Perspectives on Multiple Sclerosis: An Audio Experience

Perspectives on Multiple Sclerosis

Perspectives on Multiple Sclerosis
By
Published on October 29, 2025
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Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) is not a straight path. From getting diagnosed to treating symptoms, it’s a journey of ups and downs. Nearly one million people in the United States have MS and navigate this path with resilience each day.

 Below, hear from people with MS and their caregivers about what it’s like to live with the condition.

Perspectives on Getting a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

MS symptoms can be unpredictable and ever changing, making the diagnostic process difficult.

 Though it can take some trial and error to get the right diagnosis, it’s critical to find a treatment plan that works for you. Hear from three people about getting an MS diagnosis.
portrait of a person
Pam
Living with multiple sclerosis
“I had no idea what was going on in my body. I kept tripping. You know, every time I was walking, I would trip constantly.”
Transcript Available
portrait of a person
Ricky
Living with multiple sclerosis
“When I got diagnosed, I was extremely down and depressed. I remember in the doctor’s office, I literally cried. A big Black guy, law enforcement, crying like a baby.”
Transcript Available
portrait of a person
TC
Living with multiple sclerosis
“I went to about nine of the doctors. I didn't think they knew what they were talking about. I said, okay, and they all said the same thing, and I was like, this is really serious.”
Transcript Available

Perspectives on the Daily Management of MS

Living with MS often means finding new ways to do daily tasks and the things you love. Chrichelle, Cory, and Pam share how they’ve learned to cope with their new normal.
Portrait of a person
Chrichelle
Living with multiple sclerosis
“It’s very frustrating that it’s inconsistent and it’s unexpected. I could be totally fine one day, and the next day I just — I have zero energy, as if it was just all sucked out of me.”
Transcript Available
Portrait of a person
Cory
Living with multiple sclerosis
“For someone who doesn't experience fatigue truly, it's hard for them to understand. It's not sleepy. It's not tired. It's an inside exhaustion. You want to do things, but you mentally can't do it.”
Transcript Available
portrait of a person
Pam
Living with multiple sclerosis
“And I don’t want to say I can’t do it. Because I don’t like that word ‘can’t.’ I am challenged now.”
Transcript Available

Perspectives on Caring for Someone Who Has MS

Caregivers for people with MS often assume the role for many decades, spending much of their time tending to their loved one’s needs.

 Caregiving is a full-time job that necessitates resources, rest, and self-care. Three MS caregivers share their experiences.
Portrait of a person
Alfreda
Caring for her husband with MS
“I didn't want him to feel like he was a burden, because he wasn't a burden.”
Transcript Available
Portrait of a person
Janitza
Caring for her brother with MS
“I don't feel like I have anyone to talk to about how I really feel inside, but I guess this is the role that I have to play.”
Transcript Available
Portrait of a person
Nancy
Caring for her husband with MS
“I know what I'm up against. I know we can fight it. And let's deal with this. One day at a time.”
Transcript Available
Portrait of a person
Alfreda
Caring for her husband with MS
“I find myself sometimes feeling like it's two people against one — like MS is that third person that's in our relationship.”
Transcript Available
Portrait of a person
Nancy
Caring for her husband with MS
“I definitely feel like I have to keep everything together. I have to keep the house running. … I’m the one driving this bus.”
Transcript Available

Perspectives on Finding MS Support

Feeling supported by an MS community can help make the challenges of the condition feel more manageable and may even protect your cognitive health.

 Hear how Ricky and Pam find strength in social connections.
portrait of a person
Ricky
Living with multiple sclerosis
“African Americans don’t go to support groups. They don’t. Black men don’t go to support groups. That was my acknowledgment that I had MS, and I needed the support group.”
Transcript Available
portrait of a person
Pam
Living with multiple sclerosis
“There is a Facebook group that I belong to: Black Girls Move. We all have MS, all over the country, and we support each other.”
Transcript Available

Perspectives on Facing Stigma Related to MS

Chronic conditions, especially those with “invisible symptoms,” such as MS, are commonly misunderstood. Listen to TC and Ricky talk about their experiences being judged. 
portrait of a person
TC
Living with multiple sclerosis
“I just thought, “Okay, I'm not functioning like I'm supposed to.” And people are looking or thinking, ‘What's wrong with you?’ And then you don't want to go out.”
Transcript Available
portrait of a person
Ricky
Living with multiple sclerosis
“And that may be because of me being a man. Me being a Black man. Me … having my career. I’ve always been an independent, strong person, and seeing people judge me out in the street is hard.”
Transcript Available
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Understanding MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  2. Spain R et al. Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis Using the McDonald Criteria. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence. February 5, 2025.
  3. Kalb RC et al. Addressing the Needs of Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers From Diagnosis Onward: The Development of a Comprehensive Online Caregiver Protocol. International Journal of MS Care. November-December 2023.
  4. Rafizadeh CM et al. Associations Between Social Support and Cognitive Performance Among Persons with MS. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. October 2023.
Meet Our Experts
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Jessica-Baity-bio

Jessica Baity, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jessica Baity, MD, is a board-certified neurologist practicing in southern Louisiana. She cares for a variety of patients in all fields of neurology, including epilepsy, headache, dementia, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

She received a bachelor's degree in international studies and history from the University of Miami and a master's in international relations from American University. She graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine, where she also did her internship in internal medicine and her residency in neurology.

Prior to practicing medicine, she worked in international relations and owned a foreign language instruction and translation company. 

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Jessica Hicks

Jessica Hicks

Author

Jessica Hicks is a writer, editor, and published research author with a background that spans traditional journalism, health tech, and the nonprofit sector. She has experience producing multimedia content for a range of behavioral change, mental health, and lifestyle products and platforms.

As Senior Editor for The Well, Everyday Health’s Content Studio and Innovation Lab, Jessica spends her day to day creating and managing high-quality, science-backed content that helps individuals live their happiest, healthiest lives.

Jessica studied journalism, sociology, and anthropology at Lehigh University. In her free time, you’ll find her figure skating, needlepointing, and organizing meetings for her book club.

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