Summary

In this episode, host Anthony Lobosco interviews Kathy Chester, a resilient individual who manages multiple health conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy.

Kathy shares her MS journey, highlighting the importance of acceptance, support, and exercise. She discusses her initial diagnosis, the challenges she faced, and the impact of MS on her daily life.

Kathy also talks about the importance of finding support and having a sense of humor when dealing with MS. The episode emphasizes the themes of acceptance, grieving, and the role of movement in managing MS.

Takeaways

• Acceptance is a crucial step in dealing with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
• Grieving is a natural process that newly diagnosed individuals may go through as they come to terms with their condition.
• Finding support from others who understand the challenges of living with MS can be incredibly helpful.
• Having a sense of humor can help navigate the difficulties and uncertainties of life with MS.
• Movement and exercise play a vital role in managing MS and maintaining overall health and well-being.

Sound Bites

• "I was diagnosed back in the late nineties with rheumatoid arthritis. And he did tell me at the time, like I know what this is, but I would like it if you would at least go see a neurologist and get some other tests, because I feel like there might be something else going on."
• "I had had it for so long. So don't do what I did. I didn't go to the doctor for so long. They found at least 30 lesions on my brain. So I definitely had that in high school and looking back, I think a lot of us newly diagnosed as we go through a couple of years, you can kind of see like, oh, that makes sense now."
• "MS is like a visitor that came, unwanted, this visitor was unwanted. And it's not leaving. It's not going to leave us. At least as we know right now. So what do we do with it? We've got to find a spot for it. It doesn't mean that it owns us. Doesn't mean it defines everything about us. But it means we've got to find some kind of peace with it that we still go on with our daily life."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

03:00
Diagnosis and Early Experiences

07:37
Discovering the Extent of the Disease

14:40
Acceptance and Finding Peace with MS

16:29
The Importance of Support and Grieving

17:26
Finding Joy and Slowing Down

26:23
The Role of Movement and Exercise

Summary

• In this episode, host Anthonyshares his personal journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) and discusses the impact of the disease on his life.
• He provides an overview of MS, including its prevalence and different forms.
• Anthony emphasizes the importance of support networks and shares his positive routines for managing his mental and physical health.
• He also discusses the challenges of balancing MS with his professional life and offers advice for those starting their own MS journey.
• The episode concludes with Anthony's hope to inspire and raise awareness about MS.

Takeaways

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing a range of symptoms and challenges.
• Building a strong support network, including doctors, family, friends, and MS communities, is crucial for navigating the MS journey.
• Prioritizing mental and physical health is essential for managing MS symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Balancing MS with professional life requires strategic choices and accommodations to minimize stress and prioritize well-being.
• It is important to educate oneself about MS, seek support, and take things one day at a time.
• The podcast aims to inspire and raise awareness about MS, while also providing insights and resources for the broader autoimmune community.

Sound Bites

• "I may have MS, but MS does not have me."
• "Learning to use our energy wisely is crucial, just like managing a roll of subway tokens."
• "Walking down the Spanish steps in Italy was a big moment for me."