In early December 2013, I was told “Sharon you have 1 month to clean up your case load or you are fired.” Panic made my tremors worse. I could barely type or write. They had switched to a new software of box checking. Quick with a steady hand but not with shakes. They sent me a hand wrap poker like a paralyzed person would use. It was useless.
I went into Short Term Disability, hired a Disability Lawyer, converted to Long Term Disability and started Topamax by a local neurologist. I had to get set up with a Specialty Mobility Neurologist. A 6 month wait. Then the testing started.
It took several years of doctor visits, tests, medicine trials, Occupational and Speech Therapy. All the while limited driving, no walking without a cane or walker. I got weaker and more uncoordinated. Finally, my Mobility Neurologist in early fall 2019 suggested Delay the Disease exercise class. I had Essential Tremors, not Parkinson’s Disease, but she thought it would help my progressing weakness and incoordination. No, she could not say where there was a class offered.
I hunted and called till I found one – at AHN Sport Center at the top of my very road. Two days a week and only $10.00 each. I started and when I lost balance Jeannine ran and caught me. I trusted and believed in her. We coordinated movement and thought processes. We shared information problems and successes. Soon I only used a cane. And when really feeling stable I use nothing at all.
As the Pandemic loomed, we moved to Zoom. We became friends, sometimes we prayed and shared new science with each other. A real lifesaver when we were so isolated. And we nick-named ourselves “The Squad”.
In April 2022, Jeannine started a new class called Better Balance 101. It pushed our efforts to strengthen our major muscles, arms, legs, buttocks, and more. It connected our eyes, proprioception and balance. A real perspiration work-out. It called for more effort, so was about 10—15 minutes shorter. But we cheered each other on and made it through. Before this I could not stand on one leg at all. Now I make a couple seconds. It just takes practice and persistence.
By Sharon Mulac
