Essential Tremor and Young People: Gracie's Story

Essential tremor (ET) struck Gracie before she reached her first birthday, and it grew as she grew. She couldn’t tie her shoes, and dressing was a challenge. As a teenager, she was asked more than once if she was on drugs. Now at 17, her ET is much more manageable thanks to deep brain stimulation therapy and the support of Dr. Keith Coffman, director, movement disorders program at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO. Hear about Gracie’s journey and her hopes for the future. Special thanks to the Jerry Taylor and Nancy Bryant Foundation for their generous gift that helped make this video possible.

Пікірлер: 78

  • @FlowersfromNan
    @FlowersfromNan7 ай бұрын

    I have ET too. ❤God bless you. You are brave and endured much at such a young age. My tremor got noticeable while I was in my 30s. You are doing wonderfully. You are a voice for many of us dealing with this debilitating tremor. Thank you.

  • @derekbaron3461
    @derekbaron34612 жыл бұрын

    I've had ET since an early teen, it's been progressively worse. I'm 20 now and its super embarrassing to eat in public.

  • @karolinemattani6603

    @karolinemattani6603

    Жыл бұрын

    Omg I totally understand . I’ve had ET what feels like my whole life. Honestly tho I’m just glad I’m not alone🥹🤍

  • @caligariwulf788

    @caligariwulf788

    Жыл бұрын

    Mine started when I was a teen, in both hands, especially doing things that cause stress on my hands like accurate movements and whatnot. Something that makes it worse is being nervous or angry and I've focused on both things a lot through the years and then relaxing my muscles when I hold things or do anything that may cause the tremors to be too noticeable. It's a long way and it's different for everyone but there are ways to fight it internally

  • @greenkidd529

    @greenkidd529

    Жыл бұрын

    do you take anyhing for it and how much does it help?

  • @derekbaron3461

    @derekbaron3461

    Жыл бұрын

    @@greenkidd529 working out/strength training has done me wonders

  • @killawacan2207

    @killawacan2207

    Жыл бұрын

    Just got diagnosed today, had it my whole life and never knew why I was like this, I've had people take the p*ss soooo many times, someone once said that I "shake like a sh*tting dog"(which I found hilarious n i use it to describe myself sometimes now😂) but I feel you, I hate drinking or writing when people are watching, it's such a medial task so people think I'm an idiot cuz I can't even do that

  • @marcydobbs1653
    @marcydobbs1653 Жыл бұрын

    What a difference the last years have made. No one knew what my tremors were until my thirties. At 75 they are worsening so that my writing and eating are difficult. Hooray for this young lady who aspires to be the face of ET. We need recognition and compassion.

  • @johnylrs1803
    @johnylrs1803 Жыл бұрын

    Ive had ET as long as i can remember but it wasnt until recently that i realise its a disorder. Everyone including my parents and me thinks its because im nervous easily and coward. For this i even tried to build courage thinking im the problem. Its a pain but im managing somehow with the grace of god. Now i learn to accept myself and keep pushing myself without passing my limit.

  • @MyTremorJourney
    @MyTremorJourney Жыл бұрын

    I'm a family Physician of 32 years and you taught me tons ...my own diagnosis

  • @METerrell
    @METerrell2 жыл бұрын

    I've had ET in both hands since I was a kid, but mine wasn't quite as bad as hers when I was young. It has become worse as I've gotten older (to the point that I was shaking enough to make food fall off of my plate if I was carrying it). I did develop what some would say was a "death grip" on pencils & pens when trying to write while growing up, which made my hand and wrist hurt if I had to write for very long. I've been taking medications for almost 6 years now that have helped, after finally being able to see a neurologist about my tremor. My older sister has noticed that she also has a tremor in the past year or so. It seems our dad also has a tremor.

  • @acceptableinformation
    @acceptableinformation Жыл бұрын

    living with tremors, its really embarrassing. Everyone seem to be taking advantage of my tremor. Teachers keep on telling me to improve on my writing but they do not know the fact that have a hidden disability which is fine fine tremor. I tried practising practicing hand writing from Grade 3 to 12 but there I'm not improving yet. However, with help of my good Lord (Jesus), I made to university but still messing up when it comes to practicals.

  • @user-kalondonhughes
    @user-kalondonhughes9 ай бұрын

    I had to have had essential tremor since a very young age and I am 54. Your story is so heroic. I wish I had come forth with my trimmer earlier. But everybody just chalked it up to nerves until I was around 40 and was diagnosed with ET and then in 2014 I had bilateral DBS I’m on such a high setting the my batter were dying every 18 months. Last year they put in rechargeable batteries which I hate. I have a hard time with a lot of things. I had several years where it was quiet after DBS, and now seems to be worse. I will be going into personal care home soon where I have more support and encouragement and they help and resources that I need. God bless you for sharing your story. I found it so inspirational. I appreciate you and your mother being so transparent.

  • @sfjessy1
    @sfjessy12 жыл бұрын

    I’m in bed recovering from my first DBS battery change. Brain surgery sounded so extreme so I avoided it for years but it is SUCH a life changer! I never knew the feeling of stillness, it’s wonderful. Congratulations!

  • @grindtoil

    @grindtoil

    2 жыл бұрын

    is this real like does it work

  • @theorignalmartian1261

    @theorignalmartian1261

    2 жыл бұрын

    So you’re cured?

  • @sfjessy1

    @sfjessy1

    2 жыл бұрын

    For me it most definitely worked better than any and maxed out medications. I joined some groups on Facebook and it took me two years to decide to do it. When I finally did I wondered what took me so long which was the general attitude on the FB groups. It’s truly life changing, I can get a fork from my plate to my mouth now with not even a hint of a tremor.

  • @saberlifefoundation3656

    @saberlifefoundation3656

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes indeed it it- I hope that your recovery has been well and you are getting the amazing results you expected.

  • @Sheraz_muskan_vlogs

    @Sheraz_muskan_vlogs

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@sfjessy1how bro kindly send me your contact I have such tremors

  • @bishwajitthakur119
    @bishwajitthakur119 Жыл бұрын

    I am from India and suffering from hand tremor (family history..father had tremor in both hands)in both hands since age of 15 and at this age of 32 still suffering with it...tried inderal, propranolol,primidone... nothing worked....people make fun of me..it's really hard

  • @TalatLareb

    @TalatLareb

    5 ай бұрын

    Stay strong 💪, I'm with you

  • @dhanyamary6391

    @dhanyamary6391

    4 ай бұрын

    I'm also from India,me also suffering with this condetion from my childhood.Now I'm at 28 and still I suffering with this condetion.And the most painful thing is no one can understand this situation.My mother had this condetion.But even my family members can't understand this condetion,,people always make fun of me

  • @FlowersfromNan

    @FlowersfromNan

    4 ай бұрын

    I tried the same. Then, a Neurologist put me on Clonazepam . I felt more at ease, until I saw myself on video. I was slurring like I was drunk and moving so slowly. I also became forgetful. One could clearly tell that I was medicated! My family stated that I was Zombie like, out of it. That was all I needed to hear! I quit taking the medication and told the Neurologist I did not want to be on a medication that clearly was not helping me, it was taking me out of my awareness of self. No more! I rather shake and feel alive and acutely aware than be a drugged up zombie.

  • @ranajitbhakta8081

    @ranajitbhakta8081

    2 ай бұрын

    Same case sirji

  • @velvetbees
    @velvetbees Жыл бұрын

    I have had it for fifty years and it is embarrassing and exhausting.

  • @chrisharris1705
    @chrisharris17052 жыл бұрын

    What's up I'm Chris I was in an accident when I was 6 years old and I have had essential tremors since I was 6 I'm now 39 yrs old I know what you are going through I can't drink in public it was very embarrassing in school and young people had fun making fun of me I have to do a lot of paperwork at my job I haven't ever had any brain surgery but I have thought about it I hope you have the best life ever

  • @chrisharris1705

    @chrisharris1705

    2 жыл бұрын

    Today may 26 makes 33 years ago I got in my accident

  • @nourahbinshember2147

    @nourahbinshember2147

    2 жыл бұрын

    Same here

  • @colefox2882

    @colefox2882

    Жыл бұрын

    I know I’m speaking to a rock but could you please update us?😢

  • @vitor.bq1
    @vitor.bq1 Жыл бұрын

    Could you put a subtitle in Portuguese, if possible? Here in Brazil we have a large number of people with essential tremor. Recently the national congress of the country passed a law that classifies people with essential tremor as people with disabilities. And that made people with the condition receive notoriety. So the public discussion about the disease has increased. However, we still have little material about the condition here. I myself have the condition and wish there was more content like this one video. In Portuguese.

  • @EssentialTremorIETF

    @EssentialTremorIETF

    Жыл бұрын

    Have you tried using closed captioning and choosing Portuguese?

  • @j6216
    @j6216 Жыл бұрын

    My ET started in my hands around the age of 19/20, over the last 9 years it now affects my neck/head which then affects voice, it happens daily. For me this makes public activities hard such as meals, dentist, hair cuts, signing forms, work ect. Medication (propranolol) does little more keeps your calm, unfortunately alcohol does the most for me. If this is same for you be careful not to become reliant on it... Get/keep mental & physically healthy first. Peace and love

  • @kimwright8795
    @kimwright8795 Жыл бұрын

    Yes i have et also in my hands more in my right hand more from time i was younger and now i have 56

  • @Keekee1253
    @Keekee1253 Жыл бұрын

    I feel you truly my mom had it and I have it to since I was born, then I was tested they put electrodes on my head no surgery though, I was a kid and I couldn't run, sweat, get in water, im s teen but sometimes a tremble. It's also hard to stand still.

  • @NelichXCandii
    @NelichXCandii Жыл бұрын

    Hand tremors are so bad. :( I have it on my dominant hand and it just sucks. From showerin from cooking it just sucks. Even trying to type or write is so difficult. :(

  • @abhijithnettayam4943
    @abhijithnettayam4943 Жыл бұрын

    What this video all about is there any techniques to overcome ET

  • @kamranshaikh1870
    @kamranshaikh18705 ай бұрын

    I try to pick up something or someone is noticing me. It means whenever I go to my target, this time my hands are shaking. Can someone tell me the treatment because I am very worried about this thing and I feel inferior.

  • @MyTremorJourney
    @MyTremorJourney Жыл бұрын

    I'm so very sorry you are fighting this as such a youngster...I am 62 year old female...suffering since serious life threatening vehicle crash and concussion...I am Christian but I have have been ready to end it MANY MANY MANY TIMES! SO MUCH IS THE SAME...I REALIZE NOW THAT I AM YOU!!! Guess what? Sinemet for Parkinson's (DOPAMINE EGFECTS) has helped. I've begged for MFUS for TREMOR...Better outcomes than stimulator...awaiting it... MRI GUIDED FOCUSSED ULTRASOUND ULTRASOUND

  • @anahita.duh.
    @anahita.duh.Ай бұрын

    Hy my right hand is haking a lil bit idk what to do it started 2 days ago is it normal or something severe plz reply🤧😭

  • @Andy400ss
    @Andy400ss6 ай бұрын

    Do I have ET I’m 15 and my head started to kind of move a little when I am still is that a sign I’m worried

  • @kochibaba
    @kochibaba14 күн бұрын

    Same help

  • @mackenziesigmon898
    @mackenziesigmon898 Жыл бұрын

    I am writing a book in which a character has ET from an accident. He is in his early 20s and the year is 1919. Can anyone here with ET maybe give me some info and personal experiences so that I can write him to be as realistic as possible? Also so that I can be more understanding. Thanks!

  • @killawacan2207

    @killawacan2207

    Жыл бұрын

    Holding a drink/plate of food is embarrassing and messy, people always think you're nervous, putting contact lenses in sometimes leads to you poking yourself in the eye, scratching the bottom of your nose sometimes results in nosebleeds cuz you accidentally put your finger into your brain😂, brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush sometimes ends in the head coming off and you stab yourself with the handle, writing is uncomfortable and illegible(and is also embarrassing), nerves exacerbate it alot, especially in situations where you're genuinely scared(adrenaline makes me a human vibrator😂) reaching for something sometimes results in me just punching it across the room, eerm, that's all I've got for rn but if I think of any more I'll let you know🤙

  • @killawacan2207

    @killawacan2207

    Жыл бұрын

    Also good look with your book🤙

  • @mackenziesigmon898

    @mackenziesigmon898

    Жыл бұрын

    @@killawacan2207 Thank you so much for sharing. I'm aiming to make my character as realistic as possible, and it has led me to research a lot about ET.

  • @FlowersfromNan

    @FlowersfromNan

    7 ай бұрын

    I have difficulty trying to put in my earrings. It typically takes me 15=minutes to put the back on the earring once I get it through my ear lobe. It used to do it so easily. The older I get, the more my essential tremor progresses. I can no longer do simple tasks like threading a needle to stitch on a button or stitch up a torn hem. I used to paint lovely paintings on canvas but can no longer paint with the precision that my art required. Eating at a restaurant is embarrassing. People try not to look as if they noticed my food falling from my utensil as I try to get the food in my mouth. I was raised in a home where I was taught manners and proper etiquette. So, when the food bounces off my fork or I refrain from even attempting to try the lobster bisque to avoid humiliation, I politely decline a dinner out and now prefer to eat at home.- Yet,As bad as it is, I recognize that there are many others who suffer from even greater disabilities and disadvantages. I am truly grateful for the many blessings I do have.

  • @mackenziesigmon898

    @mackenziesigmon898

    7 ай бұрын

    @@FlowersfromNan Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Cara. I am glad to say that the book I was writing is totally finished, and I believe I have written my protagonist's own experience with ET as realistically as I can. Research and personal accounts such as yours has helped me to consider things I never would have realized otherwise.

  • @chloesl2000
    @chloesl2000 Жыл бұрын

    I’m 23 and ive just found out that i have ET😢

  • @FlowersfromNan

    @FlowersfromNan

    7 ай бұрын

    It will be okay. I have had ET for awhile. I was diagnosed in 2003. I had to make adjustments with every day tasks. Since most of my tremor is in my right hand, I learned to do more with my left. My left hand is used to stabilize my right , very shaky hand. I have found that if I grip my spoon and fork like a small child holds a spoon, it does not shake as badly and I can manage eating. I use two hands to hold the wand when applying mascara. I had to make adjustments to how I used to do specific tasks. There is no way on earth that I can put thread through a needle these days, so…My husband will thread the needle and tie the end in a knot. Then, I with patience and determination, stitch up what needs mending. Sometimes I will drop the clothing off at a Taylor shop. One learns to make changes and accommodations. Best wishes to you.❤

  • @Gyomei_the_strongest_hashira

    @Gyomei_the_strongest_hashira

    4 ай бұрын

    ​@@FlowersfromNanjob?

  • @wrenwilliamson1581
    @wrenwilliamson1581 Жыл бұрын

    I was diagnosed with an ET today at 22years old

  • @foxie09

    @foxie09

    Жыл бұрын

    Same here , I was afraid I had Ms and I am so glad that I have only es on my right hand.

  • @aruvisenthil789

    @aruvisenthil789

    4 ай бұрын

    Same here

  • @millabasset1710
    @millabasset17102 жыл бұрын

    I hope I don't develop Parkinson's later in life, I just started having ET recently. I noticed that my pinkie finger will only vibrate depending on how I surface it when on resting positions, it doesn't happen when I'm mobile. My elbow sometimes will jolt, but I have nothing going through my neck or head thankfully. I do have an anxiety disorder and have an addiction to coffee. I need a new doctor, since my current PCP doesn't take my concerns seriously, I'm afraid of having tests done at a hospital.

  • @rkprince3799

    @rkprince3799

    Жыл бұрын

    Who tells you that it is ET ? It is totally normal

  • @sagrariovillalobos3301

    @sagrariovillalobos3301

    Жыл бұрын

    How are your tremors now? I have this exact same thing except its my pinky and my ring finger and every now and then my index! It only happnes if i put them in a certain position, its not happening all the time. I am also scared to develop parkinsons specially because i am so young and i have tremors!

  • @subh1510

    @subh1510

    Жыл бұрын

    No it's not et. It may be stress and anxiety. I have this in my thumb and index finger in right hand in a definite position.

  • @subh1510

    @subh1510

    Жыл бұрын

    @@sagrariovillalobos3301 it's muscle fatigue I have this in my thumb and index finger of right hand

  • @kimwright8795
    @kimwright8795 Жыл бұрын

    Iam 56 years now some times good some times bad0

  • @rajdeeprana5593
    @rajdeeprana55932 жыл бұрын

    Why dont you consider focus ultrasound

  • @Abdul_Nasher

    @Abdul_Nasher

    2 жыл бұрын

    I had IT and i ask about US focus ttt it has alot of said affect

  • @Joey71420

    @Joey71420

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Abdul_Nasher you have had focus ultrasound? You are saying there's a lot of side effects?

  • @Abdul_Nasher

    @Abdul_Nasher

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Joey71420 no i didn't had US I only read about it

  • @colefox2882

    @colefox2882

    Жыл бұрын

    That shit only lasts 3 years at most and only helps one hand 🤦🏻‍♂️

  • @jhon.e4437
    @jhon.e44372 жыл бұрын

    I'm 24 and I think I have ET but only on my left hand, is there something wrong with the left part of my brain? I do admit though I have anxiety disorders and from time to time severe panic attacks. I try to hold in my panic attacks these past 2 years before my left hand started shaking.

  • @karolinemattani6603

    @karolinemattani6603

    Жыл бұрын

    WHAT!!!???? ME TOO!!!!!!! I remember I was in 4th grade when I noticed my left hand would shake for no reason at all. And if I pay attention to it it seems to get worse. It’s frustrating to say the least. My question is why only my left hand???? I’m right handed btw

  • @SK-em3ur

    @SK-em3ur

    Жыл бұрын

    @@karolinemattani6603 I have the same issue but i feel like the more you think about it more it will bug you, it isn’t life threatening and won’t kill you or lead to anything major, just gotta live with it and be positive, there’s other people with far worse

  • @acceptableinformation

    @acceptableinformation

    Жыл бұрын

    Me too

  • @tonyum2438
    @tonyum2438 Жыл бұрын

    Me too sis Embarassing infront of people day to day . Planning to end my lyf.Alcohol making ot worse

  • @acceptableinformation

    @acceptableinformation

    Жыл бұрын

    Very sorry. I too is in the same condition so let's value our life and manage to live with it.

  • @TanzenderBerg

    @TanzenderBerg

    Жыл бұрын

    I feel with you. Please don't let others people's narrowmindedness decide over your life. There will be better times. Geht Info contact with other people with ET, generally find help. Look into Mindfulness ans Meditation. This hast helped me with severe depression. Don't end your life, hang on - there are good times ahead.

  • @FlowersfromNan

    @FlowersfromNan

    7 ай бұрын

    I have Essential tremor. I was diagnosed in 2003. Neurologist ruled out Parkinson’s. MRI showed nothing out of the ordinary. Yes, I agree it can be embarrassing in public but I choose whether to let it trouble me or just “shake it off.”( Hey, reminds me of a song by Taylor Swift) Let’s shake off the embarrassment together. I know that both of us have other things we should be or are grateful for. I live in a home. I have shelter and warmth when it’s cold and cold when it is warm…too warm in Florida. I have food in the refrigerator and water when I turn on a faucet. I have indoor plumbing! (When..sadly, so many like a young girl named Francoise who I sponsor in West Africa, does not even have this luxury.) Count your blessings Dear One, maybe you can live a life that inspires others to do what is right and what is good despite your difficulties. I assure you, we are in this race ( human race) together. We can run the race well, even if we, in reality, can no longer run or have difficulty with common tasks. All people are dealt a hand of cards. Some hands are better than others. But, in truth, it is “ How you play the hand that you were dealt”that matters. My faith in God gives me great, unending strength. Do you know Him? He wants you to know him. You can learn just who he really is by picking up a Bible and reading it. I would suggest starting in the New Testament. Maybe..Romans. You will know after reading, How much you are loved. How incredibly blessed you are because your Creator left YOU a gift. Just for you. But you have to accept the gift. Find out more by reading. ❤