*MegaSpecial = awesome people that have MS/Multiple Sclerosis*
Author: Vix Edwards
I have a passion for nearly all forms of exercise! Most definitely Pilates, the Gym, Weight lifting & studying Yoga.
Unfortunately I am now unable to do these things the ‘normal’ way. I can still do it, but now I have to be sitting down!
My vision is to write a book on how changing your mindset can change your life!
Lover of Photography, Digital art and Blogging
Oh yeah, and I just happen to have Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic pain & Chronic fatigue as well! Which means I exercise in the morning to help manage my pain & then fall asleep in the afternoon!
My aim is to inspire and be inspired, to continue to be strong and continue to be confident!
I may be slow at blogging but that is only due to my MS. As with everything, I'll get there eventually!
I’m Vicky Edwards and MS has changed my life, oddly and yet profoundly for the better.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2010, I was shocked and yet relieved to understand what had been happening to me for such a long while.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system.
In MS, the coating around nerve fibres (called myelin) is damaged, causing a range of symptoms.
More than 100,000 people in the UK have MS. Symptoms usually start in your 20s and 30s and it affects almost three times as many women as men.
Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms.
The cause is unknown and a cure is yet to be found, but research is progressing fast.
2011 saw the start of my love for fundraising. Of all the things to do, walking over fire seemed the most appealing for my first fundraiser! I told myself if I could do that then I could be stronger than my MS! That event celebrated my 1st anniversary of my MS diagnosis.
I decided from then on I would do my best to raise money for different MS charities. This then started a chain reaction. For many of the charity events a certain level of physical and mental fitness would be needed, not just for myself but for my friends as well, I would most certainly need their help. Different charity events call for different support from my friends, whether it be pushing me in my wheelchair for 5k, running the 5k, organising fun day events which would guarantee someone having to go in the stocks, or even running a marathon!
Last year myself and a friend decided it was time to attend ‘Slimming World’ the dieting group. Whilst at the same time I continued with my gym referral from the previous year and one by one the rest of my friends started to join the same gym!
Slimming World is where we first met Sharon and a friendship started to blossom. It was only a couple of months later that I realised she also went to the same gym as we all did! At this time I had started to organise another charity event and Sharon stood out to me as someone who would enjoy the challenge of the 5k Color Run. I asked and she accepted.
I managed to get a good number of people together and organised the group with the help of my friends!
I told everyone that for this event I didn’t mind how people participated as long as they had fun! We even came up with a name for us ‘bam4msuk’ (By Any Means for MS-UK as that was the charity I had chosen to fundraise for)
I was so happy with the group of friends & really pleased that Sharon had agreed to do it – bearing in mind that this was a lady that didn’t even know the rest of the group! A lady that had recently found her love for running, this is why it was such a surprise to me when she said she wanted to walk with the group that was helping with the wheelchair! She was determined to give as much support as was possible and she didn’t disappoint!
“Hi Vix, want to run an idea past you. Been really proud of all your fitness sessions against your issues. I’m running my first marathon in October in York. Would it be ok if I ran for MS on your behalf? I think you have an amazing amount of strength and willpower and love you to bits! Thought you could borrow these legs ‘virtually’ and we could try to do some good between us? What do you think?”
I felt so honoured! I totally loved the idea! How wonderful!
We arranged to meet up so we could discuss it further, we spoke about the most important thing first… which charity Sharon would be fundraising for. She left that decision for me to make as I know the charities better than she does.
I decided it would be good to raise funds for MS-UK again, I decided this as they are a charity that not only helps me the most, but I think they are the best charity at raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.
Here is what Sharon has to say about why she started running, and why she wants to do this Marathon for an MS charity:
“I started running after losing 3 1/2 stone hitting target with slimming world. Had money to join the gym then and my sister-in-law shared a link for a 5k mud run in Carlisle in May 2015. I asked if she was running it and she asked if I wanted to join her? That was it, gauntlet down and challenge accepted! Up to this point I had been in the gym only, using the treadmill and weight machines to improve my poor level of fitness. With this mud run I was going to actually have to get outside for a start, to run but also make sure my overall fitness level could get me through the running, mud, water, fire, heights and climbing over/ under and through things!
Anyway I totally enjoyed this and from then on I started to go out more running and switched to Gym classes (body pump, cx, combat and balance). I also included swimming once a week for a good low impact activity. The running increased gradually over time, gym classes once a week (but 3 of them), swimming once a week and still maintaining my weight with slimming world.
I have definitely caught the running bug!
2015 was my first year of running and I have gone from being unable to run further than 100 yards without being out of breath to getting round 15 miles while talking with my running buddies.
Having met Vix through Slimming World and at the gym, I have seen how much she enjoys her activities and battles through her MS barriers.
It was watching her do this while still smiling that it struck me, my already booked first marathon should be done with her in mind – everything that she battles through daily should be my inspiration to get me through my first ever 26.2 miles.
My original plan had been to attempt a marathon before my 45th birthday (2017) to prove to myself that I could do it – so I shall be completing it to prove to myself that I can and for Vix to show her how much of an inspiration she truly is”
Sharon’s journey from unfit and unhealthy to fit and healthy!
This year MS-UK have been promoting the ‘Year of the Bear’ Myles the MS-UK Mascot
I was asked at the beginning of the year if I would take part in it, of course I said yes! A few days later I received my ‘Myles’ the MS-UK mascot and it was time to start taking him with me everywhere I went to capture selfies of him with different people, in different places, doing different things!
I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to continue this campaign with Sharon and her marathon. So like the good sport she is, Sharon will be carrying ‘Myles’ around with her whilst she trains and of course on the big day.
It’s a rare thing to happen but Sharon has literally left me speechless about this!
I am still processing it all!
Overwhelmed would be the best word to use to describe how I am feeling!
So I think the best thing for me to do now is say “Sharon you are a complete star” wish her luck and to thank her from the bottom of my heart for doing this!
Next for me to do is let you all know how you can contribute and show Sharon the incredible support that is needed!
I have set up a Just Giving page where you will find it easy to sponsor Sharon & Myles as they take on this epic challenge! Just follow the link for an easy step by step walk through of how to donate!
This is an emotional, heart string pulling post but is such a good reminder for me and an excellent peace of advice for everyone!…
No matter what you are going through right now, remember, you are never alone!
Find yourself people that are in the same situation as you! This post explains how I did just that and by doing it I realised I wasn’t alone & by being with these amazing people I found that I could feel normal! I was no longer the odd one out!
I found people that spoke the same MeSsy language as me!
Find yourself a person or find your people!
I found mine!
This picture popped up on my facebook memories! Gulp! Deep breath!
Facebook is great for helping me remember past events, even when they have a massive effect on the current day! This photo was taken 4 years ago at my 2nd Ladies with Lesions meet.
How sad that a lady in this picture is no longer with us 😐
😥 Tanya (in the middle at the back) founder member of the group for women with MS ‘Ladies with Lesions’
Being a member of this group brought me my incredible friends & showed me I wasn’t the only person with MS, it’s a very lonely time when u find out you have a life long illness (disease)
I honestly believe that being a member of this group (LWL) helped to shape the person I am today!
For this I will be forever thankful to Tanya! Forever missed and never forgotten! Rest in peace lovely! 😭
I may not be the strongest
I may not be the fastest
But I’ll be damned if I’m not trying my hardest!
I may not be able to go to every exercise class I book, working hard in classes tests me the next day!
Hard choice but sometimes I just have to say to myself, I’m being kinder by letting my body rest, for now!
Some people may think it’s quitting, I know different!
Yesterday I had a very productive day! Managed to get out in the garden 1st thing and gave it a quick spruce around, on form in pilates and then shopping after!
I’m so on it today!
Time for a rest before body combat class later! I’m not saying I’ll do all of it but being there is better than not! Right!
Yes I have MS, yes I do all of these things to the best of my ability because by doing these things I am looking after myself!
Happy MS awareness week!
Picture shared via facebookPicture shared via instagram
Today marks the start of MS awareness week in the UK!
I started it at the weekend though!
What an amazing day I had on Saturday! 2 hrs Fight Klub workshop! Non stop punching, kicking, squatting, bopping & fun fun fun!
I would never have believed you if you’d have told me 2 years ago that I would be doing the things I do now!
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE TO ACHIEVE!
Today I did my first Yoga class and I absolutely loved it! Let me just take this in for a moment!
Yep! Proud!
I’ve wanted to try yoga ever since I started Pilates! My physio always said stick with Pilates, keep the movements fluid. Why!!! I loved it!
Yes, definitely proud!
I stepped out of the box, out of my comfort zone, made the move, did something entirely different to my normal!
I have to say I loved it that much that I booked another 5 sessions!
Thank you Louise for your patience with me & for agreeing to not only have a selfie with Myles the MS-UK mascot but to agreeing to take progress pictures of me for the next 5 (or more!) sessions!
Thank you to Rach for passing Louise’s details on to me as well!
And thank you to everyone in my life for believing in me enough for me to believe in myself!
I have now copied this speech as it’ll do nicely should I ever win an Oscar! ;)😂😂😂
Me (left) Louise (right) Myles the MS-UK mascot I'm the middle
I’ve had Deb at home as it’s Monday, her day off. The Only class I didn’t attend was the MS exercise class. Like I said in yesterday’s blog, even though it’s all seated exercise it would still be too much for me to do!
Because Deb was home that was a good distraction for me to not keep checking the time, although I did have a few cheeky time checks. No comments on facebook about it either, I can’t help but think I wasn’t missed. Silly of me right! I just don’t like to miss out on anything! Right or wrong, that’s who I am!
We had some visitors this afternoon, another good distraction from the pain!
My Dad and Stepmum popped round with their 2 sight hounds, Ava the Saluki & Finly the Lurcher.
They have only had Finly for 6 weeks so him and ours are still getting to know each other. All fun and games! A great distraction from the pain I’m still getting in my legs and spine when I’m standing.
This Evening
A boring hour and half whilst Deb and Adam went off to Fight Klub! I’m not a happy bunny, I’ve got my new boxing gloves and can’t try them out! Humph!
Tomorrow
I have to be prepared for my mood tomorrow! I’ll be missing Pilates with Hannah Bailey and then Body Combat in the evening with Gill Cathcart!
What on earth did I used to do before exercise took over my/our life!
I know I wasn’t as happy when I didn’t go to the gym or all these classes!
Think about this,
If we all just did a little bit more to look after ourselves would we be living in a happier world?
The third day of recovery after having my back procedure. It’s Sunday, the first day of our weekend. The day that our alarm clocks are redundant, I do love my sleep! It also means that because I’m not on my own my mood is good even though my pain is bad!
I did have to cancel a class today, we don’t normally go to exercise classes on a Sunday but Deb and I had decided we would try a different class, one that we had both wanted to do for a while called ‘Body Pump’ A weight-based group-fitness program created and distributed globally by Les Mills International.
I was really disappointed that I had to cancel but there was really no way that I could do it! I didn’t think there would be any chance I would be able do the class after having my back done!
I didn’t stay disappointed for too long after I cancelled the class yesterday, the reason for this was because Deb told me she would also cancel as it would be better if we did our first class together!
We didn’t stay in mopping! I’d been given a HMV gift card for my birthday and I knew exactly what I wanted to get. I told Deb that I wanted to go and get the film called ‘Lady in the Van’
I was so excited to be going out, I know it was only 2 days, 3 if you include the day of the procedure. I felt as though I had been stuck inside for too long, I mean I’m normally out every day even If just for a short time like visiting my GP to renew my medication!
I updated my social media status to something like:
“Breaking news!… I’m going out! The Vixter has left the Manor! (Fear not sofa, I will return!)”
This was short lived though and soon updated to:
“I’ve returned! I forgot that I could only stand for about 5 minutes yesterday! The pain is horrendous when I’m walking and standing! Better off staying on the sofa a little longer me thinks!”
It’s so easy for me to forget the things I can and can’t do, especially when my pain is just about bearable when I’m sitting in one place! I’d forgotten the awful pain in my thighs when I walk, the pain shooting down the backs of my legs emanating from my butt and finishing at my feet. I’d forgotten how every step was more and more painful and I’d even forgotten how I would need help lifting my legs in and out of the car! Even if I had used my wheelchair I would have still been in too much pain getting in and out of the car and also whilst in the wheelchair because of twisting to look at different things.
Still, all this said, I managed to get my dvd and we watched it tonight. A lovely film, very different to what you might expect but still a good film.
My trip out today has made me realise one thing for sure, I definitely won’t be able to attend the MS exercise class that I normally go to and being covered by Hannah Bailey. It’s scheduled for tomorrow (Monday). Even though it’s seated exercise it’s far too much for me to handle yet!
This also means that I won’t be going to Monday evenings Fight Klub! This isn’t good news! One of my favourite classes! I’m going to have to try extremely hard to stay positive tomorrow because of this! Wish me luck!
Waking DebbieRahRah this morning in the way of a film!
If your not familiar with this method let me explain in brief, I’ll start by saying 2 things…
1: DebbieRahRah is my life partner, my partner in crime & a fully grown adult who believes in the saying ‘act your show size’
2: We live in a bungalow. This means all on one level and not so far for the sound to travel…
How to get DebbieRahRah up the kind & gentle way…
Choose a film, preferably a cartoon. Put film on and turn volume up loud, louder, louder still.
Now, stand back and watch, or do like I do and carry on with jobs in the kitchen which is directly off the lounge.
In no time at all and very quietly, a sleepy DebbieRahRah will creep out of the bedroom, usually hugging a pillow and heading for the sofa where she will settle herself down to watch the film!
Today’s choice of film… ‘Up’
It worked, but I forgot one crucial thing about this film! How incredibly sad it is within the first 20-30 minutes!
I’d settled myself on the sofa along with Deb to watch the film, when I turn to look at her she has a red nose and tears in her eyes! Oops! Epic fail!
After apologising profusely to her and explaining how I’d forgotten the start of the film, but remembered how funny it is with the dogs, she said it was ok because she loves the rest of the film!
Note to self: when putting this film on again, forward the first 30 minutes to avoid sadness!
Living life the MegaSpecial way! 