Diagnosed with MS: Buy the Hot Tub, Honey! - Video

​CORRECTION: Whoops! The text overlay hangs on a few seconds too long and covers some faces on a few scenes. My apologies for the brief "masking" — I’ll make sure the timing is tighter next time!

Hold onto your coffee mugs, folks! We're diving into the inspiring story of Selena Buongiorno, a bright light in the MS community who turned her diagnosis into a platform for awareness, support, and sometimes, a good laugh. If you've ever wondered how to advocate, how to keep your sanity, or how to phrase Italian last names, this episode spills all the tea—and some Italian espresso shots too!
In this episode:
Selena’s diagnosis story, her first symptoms, and how her medical background shaped her understanding
The importance of self-advocacy at doctor appointments and keeping a symptom list
The invisible nature of MS and how to educate others to be kinder
How Selena got involved with the MS Society and started her podcast
The benefits of research trials and navigating insurance hurdles
Tips for managing pain, fatigue, and mental health in everyday life
The impact of meditation, breathing techniques, and self-care routines on MS symptoms
The role of PAs and medical professionals in the MS journey
Insight into medication protocols, side effects, and drug company stories
The importance of community and the power of podcasting in spreading awareness

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction: Selena's story and her podcast mission

02:13 - Diagnosed during the pandemic: Symptoms, diagnosis, and initial reactions

04:44 - Living with an invisible illness: How to educate and foster kindness

07:32 - Mental health and anxiety: Managing the emotional toll of MS

11:24 - Advocating for yourself: Tips for doctor visits and symptom tracking

13:19 - Starting a podcast after diagnosis: From secret to advocacy

16:30 - The role of research trials and access to treatment

20:06 - Handling insurance and medication access nightmares

24:30 - Self-care routines: How Selena manages bad MS days

28:13 - Meditation, grounding, and breathing techniques

31:18 - Overthinking, triggers, and mental resilience

35:17 - The intricacies of medication, side effects, and drug stories

42:40 - MRI tips: Metal, tattoos, and what to watch out for

45:51 - The importance of a healthcare team: PAs, professionals, and advocates

50:28 - Community support & spreading awareness through podcasts

53:42 - Connecting with Selena & where to find her podcast

55:43 - Final thoughts and gratitude

Resources & Links:

MSWired Podcast
Selena Buongiorno on Instagram
The National MS Society
Low Dose Naltrexone info - (search for LDN books for more)
Connect with Selena:
Instagram
Facebook

And remember—whether you're lifting heavy or lifting your spirits—you're not alone in this. Keep fighting, keep educating, and most of all, keep smiling. Because if Selena can do it, so can we!

#MultipleSclerosis
#MSAwareness
#Podcasting
#InvisibleIllness
#HealthAdvocacy
#Empowerment
#ChronicIllness
#CommunitySupport
#HealthcareJourney
#MSWarrior

✅ Thank you to all of our Warriors and supporters for listening! You can reach us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on
✔ Instagram: @4tbelowzero

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