Salisbury Shakers June meet-up
Salisbury support group organiser Sheelagh reflects on the Salisbury Shakers June meet-up
We had a good meeting in the Playhouse on Saturday despite the disappointment felt by some at the absence of cheese scones at the coffee bar.
We welcomed new member Michelle who likes to be known as Em. Em comes all the way from Hungerford and she has orthostatic tremor. She described some of her difficulties when out and about.
Nearly new member, Tim, who came for the first time to our May meeting, read out a poem he had written for us. It was excellent – describing the difficulties of living with essential tremor but ending on a positive note acknowledging the ways in which help is available. He earned a round of applause and has agreed that the poem can be included in our book. (I will forward it separately to members).
Jillian spoke about her ongoing positive experiences after her thalamotomy.
Poor Andrew (younger than Jillian) was told by a neurologist that he was ‘too old and not bad enough’ for treatment, which illustrates the wide range of attitudes by neurologists towards the condition.
Everyone contributed to a good discussion. One of the recurring themes was that of the importance of finding a good GP. Not necessarily one who knows all there is to know about ET or OT, but one who is sympathetic and is prepared to treat ‘the whole person’ rather than arbitrary symptoms.
One or two members are lucky enough to have found such a GP. It was suggested that we might enjoy a visit from a GP to one of our meetings. Sheelagh has a possibility in mind and will investigate.
Our next meeting will be held on July 11th in the Playhouse. We will not meet in August and Sheelagh will contact the Playhouse to confirm some dates in September, October and November.
