Partner Spotlight - Meet Michelle Pegues

Tennessee, USA

What is the name of your mission or business? New Vibe Coaching

When did it start? 2021

#1: What is the mission or purpose of your business?

At New Vibe Coaching, our mission is to empower women who are going through a divorce to live happier and more healthy fulfilling lives. We understand that divorce can be a challenging and painful experience, but we believe that it can also be an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Our clients will learn practical strategies for managing stress, improving their self-care, and building healthy relationships. We believe that by focusing on these areas, our clients can create a foundation for a happy and fulfilling life after divorce.

#2: How can you help our community live a healthier life?

We believe at New Vibe Coaching the ultimate goal is to help women not only survive, but thrive after divorce. We believe that by working together, we can help create a new and fulfilling chapter in their lives. We know that when clients are happy and living life on their own terms their lives will improve in all areas.

#3: What resources can you suggest to our community?

We suggest checking out episodes of The Real Talk with Michelle Podcast wherever you listen to Podcasts or check out the episodes on Youtube.

#4: Your story and experiences are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others our the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

Be kind to yourself: It's important to remember that going through a challenging time is not easy, and it's okay to struggle. Give yourself permission to feel your emotions without judgment. Practice self-care and prioritize your physical and emotional well-being.

Stay positive: Maintaining a positive outlook can be difficult when going through a challenging time, but it can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Try to find the silver lining in your situation, and practice gratitude for the things that bring you happiness and hope.

#5: We would love to send our viewers to your sites. List your social media sites.

Facebook: Real Talk with Michelle

Youtube: Real Talk with Michelle

Instagram: @realtalkwithmichelle

TikTok: @realtalkwithchelle

Podcast: Real Talk with Michelle

New Vibe Coaching with Coach Michelle: www.newvibecoaching.com

E-mail: realtalkwithmichelle@gmail.com Website: www.newvibecoaching.com

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Leave a comment, and share your experience. We would love to hear from you!

Meet - Vanita Binaisse

Victoria, Australia

When were you diagnosed with MS? March 2003

What type of MS do you have? Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)

#1: Can you tell us a little about your journey with MS. How did you feel about your initial diagnosis and how it has affected your life?

In 1998, when I was pregnant with twins, I was told by my ophthalmologist that I had optic neuritis and that I most likely had MS. As a nurse, I recognized some of the symptoms I had experienced over the past two years, and I knew that I had it. My paternal cousin had just been diagnosed with MS, and the news was devastating to me. I grieved and I cried, because, I was worried about how I would be able to bring two newborns into the world while battling MS throughout their lives. A year later, I experienced numbness on my left side, which extended from my neck to my knee. After visiting a neurologist and completing some simple tests, he told me that I either had a brain tumor, spinal cancer, or MS. It took months to get an MRI done, and finally after 8 months, I was diagnosed with RRMS, which was a relief to me because I knew that I would be able to see my children grow up despite the challenges that lay ahead.

For 22 years, MS did not significantly impact my life. I worked as a nurse while raising our four children with my firefighter husband. I also participated in triathlons and long-distance bike events of 100km or more. However, in 2020, I was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Soon after, my MS became more active, and I was diagnosed with SPMS. As a result, I am now in a wheelchair and I have major MS symptoms. Nevertheless, I work full-time in hospital administration, and thanks to NDIS funding, I have a recumbent e-assist trike that provides me with freedom, fun, and exercise. I participate in MS events and raise funds for MS Australia with my trike. Despite my MS diagnosis, I am determined to live my life to the fullest.

#2: What MS symptoms do you have and how do you manage them on a daily basis?

I experience numbness in my left hand and foot, a droopy eyelid in my left eye, and blurred vision in both eyes. Additionally, I have swallowing problems, urinary retention, and vertigo. I also suffer from an itch that won't stop, migraines, balance and mobility issues, tremors (especially in my legs and hands), word-finding difficulties, memory issues, and slurred speech. I also experience muscle cramps, MS hugs, and foot drop in my right foot. My coordination is impaired, and I fall over frequently, resulting in bruises. I feel weak, and I have a lack of sensation in terms of sexual issues. Finally, I struggle with heat and cold intolerance. But most of all, I suffer from extreme FATIGUE, FATIGUE, FATIGUE.

#3: Who/What has been your most important support system?

My husband has been by my side on this journey and is a great source of support. My children are all grown up and have been an amazing source of support too. I also have NDIS, which provides me with cleaners, a gardener, and support workers who are available to help me with anything I need. These services are funded by the government in Australia. Additionally, NDIS funds my physiotherapy, exercise physiotherapy, mobility aids, speech therapy, podiatry, and any other services that I may require.

#4: Do you use any accessories like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to manage daily activities?

When I go out of the house, I use a power wheelchair for mobility. On days when I feel particularly good, or when I need to get to a place that is not accessible by wheelchair, I use a gutter walker. I have been using the walker for two years, while the power chair has only been in use for six months.

#5: How do you stay positive and motivated in your daily life? What do you do for self-care?

I make a conscious effort to be kind to myself, and if I am going through a difficult period, I confide in my friends and family, who are always there to support me. On days when I feel good, I make the most of every moment. I try to live my life as if every minute is valuable and precious. I am grateful to be alive and make it a point to treat everyone I meet with kindness.

#6: Your story and experiences with MS are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others in the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

Live your life to the fullest! We all only have a limited time here on earth, value each day. If you can walk...walk. If you can run...run. MS may have your body, but it doesn't have your soul. Be kind and love life!

#7: Have you started a business or mission related to MS? Can you tell us about it and what inspired you to take this step?

I have an Instagram page @ms_sux_so_much. I am trying to be an advocate for people with disabilities in my "patch"...at work, in my neighborhood, community, and town.

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Leave a comment, and share your experience. We would love to hear from you!

Meet - Deborah

Lanarkshire, United Kingdom

When were you diagnosed with MS? November 2022

What type of MS do you have? Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

#1: Can you tell us a little about your journey with MS. How did you feel about your initial diagnosis and how it has affected your life?

I initially experienced vision problems and a mild tingling sensation in my small finger and toe, which led to an MRI that revealed lesions. Although MS was considered, it appeared to be unlikely at the time. However, my symptoms gradually worsened, and it took 15 months and the detection of a new lesion on my MRI to receive a diagnosis. Given the progression of my symptoms, I wasn't taken aback by the diagnosis. It seemed only a matter of time before MS would be evident on an MRI.

#2: What MS symptoms do you have and how do you manage them on a daily basis?

My primary symptoms consist of persistent nerve pain, along with issues with my eyes and fatigue. The impact on my life can be so bad, I literally can not move. Despite this, I make an effort to maintain a routine and engage in graded exercises to stay active.

#3: Who/What has been your most important support system?

My family has been my greatest source of support, we are very close and they have helped me through some of my hardest days. I also have a Golden Retriever that provides comfort and alleviates my anxiety during particularly difficult times. Moreover, I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people through the MS community, including Wendy and Ray, who have been instrumental in helping me cope with overwhelming symptoms.

#4: Do you use any accessories like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to manage daily activities?

I do not rely on any accessories. Instead, I manage my time and choose activities based on my symptoms for that particular day.

#5: How do you stay positive and motivated in your daily life? What do you do for self-care?

As I stated before, my dog serves as a fantastic motivator to help me stay active and offers comfort during challenging days. I engage with the MS community daily, discussing issues we commonly face with MS and occasionally sharing vlogs on various topics.

#6: Your story and experiences with MS are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others in the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

I am newly diagnosed and finding my new normal. I have good days and bad days, but having support from those around you is key. Give yourself time to grieve the person you were. But, a whole new world awaits. Yes...you may have to adapt to things, but you can still enjoy life!

#7: Have you started a business or mission related to MS? Can you tell us about it and what inspired you to take this step?

I began an Instagram and Twitter account called Faking Wellness to speak to and communicate with individuals in the MS community. I document my experiences as a newly diagnosed patient and the various challenges I encounter. I felt there was a gap in this type of content during my diagnosis journey. In addition to sharing my personal journey, I also aim to spread awareness and share useful information on studies and possible treatments.

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Leave a comment, and share your experience. We would love to hear from you!