MS, exercise and me

Staying mobile when you have multiple sclerosis can be challenging. Many exercise groups are aimed at young and eager gym-goers, but what about those people who want something a little different? In this guest blog, Dionne Trotman, who lives with MS, tells us about her search for the right exercise class. 

Everyone knows the benefits of exercise, it’s a modern-day mantra - keep exercising to stay healthy.  As someone living with multiple sclerosis, I was keen to find a suitable exercise programme.

I had seen an NHS physiotherapist who encouraged me to exercise. However, all the NHS offered were a few sessions with a physio and a stack of photocopied sheets. Needless to say, within a few weeks those exercises had been abandoned. The stick figures did not inspire much confidence. The only option was to re-refer myself for more of the same, so I set about looking for a class

I attended a workshop at the MS Society and this strengthened my determination to find a more supportive class. I found one, but it was for super fit, sculptured, body beautiful people. What was I thinking? No space here for a middle-aged woman with a dodgy left foot that had a mind of its own.

Next, I found a yoga teacher more interested in how much money she could make. Classes were a great money-making deal for her. She’d worked out the numbers like a person selling bitcoins or looking for recruits to a Ponzi scheme.

Then there was the Pilates class I found which was more geared towards gym enthusiasts who would not baulk at spending hundreds on equipment and looking good in Lycra with sharply toned bodies. When I mentioned MS I was told they would call back. I am still waiting. 

Other teachers were clearly apprehensive. I can understand their anxiety. I too have worries and concerns when it comes with living with an unpredictable illness. With MS you can lose your confidence and your mobility slips away. People who you thought were your friends keep their distance. Others find excuses not to include you. 

I wasn’t going to wait for MS to take anymore from me. I was determined to gain something back through exercise. I now go to an MS Therapy Centre in Harrow where everyone has MS. The centre is funded solely by donations and nobody takes a blind bit of notice if you are unsteady on your legs, unless they’re watching you to catch you if you fall. Dodgy hips and legs are all welcome. Left side weakness? Not a problem.

We all have a laugh and get great support. The exercise is one thing but the confidence it inspires is priceless. There is a range of equipment and people on all stages of the MS journey, from people in wheelchairs to others who you wouldn’t even know were living with the condition. We all take strength from one another.

With support, progress is guaranteed even if it is a millimetre at a time. Laughter is good medicine too. I don’t want to run a marathon, I just want to stay mobile. Now my energy levels are great - I can even watch box sets and stay up beyond nine o’clock! I sleep better and have more stamina. Before, I could not lift my left leg off the ground without an FES device because of foot drop but now I can lift my heel, even if only a few millimetres. Who knows what lies ahead but for the first time I feel that exercise is really helping me to have more control over my life.