MSMS: The Many Stories of Multiple Sclerosis
We’ve recently updated our podcast cover — same show, new look!
Welcome to MSMS: The Many Stories of Multiple Sclerosis
Here, you'll hear real stories from real people—Australians and occasionally others from around the world—sharing their experiences of life with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
The podcast began with Colleen's hope to build greater understanding of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT), by spotlighting the stories of Australians living with MS who had undergone this intense and often misunderstood procedure.
What started as a focus on HSCT has since grown to include a range of conversations relevant to Australians living with MS—honest, heartfelt stories that speak to the reality of this progressive disease.
By sharing our experiences, we support one another, reduce the isolation that so often comes with MS, and foster a sense of community—while also raising much-needed awareness.
The first series of MSMS centres on HSCT—the decision-making process, the challenges faced, and the individual outcomes that follow.
In Episode One, you’ll meet your host Colleen and her husband Kel, as they take you on their extraordinary journey to Moscow, Russia. It was there, just 5 years married and desperate to stop the rapid progression of her MS, that Colleen underwent HSCT.
What followed was an ordeal of unexpected challenges—physical, emotional, and logistical. Through it all, Colleen the patient, and Kel her steadfast champion.
Their story has been shared in Australian newspapers, radio and TV—but here, in their own words, Colleen and Kel share even more of their remarkable story, behind the headlines.
---
Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the host or guest(s).
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situations experienced before, during or after HSCT - some of which may be disturbing or upsetting for some. In Australia https://beyondblue.org.au and Lifeline on 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au are organisations which provide assistance - do please look after yourself.
Episodes
31 episodes
Community Voices
Colleen shares answers to some questions about life with MS, from Australians in the MS community.If you're in the Facebook group attached to this podcast, please keep a look-out for future questions..
Motor Neurone Disease - discussion with MND NSW - #Podcasthon episode
In this special episode we step away from MS in support of another neurological condition - Motor Neurone Disease (MND).As a part of the international #Podcasthon charitable initiative, Colleen has chosen to support MND by raising awaren...
MSMS Returns
Why MSMS needed to take a pause - and soon a dive into this year's Podcasthon, coming next month. Podcasthon takes us on a path toward helping others who live with neurological disease, listen as Colleen explains.If any...
With gratitude, and wishes - reflecting on 2025
Colleen reflects on a year of MS stories and shares gentle holiday wishes with an invite to future MS storytellers from across Australia to join the conversation.Email msmspodcast at proton.me
One Phone Call = Big Decisions
In this episode Colleen introduces Amy (from Queensland's Sunshine Coast) and their conversation takes a look at MS decision‑making and the courage to choose a path that fits your temperament. Amy also talks with Colleen about her diagnosis, co...
When Hope Meets Deception: MS Treatment Scams
Falling prey to a scam can happen to anyone, but for those living with multiple sclerosis, the risks can hurt more than our bank account. The uncertainty of MS can create vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. It’s important to stay hopeful abo...
What is Car-T Therapy?
In this episode, Colleen shares information on Car-T therapy.If interested in learning more or potentially participating in clinical trials, resources like the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) https:/www.anzctr.or...
Caregiver to patient – Teresa returns to share her post-HSCT recovery
Listen as Teresa shares her post-treatment challenges – beginning with a looming cyclone. Despite her husband's careful preparations for Teresa's recovery, challenges came one after the other. Even with the setbacks, Teresa's journey from...
Navigating Overseas Stem Cell Treatments : Colleen Shares Her Perspective (a short episode)
Overseas Stem Cell Treatments for MS In this episode, I speak from my personal experience of exploring stem cell treatments in the hope of slowing the progression of my MS.I am not medically qualified, so I speak from ...
Bend Like Bamboo: Simple Joy Leads Amanda From Paralysis To Practitioner
Amanda Campbell's journey from MS diagnosis to becoming a kinesiologist demonstrates healing beyond the conventional. The pivotal moment? An evening with friends and family that ignited possibility and revealed a new path forw...
Beyond Diagnosis: Ashlee and Sava, a couple's story
Ashlee and Sava's story is one of partners navigating MS together, bringing us what medical textbooks can't – how the disease mixes with parenting challenges, career changes, and future planning.Listeners will hear of this young family's...
Amy's Whirlwind Diagnosis: from Vertigo to MS in 48 Hours
A young mother of two, Amy's world turned upside down—literally—when in 2023 an unexpected attack of vertigo and vomiting signalled something wasn't right.When her husband found her sitting on the shower floor in the middle of the night...
Teresa's journey - from fears to fierce determination
What if you found hope without looking for it? Teresa’s journey begins with supporting her sister, Mary, who'd set her sights on groundbreaking treatment in Moscow.That first chapter of Teresa's story sets the stage as her ...
If challenges come in threes - Vicki has gone beyond
Diagnosed with one medical condition, Vicki would have had no idea it was just the beginning.In this episode we hear how Vicki not only faced her challenges - including her determination and battle to undergo the untrialled treatment CCS...
See the notes here for Buddhist nun's story of Multiple Sclerosis
There are so many living with Multiple Sclerosis, and connecting with each other in whatever way we can, can comfort and support no matter what stage of our MS journey we find ourself.Colleen was recently contacted by the Modern Bu...
Brigitte doesn't think 7 is a lucky number
Brigitte had moved to Australia with her young family.Back home an aunt became concerned when Brigitte hadn't found the answer to some familiar health issues that continued happening, so when opportunity arose took steps to help...
HSCT - What's age got to do with it ?
Klaus travelled to Moscow with his devoted wife Trish, to undergo HSCT for his MS. Colleen had a brief chat with Trish before recording this interview and learned that Klaus was unique in more than one regard throughout his MS an...
Colleen speaks with the personal trainer who helped her walk again
In this episode Colleen and Mai, her personal trainer of the past six years, talk about many things, springing from Colleen's rehabilitation journey.When Colleen had exhausted all physiotherapy provided by the hospital after her hospita...
One special day after another, Anna makes her way toward a clinical trial for HSCT
Anna is determined and positive there must be something that will help, but there's more that leads her forward
Everyone's rushin' to Russia for HSCT....except Nicola
Nicola's accident was unexpected - living an active life, with a fabulous career and happy future ahead all she needed to do was recover, until the shocking diagnosis ...
Why is Roland rolling the dice on a lesser known MS treatment approach?
Roland has written a comprehensive book around his experience of HSCT which he's happy to share via email, if wanting a copy please email Roland at roland@matthews.kiwi In this episode you'll hear Roland speak about his book ...
We're better, and back....and learning how to turn discomfort into exhilaration
We're coming back - this week!Colleen shares the news, announcing the date for the next episode - and to kick things off, adds in a pod solo reading about a recent realisation after HSCT.
How I got from simple curiosity about HSCT to the reality of going through treatment.
In this solo episode Colleen reads an article she wrote for her blog back in 2016, written during the time she hoped to undergo HSCT in Australia, talking about her particular reasons and the initial steps she took toward HSCT - a poignan...
We all have a life, ours is changed by MS. Read my 'diary' with me about how things changed ...
In this solo episode, Colleen reflects on life before HSCT, supported by writings she'd completed in earlier years, before learning of HSCT.."This solo episode is a bit of an indulgence I suppose. I began recording this after thinking a...
The importance of communities: Meet the connecting force for people undergoing HSCT
When HSCT was barely being heard of Carol was pointed to it, and wanted to do whatever possible to stop her MS. Always seeking to help others Carol speaks frankly of her experience, and her thoughts during and since her MS / HSCT journey....