In life we all have problems its how you deal with those problems that counts. Tourettes is a big problem, but its made up of little problems and those little problems are not invincible. Recently I've been thinking about those little problems and one that has stood out in my mind is my flailing arms!
I am prone to accidentally throw, drop and fling items in my hand when having a 'squeaky day'. This is usually not a problem until I need a drink, in my hands glass wear is deadly! The solution to a strange problem is a simple one. The humble sippy cup. It may have be designed for clumsy toddlers but the sippy cup is a silent saviour on my twitchy days (and for those with dementia at work!)
Today I suffered a bad attack that left me twitching and crying on the floor of my church, unable to control my own body movements it took my mother and 2 members of the congregation to restrain me and then half carry me out of the main service into the quiet room. The attack had been triggered by an overwhelming feeling of claustrophobia and panic as the congregation got up to sing the first hymn. I don't really know what happened. One minute I was on the chair next I was in the quiet lounge holding a trusty sippy cup doodling church notes.
In my life I have been remarkably well looked after. The majority of people I've spent time around have been supportive, from work to church, friends, family and even people I don't really know such as 2 men named Andy and Steve, who've only been at my church a few weeks and were a little bit called upon by my slightly panicked mum this morning as the only young(ish) strong blokes in the building!
With all of this in mind I'm learning to let the worries go. I've always been a worrier, but days like today have shown me (and continue to show me) that with the support of the (mostly) wonderful people I know and little victories (like sippy cups) life is not only bearable but enjoyable.
I suppose this little blog post is a thank you, to not only my close friends and family but to the people who smile at me when I'm squeaking, the people who calmly get me a drink when my tics are bad, all the strangers and acquaintances who I forget to think about, thank you for making life a little less worry filled!