Michelle's story
Michelle shares her personal story about living with Essential Tremor
Michelle adapted to life with tremor
Michelle lives in Norfolk and spent her career as a medical secretary — a role she loved and excelled in. She typed at 88 words per minute and enjoyed a life filled with creativity and movement, from stained glass and artwork to salsa, samba, cha-cha-cha, jive, rumba, foxtrot and waltz. She even modelled in her twenties and thirties. Life was full, active, and expressive.
About seven years ago, Michelle began to notice a tremor. After undergoing an electromyogram and an MRI of her cerebellum, she received a diagnosis that would slowly reshape her everyday life. The tremor began to affect her work, making typing - once second nature - incredibly difficult. Eventually, she had to take medical retirement, something she describes as a huge adjustment after such an active professional and creative life.
Day-to-day tasks also changed. Michelle has learned to adapt with practical tools and clever workarounds that make life easier: a wheeled bar stool for cooking, a rollator with a seat, a hot water dispenser, sugar cubes, coffee sachets, and spill-proof thermos mugs. These, she says, have become invaluable.
Her advice for others living with tremor is honest and compassionate: “Learn to leave your previous life behind and try not to feel disabled. Carry a medical ID card and a lanyard. And use whatever tools make life easier - they’re worth it.”
Finding the National Tremor Foundation has made a real difference for Michelle.
She says it has helped her feel connected to others, supported through research, and reassured that she is not alone.
Together, we can make sure no one faces life alone with tremors
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