Essential Tremor

[dakotacop]

I'm 39 years old and have been a deputy sheriff for 16 years. 10 months ago, I had an attack that I thought was a stroke After 4 days in the hospital, 2 MRIs, a CAT scan, a spinal tap, dopplars of my arteries, blood and urine tests, and food that would remove wallpaper, I left with no answers. My left thigh was numb and very sensitive to touch. I saw a neurologist about a week later, and he told me that my cutaneous nerve was damaged from wearing my gun belt for so many years. I was also showing signs of tremor in my left leg. He put me on Lyrica.

I began to get tremors in my left arm and left leg. Some were more than "mild". I'm the patrol sergeant, I carry a gun, and a shaky hand is the last thing I need. Then, earlier this month (May), I had another "attack", this one on duty. I went down. My Chief Deputy brought me in to the emergency room. Again, I thought this was a stroke It pulled on the left corner of my mouth, and my entire left side was numb. More tests, same old thing. Except this time, I was placed on medical leave. I am still on medical leave and will remain there until a doctor says I am fit for duty.

My neurologist said that I have ET along with the peripheral neuropathy He added Propranolol and Cymbalta (he said it has been known to help with neuropathy). I am having more test next week. My left thigh and left calf are numb, and I get tremors in both my left leg and left arm. I also get what I call "shivers" coming from the top of my back.

I'm married, and have 7 kids, all under the age of 15. Right now, there is no way I could qualify with my firearm on the gun range, and I could not, in good faith, put myself behind the wheel of a patrol car going 120mph. Disability is a crappy option, but I don't know what else to do.

Looking for any cops with ET neuropathy or just similar problems. The badge has been my life.

Dallas

[axnightowl]

I have ET and have 19 years on the job. I still manage to qualify but it is a challenge. I take inderal an topamax and have good results with this combination. It does not get rid of my tremor completely but enough that I feel I can do my job safely. I had to try several meds and combinations before I found what worked for me. Let me know how things are working out for you or if you have any other questions.

[lilred]

I am not a law enforcement officer. I am a Registered Nurse. My neurologist started me on Remeron about 5 weeks ago. It is classified as an antidepressant. So far, I have only had one short episode of mild tremors while doing my exercises for PT. I noticed a difference after being on the Remeron for 2 weeks.

I have been on Primadone, Topomax and Klonopin. If all else fails, maybe it would be worth a trial of Remeron.

I know we all are trying anything to get some relief and carry on with our lives. I no longer work and at this time do not plan on going back. (I am 60.) I have other health problems, but it sure is nice not to be shaking. I am going to start driving again next week if all stays the same. (I haven't been able to drive since July of 2008.)

Good luck and best wishes,
lilred (Helen)

[Officer25]

Hi, I'm from Canada and i'm 25 yo.Since the age of 15 yo that I have Essential Tremor. I always wanted to be a cop. But, I never apply in Police technology ...so I worked in security ,very boring job. After, the years , with my experience , I tried to apply to be Correctionnal Officer . I was only on primidone and It was ok to pass all the guns qualifications and without medication I could pass.... It was more difficult with the AR-15 at 100 yards, but I passed! I still dont like my job, I really want to be a cop. I just decided to be a cop at 25 yo.I have to go to school for 3 or 4 years . I'll try ,I'll be around 30 or 31 yo if it works for me.If u dont have dreeams in your life, life will suck so bad....I believe that they will find something that will help more than 10 millions persons in America that has ET. Sorry,i'm french,my english is not so good.... For now, I'm on Primidone and Propranolol, it is still not ok for me because there is always a little bite of tremor...but there is a big difference without the Propranolol...

I heard about Corgard or _Nadolol_,its good for ET?

There is DBS thats seem to be very effective, do u know if young patient could have DBS??
Idont think that the Dep. of Police will accept someone with that kind of device ???

I saw that Gamma Knife surgery is good too...but not reversible...so if u have complications, Uh OH!? Do you know if that kind of surgery is available in Canada.?

A guy fighting with u guys against ET...