Thriving Over Surviving Multiple Sclerosis

But let's be real, MS presents difficulties. Having hope that things will get better, that there is love and kindness in the world, and that hope is in each of us makes a difference for the good. We can not hope blindly. We have to choose a course of action and stick to it. Despite the delays and setbacks along the journey hope carries us along while ersisting with an adventurous course of action. I call it a gritty hope. These are the words of Justine Calcagno who was diagnosed with MS in 2016. She is an ultrarunning non-profit researcher with a Ph.D. in psychology. She is passionate about trail running, outdoor pursuits, yoga, cycling, and supporting and empowering others, particularly women and feminine-identified people. Her approach to living with MS is a combination of embodiment and evidence. She hopes that she can inspire others to identify their challenges to overcome and become more joyful and confident through the process of achieving their goals. She also an advocate through the MS Society. Since having MS, Justine has experimented on herself as an "N of 1". She is committed to a plant-based (vegan) and alcohol-free diet. Let's chat it up with Justine!  Instagram: RunwithMS  runwithms@gmail.com Instagram: thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

What is your greatest fear? Before MS, mine was probably superficial. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something or someone is dangerous and likely to cause pain (physical, emotional, etc.). Fear can be intense and sometimes overpower us if we don't have the tools to work through the emotions it brings. Mary Virgi does not let fear hold her back! She leans into her core values of family and faith to climb out of negative spaces. At the time we recorded this, Mary was 14 weeks pregnant. And releasing this episode she is now about to have her baby. She is surely thriving! Let's chat it up with Mary! Instagram: @dontmswithmindfulmary Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com    

Did you know that approximately 50% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis are also diagnosed with depression? This is 3X more likely than in the general population. Managing mental health can be complicated especially when you also have an unpredictable autoimmune disease. Alyssa Gonzalez bravely shares her journey with MS and mental health. She was diagnosed with pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and just that process alone was overwhelming. There is so much to chat about with this gorgeous and positive Instagram Influencer. Let's chat it up with Aly Katelyn! Instagram: @aly_katelyn Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

Have you ever experienced Crap Gap? You may know it as the end of dosing interval or the weaning-off effect. This refers to the period of time between Ocrevus infusions when you might feel a worsening of MS symptoms. This may include things such as Fatigue, cognitive fog, motor function or balance problems. You know... all the things! Kellie Batts, who has had MS since 2016 shares her experience with Crap Gap as well as her experience over the last seven years with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Let's chat it up with Kellie!  Instagram: @_livinglikek https://www.joinuplift.co/ UpLift accepts most insurances and copays start at $25.    Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

Has your multiple sclerosis diagnosis influenced the course of your life? Has it shifted your passions in a certain direction? Many people say that everything happens for a reason. Would being diagnosed with a chronic illness happen for a reason? Justin Loizos believes his MS diagnosis has further grown his passions. Let's chat it up with Justin.  www.justcompassion.ca justmsshow.buzzsprout.com Instagram: @justinmloizos, @justcompassioncannabis, @justmultiplesclerosis   https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast  

Have you ever had a massage? Not one from a friend or lover, I'm talking from a professional masseuse? For many, massage becomes a regular part of their health routine. Massage can help with anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, nerve issues, muscle stiffness, inflammation, and more!  Angela Landeros shares how massage therapy became her passion. As someone diagnosed with MS and a massage therapist, she knows firsthand how therapeutic it can be. This equestrian and author shares her experience with multiple sclerosis and beyond. Let's chat it up with Angela!    IG: @Angela_Landeros_Heals YouTube: @Angela_Landeros_Heals https://angelalanderosheals.wordpress.com IG: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com          

Remaining curious is essential, especially when seeking answers to improve our health. Asking questions is necessary, but challenging when we don't know what questions to ask. Empowering ourselves with the knowledge and strength required to tackle our daily struggles with chronic illness. Fitness Coach Marnie Bothmer, who thrives with MS, knows that curiosity is necessary to open her mind to other ways of viewing the world. Let's chat it up with Marnie! marniebothmer@gmail.com Instagram: @mbstrength4life www.marniebothmer.com https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast  

When have you felt the most fear in your life? Did you know there are seven deadly fears? Fear of being alone Fear of connecting (lack of) Fear of abandonment Fear of self-assertion Fear of lack of recognition Fear of failure and success Fear of being fully alive    Rachel Larsen shares how she moved beyond fear and anger to embrace vulnerability and live her best life.  She removed herself from isolation and now fully enjoys her life with or without MS. Let's chat it up with Rachel.  www.wontstopsmyelin.com Facebook and Instagram: @wontstopsmyelin  email: wontstopsmyelin@gmail.com     Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast http://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com                                                                                       

Would you consider yourself emotionally well? Do we even know what that feels like or should feel like? Jane Gould has found what emotional wellness is for her. She shares with us her 20-year journey with MS, what she has learned about herself, and how she finds peace in her every day life. Let's chat it up with Jane! Twitter: @ABCsofMS Substack: https://abcms.substack.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com    

Many of us searched for answers for a long time before finding out we have multiple sclerosis. Once you had the knowledge, what did you do with it? Knowing is just the first step. Alex Sokoloff uses his core value of self-discipline to stick to his routines after learning many lessons throughout his MS experience. Let's chat it up with Alex! www.facebook.com/alexsokoloff.me/ Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

What is one change in your life you would like to make? Just one change that would improve the quality of your life. One change that would make you proud of yourself. Maybe this episode with Gillian Crooks will inspire you to do just that. Or maybe you have already made a change and you can relate. Once wheelchair-bound, this marathon runner has a lot to share about having high expectations and focusing on things within our control. Let's chat it up with Gillian!  Instagram: @gillian.eattobeatms www.mygroovewellness.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com    

Being kind to yourself even if you don't have MS is a struggle for many people. I am super hard on myself. But it is so important to treat yourself with kindness when diagnosed with a chronic illness. We can not blame ourselves! Joanna Bolouri is a bestselling rom-com author. Her cat Twitch reluctantly allows her and her daughter to live with him in Glasgow, Scotland. She advocates for kindness. Let's chat it up with Joanna.  Twitter: @scribbles78 Facebook page: jbolouri Instagram: @joannabolouri Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast http://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

Episode 100! And who better to talk to than Dr. Terry Wahls! A board certified internal medicine physician who conducts clinical trials testing the efficacy of diet lifestyle to treat multiple sclerosis. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles.  Sign up for Dr. Wahls newsletter and get the one page summary of the diet that is used in her clinics and clinical trials to restore cellular health. Great for the refrigerator. www.terrywahls.com/diet https://www.facebook.com/TerryWahls https://www.instagram.com/drterrywahls/ Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

There are many opportunities to have children when you have multiple sclersosis. For many, natural childbirth is definitely an option. For those who it is not, adoption is another viable option. Melissa joins us for an update on her MS journey. She is still raising awareness and donations through Bike MS, but she also has some personal news to share with us as well. Let's chat it up with Melissa.  Instagram: thrivingoversurvivingpodcast http://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

Is the outcome of our multiple sclerosis diagnosis all about luck? It is difficult to think that we have no control over whether or not our disease progresses. Dominic "Dom" Shadbolt believes just that though. Whatever he believes about the progression of his own MS, he lives his life by a particular rule; Treat others the way you want to be treated, period. Can't we all just be good people and be kind to one another? At least how we treat others is within our control. Let's also treat ourselves well too, please.  Check out Dom's website and YouTube page. He has some very helpful resources there that might get you thinking.  YouTube: www.themsguide.com Twitter: @theMSguide Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com    

Julie Stamm first joined us in Episode 17, almost two years ago. I thank Julie for her vulnerability as she shared her updates in Episode 98. Julie advocates for all of us to talk about our difficulties. Don't hold back. Julie also shares a new project she co-developed. 52 Essential Inclusion Skills - A to Z Guide to Kindness, Compassion, Respect for Diversity and Disabilities is available on Amazon by Clicking the link below. This collaboration with Harvard Educator and Health Advocate Dr. Jenny Woo, offers strategies to teach both kids and adults empathy. Let's chat it up with Julie! http://iamstamm.com/ 52 Essential Inclusion Skills  https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

Alexis Martinez first appeared on TOSP in Episode 71. She shared what it was like for her to manage her own MS and care for her mother who has early onset Alzheimers. This time we discussed her new job and how taking on something new has impacted her daily life and self-worth. Now that I've gotten to meet Alexis in person, it no longer felt like an interview. It was more like catching up with my friend.    Instagram: @itsallinmyhead Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

Ah, the optimist's perspective is one many strive to achieve. When dealing with challenges brought on by MS, it is a lot more work to stay optimistic. But the work is well worth it! Matt Knaggs possesses all the qualities of an optimist. He is self-motivated, always around the most motivated people, he believes in possibilities, he is full of joy and finds ways to express gratitude in all things. Yup, we can all learn a thing or two from Matt.  Instagram: @runningwithms_official FB group: Running with MS Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com  

Sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindset, stress management... oh my! We cover all the things in this episode, but most importantly we discuss vitality and gratitude. Vitality is a word we use sparingly in everyday conversation because it sometimes seems unattainable. Laura Leigh may have the secret to gaining this perspective. Let's chat it up! Instagram: @wellnesswithLL FB: Wellness with LL www.wellnesswithLL.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com/    

The love from a child is special and the bond between mother and daughter is one of a kind. Roni shares how her daughter Grey makes it easy for her to lean into her core value of family with ease. Let's chat it up! https://www.youtube.com/baestationtv Instagram: @ronigraham https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast