I want to take time to give thanks. The computer and in particular the word processing program have been great tools in my life. My age has caused me to continue in progression of benign essential familial tremor affecting my manual writing skills. The tremor in my hands makes it difficult to write legibly. Holding a pen or pencil steady to write is very challenging. I am so thankful to have learned typing in my high school years and rely heavily on this form of composing. My hands tremble but I am able to utilize the keyboard much easier and more quickly than with pen or pencil not to mention the ability to easily correct mistakes before the final draft. The end result is so much neater needless to say.
Many times I prayed for a miracle of deliverance from this affliction. But like the Apostle Paul, I must bear the “thorn in my side” and continue to “run the race.” My life has shown that I have conquered many goals in spite of this tremor. The disability stigma never attached itself to me to prevent some successes. I just have recognized some limitations and work within my ability.
My appeal to an observer would be for understanding; my affliction is not a “nervous condition” in the usual sense. This tremor is a genetic disorder that progresses with age. A self-consciousness about my tremor does often lend to anxiety which can greatly increase the tremor for a time; this would be the “nervous” state. I try to avoid situations that create anxiety as much as possible. These would be stressful situations and difficult confrontations. I do know my limits and try to avoid situations that would bring raised eye brows.
I recall my father facing the same physical issues. He was a strong man and lived to 92.8 years of age. We accepted him and understood his limitations. I understand even better as the genes have been passed to me. He was oft misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and treatment or medication was not an option.
I am saddened that the prognosis for this hindering condition is not good. in essence there is no cure. Medication can assist by slowing adrenal production but has its side effects of drowsiness, slow heart rate, etc.
So what do I do? …… Well, make the best of what comes my way and contribute with what gifts I have been given and continue down the road of life. I cannot worry about how bad it may get. I try to avoid excessive stimulants, i.e., caffeine. The important thing is to appreciate what I have been given, and this includes people in my life that do understand, namely my wife and immediate family.
Many times I prayed for a miracle of deliverance from this affliction. But like the Apostle Paul, I must bear the “thorn in my side” and continue to “run the race.” My life has shown that I have conquered many goals in spite of this tremor. The disability stigma never attached itself to me to prevent some successes. I just have recognized some limitations and work within my ability.
My appeal to an observer would be for understanding; my affliction is not a “nervous condition” in the usual sense. This tremor is a genetic disorder that progresses with age. A self-consciousness about my tremor does often lend to anxiety which can greatly increase the tremor for a time; this would be the “nervous” state. I try to avoid situations that create anxiety as much as possible. These would be stressful situations and difficult confrontations. I do know my limits and try to avoid situations that would bring raised eye brows.
I recall my father facing the same physical issues. He was a strong man and lived to 92.8 years of age. We accepted him and understood his limitations. I understand even better as the genes have been passed to me. He was oft misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and treatment or medication was not an option.
I am saddened that the prognosis for this hindering condition is not good. in essence there is no cure. Medication can assist by slowing adrenal production but has its side effects of drowsiness, slow heart rate, etc.
So what do I do? …… Well, make the best of what comes my way and contribute with what gifts I have been given and continue down the road of life. I cannot worry about how bad it may get. I try to avoid excessive stimulants, i.e., caffeine. The important thing is to appreciate what I have been given, and this includes people in my life that do understand, namely my wife and immediate family.
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