A Life on the Progressive Side: A Review

A life on the progressive side is a three-part podcast mini series hosted by Ashleigh Talbot. Ashleigh was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in 2022 at the age of 37. Episode 1, Primary progressive MS and adjustments after diagnosis, features guest Fiona McMillan, who was diagnosed at age 19.

Firstly, what is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease affecting the central nervous system. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerves. The damage prevents the normal conduction of electrical impulses from the brain to the body (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025). This abnormal conduction can result in symptoms across the body, including problems with vision, paraesthesia (pins and needles), and muscle weakness (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025).

There are three main types of MS: relapsing, secondary progressive, and primary progressive (MS Society, 2019). While Ashleigh and Fiona both have PPMS, they experience some different symptoms. This variation is due to the location of damage and inflammation (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2024). 

My podcast review

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. It was very enlightening and provided a clear insight into aspects of life with PPMS. They began by discussing their fairly long journeys to diagnosis. Ashleigh felt it was “almost a relief” when she received her diagnosis as it validated that her symptoms weren’t psychosomatic; she wasn’t “just making it up”. Fiona had a similar experience, discussing how doctors would be dismissive of her symptoms until she took a list of her symptoms to the doctor and expressed that she thought she might have MS. 

Unfortunately, facing dismissive doctors and long waiting times (Merone, L. et al., 2022) are common experiences faced by chronically ill women. As a chronically ill person myself, I found this deeply relatable. I didn’t expect to connect so strongly with the speakers when I started listening, but I was pleasantly surprised, feeling a comforting sense of camaraderie. 

Ashleigh and Fiona began to discuss the challenges they’ve faced in the workplace. Fiona was a teenager, working in fast food, when her symptoms began, but she felt forced to leave when her visual symptoms progressed. Ashleigh, a musician, has had to significantly decrease the number of gigs she can perform due to venue inaccessibility. She is still able to participate with her band every so often, but it can take weeks of physiotherapy and preparation. I found these sentiments, again, incredibly relatable because I had to give up certain instruments when I was younger due to my symptoms. The pair also discussed workplace support. Ashleigh didn’t receive support at her last workplace before she had to leave, because she didn’t know how to ask for it at the time; “You have to be your own advocate,” agreed Fiona. 

Both agreed that having PPMS has taken quite a toll on their mental health. “Mental health side, yeah, I think that often probably gets overlooked… people see your physical disability. People don’t necessarily see how you’re struggling with it,” said Fiona. “I don’t always hate my disability.” Her attitude towards her condition is more complex and dynamic; it is often dependent on how much her symptoms are impacting her life at a given time. Ashleigh felt her mental health was hit particularly hard during the period between receiving her diagnosis and beginning treatments. She noted that her diagnosis also heavily impacted the mental health of her loved ones, who were more shocked, but their support has been incredibly significant for Ashleigh. 

Ashleigh also expressed some frustration at receiving unsolicited advice from people around her; “people try to be helpful… but you’re not going to be thinking of anything a doctor hasn’t thought of.” Receiving unsolicited advice from well-meaning (but underqualified) people is another common experience for people with chronic illness.  

The episode closed with a conversation on current treatments and hopes for the future. Ashleigh and Fiona had similar feelings towards their treatment. Both experienced some initial disappointment that their symptoms weren’t improving but “knowing something is slowing it down can be really reassuring,” said Fiona. She hopes in her lifetime she will see a treatment that can reverse the damage to myelin. 

Many disabled people often feel that all other people see is their disability, but we all have identities separate from our conditions. Fiona hopes to become a chartered accountant and continue her advocacy in the future. Ashleigh is looking forward to a future where everyone feels welcomed and defended in society. 

Want to learn more or find support?

Check out the National MS Society or MS Society websites.

References

Johns Hopkins Medicine (2025). Multiple Sclerosis (MS). [online] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/multiple-sclerosis-ms [Accessed 7 Apr. 2025].

Merone, L., Tsey, K., Russell, D., Daltry, A. and Nagle, C. (2022). Self-Reported Time to Diagnosis and Proportions of Rediagnosis in Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia: A Cross-sectional Survey. Women’s Health Reports, [online] 3(1), pp.749–758. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2022.0040. [Accessed 7 Apr. 2025].

MS Society (2019). Types of MS. [online] Mssociety.org.uk. Available at: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/types-of-ms [Accessed 7 Apr. 2025].

National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2024). What is Multiple Sclerosis? [online] National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms/what-is-ms [Accessed 7 Apr. 2025].

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This article was written by Ciara Lee and edited by Rebecca Pope, with graphics produced by Suzana Sultan. If you enjoyed this article, be the first to be notified about new posts by signing up to become a WiNUK member (top right of this page)! Interested in writing for WiNUK yourself? Contact us through the blog page and the editors will be in touch.