Smoldering MS can continue beneath the surface, even when there are no obvious relapses or new lesions on an MRI. Jojo and Shabrika unpack what this lesser-known aspect of multiple sclerosis may mean for people whose symptoms keep changing, despite scans that appear stable. They explain smoldering, or chronic active, lesions; discuss progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA); and explore why symptoms don’t always line up neatly with MRI results. Drawing on their own experiences with MS, they talk about cognitive changes, fatigue, mobility challenges, feeling misunderstood, and the importance of advocating for yourself when you know something isn’t right. This candid conversation offers information, empathy, and a reminder that living with MS can look different for everyone. It’s not medical advice, but it may help you find new questions to bring to your healthcare team. In this episode:

• What smoldering MS and chronic active lesions are
• How MS may progress without an obvious relapse
• Why a stable MRI doesn’t always reflect the full experience of symptoms
• How cognitive changes and other invisible symptoms affect daily life
• Why self-advocacy matters when navigating MS care

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/anti-myelin-society-podcast--6703362/support.