Living with Essential Tremor

This condition runs on my mother’s side of the family and I have it. Over the years I have had countless people ask me why I shake so much, including many who think there is something wrong with me mentally. Nothing could be further from the truth. Unless it’s someone in the medical field, I refuse to give them any information. My favorite question that always stops busybodies in their tracks is “why do you NEED to know?” Remember, chances are they want to know because they are nosey and have nothing better to do with their time. Pity them. I find that when I am questioned about this condition, it makes me shake even more because it makes me nervous. Since I have Carpal Tunnel as well I limit my writing to bare basics (ie checks) and use a Blackberry for notes etc. Snail mail is done on my computer then printed. When I need a form of some sort filled out, I find someone to do it for me if I can’t do it myself. Do not let anyone make you feel inferior because you have this condition!!! It’s no worse than many others (ie. Carpel Tunnel, vertigo……….)