I'd like to introduce my friend: Tony!

In my opinion the best way to understand someone else is to put yourself in their shoes.  On the same note, to put yourself in someone else’s shoes can be a very difficult task if you lack certain characteristics.  For example: patience, empathy, understanding or willingness.  I have decided in the next several blogs to put myself in others’ shoes and feature their stories with Essential Tremors and Parkinson’s.  These individuals range in age and all have unique experiences.  I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to share their stories. 

Without further ado, I’d like you all to meet Anthony Garrett, aka Tony. Tony first noticed his tremor in only his right pinky. He was working as a skilled mechanic. At the time, he was 21 years old but simply just waved it off, not thinking much about it and kept on working. I want to take a moment to define Tony’s diagnosis before I proceed.  He has YOPD, which is Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. YOPD occurs is people younger than 50.  Most individuals with PD are 50 or older, YOPD is rare.  Although rare, Parkinson’s-like symptoms do appear in children and teenagers.

Parkinson’s symptoms manifest in different ways; for example: depression, apathy, and difficulty with non-motor skills.  All these symptoms Tony experienced in his late teens.  In 2011, at the young age of 31, Tony visited a Dr. Rod Warren a neurologist in his hometown of Evansville, Indiana. He was the first doctor to inform him he had Parkinson’s, at which time Tony showed little or no emotion. Dr Warren then expressed his desire for him to see a movement specialist at Vanderbilt. Not knowing what to expect, Tony traveled from Evansville IN to Nashville, TN to visit Dr. Davis.  Who had rescheduled all his patients for the day for his appointment that day at Vanderbilt. He personally took Tony back and wanted to let him know he was the youngest person he had ever diagnosed. That was when he was given a second diagnosis of Parkinson’s. He has since been given several confirmations from multiple other doctors.   

Often many simply connect tremors to Parkinson’s to old age.  If you are not elderly and you’re shaking, then there has be a simple explanation, like “you’re nervous” or “you’re cold.”  Tony is the perfect example to disprove this.  The best solution he has found to cope with his disease is to try to avoid stress.  He has worked hard at prioritizing what is worth worrying about and not letting everyday normal stressors bother him. In his words, which I cannot agree with more, “negativity and drama are like poison to me.”  They are the biggest trigger for his tremors. Having the ability to turn the other cheek or the patience to deal with the ignorance of others is all part of prioritizing your emotions and living a healthy life.  Living a healthy life with YOPD, ET, or any disease that affects you mentally, physically or emotionally is going to be trying.

“I’ve never been in trouble with the law and never been in trouble. I have had several police officers question me thinking I was drunk. I respect our law enforcement but after a few times being questioned I started getting frustrated with them even though they were just doing their job. One police officer made me lay face down on the sidewalk while he searched my car for drugs or alcohol and, of course, found nothing. I had enough of feeling disrespected and I told the officer to call the pharmacy and see what medications I was taking. After he found out all I take is Parkinson’s medication, he finally started treating me like a human being.”

Tony is not considering surgery currently; he says it’s too intrusive.  Hopefully one day it will become a much safer and a less intrusive procedure.  Like myself, he has found solace in staying active.  He believes strongly that staying active and eating right is key. He goes to physical therapy weekly and has begun riding his Schwinn Airdyne bicycle.  He’s lost almost 40 pounds! 

Tony began a Facebook page to share his life with Parkinson’s and try to spread awareness to others.

“My Facebook page is Tony Garrett YOPD and it has really been helpful because I have had many people reach out to me scared because they had been recently diagnosed. I get the most enjoyment in life helping others anyway I can.” His advice to anyone recently diagnosed is to keep a strong mindset and stay positive!  Tony, thank you for letting me share your story!

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