MS symptoms and diagnosis: from clinically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis | S8E14

What happens when you experience MS symptoms, but don’t yet have a diagnosis? In this episode of Living Well with MS, we hear from Maureen Haith, who first experienced neurological symptoms in 2002 but wasn’t diagnosed with multiple sclerosis until 2019. Along the way, she was told she had clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) – a term many people are unfamiliar with, but which can be an early stage of MS. Maureen shares her experience of recognising early symptoms, navigating uncertainty, and deciding when and how to tell others about her condition. She also reflects on how discovering the Overcoming MS programme influenced her lifestyle, from diet and exercise to building community through local support groups. This is a thoughtful and reassuring conversation for anyone facing MS diagnosis uncertainty, exploring practical ways to take control and make sustainable lifestyle changes over time. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.   02:02 First MS symptoms: fatigue, tingling and early warning signs 03:49 New symptoms appear: changes in walking and sensation 04:55 What is clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and why it matters 07:38 Deciding when and how to share an MS diagnosis 11:37 MS risk and family: understanding genetics and environment 14:23 Discovering Overcoming MS and making lifestyle changes 16:35 Finding support: building connection through local MS circles 20:19 Following the MS diet while travelling and eating out 26:03 Managing weight on a whole food plant-based diet 29:29 Coping with brain fog: practical tools that help 31:33 Advice for newly diagnosed: start small and build gradually Read all of the Overcoming MS books Find plant-based restaurants on the Happy Cow website Check out the Chef Cards for eating in a restaurant New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing [email protected]. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.