Essential Tremor

[pops124]

I'm 53 and have had hand tremors for the last 14 years. When they started they were not very noticeable and would only happen when i was very stressed, when i was to give a speech or meet new people at a function, but it has become more common in the last couple years. It doesn't seem to be as bad as most of the postings that i have read but it is becoming a concern. I've just started to play hold-em poker and it is very difficult to stack chips my hands shake quite a bit. Also, drinking water can sometimes be a chore. I've tried having an alcoholic drink before playing and that seems to help. But i don't want to play drunk (it could become very costly). I have an apointment to see my doctor (internal medicine) to rule out other possibilities before seeing a nuerologist. Does this sound like et?

[macacoza]

Sounds like a huge possibility...but I am NO DR. The alcohol is a big hint though. It is actually how my DR diagnosed me. HE had me drink a glass of wine. If tremors lesson..it MAY be ET...if they didn't he woudl test more..in particular for PArkinsons. Tremors lessoned, but he sent me to a neurologist to be sure...and here I am over 20 yrs later and still dealign with it. It gets a tad worse every yr. BUT...it is what it is and I do not allow it to stop me from doing what i want to do. I just tell folks that I ahve ET so they do not think i am nervous. IT is very improtant in my business. I wish you the best and keep reading. Lots of info contained in here!
deb

[DCIrvine]

Sounds like it could be. ET is distinguished from other similar disorders by the fact that it happens mostly while "doing" something. For example, threading a needle or trying to use a screwdriver. In other disorders, your hands would shake, even when at rest.

My hands are fairly silent when resting and not holding anything, but as soon as I pick up a screwdriver they go crazy.

If your hands follow this pattern, then there is a good chance it is ET.

[macacoza]

This is all very familar!..Try putting on mascara DC...haha..You think holding a screw driver is bad..try putting on mascara...been stabbed in the eye many times..and on the worse of times, my hubby has gotten very accomplished at putting mascara on me..haha...You do what you have to!
deb

[kgallo]

can anyone tell me how much the severity of the tremors increases and how quickly? I am a 38 year old woman who has been diagnosed with ET...both my hands tremor incredibly, my right being much worse. I am on my second medication prescribed by a neurologist, which seems to be helping somewhat, it decreases the tremors about 50%. But even on the medication, I poured a cup of tea for myself the other day and burned myself due to the tremoring of my hand.....With the medication, it's not so bad...but, I'm very concerned as I age, how much worse is it going to get...my doctor doesn't really have an answer for me. any advice?

[macacoza]

I wish I could be of more help because what I will say is this...who knows?? Each and everyone of us progress differently. I stayed at about the same place for many years...then it started to get worse. Without both of my meds I am a shaking mess..the combination is what seems to help me the most. BUT..the meds do not seem to help my shakign voice much. That problem started about 1 yr ago. I am waiting to see how the botox helps others though before I go that route. I wish you much luck and I do know this..do not let it become this HUGE problem for you!!.. You can and you WILL live with ET...you will begin to learn what works for you and against you. Read all the forums...and also remember..there are a whole lot of us that are walkign the same path!!..We are here to help each other!
God bless!
deb

[kgallo]

Thank you for your kind words. It's nice to know there are people who can understand my frustrations. You have a great outlook....that's the way I'm going to approach this!
God Bless!

[macacoza]

I have learned the hard way hon...I have cried many tears over this thing called ET!..It was my family Dr that talked to me quite sternly MANY years ago and said..DO NOT let this beat you!...HE advised me to be up front with folks and tell them that I have ET if it is a bad shaking day(this is how I call it..ha) Everyone at work knows and are very considerate of it. Our secretary has to sign docs for me at times...and NO one will let me pour them a cup of coffee...BUT I have learned to laugh at soem of the silly things that happen..it is so much better than tears...or depression..or anger. All those get you NO WHERE! HAlf the time I dont even correct my typing mistakes by spell check when writing to friends and family becasue they ahve learned to read my backasswards typing..another result of ET...and if you read this carefully I am sure you will find some of that very thing!..I will leave them for you!..lol I am here to visit with when ever you want or need..Been living with this for wayyyyyyy over 20 yrs..GO GET EM!!!!
Deb

[shakeyguy]

my essential tremor was made an issue at my work so i went to my physician to get a diagnosis. he then refered me to a neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis and wrote a letter to my employer. now two years later i am seeking a retirement because work has made it an ongoing issue and with the politics it is easier to take the retirement then try to file a n ada lawsuit since it is a local government agency.

[macacoza]

I am so sorry things are this way for you. I think that I am very blessed to be working with the folks that I do. I hope to hear more from you and how you are doing!
Deb