapies

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