You were diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) when you were 45, although you had your first symptoms almost 25 years ago. What is the state of your disease now?

I use crutches for walking. I've also experienced double vision and weakness in one hand. I recently had hand controls and a lift for my power scooter installed in my car. I also started a new medication, which has given me more energy and eased my symptoms.

Your son, Sean, was born four years ago. How was your pregnancy and how has becoming a parent altered your perspective about your condition? 

My MS got better during my pregnancy-I felt great the whole time-but worse once Sean was born. Being off medication before and during the pregnancy took a toll. As a parent, I want to stay strong. Sean makes me want to be even better than I thought I could be. Without him, living would be just another day of awful. He motivates me to keep going.

What's the biggest change you've made since Sean was born?

I started exercising again. One of my physical therapists came with me to the gym and showed me what I could do with my limitations. About a year later, I began working with a personal trainer. And last May I became a certified personal trainer myself and now provide instruction at my MS support group. My next plan is to get certified as a corrective exercise specialist.

What other habits have you adopted or modified?

I'm eating better and figuring out how to conserve energy. I do all my meal prep in the morning because by late afternoon I'm done. I stopped drinking coffee and started eating more fruits and vegetables. If you're going to eat garbage, you're going to feel like garbage. I also meditate, which really helps when my son is having a meltdown. Five minutes of chilling with a meditation app and I'm ready for anything.

How has MS affected your marriage and other relationships?

My husband has always stuck by me, and we're very lucky that his work supports us, since I had to go on temporary disability. I'm also fortunate to have my mother living with us. She's a great help with my son, and he benefits from having a close relationship with his grandmother. My son keeps us both in shape. When he goes to kindergarten, my mom and I go to the gym to work out. I couldn't do any of this without my family.

You use social media to connect with other people with chronic illness. What do you do?

I use Instagram (@vickiesicnj) to document when I'm at the gym and what I'm doing. It opens the door to people with whom I would otherwise never come into contact-like people in Europe who have MS or another chronic condition. Inspiring others helps me cope and feel better. I'm always posting positive things on Instagram. I don't use social media to gripe. I want people to know that MS doesn't mean you're down for the count. I encourage people to figure out what they can do and be the best they can be and inspire others.