Past Podcast Episodes

When my wife was diagnosed with MS in 1997, the annual cost of her MS medication was $9,000. Today, the annual cost of that same medication is $110,000.

How much longer will the insanity driving the cost of MS medications continue?

Joining me to discuss the impact of the outrageously high cost of MS medications — and what each of us can do about it — is the National MS Society's Vice-President of Advocacy, Steffany Stern.

We're also talking about a Phase 1 clinical trial for an investigational Epstein-Barr Virus vaccine (and why that matters to everyone living with MS).

We'll tell you about a study that may have identified a biomarker for MS-related fatigue.

We're also sharing the results of a study that identified which stress-reducing activities can help reduce MS-related depression and fatigue.

And we'll tell you about a study that identified the economic benefits of starting MS medications early.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

The (HIGH!) Cost of MS Medications :22

NIH Announces Phase I Clinical Trial of Investigational EBV Vaccine 4:21

Study identifies a potential biomarker for MS fatigue 6:04

Study identifies stress-reducing activities that lower MS-related depression and fatigue 8:37

Study shows the economic benefits of starting MS medications early 11:25

Steffany Stern discusses the impact of the cost of MS medications 14:16

Share this episode 32:10

Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device 32:30

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS

Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/246

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

National MS Society COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for People Living with MS
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance

National MS Society: You Can Help Bring MS Medications Into Reach
https://nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Make-MS-Medications-Accessible/Take-Action

RealTalk MS Ep.229: Evidence Shows MS Is Triggered by the Epstein-Barr Virus with Dr. Kassandra Munger and Dr. AJ Joshi
https://realtalkms.com/229

RealTalk MS Episode 231: Evidence Shows EBV Triggers MS: Understanding this Breakthrough Research with Dr. Bruce Bebo
https://realtalkms.com/231

Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid Precursor Protein as a Potential Biomarker for Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034822003583

SURVEY: Undertaking Specific Stress-Reducing Activities are Associated with Reduced Fatigue and Depression, And Increased Mastery, in People with Multiple Sclerosis
https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034822003169

Early vs Late Treatment Initiation in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Impact on Cost of Illness: A Register-Based Prospective Cohort Study in Sweden
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35496759

iConquer MS Survey for MS Caregivers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823942/Caregiver-Survey-MS-Caregivers

iConquer MS Survey for Researchers and Healthcare Providers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823815/Caregiver-research-survey-HCPs-and-researchers

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Devices
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

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http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.

RealTalk MS Episode 246
Guests: Steffany Stern

Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResearch, MSSociety, RealTalkMS

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For some, the journey to their MS diagnosis is relatively quick and straightforward. For others, it can be lengthy and convoluted, sometimes taking years.

Joining me to talk about some of the twists and turns that can pop up on the road to being diagnosed with MS is Dr. Michael Robers, a neurologist in the Multiple Sclerosis Program and an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at Barrow Neurological Institute.

We're also talking about a study that measured MS prevalence among Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian people.

We'll share results of a survey that looked at cannabis use among Canadians living with MS.

We're also sharing results of a survey that looked at where Americans living with MS get their information about cannabis.

If you're an MS caregiver, healthcare professional, or researcher, we'll give you the details about an important survey that you can participate in.

And we're even taking a moment for a special thank you!

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

A quick look at the numbers and a heartfelt thank you! :22

A date that each person remembers 2:59

Study looks at MS prevalence among different racial and ethnic groups 4:36

Survey results show cannabis use among Canadians with MS 7:41

Where do you get your information? 10:07

Survey results show where Americans with MS get their information and guidance about cannabis 11:20

An important survey for MS caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers 14:37

Dr. Michael Robers discusses the journey to an MS diagnosis 17:03

Share this episode 31:20

Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device 31:41

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS

Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/245