Fums: Giving Multiple Sclerosis The Finger

Cathy Chester is an unstoppable, one-woman advocacy machine! And because of this, she's an FUMSer to the core. Cathy experienced her first symptoms of MS shortly after graduating from college. But like so many of us, it was a number of years before she received a formal diagnosis. Since then she has dedicated herself to advocating for her condition and ensuring that the patient voice is heard loud and clear. Cathy's writing has been featured on MultipleSclerosis.net, Huffington Post, and Multiple Sclerosis News Today. And she has been featured in Woman's Day magazine, Momentum magazine, Everyday Health, and Harvard Radio to name but a few. In this episode, Kathy-with-a-K talks to Cathy-with-a-C about how she got started out in patient advocacy through hard work and making connections. Topics covered include: Cathy's MS diagnosis story Early experiences of patient advocacy and her decision to start writing a blog Her work as a speaker consultant for pharmaceutical companies which means she

Extremely hot temperatures can be unbearable for people with MS due to what is called Uhthoff's Phenomenon. This is the temporary worsening of MS symptoms caused by an increase in temperature. It's usually applied to optic neuritis and other visual symptoms but can also increase fatigue, pain, balance, weakness, bladder issues, cognitive or sensory symptoms. Imagine if there was a product that could not only help with this but which was actually designed for and with people with MS? Well… Kurtis Kracke and Brad Dunn met when they were graduate students at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. While taking part in an access technology initiative with the Rochester chapter of the National MS Society, they realized that the hot July weather was preventing members of the chapter from attending research meetings. So after collaborating with people with MS, they came up with the Undercool Cooling Vest. In this episode, Kathy talks to Kurtis and Brad about their company and their products, with a

Listeners in the US don't need to be told that, with our healthcare system, it doesn't take too long before MS’ers can feel overwhelmed. Wouldn't it be great if there was somebody who was able to help you navigate the mistakes, diagnosis coding errors, deductibles, in-network and out-of-network charges, the whole nine yards? In today's episode, Kathy talks to Daniel Lynch of Medical Bill Gurus, a company that is working to redefine medical billing in order to move healthcare forward. When the model tends to be that the medical billing company for the provider over-bills and the insurance underpays, it's easy for people with chronic illnesses to feel overwhelmed by the financial burden. Listen as Daniel talks about what Medical Bill Gurus can do to help, and gives advice on how you can approach your financial future with confidence. Topics covered include: The personal inspiration which made him move from structural engineering to set up Medical Bill Gurus The most common mistakes whic

If you've been diagnosed with MS for any length of time, it's highly likely that you will have come across - or been offered - all kinds of theories about the kind of things which can impact on your health. One of the most long-standing is the effect of mercury amalgam fillings on the body. But it's so hard to find any evidence for this theory, or even to get a dentist to talk about it. In today's episode, Kathy presents a fascinating chat with Dr. Carl McMillan, who describes himself as a Holistic Dentist. While traditional dentistry focuses only on the oral cavity, holistic dentistry looks at the patient as a whole and how the mouth relates to the rest of the body. Rather than using fillings made of mercury (the second most toxic element known to man!), holistic dentists focus on the use of non-toxic restorative materials. Topics covered include: Why Dr. McMillan moved away from traditional dentistry following a personal incident in his family The fallibility of blood tests and hair anal

Ardra Shephard is the writer behind the irreverent and insightful blog, Tripping On Air. When she started using mobility aids, she was disappointed to note that there weren't any images - in fashion or the media - of disabled people using their mobility aids, looking GOOD. So she decided to change the narrative!Ardra is a perfect fit for the FUMS brand - she's another smart-ass MS’er who enjoys a good f-bomb!Topics covered include:Ardra's (brief!) diagnosis storyWhy Ardra felt she had to be the example of a fashionable person using mobility aids in a time which she refers to as "pre-Selma"Her exciting role as a script consultant on There’s Something You Should Know, the television series about dating and disability Ardra's experiences - good and bad - with telling her story in the mediaResources for this episode (clickable links):Visit the FUMS Podcast Patreon pageTripping On Air websiteArdra's Web MD videoTripping On Air Facebook pageArdra on Instagram and TwitterFollow the

Today’s very short (less than 4 minute) message is one from the heart – Kathy’s heart – to the Healthies among us that are learning about fear of germs, viruses, and bacteria, as they are exposed to the worldwide Coronavirus outbreak.  This podcast episode is designed to be shared – with every chronic illness community member and every Healthy you know. It pertains to each - and Kathy has a job for each. Chronics – share with your community – on and offline – Chronics and Healthies alike Healthies – learn the lessons now about hygiene protocol during this scary time – to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Then, when this Coronavirus scare is over – and it will be over – carry the lessons forward – to protect the Chronics that walk amongst you - and on this fine line - daily. ~~ Share – EVERYWHERE ~~ The FUMS Podcast needs YOUR help! Do you find value in this podcast? Want to see it continue? We need YOUR help. Visit the FUMS Podcast Patreon page to see how you can help. Thanks for whatever level of suppor

Has living with MS disrupted your ability to work? If the answer is "HELL YES" then you have to listen to this episode!Holly Bertone was diagnosed with breast cancer on her 39th birthday! After taking time out from her career to recover, she was diagnosed with  Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that shares some symptoms with MS, most notably chronic fatigue and joint pain.When she had a Hashimoto’s flare-up, her employer at the time illegally rescinded her FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) allowance of unpaid leave. After looking all over for information about her rights, she compiled everything she found into an Amazon best-selling book, Thriving in the Workplace with Autoimmune Disease: Know Your Rights, Resolve Conflict, and Reduce Stress.Aside from her amazing story, Holly also gives some tips that could help YOU navigate the workplace with Multiple Sclerosis.Topics covered include:Holly's diagnosis and her decision to educate others on Autoimmune Disease as a legal disability i

Have you ever tried to describe what it's like to have Multiple Sclerosis? Well, today Kathy is talking to one man who is trying to SHOW people what it can be like, all while raising awareness of this stupid disease. Rob Roberts's wife Danielle had her first MS relapse the day after they were married. Rob left his job in federal law enforcement and customer service to start his businesses, Never Stumble Consulting, LLC, and Muscle To Bone Fitness System in order to help people and support his wife and young family. After talking with Danielle, Rob devised the muscle-to-bone push up and the MS Push-Up Challenge in order to replicate the pain and fatigue she was feeling. And - inspired by the Lip Sync Challenge and the Ice Bucket Challenge - the hashtag #PushUp4MS is now helping to raise awareness of MS around the world on Twitter and Instagram! Topics covered include: The story of Danielle's first relapse and why Rob felt that he needed to take a step back from his career in order to support her

Today's episode of the FUMS Podcast Show features another fascinating conversation with Dr. Aaron Boster MD. If you missed his last appearance make sure you check out  Episode 49.At the end of 2019, Dr Boster published an article called  Treating MS: A Simplified Strategy Boosts Patient and Provider Satisfaction. The common-sense approach he outlines is certainly a lot more rare than it should be!  So Kathy wanted to find out more about this and his exciting plans for treatment in the future.Topics covered include:Why Dr Boster felt that his article was necessary and how people with MS could use it when talking to their own clinical teamsWhat it means for MS patients to be "4 for 4"What Neurologists are looking for in your examinationsThe things that neurologists can learn by observing patients walkingThe plans for The Boster Center for Multiple Sclerosis - and an exclusive treatment announcement for listeners to the FUMS Podcast!Resources for this episode (clickable links):The Cognitive evalua

The holiday season is just kicking off so in today's episode of the FUMS Podcast Show, Kathy has a special message for all FUMS'ers.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 2019 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.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! ** Sign up for the FUMS Friday Night 6 Pack at FUMSnow.com. And for more information about Patients Getting Paid, get on the waiting list at FUMSnow.com/PatientsGettingPaid.  AND be sure to join the Patients Getting Paid Facebook Group! **Don’t forget to join us on the FUMS Facebook Page and on Twitter at F

Today's episode of the FUMS Podcast Show is a special one. We’ve reached a significant milestone - our 50th Episode!Many thanks to everyone who has appeared on or has listened to or shared the FUMS podcast. This show is for all the FUMS’ers out there.We’ll see you for the next fifty!Including:Kathy’s reflections on the first fifty episodes of the FUMS Podcast ShowA selection of messages from listeners and previous guestsThe biggest FUMS Salute yet!As a special gift to the FUMS Nation, go here to download “Wash Your Mouth Out With Hope”, the FUMS podcast theme song, written by Kathy Reagan Young.** Sign up for the FUMS Friday Night 6 Pack at FUMSnow.com. And for more information about Patients Getting Paid, get on the waiting list at FUMSnow.com/PatientsGettingPaid.  AND be sure to join the Patients Getting Paid Facebook Group! **Don’t forget to join us on the FUMS Facebook Page and on Twitter at FUMS. Have an idea for a topic or someone to interview? Perhaps YOU?? Send me an email at Kathy@FUMSnow.com.An

Today's episode of the FUMS Podcast Show features a conversation with Dr. Aaron Boster MD. Dr. Boster is that rare thing - an MS Specialist Neurologist with his own YouTube channel (and over 15,000 subscribers).In this fun and fascinating chat with Kathy, Dr. Boster talks about his career, his YouTube videos and even has time to answer a selection of questions submitted to the FUMS Facebook Page.Please Note: we had some technical issues with the early parts of Dr Boster's interview. We hope you agree that everything he shares is so valuable that you'll stick with it!Topics covered include:How his family's experience of Multiple Sclerosis led Dr. Boster to become an MS specialist neurologistWhy he decided to launch his own YouTube channelHow discussions in clinic lead to topics for his channelHis thoughts on end of life wishes and advance directivesDr. Boster answers a few questions from the FUMS Nation!Resources for this episode (clickable links):Dr. Boster's video about MS and End of

Today's episode of the FUMS Podcast Show features the return of Caroline Craven. She has been featured a couple of times before but she always brings a really interesting viewpoint so we thought we'd get her back in! In this chat with Kathy, they talk about aging (gracefully or otherwise) with MS, and things we should all be thinking about to live our best lives with this stupid disease. Topics covered include: How Multiple Sclerosis can accelerate the aging process The importance of a daily routine and exercise, and being flexible with regards to your plans for the future Adaptive driving and exercises Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates Following a healthy diet, with suggested supplements, herbs, essential oils… and CBD! Resources for this episode (clickable links): FUMS 028 – Important Supplements for MS Patients with Caroline Craven FUMS 020 – Natural & Holistic Treatments with Caroline Craven Protandim herbal dietary supplement Buy the Cubii Under Desk Elliptical Buy Visbiome Probiotic Buy Myetin Inf

Stem Cell Treatment is still the biggest story in Multiple Sclerosis - despite the fact that this option is not possible for the vast majority of patients. Peggy Manchester took the plunge and tells Kathy all about her experiences in this podcast. Peggy is a Professional Board-Certified Wellness Coach and has over twenty years' experience in the health and fitness industry. She was diagnosed with MS in 1996 and had Stem Cell therapy after becoming frustrated by her DMT options AND her neurological team. Topics covered include: Peggy's diagnosis, her experiences of available treatments and her continued disease progression How her frustrations with her medical team led her to explore Stem Cell Treatment An explanation of the various Stem Cell Treatments available Peggy's pre- and post-procedure experiences with Mesenchymal Stem Cell treatment What the outcome of Peggy's treatment was and what she would do differently Resources for this episode (clickable links): Article on HSCT from the Nat

When Jessica was diagnosed with Lyme disease, she was forced to put aside her dreams of a career in nursing. Eventually she found a way to utilize and monetize her skills in patient advocacy and grant writing to find a new career path, one which can accommodate living with a chronic health condition. Topics covered include: Jessica's diagnosis and its effect on her career How a doctor's suggestion of writing led her into the realm of patient advocacy How using her existing skills created a portfolio of paid work which fits around her life! Resources mentioned in this episode (clickable links): Jessica's Facebook page Jessica's Instagram profile Patients Getting Paid Facebook Group Sign up for the Patients Getting Paid email waiting list ** Sign up for the FUMS Friday Night 6 Pack at FUMSnow.com. And for more information about Patients Getting Paid, get on the email list at FUMSnow.com/PatientsGettingPaid.  Or join the Patients Getting Paid Facebook Group! **If you get value from the FUMSno

Today's guest is wife, mother and author Ivy Larson.Ivy was diagnosed with MS when she was 22. Her neurologist at the time suggested that an anti-inflammatory diet could help slow the progression of her disease.By following the Swank diet alongside changes to her lifestyle, Ivy has managed to go without any MS flare-ups or disease progression in the last 20 years - all without taking any meds.Topics covered include:Ivy's MS diagnosis story and her decision to follow the Swank diet as opposed to DMTsThe importance of exercise, diet and stress reduction for better health outcomesThe first things Ivy noticed after changing her lifestyleWhat is clean-eating?The importance of hope to aid recoveryNutraceuticals and medical marijuanaWin the Clean Cuisine cookbook and Full Fitness Fusion DVD by liking and commenting on the FUMS and Clean Cuisine Facebook pagesResources mentioned in this episode (clickable links):Get a free 30-day trial at Audible.comThe Clean Cuisine websiteIvy's article about reducing

In a change from our regular programming (!), Kathy's guest on the FUMS Podcast today is… herself. Following her MS diagnosis in 2008, Kathy has spent a huge amount of time advocating for patients and finding legitimate, flexible work opportunities. Topics covered include: The story of Kathy's diagnosis with MS How Kathy learned to "monetize" FUMSnow.com and co-wrote the eBook “Bowel and Bladder Issues in Multiple Sclerosis by Two Pee Brains With Potty Mouths Talking Shit About MS” How searching for work which fit around her condition led to a number of Patient Advocacy opportunities How all of these things are coming together in the Patients Getting Paid course! Resources mentioned in this episode (clickable links): Sign up for the Patients Getting Paid course Join the Patients Getting Paid Facebook Group FUMS 023 – Flexible Jobs for Chronic Conditions with Brie Reynolds FUMS 043 – Flexible, Remote Work Opportunities for the Chronically Ill with Hannah Olson Buy the ebook on E-Junkie.com

Today's guest is Hannah Olson. Hannah was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2015.Frustrated by a feeling that her chronic illness was incompatible with her career goals, Hannah founded Chronically Capable, a company that connects chronically ill people with legitimate flexible work opportunities.Additionally, she works as a National Lyme Ambassador and a workplace inclusion speaker, advocating for the chronically ill community.Topics covered include:The story of Hannah's Lyme diagnosis and how it impacted on her burgeoning careerHow the idea of Chronically Capable came aboutThe immediate response when the website was launched, including press interestHow it compares to established remote-work web recruitment sites like UpworkThe kind of positions which are available through Chronically CapableResources mentioned in this episode (clickable links):Managing Chronic Illness in the Workplace - feature on  Medium ElementalInterview with Hannah on  Fast CompanyArticle on  HealthCentralHannah Olson on TwitterT

In this episode Kathy talks to Mari L. McCarthy, the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of CreateWriteNow.comFollowing a diagnosis with MS, and after becoming disillusioned with the medical options available to her, Mari now treats herself through a combination of diet and Therapeutic Journaling.Topics covered include:The story of Mari's MS diagnosis and how it changed her life-goalsHer decision to ditch MS medicationsWhat is Therapeutic Journaling? Is it the same as writing a diary?A special offer for FUMS Podcast listeners!Resources mentioned in this episode (clickable links):The CreateWriteNow websiteThe CreateWriteNow Facebook pageCreateWriteNow on TwitterCreateWriteNow YouTube channelCreateWriteNow on LinkedIn** Sign up for the FUMS Friday Night 6 Pack at FUMSnow.com. And for more information about Patients Getting Paid, get on the email list at  FUMSnow.com/PatientsGettingPaid.**If you get value from the FUMSnow Podcast Show, please consider leaving a rating or review wherever you get your podca

For the final part of our current series of interviews with MS’ers from around the world, we're doing something a little different.To discuss all the things she has learned throughout these episodes, Kathy herself is interviewed by Steve Woodward, FUMS Podcast Editor and the first interviewee in the series (see  FUMS 036).Topics covered include:Why Kathy was interested in global MS diagnosis and treatment experiencesHow the US system stacks up against what she learnedWhat surprised her the most about what she discoveredWhere she would move to, if money were no object! ** Previous FUMS Podcast episodes in the International Series can be found here. To have your voice heard, to ask your representative to work on your behalf, and to participate in this democracy, find all the federal, state, county and local officials who represent you in government here and CONTACT THEM! ** Sign up for the FUMS Friday Night 6 Pack at FUMSnow.com. And for more information about Patients Getting Paid, get on the email list a