Essential Tremor

[g8rsgal]

Hi, I'm new to this site and found it while searching the net on essential tremors. I was just diagnosed yesterday with benign ET in my left hand. I'm 37 and have been experiencing this for a little over a year. I've had the EMG and nerve conduction tests done last month--both came back negative. My neurologist (I guess you can say I have one now even though I've only seen him twice) said it looks like ET and told me I need a MRI some blood work and a 24-hour urine tests done. I then have a follow-up with him next month. I hate how my hand shakes and it's even visible to others. At first I thought that only I can see it so it's not too bad, right, and I'm not in pain so I'm fine. Well, a co-worker just called me out on it by asking what's wrong with your hand? You're shaking. I felt totally embarassed and wanted to crawl under my desk at work! The neurologist prescribed Mysoline, 50mg, but I got the generic form-Primidone. Said to take a half tablet before bed for 7 days then take a full tablet after that. I know there's no cure for ET but I want to really be officially diagnosed for it so I know what's wrong with me.

[lilred]

Welcome to the world of ET. Welcome to the site. Et is usually diagnosed after they have ruled out other things.

You might want to read some of the older topics. You can gain a lot of insight from them. It may also help you understand more about ET.

From my reading I have found that ET seems to effect of us differently and the progression is not the same in everyone. Mine started in my head. I have the "yes, yes" movement. Mine has started to effect my hands now. It effects some people's voices. I have an almost constant throat clearing.

Some people stay stable for years and do well on Primadone. Some are on a combination of Primadone and a Beta blocker medication. Finding the right combination is sometimes trial and error.

I am off of Primadone and on Klonopin. I am going to see a new neurologist ( a movement disorder specialist.) because I am not happy about being on Klonopin. Some people do well on Klonopin. I cannot tell that it has helped my tremors much. Klonopin can be addicting and your body builds a tolerance and your dose has to be increased. This is not the drug for me.

You might also want to check out www.wemove.org for more insight. That site has a lot more action than this one. I usually check in on both.

Good luck and again welcome.

lilred (Helen)

[g8rsgal]

lilred,

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the site you mentioned.

-Tina

[macacoza]

Hi Tina,
Nice to have you here although I hate the reason that brought you. As Helen said..read all the post. They will help you gain insite as to how it effects us all..the same and differently. I too check both sites, although I tend to come here more as I dont have a lot of time to look thru all the post. I wish you all the best..Know this..you CAN and WILL figure out the best way for YOU to deal with ET..and we are here to help!
God Bless
deb