At the age of 50, Vicky Rees-Davies received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease three years ago, when she observed that her left foot was dragging as she took her dog for a walk.
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In 2020, during a stroll with her dog, Vicky Rees-Davies's husband observed that she was dragging her left foot. She dismissed it, claiming it was just a result of being tired from too much physical activity.
A few weeks later, during a dance practice at the gym, Vicky discovered that she was having difficulty performing the moves on her left side. At 50 years old and residing in Somerset, Vicky observed that her left arm was not swinging as she walked.
A quick Google search revealed this could be a symptom of a serious illness. Her worst fears were confirmed when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 47.
Vicky was familiar with the illness, having observed her mother and grandmother confront it. "When I was little, my grandmother suffered from Parkinson's," Vicky recalled.
"The one memory that stands out to me is visiting her in the nursing home, watching her shuffle around with trembling hands. My mother also suffered from Parkinson's disease, but during that time, we adhered to the traditional British attitude of keeping a stiff upper lip, so she kept her diagnosis a secret from us for a whole decade."
"Individuals with Parkinson's can have a wide range of experiences, and there are more than 100 distinct forms of the condition. While many may envision an older man hunched over, moving slowly and trembling, this isn't the full picture."
"Some symptoms you might encounter include a masked facial expression, which can make you appear angry, leading me to believe she was often upset with me. When she started to feel unable to conceal her symptoms any longer, she opened up to us. As a granddaughter and daughter, I've witnessed the effects of Parkinson's firsthand."
Vicky's personal experiences with her mother and grandmother led her to seek medical advice from her GP, reports Somerset Live. A few months later, a letter arrived confirming that she too had Parkinson's disease.
Although the news was overwhelming at first, Vicky was resolute in her quest to embrace a positive outlook on her diagnosis. "I maintain an optimistic attitude and constantly remind myself of how fortunate I am," she reveals.
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"However, when you receive that letter in the mail containing the diagnosis, and you flip it over, you'll find no reference to any support groups or resources. I found it quite disheartening that the letter lacked this information, especially considering the numerous support groups and wonderful individuals available to provide assistance."
Vicky couldn't help but think about how others might be facing their own challenges after hearing similar news, so she made up her mind to offer support. "Everyone is dealing with something," she remarked.
"I figured that since it is what it is, the best approach was to embrace it and make the most of the situation. I reached out to several charities, became a part of support groups, and began speaking with individuals living with Parkinson's to learn more about their experiences."
"After conducting extensive research, I discovered that exercise is incredibly beneficial for those with Parkinson's." With this insight and her experience as a personal trainer, Vicky resolved to leverage her expertise to help others who are facing this challenge.
Vicky, a dedicated fitness instructor, started hosting regular exercise sessions specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson's. In addition to her classes, she participated in a sponsored skydive to help raise funds for the cause. This year, she has also committed to running a marathon to support Parkinson's UK.
She expressed, "As a fitness instructor, I found myself wondering, 'Will I have to let go of my career?' However, I decided, 'I won't quit until I absolutely can't continue, and thankfully, my medication allows me to keep going'."
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"One of the challenges of Parkinson's is that it can affect your balance, and as we get older, the risk of osteoporosis increases. It's crucial to build strength in our muscles to safeguard our bones, since poor balance can lead to serious falls."
"However, by enhancing the strength of our muscles, we can reduce the risk of fractures or broken bones in the event of a fall. Many of my classes emphasize strength training, and I have conducted a series of sessions using kettlebells and dumbbells specifically for Parkinson's UK."
"I currently lead weekly exercise classes for individuals facing challenges with Parkinson's, along with offering personalized training sessions. Engaging in physical activity releases joyful endorphins and can significantly benefit those with Parkinson's. It's crucial for their well-being."
"Many individuals offer exercise classes specifically designed for those with Parkinson's, which is fantastic, and I certainly appreciate that effort. However, it can be really beneficial for participants to engage with someone who personally experiences Parkinson's, as they can relate to the emotions and challenges that others might be facing."
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"I just want to sort of help in any way I can, and I know how good it makes me feel once I've exercised, so I want others to feel that good too. Vicky says that despite the life-altering diagnosis, she wants to raise awareness that Parkinson's is not a death sentence - and says she's actually happy in some way to have the disease.
"I aim to support individuals facing this diagnosis and to reassure them that they are not isolated in their journey. It's important to understand that everything will be alright, and there is still a bright future ahead," she continues. "You won't be leaving this world tomorrow. There could very well be a cure on the horizon; we simply can't predict what lies ahead."
"I aim to assist individuals in recognizing the small actions they can take to navigate their daily lives, gradually expanding from those foundations. While it's true that there are unpleasant aspects and challenges involved, it is still possible to lead a fulfilling and joyful life."
"There are countless possibilities out there, and I hope that by participating in the marathon, I can inspire others to believe that anything is achievable. In a sense, I'm glad to have this opportunity."
"I understand that it may seem absurd, but it truly changes your perspective on life and helps you value it more, ensuring that you align your priorities correctly."
Follow Vicky on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the_fitness_mum
