Essential Tremor

[livingwith]

Hi,
I’m 39 and have had “the shakes” ever since I can remember. It definitely runs in my family. At least half of my Mother’s side has the shakes. It’s been a very stressfull thing in my life as a child and now as an adult. I always thought that I would grow out of it as I matured. Well, it’s only gotten worse. As soon as someone notices and says something, it gets worse. In sales meetings, I’ve learned to sip my coffee while no one is looking...Read the full article

[positive25]

Hi, I read your story and i just want to say, I understand you... I was diagnosed this week, but i have been suffering from it the past 2 years. I am 37 and I am devastated, there is no family history, the doctors could not find what was wrong with me because I am too young, it appears in ages above 60. In my country the statistics are 1 person to 500,000 and Greece has only 10 Mio population. Let's talk if y want, i really need to know that there is hope...
Tx

[DougUte]

I was diagnosed a few weeks ago. My Neurologist put me on Propanalol. Last week I was upped to 20 mg 3 times a day. I am having problems with tiredness, especially in the mornings. But I think that will go away as my body adjusts to the meds. The meds have almost totally eliminated the tremors. Very nice.

I totally understand what you are going through. If you want, we can talk.

[diane sea]

I understand your situation. Have been dealing with head tremors for years. I wish I had a solution for you. The wemove.org website has a great forum on essential tremors. Lots of support from people who are all in the same boat. Please check it out. Good luck to you.

[mballard]

I first noticed my tremor in when I was 15. I played flute in band and I was trying for my "seat" which is already stressful when my teacher asked me why I was so nervous? It became a real problem in college when I opened my first checking account and had to sign my name on checks - I got so nervous that from then on, whenever I would sign my name, I'd break out in a sweat because people noticed my hands shaking. I've blamed them on the cold, hand fatigue - you name it. Now I'm looking for help because my 23 year old son has tremor too. He accepts it, but I feel so bad that he got it from me. Does anyone know about B6 as helping to lessen the tremor?

[debrakline]

Boy your story hits home. I've had this a long time. I first noticed it when I was in the 4th grade and as time went on it got worse. I tried out for the choir in high school and the teacher made me get up in front of the class and sing a note then drew this really wavy line on the board. My voice shakes too you see. She embarrassed me so badly I wanted to die and made me keep doing it until it evened out. I'm 58 now and everything shakes now. I was only diagnosed with familial tremors 2 years ago but my nehphew is an Anesthesiologist and believes that I've have Essential Tremors. He suggested I see a Neurologist so I've got an appointment in Sept. When I have a couple of drinks the tremors really quiet down but I work so that's out of the question a majority of the time. I'm really hoping for meds that can work without making me sleepy. This has really changed my social life because I have to use a spoon or go for the 'finger food' when I go out to eat and forget a drink without a straw! It seems from all these stories that a lot of us are in the same boat so I don't feel so alone. I also play guitar but only for myself now. My father, his 3 brothers and 2 sisters also had the tremors. Now my older brother is getting them too. Are they ever going to find a cure??? Hang in there!!!! And thanks for sharing.