
MSMS: The Many Stories of Multiple Sclerosis
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.
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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
Navigating Overseas Stem Cell Treatments : Colleen Shares Her Perspective (a short episode)

Bend Like Bamboo: Simple Joy Leads Amanda From Paralysis To Practitioner

Beyond Diagnosis: Ashlee and Sava, a couple's story

Amy's Whirlwind Diagnosis: from Vertigo to MS in 48 Hours

Teresa's journey - from fears to fierce determination

If challenges come in threes - Vicki has gone beyond

See the notes here for Buddhist nun's story of Multiple Sclerosis

Brigitte doesn't think 7 is a lucky number

HSCT - What's age got to do with it ?

Colleen speaks with the personal trainer who helped her walk again

One special day after another, Anna makes her way toward a clinical trial for HSCT

Everyone's rushin' to Russia for HSCT....except Nicola

Why is Roland rolling the dice on a lesser known MS treatment approach?

We're better, and back....and learning how to turn discomfort into exhilaration

How I got from simple curiosity about HSCT to the reality of going through treatment.

We all have a life, ours is changed by MS. Read my 'diary' with me about how things changed ...

The importance of communities: Meet the connecting force for people undergoing HSCT

When you become your own case study : Mary's journey from professional to patient

When Peter learned that Primary Progressive MS doesn't mean there are no options

What's it all about? It's ok to talk about MS and how we deal with it - and we should

CoVid wasn't stopping Kerrie

Tanya rises up from the lowest low, to triumph, and AVN?

Colleen & Kel's unique experience
