Move It or Lose It | Episode 138 | Adam Powell: MS Questions & Myths Answered

Date: October 8, 2025
Hosts: Kathy Chester & Adam Powell

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Kathy Chester teams up with Adam Powell for the first of their new monthly Q&A podcasts, aiming to tackle the most common questions and persistent myths around Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other chronic illnesses. Both hosts share their personal experiences, address concerns they hear most from their support groups, and debunk the misinformation that often circulates online. They also dive into key social and emotional challenges, such as the fear of losing friends, stigma around mobility aids, and the ongoing process of accepting and adapting to MS.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why “Don’t Go to Google” Is Sound Advice

• Mixed Messages & Anxiety: Kathy warns newly diagnosed listeners against immediately searching symptoms and outcomes online due to “mixed messages” and unvetted information (02:00 – 04:00).
• Adam’s Tip: Adam recommends sticking to credible sources like university or hospital websites over anecdotes on platforms like Reddit (04:07).
  • Quote: “You can find whatever you want to find on there. Whatever you’re focusing on, that’s what you’re going to click on… it’s a death sentence… you’re gonna be in a wheelchair… You gotta wade through it...” – Adam (04:07)

2. The Importance of Finding Your MS “Tribe”

• Support Networks: Both hosts emphasize the value of connecting with others with MS for practical tips and emotional support, but remind listeners to be wary of negative or dogmatic groups (06:42, 19:35).
  • Quote: “You can find your tribe… people that have like-minded emotions and feelings… those become super close to you…” – Kathy (11:49)
• Real-World Example: Adam and Kathy became friends after connecting via social media and discovering they lived near each other (11:26).

3. Will MS Change My Friendships?

• Evolving Relationships: Kathy discusses how chronic illness can cause social shifts—sometimes for the better, sometimes not (09:30).
  • Quote: “We’re going to change, right? Our bodies are going to change, we’re going to change mentally… Some of it’s us shutting people out for many different reasons.” – Kathy (09:30)
• The Value of Peer Support: Finding people who genuinely “get it” helps compensate for misunderstandings from old friends or family (11:49 – 13:39).

4. Stigma Around Mobility Aids (Handicap Stickers, Wheelchairs, etc.)

• Emotional Hurdle: Both hosts candidly share their initial embarrassment and self-consciousness around using disability permits and mobility aids, especially as younger adults (13:39 – 17:36).
  • Quote: “I was embarrassed about it because I didn’t want to use it… being a guy that looks like I’m not disabled, but going into a store and having to use like the little cart at the grocery store…” – Adam (14:08)
• Reframing Mobility Aids: Over time, using these tools is seen as empowering and simply “another tool” to preserve independence and enjoy life events (15:00–15:12).

5. Family, Food, and Navigating Social Events

• Peer Pressure: Kathy details how dietary needs can trigger awkward or judgmental reactions at family gatherings, and encourages listeners to focus on their own needs and boundaries (21:02 – 23:44).
  • Quote: “I still struggle with that where I’m going to an event and I know food is going to be prepared… If I want a salad instead, I’ll constantly get asked, ‘Do you just want a slice?’” – Kathy (21:38)
• Adam’s Take: “It goes back to the not caring what other people think… because we’re doing it for ourselves, for our body…” (23:10)

6. The “But You Look Fine” Myth

• Invisible Illness: Both Adam and Kathy address the frustration of being told they “don’t look sick,” emphasizing that symptoms aren’t always visible (24:03 – 24:49).
  • Quote: “For the most part, it’s an invisible illness. Mine is more visible than yours is… but if I’m not walking, then you can’t tell…” – Adam (24:21)

7. Telling Others About Your Diagnosis (Work, Family, etc.)

• Disclosure Choices: The hosts reflect on how, when, and to whom to reveal their diagnosis, and the workplace considerations and anxieties involved (27:03 – 32:30).
  • Quote: “It is tough… it’s hard to admit that you were not who you used to be or not as good as you once were.” – Adam (31:29)

8. Support Groups & Mental Health

• Therapy Recommendation: Adam strongly advises seeing a therapist after diagnosis, not just leaning on physical fitness (33:44 – 34:41).
  • Quote: “Don’t be afraid to go to a therapist… I think the doctors… that’s one of the first things they should do…” – Adam (33:44)

9. Common Myths Debunked

• MS is a “Death Sentence”: Both hosts stress that MS isn’t itself fatal, and clarify confusion around complications versus direct causes (37:19 – 38:06).
  • Quote: “MS is not actually going to kill us... it might be complications, but MS is not going to kill us.” – Adam (37:21)
• Parenthood and MS: Contrary to outdated medical advice, women with MS can safely have children; heredity risk is low (38:23 – 39:29).
• Who Gets MS?: Myth that MS only affects older white women is debunked; MS does not discriminate by age, gender, or ethnicity (40:05 – 40:20).

10. Independence vs. Asking for Help

• Isolation & Shame: Kathy admits to struggling with asking for help, especially after her divorce, and notes that pride, stigma, and independence culture make it hard for many (41:44 – 46:41).
  • Quote: “Try not to think of yourself as a burden… this shit just happened to us, we didn’t ask for it… but we also need help.” – Adam (43:04)

11. Living Independently: Practical Tips

• Accessible Services: Kathy recommends using delivery services like CVS and Walgreens for medications as a practical way to remain independent (50:33).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On peer support:
  “You’ll find most likely a person or two or three that you really do click with... That means so much.” — Kathy (11:49)

• On MS being visible:
  “For the most part, it’s an invisible illness... But if I’m not walking, then you can’t tell.” — Adam (24:21)

• On grief and adaptation:
  “It’s not a one and done grieving... every time something changes, you're gonna grieve that and it's okay.” — Kathy (49:43)

• On persistent myths:
  “MS is not a death sentence. More of a life sentence.” — Adam (37:52)

• On tough love:
  “People are assholes and people don’t understand, so they lash out… But you get over it. It's just another tool.” — Adam (16:43–15:12)

Segment Timestamps for Easy Reference

• Don’t Google Everything: 01:54 – 06:42
• Support Groups—Finding Your Tribe: 06:42 – 13:39
• Mobility Aids & Stigma: 13:39 – 18:17
• Food & Social Gatherings: 21:02 – 23:44
• Invisible Illness & “You Look Fine”: 24:03 – 24:49
• Talking about MS at Work/Friends: 27:03 – 32:30
• Therapy & Mental Health: 33:44 – 34:41
• Myths (Death Sentence, Parenthood, Demographics): 37:19 – 40:20
• Asking for Help vs. Independence: 41:44 – 46:41
• Practical Tips (Pharmacy Delivery): 50:33

Groups, Resources, and Calls to Action

• Monthly Newbie Support Group: Second Thursday of each month at 8:00 PM ET (52:30)
• Women’s MS/Chronic Illness Group: Third Tuesday monthly at 7:00 PM ET (53:09)
• Men’s Group (Modified by MS): Mondays, 6:00 PM ET (53:50)

Tone and Style

Kathy and Adam keep the conversation upbeat, honest, and humorous, balancing serious advice with relatable anecdotes and candid confessions. They foster hope without sugarcoating lived MS realities.

Summary Takeaway

This episode is a rich, real-world guide for anyone living with MS or supporting someone who is—packed with myth-busting, validation, peer wisdom, and practical advice for navigating diagnosis, self-advocacy, and adaptation. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned “MS Warrior,” Kathy and Adam’s banter, encouragement, and tips will help you feel less isolated, more informed, and more empowered.