Vicki, who has essential tremor, shares her personal story about living with essential tremor.

 

I’m a 21-year-old master's student from the UK. My tremor first appeared in my left hand when I was studying for my GCSE exams at age 15. It was slight at first, before getting more obvious to the point where my teachers were pointing it out and asking if I was okay.

I kept saying, “Yeah? I’m not sure why I’m shaking either!”

After a few doctor’s visits and a trip to the neurologist, I was diagnosed with Essential Tremor at the age of 16.

Neither of my parents have it, or had even heard of it, and now I was stuck with it. It was big, being diagnosed with something I can’t control or cure, but now I’ve made peace with it and have learned to roll with it!

My tremor soon took on the nickname of “Timmy,” and the people around me are very understanding about never giving me two cups to hold or asking me to do up their jewelry!

As an archaeology student, sometimes it’s a bit tricky, but Timmy is now part of who I am.

Here’s a story that may help: I work as an ambassador for my university, and when I talk with my hands, Timmy shakes! Recently, I was giving a tour and noticed a couple of people looking at my hand, some with concern and some with almost outrage. I paused and said, “I’m just going to address the elephant in the room: I have a tremor condition. I am completely fine; this is normal for me.” They all understood straight away, and I was able to carry on with my tour.

Tremor is never something to be afraid of, and sometimes just letting people know makes all the difference.

Do you want to share your personal story? Then get in touch.

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