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Welcome to My MS Podcast. Today, I’m opening up about what it really means to be newly diagnosed with MS. This isn’t another generic medical rundown; it’s an unfiltered, heart-to-heart conversation about the raw truths and emotions that come with hearing those life-altering words. Whether you’ve been diagnosed days ago or you’re supporting someone who has, this episode is a lifeline, straight from my heart to yours.

Let’s face MS together.

Welcome to my MS podcast

When you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a whirlwind of emotions and a storm of questions hit you all at once. Decisions that once seemed clear become overwhelming, and you’re forced to make life-altering choices when you can hardly think straight. I remember when I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2016.

I felt like the body I’d known for 36 years had become a stranger. Questions flooded in: Which medication should I take? Are the side effects worse than the disease? Should I start with diet instead? These are decisions you’re not ready to make, and they can shake your entire world.

Facing my diagnosis

I never expected to be diagnosed with MS. And when the diagnosis came, it wasn’t just about the medical facts, it was about confronting the fears and feelings that no one really talks about. You might worry that MS will change the person you are today, or that it will rob you of the future you’ve always envisioned. I had questions too: Will I still get married? Will I be able to have children and be the active mom I dreamt of being? Will I ever travel the world, run a marathon, or climb the career ladder I’ve worked so hard to achieve?

These questions can leave you feeling isolated, especially when friends and family might not fully understand what you’re going through.

Processing the emotions

There’s an undeniable stage of grieving after a diagnosis. I had to mourn the confidence I once had in my health and in my future. I mourned the image I had of myself as a nutrition coach, yoga instructor, and personal trainer, being healthy wasn’t just a lifestyle for me; it was who I was. I began questioning how much MS would change me, not just physically, but in the very essence of who I am.

I want you to know that it’s okay not to be okay. Ignoring your emotions only delays the healing process. In fact, feelings buried alive never die.

Allow yourself the space to process the flood of emotions. Whether you prefer quiet time alone, journaling your thoughts, going for a reflective walk, practicing yoga, listening to uplifting music, or simply taking deep, cleansing breaths, give yourself permission to feel every part of this journey.

Making decisions in uncertainty

When you’re faced with an MS diagnosis, you’re forced to make decisions about your future amidst uncertainty. It’s a time when you feel your body betraying you, even as you still look the same on the outside. These are decisions that no one else can answer for you, they’re deeply personal. I want you to remember that while MS may change your life, it doesn’t change who you are.

Your identity runs deeper than any diagnosis, and you still have the power to shape a future filled with purpose, meaning, and contribution.

Finding hope and moving forward

I know it can be hard to see beyond the immediate fear and uncertainty. But I’m here to tell you that your life is not over because you have multiple sclerosis.

MS is a chapter in your story, not the ending. With time, support, and self-compassion, you can process these emotions and move forward with hope. You have the ability to decide the meaning you give to your diagnosis and to reclaim your life on your own terms.

And if you ever feel like you need a mindset reset or some extra guidance along the way, I have some resources that have helped me immensely:

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Download My Free MS Anthem – A daily reminder that MS does not define you. Get your copy here.

More From Me

• Follow Me on Instagram: alenebrennan.ms
• Work With Me – Want a personalized approach to managing MS? Apply for my private coaching program here.

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🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to My MS Podcast!