Demystifying NMO

Medical

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a neurological autoimmune disease that causes blindness and paralysis. While NMOSD is a rare disease, autoimmune diseases are common, and so is finding scientific and medical jargon tricky to understand. In this podcast, The Sumaira Foundation and Connor B J Foundation work to simplify the science associated with NMOSD and related neuro-immune disorders, bringing together patients and experts.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a neurological autoimmune disease that causes blindness and paralysis. While NMOSD is a rare disease, autoimmune diseases are common, and so is finding scientific and medical jargon tricky to understand. In this podcast, The Sumaira Foundation and Connor B J Foundation work to simplify the science associated with NMOSD and related neuro-immune disorders, bringing together patients and experts.

Location:

United States

Genres:

Medical

Science Podcasts

Description:

Language:

English

Contact:

4403159317

Website:

http://www.sumairafoundation.org

Episodes

Illuminating the Darkness of Pediatric NMOSD Through Storytelling - Meet Nell Choi'

1/31/2022

In the season finale of season 2, Chelsey reviews the topics covered and seeks feedback from listeners for season 3! To top off season 2, Demystifying NMO features Nell Choi, who shares her powerful and inspiring NMO story and optimistic perspective. Nell is a 13 year old accomplished NMOSD patient advocate. She is a published author of 'My Hospital Story', aiming to foster connection with others going through similar traumatic health journeys. She has also brought national awareness of NMO...

Duration:00:17:10

NMOSD Diagnosis Part 2: Control What You Can

1/10/2022

Part 2 of our conversation on the NMOSD diagnosis, we discuss the personal 'what now?' element...On the individual level, what does coping and living with a newly obtained NMOSD diagnosis look like? What can you do about it? To answer these questions, Demystifying NMO is delighted to have guest Taylor Ann Macey on the pod to discuss her personal patient experience with her NMOSD diagnosis. Taylor is a wife, mother, Brigham Young University graduate and life coach, with an educational...

Duration:00:24:26

NMOSD Diagnosis: Patient and Clinical Perspective

12/22/2021

In this episode, host Chelsey chats with NMOSD patient and pediatric hematologist Dr. Joanna Robles about her unique perspective and experience obtaining her NMOSD diagnosis. In their discussion, they review: Important considerations for clinicians who make the NMOSD diagnosis and provide car Overview of the educational and training pathway for clinicians, including neurologists Review of the International Diagnostic Criteria for NMOSD:...

Duration:00:29:57

Get Nerdy: The Latest in NMOSD Research

11/2/2021

Embrace your inner nerd with host and CBJF scientific advisor Chelsey (PhD immunologist) as she reviews the emerging science and hot topics recently shared at the virtual European Committee for the Treatment and Research in MS (ECTRIMS). This is a major scientific meeting where clinicians and scientists in the field of central nervous system (CNS) diseases/disorders meet to share their recent data and findings with each other. Chelsey breaks down 4 buckets of NMOSD-related research...

Duration:00:14:50

Too Hot to Handle

8/6/2021

Feeling the heat this summer?! People living with NMOSD/MS can experience sensitivity to temperature, particularly extremely hot or cold temperatures. In this episode, Chelsey chats with TSF ambassadors Julie Aldridge and Alexis (aka Lexi) Marta about their experiences living with NMOSD and managing temperature sensitivity. They cover: Impact of heat on NMOSD symptoms aka Uhtoff's phenomenon Heat-related symptoms vs relapse Managing heat, especially on a hot summer day Where to find...

Duration:00:19:50

Dude with NMO

6/14/2021

In this episode, we focus on a rare population: men with NMO! NMO overwhelming affects women compared to men, and we wanted to tap into the male outlook and experiences living with NMO. Host Chelsey is joined by her brother, Connor Judge, a 28 year old man living with NMO to share his male perspectives: What’s it like to be in a sea of women? How does NMO and treatments impact identity? What are the differences between the societal image of being a man vs being a man with NMO? Adapting...

Duration:00:08:51

Girl Power: Women's Health and NMO

4/19/2021

In this episode, host Chelsey gets candid on all things related to women's health and NMOSD with Sumaira Foundation Ambassador Chelsey Tucker (TN) and Dr. Tamara Kaplan, neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and associate neurology professor with Harvard Medical School. Topics covered are body image and emotional well-being, NMO treatment impacts on sexual identity, effect of NMO on periods, fertility & family planning, as well as the economic impact of navigating life as a woman with...

Duration:00:25:54

Interpersonal Relationships and NMO

2/28/2021

In this episode, Sumaira Foundation for NMO Patient Ambassadors Julie Aldridge, Kristen Hewitt and Alexis Marta share with host Chelsey their experiences navigating relationships with NMOSD. Together, they take a personal look at how NMO has shaped their friendships, ties with family, as well as with co-workers, classmates and professors. They discuss the strengths of communication, honesty and advocacy in their relationships, and how NMO has amplified them.

Duration:00:20:59

Vaccine Preparedness

12/14/2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged the world, and while we're going through another dark surge, there is hope- vaccines. The FDA just authorized and approved the first Covid-19 vaccine. While this is exciting, it also brings up a lot of questions, especially for people in the NMO community. In this episode, host Chelsey, PhD immunologist, chats with Sumaira on the basics of vaccines, and then talks with neuroimmunologist and NMO clinician Mary Rensel, MD of the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center....

Duration:00:30:47

Season 1 Finale: Can't Stop; Won't Stop!

7/8/2020

In the season finale of season 1, Chelsey chats with Sumaira Ahmed of The Sumaira Foundation (TSF) for NMO for a recap on Demystifying NMO. Sumaira shares her insights as both an NMO patient, TSF founder and community leader. Chelsey and Sumaira rehash the episodes and provide their take-aways. They review the goals of the podcast, what they learned throughout the season, their favorite moments, optimism for the NMO community and what's to come.

Duration:00:17:45

Episode 8: What a Pain in my NMO!

5/27/2020

In this episode, host Chelsey talks all things related to NMO pain with Dr. Shamik Bhattacharyya, a neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. Chelsey learns that pain is very prevalent in NMOSD, and presents itself in many ways. They chat a bit about the science of NMO-related pain, exploring how and why it's different than pain related to multiple sclerosis. Although there is no 'magic bullet' to wipe out NMO-pain, Dr....

Duration:00:27:09

Episode 7: Navigating the Insurance Labyrinth, with COVID19 in Mind

4/2/2020

In this episode, Chelsey chats with Marissa Shackleton, Executive Director at the Elliot Lewis Center in Massachusetts. Marissa has 8 years of experience working with patients with NMO and multiple sclerosis and is active with the National MS Society and National Infusion Center Association. She’s a national speaker on access, reimbursement, infusion centers and practice management, and is passionate about patient care and access to affordable treatment. Marissa provides insight on...

Duration:00:17:51

Episode 6: Docs' Perspective on NMO, Postpartum

3/10/2020

Chelsey again speaks with Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Galetta, both practicing neurologists at Brigham and Women's Hospital and associated with Harvard Medical School. On this episode, they focus their discussion on postpartum considerations in NMOSD patients. They chat about topics that women living with NMO may experience immediately following giving birth. Questions covered: What do I need to know about breastfeeding? What do we know about treatment safety with breastfeeding? What about managing...

Duration:00:11:38

Episode 5: What to Expect When You're Expecting with NMO

2/2/2020

On this episode, Chelsey follows up on the topic of sex and NMO and gets into a discussion on pregnancy with NMO. Chelsey explores this topic with Tamara Kaplan, MD and Kristin Galetta, MD, both practicing at Brigham and Women's Hospital and associated with Harvard Medical School. They discuss managing NMO treatments with pregnancy, how to treat a relapse while pregnant, potential safety concerns and more. Both Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Galetta emphasize that a successful pregnancy is possible...

Duration:00:16:20

Episode 4: Let's Talk About Sex, Baby

1/6/2020

Sexual dysfunction is a common invisible symptom in NMOSD, but given the intimate nature of the topic, it's not discussed as much as it should. What exactly is sexual dysfunction? What causes it? What can be done about it? Hear the answers in a discussion between Chelsey and Dr. Tamara Kaplan, a neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and assistant professor in neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kaplan shares her expertise in treating NMOSD and MS patients, including managing...

Duration:00:17:00

Episode 3: Gratitude through NMO

11/24/2019

In episode 3 of Demystifying NMO, Chelsey shares her conversations with 3 inspiring individuals living with NMOSD: Chelsey Tucker, Ron Crowe and Marie Newbrough. In their chats, they share their experiences and emotional journeys through finding their NMO diagnosis and coping with the loss of their old lives. Each tell how they have worked to manage these whirlwind emotions, and have even found new perspectives that in some ways make them find gratitude in the new lives. We hope you...

Duration:00:21:10

Episode 2: NMO Treatments: Acute vs Maintenance

10/24/2019

Episode 2 of Demystifying NMO by The Sumaira Foundation (TSF) for NMO and Connor B Judge Foundation (CBFJ) focuses on NMO Treatments: Acute vs Maintenance. Follow along to hear a candid conversation between Connor, of the CBJF and NMO patient, and his sister Chelsey, also scientific advisor with the CBJF. In their discussion, they talk about the differences in treatments to manage an active relapse versus to help prevent relapse. Glossary of Terms Used AQP4: aquaporin-4; a water channel...

Duration:00:19:53

Episode 1: Autoimmune Disease and NMOSD Overview

9/23/2019

The Sumaira Foundation and Connor B Judge Foundation are proud to present their first episode of their new joint podcast, 'Demystifying NMO!' Follow along with Austin Hoover, who lives with multiple sclerosis (the 'cousin' of NMO), and Chelsey Judge, PhD immunologist, as they chat about the basic science of autoimmune disease and NMO. They'll cover 3 main questions: 1) What is an autoimmune disease? 2) How does autoimmunity happen? 3) How does the immune response contribute to...

Duration:00:10:26