| I have just been diagnosed with OT and am still feeling a little shell shocked. I have been aware of the leg tremors for probably 2 - 3 years but in the last six months it has got worse. My balance was the thing that convinced me to look into it as I have been a just- for- fun belly dancer for about 5 years and I also found I could not keep my balance during some yoga exs. I began to think I had MS when I started to fall against the wall of the shower and could no longer stand to dress myself some mornings. Standing still for more than 30 secs. is impossible but this week have purchased a "shooting stick" and have also swallowed my pride and dug out my late mother's folding walking stick which has proven to be the right thing to do. My quality of life worries me a little. I suffer from depression and am being treated for it (prior to this) and it is also not quite a year since I had breast cancer resulting in a left breast mastectomy. To the great relief of my family and friends and the wonderful man I have in my life, I am retiring from my schoolteaching job in 3 weeks time. I think it is the right thing to do. With everything that has happened I feel wrung out. I am by nature, a bright and bubbly person who enjoys a great social life and the company of my friends and my man. My 2 married daughters live far away but we are in constant touch and now instead of driving to visit, I will fly or catch the train. They visit me too. I do look forward to giving up the stress associated with teaching and will now have time to do some other things which interest me. I feel very fortunate in the love and support from everyone and hope that will be enough to help me face the hurdles which I am beginning to realise are ahead of me. I am pleased there is a network out there and am happy to comunicate. Anne, NSW, Australia annepcs@pnc.com.au |