Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable autoimmune disease. Thriving Over Surviving shares the experiences of those living with MS who lean into their core values to live their best lives. Our host, Edie, was diagnosed with RRMS in 2015. In each episode, she chats it up with MS thrivers to learn and grow from each other's experiences. Chronic illnesses such as MS can impact our lives in ways that may become overwhelming. It is nice to know that others out there who focus on thriving despite their diagnosis. Thank you for joining our thriving community!
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
12/28/23 • 37:08
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
11/21/23 • 29:49
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
11/14/23 • 34:52
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
11/7/23 • 30:43
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
10/24/23 • 36:20
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
10/17/23 • 42:37
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
10/10/23 • 34:17
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
9/26/23 • 29:53
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
9/19/23 • 40:28
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
9/12/23 • 26:06
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
9/5/23 • 30:32
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
8/29/23 • 37:00
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
8/22/23 • 27:37
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
8/22/23 • 25:26
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
8/15/23 • 38:46
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
8/8/23 • 29:46
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
8/8/23 • 26:01
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
11/29/22 • 46:02
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/
11/22/22 • 30:55
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
11/8/22 • 38:49
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken? Was it one that led you on a grand adventure to far-off places you never dared to go before? For many, that is a bit extreme. For some, life would be boring without an unexpected twist or turn. For Melissa Cook, the author of The Call of the Last Frontier, blogger, and YouTube star there is never a dull moment. It is not an option for MS to put her down, even after over 20 years of living with the disease. www.MelissaCook.us blog: Alaska Bush Life youtube channel: Wyoming Jeepers Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com
11/1/22 • 47:38
Getting a diagnosis is one thing. Owning a diagnosis is another. With Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, for some, it is easy to ignore it. But when it creeps back in and reminds us that MS is still there, that's when we begin to pay attention. Megan from The MS Stage chats with Edie about owning her diagnosis and taking action to improve her own life and the lives of others. Let's chat it up! www.themsstage.com Instagram: @themsstage Email Megan: info@themsstage.com https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast
10/18/22 • 38:40
How have you grown since your diagnosis of multiple sclerosis? We all have, whether we like it or not. Maybe in the knowledge of the disease, maybe spiritually, or could it be that you have grown your knowledge and understanding of what a healthy lifestyle means to you? Growth as a core value can be somewhat daunting. I know from experience. It is like I can never get enough knowledge and experience. Chatting with Amy, she has grown in her life with MS to understand her journey is to SOLVE the problems she can and DISSOLVE the problems she can't. email: amy@amybehimercoaching.com website: www.amybehimercoaching.com free resource: https://amybehimercoaching.click/guide-1 Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com
10/11/22 • 38:08
For some, finding love seems like an endless search. Now let's add some MS to the mix. No matter what age you are diagnosed, the question raised is, How do I tell this person about my diagnosis? Elana chats it up about her experience on the dating scene with MS, and how she empowers herself through online social platforms. Have you checked out the MS Girl Gang? If you like to laugh, it might be a resource for you. Instagram: @msgirlgang Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com
10/4/22 • 48:14
Have you ever joined a Facebook Group with other people diagnosed with MS? MS Friends United has over 300 very active members. Twice a week they get together on Zoom to chat about whatever is on their mind, MS or otherwise. There are people from all over but each has multiple sclerosis in common. How do they make this happen every week? Teamwork. Join me as I chat it up with Lily and Darren. Info@msfriendsunited.org www.msfriendsunited.org Facebook: MS Friends United Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com
9/27/22 • 36:16
Have you ever kept a journal or a diary? Turning pain into something incredible is not something Robbie set out to do when he began putting pen to paper. Journaling helped him process how multiple sclerosis was impacting his life. Today, he has turned those thoughts into a collection of poetry that explores all the emotions. Check out Thoughts of a Warrior; Beneath the Tracksuit by Robert Gillett. Instagram: @beneath_the_tracksuit Facebook & Twitter: Beneath the Tracksuit Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com
9/20/22 • 37:57
Matthew Embry and his father, Dr. Ashton Embry, created MS Hope for people who have been newly diagnosed or currently living with MS. Their goal is to provide the science-based strategies that have enabled Matthew and many others with multiple sclerosis to live a drug-free, healthy life. Lee joins Edie to chat it up about how following the Best Bet Diet has enhanced his life since his MS diagnosis. https://mshope.com/ Instagram: @lee_whittys Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast Website: https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com
9/13/22 • 42:01
Authenticity is so darn rare. What does it look like, sound like, and feel like when you find it? When I discovered Samantha Salvaggio I realized this was the real deal. She trusts her gut and embraces whatever she is feeling in the moment. Recognizing that nothing is perfect and that it's ok to have less than ideal moments throughout this journey is one thing. Embracing it is another and that is Sam 100%. Let's chat it up! Website: www.samanthasalvaggio.com TikTok: @slsalvaggio Instagram: @slsalvaggio Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com
9/6/22 • 36:43
Clinical Trial: Efficacy of Diet on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (EDQ:MS) ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05007483 Type of MS: relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) Treatment mode of action: dietary intervention Number of Participants: 156 Medication: Participants may continue disease-modifying treatments if they are on them Institution: University of Iowa Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 Contact Name: Mary Ehlinger Phone: 319-384-5002 Email: MSDietStudy@healthcare.uiowa.edu Funding: Gift from the Carter Chapman Shreve Family Foundation to the Therapeutic Lifestyle Fund at the University of Iowa Brief Description This is a research study comparing the effects of three diets — a Modified Paleolithic Diet (elimination of gluten, dairy, and eggs), a Time Restricted Olive Oil-based Ketogenic diet, and usual diet with information about the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans — to determine whether these diets improve quality of life and reduce fatigue, a disabling symptom that can significantly interfere with the ability to function in daily life. Participants in the usual diet group will be encouraged but not required to follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans diet. The study will also measure the impact of the study diets on walking function, hand function, vision, serum neurofilament (blood biomarker), and brain imaging (presence of enhancing lesions and changes in brain volume). The study will be held at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics over two years. It will consist of three visits to Iowa City, Iowa. The first visit occurs at month 0. The second visit is at month 3, and third and final visit is at month 24. The first visit may last 4-6 hours. The second visit will last about 2-3 hour. The third visit may last approximately 4-6 hours. Participants will be randomly assigned to follow one of the three study diets. Participants will continue to take their current medications, including any disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis. Participants may take recommended supplements, eat more non-starchy vegetables, complete daily food logs (3 questions) on a free smartphone application, complete online surveys every three months, watch videos to learn about the study diet to which they are assigned, meet with the study dietitian to learn about the study diet to which they are assigned, and attend optional online support meetings. If a participant is assigned to the ketogenic diet, they will be asked to take a blood ketone measurement using a drop of blood daily for the first month, then twice per week. They will have a device that pricks the finger to conduct the blood ketone measurement. Participants will have a fasting blood draw at each of the study visits and may bring a snack after the blood draw. They will complete assessments of walking, hand, and vision function at each visit. They will have a NON-CONTRAST MRI of the brain at the first and last visits. Key requirements to participate in the study include the following: 1) be willing to share medical records with the study team, 2) do not have clinically significant heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease or type 1 diabetes, 3) do not have a serious psychiatric disease that would make adopting a study diet more difficult (for example schizophrenia or disabling depression), 4) are not taking insulin, coumadin, or weight loss medications, 5) have a smart phone or tablet to download a free app, and 6) have access to high-speed internet and a computer, tablet or smart phone to complete surveys and participate in video conferences via the Zoom platform. A screening survey for eligibility to participate in this study is available here: https://redcap.icts.uiowa.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=JX73EYRJNPF9MHRR Dr. Terry Wahls is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa where she conducts clinical trials in the setting of Multiple Sclerosis. In 2018 she was awarded the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Linus Pauling Award for her contributions in research, clinical care and patient advocacy. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, and the cookbook, The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life. Learn more about her MS clinical trials https://wahls.lab.uiowa.edu/. Pick up a one-page handout for the Wahls™ Diet at https://terrywahls.com/diet/ Wahls Research Lab - to learn about current clinical research studies that Dr. Wahls is conducting https://wahls.lab.uiowa.edu/ Social Media Links https://www.facebook.com/TerryWahls/ https://www.instagram.com/drterrywahls/ https://twitter.com/terrywahls https://youtube.com/c/terrywahlsmd
9/1/22 • 20:59
Don't put yourself in a box. We all have unlimited potential. Yes, even if you have MS. In this episode, Edie and Linda discuss what it means to be healthy. It really depends on how YOU definite it for yourself. That means you have to know yourself pretty well to determine what healthy looks and feels like. How well do you know yourself? Let's find out. Instagram: @lindamrhyne or @lindarhyneconsulting Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com
8/30/22 • 46:41
