Lena is 16 years old and a couple of years ago her sister was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome. She shares her story here...
Lena's Story
It was about two years ago when my younger sister, Lara (who was eight at the time), started doing slightly odd things that she'd never done before. Sometimes she'd twitch and other times she'd make little humming noises. We assumed she did this because she was nervous. It was either that, or because she didn't even realise she was doing it.
It continued but after a while the noises she made became louder. A couple of months later, she began to get what we call a 'tic'.
This tic meant she would nod or shake her head up and down and side to side, almost as if she had just got a chill down her spine. We didn't make a big deal of it; we thought it was a phase so we left it. We didn't want to draw more attention to it and make it worse. But the following year, we realised we couldn't ignore it for much longer...
Turning dangerous
Lara would still have the same tic but it turned violent, looking like she was actually trying to head butt something. One night she began crying because her neck had gotten so sore from it. That was when we knew that something just wasn't right.
My mum sat her down and asked her what it felt like. Lara said that it was like there was something inside of her, telling her to shout out or shake her head, and that's why she did it.
Getting professional help
We wanted to get her checked out so my mum had to secretly video record Lara having a tic. The nurse watched it but to be honest she didn't need to - when Lara is around a new person, her tic always gets much worse (this also happens when she is under pressure or nervous). She reacted badly to being around the nurse and she was diagnosed with 'Tourettes Syndrome' almost straight away.
Some names have been changed.
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What is Tourettes?
Tourettes Syndrome usually develops in early childhood affecting between 1 and 10 children out of every 1,000. Usually a person will have physical tics (like my sister's shaking) and at least one vocal tic too (like her humming).
The nurse gave us all the help and support we needed and told us it might get better, but that it might also get worse. She told my sister to keep a diary of her feelings to help.
Coping with the syndrome
My sister is going into high school soon and is nervous; worried that she might get bullied. However, ever since Pete from Big Brother got famous (he also had Tourettes Syndrome), I think that people are starting to realise that these outbursts aren't controllable.
Lara's friends understand, which is brilliant but, most of all, our whole family have been totally amazing too which has really helped her. I think we're all just so glad to have her condition diagnosed. We know that there's no cure really, but we all have learnt to accept it and get along with it, something she's starting to do too.
Of course, Lara has good and bad days, but she is starting to handle it really well. We're all incredibly proud of her, especially as she's only ten years old - she's the best sister a girl could wish for and an inspiration to us all!
Help & Advice:
BBC Health page on Tourettes Syndrome
Tourettes Action
Pictures posed by models.
Your comments
Ellie, 13
Awwww ur lil sis is such an inspiration! xx
lauren, 15
oh im so glad ur sister has got some1 like u lookin out for her. i know when i was first diagnosed with tourettes every1 found it slightly hard but we got through it n i have tones of friends at school. hope ur sister will to.
georgiana , 16
thats brilliant, the fact that u understand and are pround of her shows that u are the perfets family she's meant to be with- i'm pretty sure she'll think ur awesome asleast sometimes! goodluckxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lily, 15
I don't know anyone with 'Torrettes Syndrome' but, like you say Pete from 'Big Brother' managed to deal with it and become famous.... Maybe your sister could head down that path too!
shaniqua, 14
I think its really amazing how everyone is beeing so supportive and dont worry, since she has great friends who understand, she wont get bullied or anything. Just always be there for her and tell her to always be confident! And everything will be just fine!!Good Luck...x
Misty, 14
i know how you feel, my twin was diagnosed with tourettes when he was 7, hes much better at controllin it now though x x x
Abby, 15
Such an inspiration! Honestly all she needs is love and support and thats what your all giving her :] I know it must be hard but like you said you get used to it. I wish her all the best and hopes she can get better too :D
Heather, 17
My best friends brother ( who i am also good friends with) has tourettes.I think he is an amazing person and i love him to pieces. I dont think he is violent and but he shouts out a lot. (thats his vocal one i guess) and he will hit his head with his hands (physical?) Keep looking out for your sister. You sound like a good person to have around.
Jess, 14
hi, i think i know how her sister feels because my friend Samual has got Aspergous Syndone i'm not sure if that is simular but i have always been there 4 him and his family and the rest of his friends is here to support him and i hope that i give her my best wishes to her but he is a lot more happier now when i first met him because people made fun of him in school too. But now he has got plenty of mates including me and we are all very happy for him. well sending my best wishes to your sister anyway ok love jessica xx
Bex, 16
There' a boy in my class who has Tourettes. His head twitches, and has vocal tics to, he makes a 'Shh' noise. We all accept he's got it, so we ignore him, it's part of our everyday life! Your sister will be fine! Good luck to her!
Emmie, 13
Awww it's good to know you're looking out for your little sis!I hope she's okay when she goes into high school! Good Luck! =) x
Emma, 12
Good for you and your sister, you are both amazing! xxx
Liddy, 15
My younger brother has Tourette's too! When we were little it was so much worse... He used to get really violent and aggressive, it was scary. I know it can be hard, but it does get better, I promise. He's thirteen now and he's improved a lot, and the doctor said he might even outgrow it! We hope so...
Chloe, 15
It's really scary having to deal with unconrollable things- it's great you're all supporting her! =D
Ivy, 12
I think it is really good that her piers have accepted her because it must be really hard and she shouldnt have to worry about being bullied
Amy, 12
Aww.I feel so sorry for your sister. I hope she doesn't start getting bullied when she goes to secondary school.
