Tremor Chat

                Let’s jump into someone else’s shoes.  We have met Tony.  Now let’s meet Ms. Courtney Noel! She began noticing her tremor right after she had her daughter in 2011.  She was diagnosed with Essential Tremor at 20.  Her right hand would shake when she would try to hold a heavy glass of water but she could still take notes in school. Now seven years later, both of her hands shake when she holds them up and carrying anything heavy makes it  much  worse.  She can also sense a tremor in her legs as she walks down steps.  In the beginning she felt it was being weak, but now she is realizing the connection to her ET. Courtney was always aware of what Essential Tremor was because it is very prominent in her family. This is a common occurrence; there is a strong genetic component when it comes to Essential Tremor.  Courtney’s mother, one sister, a few female c...

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. ...

Parkinson’s versus Essential Tremors: similar in some regards but extremely different.   I currently serve on the board for a local grassroots nonprofit here in Louisville--The Parkinson Support Center.   I highly recommend them if you need a resource for anything related to Parkinson’s.   The purpose of this blog will to be compare and contrast the two conditions.   I often find that when individuals begin to tremor, especially at the typical onset age, it is very easy to jump to the conclusion one has Parkinson’s Disease.   It is important to remember that every case is different, there is no hard and fast rule.   Once you notice any tremor at all you should go see your primary care physician who should then refer to a neurologist, preferably one who specializes in movement disorders.   I always recommend a second and third opinion, if possible.   Essential Tremor Parkinson’s Disease         ...

My job is not a typical job. I don’t sit behind a desk.   I don’t file paperwork.   And thank goodness, I don’t have to answer phone calls all day.  No offense to those who do, I admire those that do because I couldn’t do it.   I am a full-time nanny or as some would say a “glorified babysitter”.   You then rightfully would get a verbal tongue lashing from the millions of childcare providers and nannies around the world.  I choose to write about this today because I want to share both my fabulous days at work and my rough days at work.   T here is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful every day for my experiences as a nanny, especially with my current family.  However, on those not so fabulous days, my tremors are pushed to the limits.       Having tremors means having to gauge your stress and anxiety levels every other minute.   I am basically a mom without the physical scars to prove it. ...

Today is my father’s birthday.   I cannot think of a better day to give tribute to an amazing individual and role model.   This man is beloved by not only his daughters and wife but also, in my opinion, “a community.”    However, he would never admit that because he is much too humble.   The love he possesses for his family, his career, and, life in general,   has made him a legend to many.   Growing up in and out of foster care from a young age, my father learned, in the simplest of terms, to appreciate everything in life.   I can truly say I cannot remember the last time my father has had a bad day and this year has been a tough one.   It is because of my father that my tremor was first noticed and in turn diagnosed by a Pediatric Neurologist.   Sitting on the couch forcing my poor dad to watch some silly cartoon I’m sure, he looked at my mom and said, “Do you notice how Erika’s head always shakes back and forth when she watch...

I can remember my very first job interview, I was in high school.   As any typical 17 year old I was nervous but unlike a typical teenager my legs were shaking and hands were tremoring.   I walked in and took a deep breath and said matter-of-factly, I have a movement condition and I do shake but my tremors will not effect any work you have doing.   That job I had for the next 5 years.   I've had many jobs, internships, and positions in my life since and interviewing has become second nature to me.   However, a common question I receive is: how do I approach my tremors when interviewing?   The first question to tackle is whether you are confident your tremors will or will not interfere with the work you will be doing.   It is very important to come to terms with the fact that you cannot deny the simple fact that you have this condition or hide your tremors.   I have come to terms with the fact that because of my tremor I will not be a brain s...

Social anxiety is real.   Social phobia or anxiety affects up to one-third of individuals with ET, according to Schneider’s study reported in the May issue of Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Whether y ou’re anxious to walk outside your home, worried about what the girl next to you in class is thinking about your shaking hands or meeting your significant  other’s  family for the first time, anxiety is real.   Having tremors plus anxiety is like wearing your anxiety as a logo on your t-shirt!   Many people with ET experience social anxiety;” a form of anxiety experienced as shyness or a fear of public places, performance, public speaking, social situations, interactions with others, and being evaluated or scrutinized by other people. The term social anxiety also is used to describe anxiety brought about by anticipating embarrassment or shame.” Tremors are impossible to hide when your anxious or emotional.   Even after you have calmed down it still takes...