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Multiple Sclerosis Podcast, hosted by Brooke Slick and Jodi Feltham: For Living a Life by Design not Diagnosis
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019
If you want a quick shot of inspiration as we head into the holidays, be sure to tune into this week's episode where I share off-the-cuff thoughts on mobility devices and the mind games we play that hold us back from participating in life.
PLUS, you don't want to miss the challenge at the end!
LINKS:
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
In this Throwback Thursday classic from Trevor, he asks the question "What is your MS identity?" Now that you have MS, inevitably, your life is going to change. Are you prepared for those changes? Are you going to be able to take the hits and rebound with a win? In this episode, as usual, Trevor brings the fire as he guides you through the ever-winding road of life with MS.
EPISODE NOTES:
- What's going to change?
- Internal pain and external pain
- Loss of control
- Feeling cast out
- Relationship loss
- The world doesn't condone "taking a break"
- The shock and overwhelm of MS literature
- Choosing not to be a slave to your MS
- When you're not sure that tomorrow will be any better
- Staying connected
- You're healing may surprise you
- Suicidal thoughts
- Moving forward when there is no road
- A winning record
- How to gain wins
- A win is a win no matter the size
- Track your wins for a week
- Victor or victim? Warrior or slave?
- Learning from losing
- What is your MS identity?
- Giving is winning
- What do you want to stand for?
Links:
Wednesday Nov 13, 2019
Wednesday Nov 13, 2019
In this episode, Binty, a former pharmacist and mother of two, describes her long road to diagnosis, her discovery of The MS Gym and the subsequent victories that are helping her continue to thrive despite physical setbacks.
EPISODE NOTES:
- The long road to an MS diagnosis and the clear path to The MS Gym
- Trekking poles, AFOs and assistive devices
- The symptoms that affect her most
- Which MS Gym movement plans she relies on for relief
- Use it or lose it
- Visible victories
- Cooking is a luxury
- Once and done is not the ticket
- Approaching her children about her diagnosis
- CBD oil for sleep and spasticity
- Mindset is everything
- How she handles an MSy day
- Using Trevor's motivational speeches for a boost of inspection
- Remaining active despite MS
- Seeking out social activities customized for your condition
- The power of meditation
- Prioritizing to preserve energy
- Don't be afraid to say "not today"
LINKS:
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
This week, we're sharing an epic throwback episode from Coach T where he gives advice on how to navigate the stress, overwhelm and oftentimes obligation we feel during the holiday season. I just listened to the whole episode myself and I've got to say, much like a favorite holiday recipe, it's one part pep talk. two parts straight talk, with a heaping spoonful of motivation and compassion mixed in. Let the festivities begin!
Episode Notes:
- Internal stress and external stress
- The two camps of progress
- Holiday stress is a global phenomenon
- The overwhelm and added pressure of the holidays
- Preparing for potential setbacks
- The expectations others have of you
- Staying compliant to your movement program
- Thriving despite distraction
- The worst thing you can do
- Movement is the one thing that counteracts internal and external threats
- Why putting off your movement meds over the holidays is a mistake
- Stress of family and stress from lack of family
- Preparation expectation
- Asking for help is not a weakness
- Delegating what you can no longer accomplish with guilt
- Knowing when it's time to rest
- Validation
- Guard your time
- Dealing with loneliness during the holidays
- Don't take the holiday drama seriously
- Remember who you are
- Keep doing what you're doing
- Have a good time! Choose to be happy.
LINKS:
Wednesday Oct 16, 2019
Wednesday Oct 16, 2019
EPISODE NOTES:
- The evolution of the amount of care required over time
- Failing drugs, failing health
- When doctors don't acknowledge caregiver input
- Preserving the patient's dignity
- Being a spouse and a carer
- The price a carer can pay if they don't tend to their own healthcare needs
- Never underestimate how stress can affect a caregiver's wellbeing
- You can't care for the patient if you don't care for yourself
- Home modifications to make life easier for the patient and the caregiver
- When your home feels like a medical facility
- Handling a patient who has bouts of anger or lashes out
- The Mirror Theory
- Not taking a patient's behavior personally
- The importance of support groups
- Explaining your situation to family and friends
- How to approach a child about a parent's illness
- How organization is the key to your sanity
- Utilizing white boards and diaries
- Don't panic. Get help.
- Planning for the future when your partner has a chronic illness
- Don't stop planning for the future. Plan differently.
- Don't lose yourself. Ask for help. You are not alone.
LINKS:
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Depression is one of the most common symptoms of a chronic illness. One half of the MS population will be faced with depression at some point in their journey with the disease.
This episode's goal is to shed light on depression, not only for the patient, but for the family, friends and loved ones who care for them.
EPISODE NOTES:
- The definition of depression
- How to differentiate between sadness and depression
- What signs to look for
- A testimonial on depression from Tracy Pulkrabek
- When you lose the ability to do the things you used to
- Fear of engaging
- Isolation - What keeps you there
- How to approach someone you suspect is suffering from depression
- When you start to feel like a burden
- Rationalizing that depression is *normal"
- Communication is key
- Listening is essential
- Asking the right questions
- Opinions and judgment
- What NOT to say
- Why "cheerleading" is not always the best approach
- Depression is NOT a weakness
- How medication can precipitate depression and suicidal thoughts
- Figuring out your "why"
- The stages of grief
- Depression is not a linear journey
- Less telling and more asking
- How the MS Gym comment brought Tracy out of her shell
- Being patient with your emotions
- Moving past denial in engaging with the MS community
- Acknowledging that support groups may be one of your most valuable tools to recovery
- Helping Hands Support Groups
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health National Hotline
-'Review of signs to look for
- Making space for conversation
- What types of medical specialists should you reach out to
LINKS:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health National Hotline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Wednesday Sep 18, 2019
Wednesday Sep 18, 2019
Social security disability. It's a benefit we hope we never have to claim, and one so many of us hesitate to apply for. You may be saying things to yourself like...
Will I be able to afford to quit my job if I go on social security disability?
Will people think I'm giving up, looking for a free ride, or that I no longer have any value?
Am I disabled enough to qualify?
Even if I do decide to apply, I have no idea where to start.
In this episode I'll be talking one-on-one with Pittsburgh-based Attorney Dennis Liotta, of Edgar Snyder and Associates.
Dennis has been representing social security disability claimants for over 20 years. For the last decade, he's been recognized as a top legal talent by the well-respected peer review publication, Best Lawyers in America. Add to that his designation as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, out of outstanding lawyers from over 70 areas of practice, and I was confident that I found just the right person to help me tackle this touchy and often complex subject.
EPISODE NOTES:
- The shocking percentage of initial claims denied
- How being under 50 may work against you
- How preparation can help you beat the backlog
- If your claim is denied and you need to appeal
- The application itself. Be prepared to ask for help.
- Are you disabled enough to qualify?
- What about my pride?
- Workplace accommodation
- What if I'm young or haven't worked very long?
- SSD & SSI. What's the difference?
- What does the social security administration (SSA) consider "disabled"?
- Do SSD laws vary per state?
- Back pay. What is it, and will I receive it?
- Can I work part-time and still receive disability benefits?
- What if you decide to go back to work again and realize you can't do it?
- How do disability benefits effect your taxes?
- One mistake that almost always guarantees denial!
- Does the SSA continue to monitor your health status after you begin receiving benefits?
- The #1 tip for improving your odds of approval
- Documentation. Documentation. Documentation.
- The stigma surrounding social security disability
- The two best ways to apply
- The one way you shouldn't apply
LINKS:
Attorney, Dennis Liotta, Edgar Snyder & Associates
https://www.edgarsnyder.com/our-firm/attorneys/attorney-dennis-liotta.html
Social Security Administration
The MS Gym
Brooke Slick
NEW! The MS Gym Podcast on Instagram
*Social Security Disability is a Federal program of the United States government that provides assistance to people with disabilities.
Wednesday Sep 04, 2019
Wednesday Sep 04, 2019
Coach Trevor's bringing the heat with a motivational speech that will recalibrate your thoughts and get you back on track.
DO ANY OF THESE SOUND LIKE YOU?
Living flare to flare?
Panicking?
Feeling alone?
Wondering how to get out of this?
Think you're backsliding?
Is MS consuming your life?
Then, STAY CALM, STAY PRESENT, STAY CONNECTED. This episode's for you!
LINKS:
Thursday Aug 22, 2019
Thursday Aug 22, 2019
In this episode of The MS Gym Podcast, the host becomes the guest, when comedic actor and MSr, Damian Washington, interviews Brooke Slick about HSCT (hematopoietic stem cell transplant) for MS.
Brooke, a 6+ year veteran of the treatment, explains what HSCT is, how it works, who it's for, where you can get it done and why it's currently considered your best chance at halting your disease progression.
In addition to this podcast episode, starting next week, you will be able to hear portions of this interview on Damian Washington's weekly YouTube vlog (link below) where he chronicles his journey with MS and Ocrevus as well as discusses a plethora of MS lifestyle topics.
It's important to note that although HSCT has continued to gain exposure recently, the MS Gym was way ahead of the game when over 2 years ago, Coach Trevor Wicken designed a 30-day "Rebuild" program that's designed specifically for HSCT veterans and available in the membership.
EPISODE NOTES:
- What is HSCT?
- The logistics of HSCT
- The role stem cells play in HSCT?
- The two types of HSCT protocols
- It's all about the chemotherapy
- Safety precautions after HSCT
- Symptomatic improvements
- Criteria for acceptance
- What is EDSS and why it matters?
- DMDs slow disease progression. HSCT halts disease progression.
- How long should you wait to get HSCT?
- Recovery & expectations
- Statistics/success rates
- Does insurance cover it?
- The cost
- Mortality rates
- The best online resources for HSCT information
Damian Washington's Weekly Vlog on Multiple Sclerosis:
https://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalRidiculous
Brooke Slick - https://brookeslick.com/
The MS Gym - http//www.themsgym.com/
HSCT Resources:
General HSCT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hsctworldwide/
Russia HSCT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/404629779644453/
Mexico HSCT Facebook Group
Wednesday Aug 07, 2019
Wednesday Aug 07, 2019
In this bonus episode on diet Post-HSCT (hematopoietic stem cell transplant), licensed dietitian and HSCT veteran, Ahna Crum, unravels the multi-layered task of safely redirecting your nutrition after transplant. Ahna, who's certified in integrative and functional medical nutrition therapy, holds a masters certificate in dietetics and is currently working on her 2nd master's degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine.
You've just been hit with a physiological atomic bomb! Let Ahna educate you on how to heal your body and maintain your immune health by taking control of your nutrition.
EPISODE NOTES
- Avascular necrosis
- Your second chance to avoid autoimmune disease
- Adrenal glands and physiological stress
- Steroids and their assault on your adrenal gland
- Sleep and neurotransmitter balance
- Compromised bone health
- Preventing AVN (avascular necrosis)
- Vitamin k2, Vitamin D and osteoporosis
- Genetic vulnerabilities that require customized supplementation
- How taking high-dose Vitamin D only is a disservice to bone health
- Covering all your bases with conventional medicine, functional medicine and biochemistry
- Factors that may have propelled you to require HSCT
- Thyroid health post-HSCT and the huge role it plays in overall health
- How to bolster your thyroid function
- Hormone levels and your thyroid
- The effects of chemo on your microbiome
- Your gastrointestinal tract and your central nervous system are direct targets of chemo
- The disadvantage of staying on a neutropenic diet longer than necessary
- How to know when it's safe to transition out of a neutropenic diet
- What heals your GI tract post-HSCT. It's NOT food.
- Blood work and lymphocyte subset panels
- The services/testing/courses Ahna provides and where to find her
- Don't stop with resetting your immune system!
LINKS:
Ahna Crum - Restorative Nutrition
Restorative Nutrition Facebook Page
The MS Gym - www.themsgym.com
Brooke Slick - www.brookeslick.com