A life on the progressive side episode 3

MS, transitions, and living authentically, with Dr Cora Sargeant

In the final episode in our podcast series Ashleigh speaks with Dr Cora Sargeant, who's living with relapsing remitting MS and, like Ashleigh, is trans.

In this episode, Ashleigh and Cora discuss:

diagnosis
access to care
accessibility in both the MS community and the LGBTQIA+ community
transitioning to wheelchair use
the joy of living authentically

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About Ashleigh and Cora

Cora

Dr Cora Sargeant is an Educational Psychologist and research director for the doctorate in Educational Psychology at the University of Southampton.

Cora writes for the blog Rolling for Initiative and is host of the podcasts Classroom Psychology and Sciencing the s**t out of MS.

Ashleigh

Ashleigh Talbot is a musician from Manchester. She started reporting on the LGBTQIA+ community back in 2015 when she produced and presented “That’s Pride” on local Manchester television.

She was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2022.

Ashleigh also runs her own podcast for the trans community called ‘What the Trans?!’.

Information and support for progressive MS

Read more about the topics discussed in this episode and find support.

Primary progressive MS (PPMS)

Primary progressive MS affects about 10-15% of people diagnosed with MS. It has this name because from the first (primary) symptoms it is progressive. Symptoms gradually get worse over time, rather than appearing as sudden attacks (relapses).

How is MS diagnosed?

Find out about the tests neurologists use to diagnose MS, including neurological examination, MRI and lumbar puncture.

Social care services

Find out about social care, paying for social services, services available, and appeals and complaints.

Living with MS

MS is different for everyone. But there are ways to manage your symptoms and live well with the condition.

MS Helpline

Our MS Helpline gives emotional support and information to everyone affected by MS. Give us a ring to chat about everything MS, or get help with benefits, legal advice and getting active.

Local support

Up and down the country, our local groups are on hand to provide friendship, support and information. Find your nearest group and check out our courses and other services.