My MS Story: Living With Multiple Sclerosis

#ms #multiplesclerosis #paulthompson
Forgive the off-topic subject of this week's video. I decided to share something very important and personal about my life's journey: managing MS and the effect it has had on me as a person. I hope my story and journey might inspire yours.
For more information/resources on MS, please visit www.nationalmssociety.org
Website: www.paulthompson.us
Instagram @pdbass74

[@onesixfive]

by about the half way point of this video i wanted to shut it off becuase it was making me very emotional. over a guy i watch play the bass on youtube who ive never met. it was really hard for me to get through. yet i have not been that riveted to a video on any topic in a very, very long time. you ought to do some acting or just read voice overs. you have a way of getting your point across on any topic that always keeps me listening very closely. you are an inspiration to know you are getting so much done but youve been secretly (to me) fighting something huge this whole time and i had no idea. ill remember that next time i feel beat down at work, or tired of im being a whiny baby. that there is a guy out there who is sick and fighting through it and is very productive and going through stuff that even on my worst day probably cant approach. i got your back brother. im sure this video will be very, very helpful to someone who was just diagnosed, in a way that i cannot appreciate. you continue to do the lords work. what you feed, grows. im going to remember that one.

[@pdbass]

Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ilkkahanski7200]

Hi there and happy new year ! You have more issues to take care and worry about than only figure out your bass lines. I have seen few of your videos and noticed at first look that this guy has a special way to devote to his teaching. I like it and it's goof for me. I've been teaching some 50 y now. I think you have a good blend of new and traditional lectures going hand in hand. What comes to your illness, I'm suprised that you got strength to manage it and still share it with the others. Good heart you have. I wish you love and power ever more. Thanks for your tips for good bass playing. Take care !

[@ericward8010]

God bless you! And thank you for sharing your journey. I lost a dear friend this past year to MS. I had no idea what she was going through. I pray for your continued success. I love what you bring to our musical community, and your concise descriptions of the music we love. I'm a bassist for 53 years, and we have some stories to swap. Stay strong, my friend.

[@johnpentney816]

@@pdbass Hi my friend. As a Bass player of 56 years I enjoy your videos. I had no idea that you have MS. I can fully understand how you fear the possible progression of this illness and the fact that it might make playing more difficult. I've lived with a wife (Marian) who was diagnosed with MS. ( in 1969) before we married and so I've seen the loss of dexterity that has crept up on her over these years. If it is of any encouragement to you, there are many differing types of this illness. Hopefully you're in the mild level . I love your determination to keep playing as the movement of your hands will keep your arms strong and nimble. I believe that playing bass is the "solid rock" of any band and lifts me when I get a bit down in mood. Keep at it bro. I've got your back . John.

[@jessicabull4324]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@TheLotusManFILMs.]

My Dad was diagnosed with MS when he was 14 ...13 years before I was born, completely ruined his life, completely ruined my mental health, and it profoundly effected my life. He passed last year at 71, MS doesn't just effect those with the disease, it get's their family too.

[@shahrampezeshkpour4893]

That is exactly why I told my love to go and I never married. I was so scared about my children watching me not able to do easy daily tasks.

[@nicolemastropietro305]

I cannot believe 17 years have passed since your diagnosis. We will also never forget that day. ❤️ and then the fantastic day we got the awesome news “NO MORE NEEDLES!” We love you so much Paul/Uncle Paul! You are truly inspiring. And I love what your therapist said. I’m going to hang on to that one. 😘

[@Lifesepanga]

No more needles means ???

[@zararity]

@@Lifesepanga Did you watch the video all the way through? If so you'd understand what was meant by 'no more needles'.

[@timothywood400]

The best part about having ms is being diagnosed in my opinion possibly the best day of my life. I had an answer... I lived with the symptoms for 12 years thinking that everyone must just go through this

[@glennlawrence6700]

Thanks from a person that's just been diagnosed 😢 ..

[@thres34]

How you doing?

[@randomthoughtstoday]

May i ask, what were you first symptoms?

[@johnnywalker5720]

"Feed the good stuff... and don't ever quit." AMEN! Thanks for sharing your story and being an awesome inspiration in life as well as bass. Peace and Love to you.

[@BBradford1825]

I don’t have MS but I have various health issues. I feel you and your pain! Great message! One day at a time! 👊🏾❤️

[@sebuteo]

Hi Paul, thanks for sharing this. I have autoimmune diseases. Mine are psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. My life may well be shortened by the effects. But at the moment I’m on a form of medication that really sorts me out. It’s given me my life back. I love you and your work. So I’m sending that love ‘vibes wise’! I hope you keep well, and I hope medicine can help you fight this condition. The psychological effects of my autoimmune system diseases were ultimately as powerfully debilitating as the physical stuff. I was very very VERY depressed, for some time. Years. Bad times. I still have a lot of issues: heat issues (like you), appalling headaches (ditto). I take fortnightly injections. I get very fatigued, and yet my sleep patterns are often pretty screwed up. But now I’m happy. Very happy. Partly cause my meds work so well. Partly cause I have a lovely wife (like you!). Anyway, big love to you from us in the UK. Keep well. Keep on keeping on, brother.

[@pdbass]

Don’t ever quit! Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@jason8string]

Finding the words to comment on this vid is difficult, this is how impactful it was. I love the example you are setting by harnessing your positive mental, physical, and creative energies to keep kicking the effects of MS as far down the road as possible. Very inspiring. Peace.

[@gil3green]

Don't know what to say dude, other than that's one of the most powerful, and brave moments I ever had watching a video. Yet somehow made me feel proud. Your articulate commentary caused me to pause and reflect on what a gift life is and shouldn't be taken for granted in anyway. Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your fight.

[@ultratone]

“I’m not going to wait for it”… my favorite take-away from your story. I was diagnosed with end stage liver disease from hepatitis in 2005. It has caused other issues over the years. But that’s been a lot of years. Several self produced albums, 2 children with my loving wife, and a lot of living. Like your story, it wasn’t easy to come to terms with, but once I did, I realized I still had a bunch of living left to do. So long-term chronic illness means you might have to re-think or re-plan things once in a while, but you never give them up. Your story makes me remember how lucky I still really am. Thanks for sharing!

[@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529]

I could not tell you had MS. I reacted emotionally to what you said because I had sciatica several years ago and I started to think my life was over. I'm glad you've got, at least, a partial solution.

[@HewittH]

I'm a musician and my partner has MS, so I'm relating to everything you're sharing here. Our biggest lesson from MS has been not just to seize the day, but seize the good moments, because we may not get an entire good day. Thank you for being strong, for sharing, and for being you. ~ Your newest subscriber

[@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849]

My wife was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2005. Thankfully it hasn’t affected her speech or cognitive skills, but she’s been through multiple neurologists who’ve given her conflicting information. I wish someone had told her to exercise back then. Now she can barely walk and spends most of her time in bed. Keep going brother, I’m going to show her this video. ❤️

[@pdbass]

Hang in. We’re in this together and I know there will be an end to this sometime in our lives. 🙏🏽❤️

[@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849]

@@pdbass thank you for your reply and encouragement. Love your channel, I play keys & bass and write music for sync licensing. We’re about the same age as you, my wife & I also have faith this will be resolved in our lifetime. All the best to you!

[@karimn313]

My 15 year old son has symptoms of MS but he has not been diagnosed yet, we are waiting for and MRI next month but in my heart I know the outcome. I’m trying to educate myself on the subject, it’s a hard pill to swallow, it’s my boy, my only son, and I’m just having such a hard time accepting it. I just wanted to say thank you for your video, it’s not easy to watch but it helps me understand this disease a little better.

[@kayabe856]

My son is 15 and he’s having dizziness, fainting, and tingling feeling all over his body. He was so shaky and off balance one morning in school the teacher thought it was drugs. Drug test was negative. Brain MRI was negative. Now we’re waiting to get an appointment with a neurologist. I keep thinking he’s too young for MS. But something is definitely wrong.

[@kcameo1]

Wow. My wife has MS. Non progressive, relapsing-remitting so far. Here in the netherlands the neurologist told her not to take meds but focus on food and excercise mainly, ofcourse checked up by an scan every year or so. At least, that's the choice she has got. Your symptoms sound oh so familiar. The outside temp, drinking or eating to late can throw her off ballance too. The fact that you still are able to play your basses so wonderful and express joy and happiness in your videos is both a positive sign and worth a big compliment to you! Wish you all the health and best and appreciate your closing line even more now: take care of yourself and please love tour neighbour. Love to you and yours from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. And forgive my last remark. You somehow remind me so much of Al Jarreau, in your facial expressions and your use of your vocals. It is a joy.

[@pavlinajirankova7382]

Hi K. May I ask you what kind of diet is your wife on? I'm about the find my diagnose hopefully soon but sadly I'm ticking almost all the boxes for ms now. If you could let me know what your wife eats and supplements she takes, it would be very helpful. All the best to you both

[@kcameo1]

@@pavlinajirankova7382 Hope you are okay? 6 out of 7 days we eat vegetarian, lots of veggies, less carbs and glutes in general. More nuts and seeds. Supplements wise, not a specific thing, just plantbased vitamins, especially vitamin B12. She is doing good!

[@pavlinajirankova7382]

@@kcameo1 Thank you for your tips. I'm doing better. Started to do lots of yoga, weight lifting and bit of meditation. All seems to help but also read stories of some people who managed to rid of ms through fixing eating/digestive issues and changes in lifestyle.

[@KLucero22]

You are an inspiration to us all. I started following your channel for the bass wisdom, and now I also follow your channel for the life wisdom as well. As your therapist said, “what you feed grows”, and I have a feeling your channel will grow huge as you continue to share your wisdom and knowledge. Thank you for being a beacon of light to others

[@pdbass]

Thank you, Kevin!

[@CMMCM]

Thank you for sharing. My mother was diagnosed with MS in the early 80's. It slowed her down, but never stopped her, and she lived a pretty full life... and that was before alot of modern testing and treatments.

[@russelledwards2405]

Your openness with your condition and treatment is very inspiring. I just discovered your channel today and I hesitated to click in this particular video because I am dealing with my own health ordeals. I watched anyway and I am glad I did. Your strength and honesty were a gift. Sending love and positive thoughts your way.

[@JonathanVelez-ri3yu]

I been diagnosed IN 2021 WITH PPMS and changed my life 😢GÒOD FOR YOU PAUL THANKS FOR THE VIDEO...GOD BLESS TO ALL THAT HAVE THIS CRONIC DISEASE🙏🙏

[@jameshutch4986]

Thank you for all that you do and represent for the music and MS community. Truly you are an inspiration and I will share your life story with my daughter who was diagnosed at age 12 (now 26) and wife who was diagnosed in 2017 at age 51. God bless you. Respectfully...James

[@danielpalmersofficial]

We love you Paul, you’re a bass legend and don’t let MS ruin your life!! 😁👍

[@turk223]

Thank you so much for sharing. I was diagnosed in 2021 so it it still pretty new to me, but I am learning to accept my new life.

[@Vicnsi]

"Keep playing music until I can't play anymore, and have as much fun as I possibly can while I'm doing it, and I'm not gonna quit." Amen to that, brother. 🙏🏼

[@kitwanatyhimba5247]

Thank you for your openness and honesty 💖🙏🏾 I, too, have had to dance with chronic illnesses, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, depression, PTSD, and kidney failure 😨. I can relate to repeatedly going through the stages of grief; again, thank you because until I heard you describe your process, I had not realized what was happening to me. My nephew is working on his Ph.D. Bass and Jazz Studies, at USC., and enjoy sharing your videos with him 😊. All the best to you, my dear brother 💖🙏🏾

[@mikenicoletti3899]

Thank you so much for sharing. I love your channel. I've had MS since 2004, got diagnosed in 2010. It wrecked me pretty bad. After diagnosis I started to exercise and build myself back up. I borrowed a bass guitar from a friend to get dexterity back in my fingers. I've been in love with the bass since. Bless you and thank you. Keep fighting brother!

[@pdbass]

👊🏽

[@stevecrumpton9643]

I watched your "The Nightfly" video just last night, and came across this video about ten minutes ago. Prayers, positivity and mad respect from a Jersey bass player. "What you feed, grows." I'll remember that for the rest of my life. It'll probably be as important as any note I'll ever play.

[@mrmaison4924]

My wife have an autoimmune disease called Traverse Myelitis like a form of MS which came late in our marriage as she turned 38 (Her birthday is March 15th btw) but she had weird symptoms for a couple years before no doctors could figure out. A life changing event for us. She gets infusions every 6 months to keep things stable. Just want to say stay strong as you are and much respect to your wife. I had to take care of my wife through paralysis twice and I know how challenging it is. One love!

[@debraindxb]

My daughter (diagnosed last year) is taking the dimethyl fumarate as well. Glad to hear you're getting good results.

[@jonplaud]

That's what I take. It's generic Tecfidera.

[@geoffstockton]

Sending all the love your way, brother. You’re videos always inspire and now I feel like I understand a little more about your drive. I count you among my heroes and I don’t even play bass.

[@pdbass]

Thank you!

[@Gregor9043]

My widow passed from this, refused to take her meds because they made her feel weak. Take your meds, and take care of your health please.

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽❤️

[@lisagaryk]

It’s been a privilege to know and work with you, Paul. I remember the day you posted on social media about the new oral therapy available to you. Grateful that you have options to manage your MS that will keep you sharing your talents and your wonderful self with the world. Thank you for taking time to make this important video, which I think will bring a great deal of hope and inspiration to those who are also managing MS. Lisa Hindmarsh

[@avonwithmargie]

I just happen to run across this, here it is 2 yrs after you posted and your still impacting people! I hope it inspires them to fight back with exercise and self care, the doctors and meds can only do so much but we have to fight until we can't. I was diagnosed at 21 (1994), first in my family I had no idea what it was, knew no one with it 😒 29 yrs later I am blessed with a family who work as care givers and even though I have lots of wish I would haves I'm still fighting even from a wheelchair💪

[@pdbass]

❤️👊🏽

[@josephbishkoff1127]

Damn, Paul, I never would have known. Kudos for your accomplishments, all well wishes in your struggle, and deepest respect for your courage and heroism.

[@Phillyfast]

I've just come across your channel in the past couple of months and I thought I loved your videos before seeing this one. Your story that you tell here is amazing. I don't have MS but I know people who do, and I've gotta say I admire your candidness and your strength. Your bass videos inspire me to practice more and become a better bassist, but this video inspires me not only to exercise more and to become stronger and healthier, but to take life one day at a time and to persevere through what life throws at you. Thank you for the work you put into making your videos, and I pray for your health, strength and happiness.

[@emmittwine4159]

I appreciate you for sharing your journey with MS . Its a reminder that we all have a cross to bear ... the key is how we respond to it . And you're responding magnificently ... it's inspiring . You're a true soldier , marching on . Play that bass till the strings fall off . Keep the videos coming ... Godspeed 🙏 🌍 🎸 🎶 👊🏽 ☀️

[@rthorsen711]

Paul, this was a very moving talk - I appreciate you sharing your story. My Son in Law was just diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). He's only 27 years old, he and my daughter just had their 1st child. It completely came out of nowhere and we are all struggling to deal with it. Your advice regarding food, health, and exercise gives me a feeling of hope and I look forward to sharing this with them. Thank you for your honesty and I wish you continued health and success.

[@brizak70]

YOU HAVE A VOICE FOR AUDIO BOOKS!!! You can make good money!!! I could listen to MANY books easily and not annoyed hearing that voice!!! You should look it up.

[@harpo5420]

Thank you for sharing this - I've been living with MS for over 30 years and can relate to the feeling of grief you describe at receiving your diagnosis. It sounds like you have a wonderful support network and a great attitude. Having discovered your channel through my own journey to learn to play despite the effects of MS, and to help manage them, your example is an inspiration

[@sonicart1808]

Thank you for sharing this, I have health issues similar to yourself but have not had a definitive diagnosis, hearing from others with health issues like this is vital to keep us moving forward and help us all to deal with our challenges whatever they may be....

[@takoflame4948]

17 years!? Man u give everyone hope. I thought u was just diagnosed.

[@darhylbutler5351]

Listening to your story, WOW! You are a true Warrior my Brother. Hang in there. Much love and respect to you.

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@authenticmslife]

Man, so true about the emotional adjustments. The dx really is life changing. A total paradigm shift. And that's awesome that you're working out. I started lifting last year and I wish I'd started it much sooner. It's the best thing!

[@blankandtheblanks4869]

I found your channel yesterday and have been watching your videos on walking bass. Those videos are cool and helped me right away. You're a great teacher, and from what I can tell, a great musician. This video may be the most important one I've seen yet. It normalizes and humanizes the experience of diagnosis, genetics, and the daily struggle. Please make more of them.

[@rodneychristian9834]

Listening to your story reminds me so much of what my father went through as a musician with MS. Your description of the symptoms are very similar what he experienced. The frustration, anxiety, embarrassment without knowing what's going on with your body is extremely difficult to understand and come to grips with once a diagnosis has been pronounced. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@jacquelineglitter4328]

My son has Progressive MS and it's one of the hardest things I ever had to deal with. He's only 32 and I know it's difficult for you since you're both young. Try to eat healthy and take care of yourself the best you can. My son won't take the medication. I fought cancer but this is a rougher road because I got rid of it but you can't get rid of MS. God bless you. Prayers.

[@trip5497]

I was enjoying your site looking for Prince, saw this post, had already described. My girl has RRMS. "But you look so good".

[@mariusgoldhammer]

Thanks for that. A very happy new year to you and yours and don’t ever quit! ❤️

[@GIBKEL]

I’ll never get over how folks say….”well you look great” and then I turned into the boy who cried wolf for these past 28 years. Got really sick in my mid 20’s and only was diagnosed 2 years ago at 51. The needle and the damage done. Spinal tap and MRI contrast was conclusive. Mine has been painful, fatigue, anxiety, sleep deprived or sleeping 12-16 hours at a time. Can piss or shit normal. All my dreams that had been, now shrank down to just surviving. My neurologist has been useless. I still feel like the boy who cried wolf. I’m a old boy as I’ve never really psychologically aged. Just had digest bouts of optic neuritis and lost half my vision in one week. Had a two day pulse of I’ve steroids that pulled me out of an abyss. I’m now friendless as I’ve turned into a shut-in, all in the time of Covid. Old guitars and love a women have brought me this far. Three chords and a melody when all is lost. Thanks for your candid reveal. I’m Not brave enough as I can barely look myself in the mirror. Im barely here anymore. Somehow Radiohead’s Kid A to Moon Shaped Pool discography comfort me in the explicitness of the tone tenor and words of Thom Yorke….”I’m not here, this isn’t happening” allows for tears I can’t conjure on my own and yet someone is singing to me the words that I can’t speak. I’ve done just about lost my strength.

[@backtobasicsbtb8718]

I’m in Ohio and have been struggling with what 95% I suspect it’s MS symptoms and with finding a doc for ms ….. I watched you 3 times to get some hope even though it’s old

[@pdbass]

Find a neurologist! Get on meds! You can save your quality of life NOW. Living with MS for 20 years in March. Take control. 🙏🏽❤️

[@doublebasshq]

This is beautiful, Paul-thanks for sharing like this!

[@maureenrenihan8536]

Much love Paul. You’re officially my hero.

[@ViewtifulSam]

Thank you so much for sharing this, especially the beautiful bit at the end. As someone who has lived with an autoimmunise disease for most of my life now, it's very important to hear this kind of message from time to time. Keep it up, you're doing amazing!

[@evanmiller3993]

Uncle Paul you are a legend! Been a pleasure to have you around my life all these years and here's to many more!

[@invictussol2116]

More power to you brother! ❤️

[@markacar6892]

Love and strength to you brother. I have had MS since 2000. You reminded me of the feelings in the beginning. Although I'm secondary progressive now and use a wheelchair, I stay positive and strong. This is all you can do. Keep on keeping on until you can't anymore. Too much to write here!

[@pdbass]

Sending prayers and love your way, Mark. Thank you for your comment and spirit. Here's to living!

[@Accordionboy]

Paul, thank you! So inspiring!

[@reidwhitton6248]

Thanks for sharing your story. You look great and I'm sure your exercise routine is highly beneficial. I was reading about stroke last night and exercise was stressed as one of the best deterrents along with avoiding alcohol, smoking, and junk food.

[@donkelly36]

Thx for the story PD, you're a real inspiration! Love your videos, they're terrific!

[@waggabutt4655]

Rock on, Paul. It's very admirable of you to share that, man.

[@jazzbrew68]

Just a note of support. Bless you man. Thankful for you.

[@thomasanderson3892]

The fact you told your story while going through MS is brave. To play the music that you are gifted to teach and play, is a wonder of its own. I am so glad that I have stumbled into this channel, because the bass line is always the vibe of the whole song, and you shown it with love, care, attention, precision and patience in my eyes is pure perfection. Thank you, Good sir. thank you so much for making me love the bass even more.

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@thomasanderson3892]

@@pdbass I'm so glad that you are doing something that bring joy to all of us. Keep up the great work my brother!

[@louisvaughn7248]

Empowering stuff man! keep up the good vids and I hope your life is blessed

[@markgodwin2629]

Beautiful words, Paul. Thanks for sharing about your journey and having a great impact on all of us.

[@k.junior7792]

Sending blessings to you, stay strong ✊🏾

[@inakiiraeta707]

Truly inspiring. Wish you the best, man.

[@davidjen5244]

Can't thank you enough for sharing this with all of us. I love what you do here.

[@kyleandrews9618]

Thanks for this, Paul. Much love.

[@IsaacV_music]

PT, you are such an inspiration to everyone who knows you. Much love and thank you for what you do!

[@valeriegillespie9705]

I am so sorry to hear about your MS diagnosis... I was really moved by your spirit and determination, and I want to thank you for sharing this. We as musicians can tend to allow ourselves to think of our very beings as the music that we make. This makes it easy for us to get depressed when we feel like we aren't able to do what we know we COULD. Your comments about not quitting are so inspirational. Thank you!

[@livelikeitshows1802]

You’re a true inspiration, brother! 🙏🏽🎶

[@johndangerbenedictarnold7862]

Cooling vests are life savers for those times you have to be outside at festival or something.

[@JulianFernandez]

Inspiring story. Keep fighting the fight man! You have my support!

[@clcortelyou]

I was diagnosed in 1990, age 26, with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). I initially realized an issue at a Valentine's Day gig when I was missing notes like yourself. And I was missing HALF notes! Several months later I got my diagnosis at the University of Michigan. I was incredibly fortunate. I underwent treatment with corticosteroids and plasmapheresis and experienced dramatic remission, from 80% deficit to near normal in about 36 hours. Most folks with this diagnosis face symptoms like weakness and exhaustion even with routine IVIG treatments. Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you all the best living, loving, playing through your days and years!

[@davidn2813]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, for being strong and resilient, and being the excited person / musician / groove lover you are! Your videos always bring up some bass jam I'd forgotten about and constantly inspire me to pick up my bass. You are da bomb and know that people out here SEE you and care about you and what you do. Keep up the fight and know you have thousands of people pullin' for ya.

[@MattLeGroulx]

An inspiration, man. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@lucaskemp1479]

Super powerful. Inspiring me to keep playing as much as possible. Really appreciate the video man

[@awilliams379]

Paul, you have said everything my wife has told me for the past 5 years. She doesn't have MS, but Psoriatic Arthritis, which is a similar and rare autoimmune condition, Her story is SO similar to yours. I HEAR you, my friend. I watch it, I see it every day, and my wife amazes me how she copes, and now you do as well. The fog, the fatigue, the loss of coorindation, the pain, I see it ebb an flow every day, and all I can say is that I wish you well, I wish you love, I wish you to cope and thrive. My wife tries t hide it, but I see it, I don't understand it, but hearing you, a great communicator, say it in your words, it helps me understand. I got friends with MS. I worked with a bloke in the early 90s, his dad was electric wheelchair bound due to the lack of treatment and how far his condition had gone untreated. I'm glad you are getting great treatment, and you are a man who deserves a good long life behind those 4 heavy strings! Man, my brother found you online (where in Australia BTW), he's an old school Vinyl DJ, and he found your clips breaking down famous funk basslines (he's a big Hip Hop Record Collector and we've always loved seeking the sources) , and put me straight onto you, I have a little more musical training in theory, but we both love great music, both love a groove and have a broad taste, and I say from us both, you're channel is a GIFT! You are truly giving it all, and we say thank you. It took me a long time to learn that being a sharing musician is better than a jealous and guarded one - you embody the ultimate generosity of the teacher and bandmate that we all should aspire to be. We are all learning, whatever level and skill. You live, live with it, and I hope to live with you, many miles away, listening to your lessons, as they enrich my life, my playing and my musicianship. A true gift, from a faraway and unknown friend. Regards, Andrew

[@drummersagainstitk]

Bless you man.

[@paulhetheringtonvoice-over]

I've been watching content from your channel for some time now and I had no idea you had MS. First of all, thanks for the channel. Your in-depth insights into material I was already aware of plus your introductions to new stuff brighten up my day. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Just now hearing what a struggle you have/are faced/facing makes this all the more remarkable, and your positivity is truly inspiring. Thank you for that and keep doing what you're doing. "Feed the good stuff and don't ever quit:" Words to live by.

[@313mph]

My prayers for your ultimate healing brother. God bless and be with you!

[@beatrocka5]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@chop1992]

Thanks for sharing your story, Paul. I wish you everything good and continued success with your treatments.

[@scohanl]

Thank you for sharing, especially about “what you feed, grows.” Your music and your heart and spirit are a balm for us all.

[@dcross8034]

Wow- I've always been impressed with your videos- but this was amazing- so much respect for you.

[@sidepieceseason1414]

Keep doing your thing Paul. Stay strong!

[@Legionmint7091]

I’m so sorry to hear that mate. But it’s great that you spread awareness about MS. Stay strong.

[@ralphmays2696]

Love it man! Keep strong!

[@foreverseethe]

Blessings brother 🙏🏾

[@coreycongilio]

Inspiring on many levels, PT. I'm blessed to know you even a little bit. Thanks for sharing.

[@alchemysticgoldmind4164]

You have courage my friend .Much love and appreciation for you and all work here

[@JimHawkins808]

Thanks for sharing your story brother … don’t ever quit!!

[@paulcombs-bomuse6172]

Thank you all the more for your excellent videos about excellent bass players. Keep swingin’!

[@FretboardVisualization]

touching and inspirational (as always), thanks for sharing

[@galdinolima.f7821]

Man!! I literally just started watching your videos randomly, I’m also a musician. But I also just happened to have MS, newly diagnosed. It’s really refreshing and relieving to hear another musician that has MS and are still rocking! Thanks for sharing, I’m less scared of losing music in my life! 🤗

[@pdbass]

👊🏽💪🏽🙌🏽

[@chasvox2]

Bravely spoken. Forge ahead. I will pray for you, young man.

[@Toracube]

Oh man. Thank for your open and honest peak into the private world of living with MS especially concerning a great, creative musician like yourself. Kudos to your support structure and your mental fortitude for handling it. May your bad days be less bad. A hug from across the pond.

[@mikebassy]

Mate , god bless you . This is my favourite channel this year . You have gotten me back on the double bass . Ronnie Lane of the Small Faces and later the Faces had MS . I remember the ARMS gigs with Clapton/Page/Beck when they raised funds for research into MS ? Ronnie was a really good Bassist and songwriter. Rock tour

[@diggabledork]

I really appreciate you sharing this side of yourself. You're a whole person who happens to be a fantastic music educator and bass player. Thanks so much for being here with us and giving so freely.

[@bmuhamad]

Glad that you are talking about it, and seemingly doing so well. Glad that you're upbeat about it. Best of wishes for success & great health.