Congenital Anosmia and Essential Tremours

I took this photo when we were out for a walk along the marshes with us all and the dogs.

It has been a tough year thus far with the boys being diagnosed with medical conditions. Although nothing life threatening (thank god), my two older boys have been diagnosed with medical conditions that they will have to live with every day for the rest of their lives.

It's made me feel anxious and sad, but also, grateful, but then guilty - a jumble of emotions, my head has been like a washing machine on fast spin these past few weeks, with a voice in my head hoping and praying that my boys are not in turmoil as I am. I tell myself as I am their mum, it is normal for me to overthink things, to worry uncontrollably and I am desperately trying not to overdo emotions during this time. There is a lot to think about, to take into consideration, but the boys at this point in their life don't need the added pressure of a panicked (probably over reacting) mum (what I think might be right for them, is not necessary that - not as quickly or hastily as I want to do it). They need support and love and understanding and time.

My oldest was diagnosed with Essential Tremours, he is prescribed and currently trying out different medication: beta blockers to find the one that will control his Tremours - he doesn't have to take them every day, only as and when he needs them - when he needs to suppress his tremours. He is taking them regularly at the moment to adjust to this new drug to allow his body to not react badly when taking them (sickness, dizziness etc.) all in time for his exams next month. This is so he can take one in the morning without risking the side effects for the day affecting his exam and so he can do his exams with a steady hand.  

Essential Tremours is completely benign, it is a movement disorder and it is progressive over time; he lives with shaking hands 24/7 - he doesn't notice it himself as he has grown up with it, but it does and can affect little things, for example, he can't put contact lenses in because his hands shake so much, he gave up after trying and trying, it also affects writing - and these are just some examples.  

There is no cure for Essential Tremours, it can only be controlled.

Then, my middle son, he can't smell, and last week the doctor diagnosed him with Congenital Anosmia.  There is nothing they can do for him, no medicine, no procedure or operation, it is something he will have to live with - he will never smell anything.  I had never heard of such a thing before, and was shocked and upset, he is a little more laid back about it (as he put it 'as long as I can taste I will be fine'), but I do wonder how it will affect him. I do feel he is right and I take strength from him, although he has lost one of his senses and now deprived of smelling the aroma of food, cologne and nature, etc. I think and hope that his vision and taste will compensate for not being able to smell.

There is no way to control it, no medication, it is acceptance and living with it.  It is harsh, it's not nice, and it has made me realise how much we take for granted.