Fums: Giving Multiple Sclerosis The Finger

Matt LaFrance is a 37-year-old husband and father of three young boys from San Jose, CA. He was diagnosed with MS in 2009 at the age of 25. In May he will be running 162 miles in six days as part of the 2021 MS Run the US relay team. I’ll let that sink in. 162 miles in six days. AND he has MS! MS Run the US is the longest annual relay run across America. It’s an epic 3,260-mile run to stop MS! The relay begins in April in Santa Monica, CA and finishes in August in New York. The relay team is made up of 19 runners hand-selected from a pool of applicants nationwide.  Matt is running the MS Run The US relay to inspire those who have been recently diagnosed and support those living with MS who have not been as fortunate as him. If you're able, please consider donating to this worthy cause and supporting Matt. Topics covered in this episode include: Matt’s diagnosis story and his life since then Why he decided to combat his illness with exercise, diet, and supplements, rather than DMTs  Why Matt views his MS

The benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle for people living with MS have been of increasing interest over the last few years. But have you ever stopped to think about the effect of the cosmetics you put on your face? Following her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis, Natalie Schultz White was determined to put a positive spin on her experiences, through her website, MS Saved My Life. At the same time, she came to the conclusion that toxins in her life and the food she was eating were contributing to her illness, and began treating her MS with a real whole-food lifestyle, bypassing all traditional MS medication. After three days, she began feeling better, her symptoms began to dissipate and her energy began to return. Listen in to hear her inspiring #chronicpreneur story!  Topics covered in this episode include: Natalie’s MS diagnosis story How she chose to explore the benefits of a healthy diet with the support of her family What is clean eating? Why Natalie used the same principles to build her skin care bu

Tamara Sellman was last on the FUMS podcast back on  Episode 31 - when she was talking about sleep disorders and her professional life as a medical board-certified sleep technologist and sleep educator. It was during her training that she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.A widely published writer in the years following her diagnosis in 2013, Tamara wrote the collection of prose and poetry which makes up her "hybrid memoir", Intention Tremor, which was published in early 2021. We talk about why she writes, why she writes about MS in particular, and the difficulties of launching her first book during a global pandemic.Topics covered in this episode include:A brief recap of Tamara's diagnosis storyWhy she chooses to write about MSTamara's unusual book tour!A reading of "The Expert" from Intention TremorDetails of a special gift you can receive if you mention the FUMS podcast when buying your copy of Intention TremorResources for this episode (clickable links):FUMS Podcast Episo

The popularity of personal DNA testing and genome sequencing has really increased in recent years. As someone with MS, have you ever thought about getting it done yourself?Patrick Short is the co-founder and CEO of Sano Genetics, a platform that helps patients match with precision medicine research and learn more through personalised reports, and other content including patient stories. The platform is patient-centric and private-by design, and through data-driven matchmaking and home genomic testing, has enabled precision medicine studies in common and rare diseases, including autoimmune and neurology (MS in particular) as an area of focus.Sano Genetics empowers people to access research, information, and their DNA through their platform. It works as a guide for people who want to take part in research and inform them of different types of research. Participants can also gain access to their DNA through some of Sano's research projects.Exclusive FUMS giveaway!You can enter a giveaway for a free Sano Gen

My guest today is Mindy Eisenberg. Mindy is the Founder and Director of Yoga Moves MS, a nonprofit company with the mission of improving the quality of life for individuals with MS, Parkinson's Disease, and neuromuscular conditions.She is the author of Adaptive Yoga Moves Any Body and the creator of Adaptive Yoga Cards, which show daily yoga moves for all ages and abilities. Mindy has provided yoga therapy to individuals with mobility challenges for over fifteen years and thrives on building a strong, mighty community for her students and families. She is also a Qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress reduction teacher.Mindy previously appeared on the podcast in 2018 - see  FUMS 019 - and is back to talk about how her practice has developed and continues to grow!Topics covered include:The story of how a family link inspired Mindy to develop her yoga practice in order to increase the quality of life for people with Multiple Sclerosis and other neuromuscular conditionsHow Mindy strives to make yoga accessible f

Dr. Gretchen Hawley is an MS-specialist Physical Therapist.She began treating people with Multiple Sclerosis during her first year of professional practice. The positive results she saw in her patients propelled her to immerse herself even deeper into the treatment of MS, taking every opportunity to attend workshops and conferences dedicated to improving lives through PT.Gretchen previously appeared on the podcast in 2018 - see  FUMS 022 - and is back to share exciting news about her new online MS wellness program, The MSing Link, something she talked about way back in 2018!Topics covered include:A recap of Dr. Hawley's journey to become an MS Specialist Physical TherapistEmerging discoveries in the field of Physical TherapyWhat is Neuroplasticity?Why Dr. Gretchen thinks that every MSer should have at least one session of Physical TherapyThe importance of stretching, exercise and mindfulness practice for all people with MSDetails of Dr. Hawley's new MSing Link Online MS Wellness ProgramResources for

David Lyons was a healthy athlete, gym owner and TV & film producer when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006. After immediately being told that he would be wheelchair bound, David, along with his wife Kendra, decided to battle MS in the gym! David founded the MS Fitness Challenge (MSFC) charity to help educate and train both MSers and fitness professionals on the importance of fitness in the fight against MS. In 2009, at age 50, David competed in his first bodybuilding contest with MS, winning a Most Inspirational trophy. He went on to be presented with the Milestone Award by the National MS Society for his accomplishments. Listen in for David's inspiring story, as well as details of his new OptimalBody membership program for MS exercise and fitness. Topics covered include: David's background in fitness and his diagnosis story Why, after succumbing to depression, he decided to get back into the gym David's first bodybuilding competition - with MS - at age 50! The realization th

It's a New Year! And although the COVID-19 crisis is still ongoing, there is light at the end of the tunnel with vaccines beginning to be rolled out.But even though this is really positive, there is a lot of misinformation out there about the COVID vaccines in general and how they interact with chronic health conditions like Multiple Sclerosis.If we need someone to cut through all the BS and talk about this, who else are we going to turn to other than Dr. Aaron Boster MD? He's been featured on the podcast twice before (FUMS 049 and 052) so he's the perfect person to bring on to sort through the noise and speak directly to how this affects us! He also spends time answering questions from FUMSers and tearing down a few Anti-Vaccine myths.This conversation was originally published as a Facebook Live even - see the original video on the FUMS YouTube channel.Topics covered include:The background to the spread of COVID-19, how this disease relates to people with MS and the impact of comorbiditiesThe

Prepare to have your mind BLOWN!MXTreality is an XR company based out of Seattle, WA. XR is an umbrella term for various technologies and incorporates Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality. The company has made over 100 experiences to meet client needs, further accessibility, as well as interactions that are just fun.MXTreality is working with Swedish Hospital in Seattle, and local MS patients, to design MS CART (working title), a Virtual Reality experience that incorporates Creative, Artistic, Relaxation, and Therapeutic elements. Even more interestingly, these elements are being designed in collaboration with the MS community.I think you'll agree that the possibilities of treatments for people living with Multiple Sclerosis are super exciting! Enjoy this conversation with Rodger Caudill, the Head of Communications at MXTreality.Topics covered include:How MS CART came to beHow the team at MXTreailty came to link up with Swedish Hospital in SeattleWhat the potential benefits are and where

Neuropsychologist Dr. Victoria Leavitt was previously a guest way back on Episode 13 of the FUMS Podcast Show. She's back with us today to talk about her new role as cofounder of eSupport Health, a telehealth company which provides easily accessible online support groups for people with MS.The eSupport Health model is based on Dr. Leavitt's research into the benefits of social support groups for people with MS. And I think that - in 2020 and the time of COVID - we can all agree that social interaction is more important than ever.Topics covered include:How the eSupport Health model grew out of the laboratoryThe recognized positive effect of social support on brain healthThe moment when Dr. Leavitt recognized the value of a support network who understand the ins and outs of your health condition - and how she was able to quantify the positive impacts of participation in online groupsHow the initial research grew into eSupport the companyeSupport's various subscription plans, which all include a f

Following her diagnosis with MS at just 22 years-old, Jessie Ace has been on a mission to fill the internet with positivity after her doctor told her to 'go home and google' her condition, leading her to find every scary story going.As a podcast host, writer, public speaker and illustrator, she provides help and advice for people living with all chronic health conditions.Jessie is the author of the ENabled Warrior Symptom Tracker book which helps you manage multiple conditions, medications, spot symptom patterns, prioritize your energy, achieve your goals, and accurately keep symptom records for your doctor.Listen in to find out more about her story and the Enabled Warrior Symptom Tracker. Topics covered include:Jessie's account of her misdiagnosis / diagnosis - and her funny-slash-awkward lumbar puncture story!Her initial experiences with online forums for chronic illnessesHow she was prompted to begin her advocacy work after being unable to find her experiences reflected onlineThe birth of th

The holiday season is just kicking off so in today's episode of the FUMS Podcast Show, Kathy has a special message for all FUMSers. Please enjoy the celebrations but remember to take care of YOU. Pace yourself. Ask for help when you need it. And be big enough to accept help when it's offered. In order to lessen your load, use the 2020 FUMS Holiday Gift Guide. It’s updated every year with new products that either Kathy has come across or which have been suggested by others in the FUMS community. And don't forget to check out the FUMS Merchandise Shop! We hope you find this helpful – and, if you have suggestions for great gifts, please share them with Kathy@FUMSnow.com so we can add them to this list. Wishing you a happy and healthful holiday season! See the 2020 FUMS Holiday Gift Guide Visit the FUMS Merchandise Shop Help keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page Sign up for the Patients Getting Paid course email waiting list ** Sign up for the FUMS Friday Night 6 Pack here: Friday Night

After hearing from other MSers about the benefits of using Taopatch, Kathy just had to find out more. So she reached out to Dimitri Leonov, Co-Founder and CEO of Taopatch USA to bring you the scoop.Taopatch is a wearable device which captures heat from your body and converts it into light, which it emits into specific points on your body. These photons stimulate your Central Nervous System and "remind" it how it was meant to communicate with the rest of your body.By combining light therapy with acupuncture, Taopatch can naturally boost your immune system, improve posture, balance and mobility, and improve emotional and mental wellbeing. The results they’ve seen with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases are incredible.Listen in to find out more about how Taopatch works, the company's no-questions-asked money back guarantee and a special discount for the FUMS nation.Topics covered include:The story of how Taopatch came to the USAHow Taopatch worksThe general benefits of

Trigger warning: this episode is a raw explanation of why the FUMS Podcast has been quiet recently. It's a difficult listen but Kathy felt that she owed it to the FUMS community to share what she has been going through. As always, Kathy welcomes your comments and opinions here, on the FUMS Facebook page, on the FUMS Twitter account, on Instagram, or FUMSvideos on YouTube.  Or email Kathy@FUMSnow.com. And please keep the conversation going and support each other! Further resources: Get the MS Healthline app on Google and Apple app stores (US only) Help keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page Send Kathy a message of support and appreciation by email, on the FUMS Facebook page, on the FUMS Twitter account, on Instagram, or FUMSvideos on YouTube Rate and review the FUMS Podcast Show on Apple Podcasts 

Today's episode is another solo issue where Kathy tackles another something that she's learned over the years - removing toxic people from your life is good for you and your health! Unless you're insanely lucky, you've probably already that there are some friends or family members who cause your anxiety to skyrocket. As stress can be a major factor in causing MS exacerbations, you can see the logic in cutting them out of your life. Or, at the very least, setting some ground rules - and STICKING TO THEM! Listen as Kathy likens this action to deadheading plants. The more you get rid of the blooms that are faded and wilting, the better the whole plant does because it’s energy isn’t being diverted to something that isn't savable anyway. As always, Kathy welcomes comments and opinions here, on the FUMS Facebook page, on the FUMS Twitter account, on Instagram, or FUMSvideos on YouTube.    Topics covered include: Help keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page Rate and review the FUMS

Today’s episode is special in that there is no guest to interview. It’s just Kathy – talking about something that we, as MS’ers, hear often -  "but you look so good."Kathy suggests that there are two ways to take that: good and bad! As a compliment or as someone questioning either your diagnosis or your suffering.In typical FUMS fashion – Kathy suggest questioning our knee-jerk reactions and asks us to instead, "take a minute and examine intent."Her opinion may be a bit controversial in the MS community – but Kathy welcomes comments and opinions here, on the FUMS Facebook page, on the FUMS Twitter account, on Instagram, or FUMSvideos on YouTube.  Topics covered include:Examining intent in all communicationsAssessing relationshipsKnowing the differences between true friends and those that wish us harmRecognizing an asshole – and cutting them out of your life! BIG NEWS: The FUMS Podcast has been nominated for a WEGO Health Award for Best Podcast!!  If you would be so kind as to cast a vote f

Damian Washington is a true force of nature! Prior to his MS diagnosis, Damian was an actor who was also dipping his toes into vlogging. When he started to turn the camera onto his life with MS, the immediate response guided him to embrace a new career - which eventually led to him becoming a Patient Getting Paid. In this fun conversation with Kathy, Damian talks about how MS impacted his life and career, and how he pivoted to another area where he continues to use his energy for positivity!   Topics covered include: The story of how his wife was able to recognize that something wasn't quite right with Damian's mobility Damian's early experiences of vlogging and how he found his authentic voice Where Damian gets his energy! His dream guest Damian's experiences of DMTs and how he combines medication with diet to manage his condition   Resources for this episode (clickable links): Visit NoStressMS, Damian's YouTube channel Damian's website Follow Damian on Twitter, Instagram and Fa

Kim "Kid" Curry was a successful DJ and radio executive when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After research into MS disease progression, he decided to leave his broadcasting career of 33 years and become a writer.In this wide-ranging conversation with Kathy, Kim talks about politics, the role of caregivers and vitamin supplements, and the "survivor's guilt" he feels when he sees other patients whose MS symptoms are worse than his. Topics covered include:Kim's initial symptoms and diagnosis story - and the reasons why his initial research led him to leave work immediatelyKim's decision to concentrate on his writingHis experiences with DMTs and vitamin D supplementsKim's opinions about the current state of healthcare in AmericaResources for this episode (clickable links):Kim's websiteKim Curry on Twitter, Instagram and FacebookBuy Kim's books hereRead Kim's 2020 Commencement SpeechRegister to Vote (official website of the United States government)

From the age of 12, Kim Toliver used exercise as a way to regain control of her weight - and also to ensure that she wasn't being micro-managed by doctors!While studying for her Masters in Athletic Training, she began to experience strange physical symptoms which she initially wrote off. But only six months into her dream job, Kim was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.Kim eventually recognized that CrossFit’s fitness and health concept suited her perfectly in trying to accomplish the task of being the best version of herself physically, mentally, and spiritually.However, Kim chose not to be open about her MS, and took 12 years to fully accept her diagnosis.Now she is a proud advocate - and FUMS’er! Topics covered include:How Kim used sports to take control of her health at a young ageWhy she transitioned from her dreams of being a Marine Biologist to studying for a Masters in Athletic TrainingKim's first symptoms, eventual diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, and her experiences with Disease Modifying T

Alene Brennan has already appeared on the FUMS Podcast (Episode 017) but she returns today to talk about Essential Oils and their potential benefits for MSers.After noticing how essential oils positively affected her illnesses, Alene now views them as being as important to her healthy lifestyle as diet.Alene is a certified nutrition coach, natural food chef, yoga instructor, and personal trainer who helps people with autoimmune disease heal through diet and lifestyle. Oh, and on top of all this, she has MS. And migraines.Listen up for an exclusive offer for the FUMS nation - a FREE  3 Day Course, Essential Oils for MS Warriors! Topics covered include:The three different ways in which essentials can be usedWhere do essential oils come from?How Alene uses essential oils as part of her overall lifestyle to manage her MS and migrainesAre there essential oils which can help MSers to manage specific symptoms, including fatigue, cog fog, or sleep issues?How to spot the essential oils which can help, and those which