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Good News Bad News Good News. First, the Good News: Essential usually means "Gotta have it," but in my case it means Essential or Familial Tremors, which apparently is what I have. My difficult morning was not a surprise to the doctor, who explained that the more stressed I got from the initial tremors, the more it exacerbated the tremors. I've been prescribed another medication that is expected to be of immediate help and eventually mitigate the condition, but I also dealing with some sleep issues which we'll be dealing with as well. Second, the Bad News: It doesn't go away. Third, the other Good News: it's not so bad with meds, but something I might have for some time. I'll be seeing my doctor and the head of the Epilepsy Center as well in two weeks for a follow-up, but the light at the end of the tunnel does not, thankfully, appear to be an approaching train. All my thanks for your kind support and encouragement, and most of all your hugs!!! Mille grazie, mi sorrelle e fratello. Bacce e tanto affeto. 'drea
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Essential tremors
I have those too. I got them from both sides of the family and for years, they kept me from doing artwork because they get worse when I'm tired, stressed or when I try to concentrate. I got a prescription for a drug, a mild but long-lasting stimulant, for another purpose and suddenly, my tremors went away! I could draw without spending an hour doing yoga to relax first. Doctors told me that sometimes mild stiumulants had that effect on the tremors.
After six months or so, I decided I did not like the side effects of the drug. I discovered a substitute which is cheap and over-the-counter.
Coffee.
That's right, I drink coffee to keep my hands from shaking. :) It also helps my ADD as long as I don't drink much more than one cup every four to six hours. The only problem I have with it is it makes me sleepy. :)
Yeah, I'm wired funny.
Tea works too but two cups of tea in a day is an overdose, tea has three stimulants to coffee's one. What works for me probably won't work for you, I'm told that what I'm doing works for only a fraction of the people with my set of problems but it really does work well for me. Because coffee works better than other sources of caffeine, I drink caffeine free sodas when when I want a soda.
I also avoid sugary drinks because sugar seems to make both the ADD and tremors worse. For donuts, I'll risk it. :)
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Essential Tremor
I've been taking mysoline for a long time with no side effects although others I know do have problems. Once you're had some experience with the drugs and your doctor here's a plan:
I take a very reasonable daily dose but I know there are things that are going to make things worse, from time to time--life things like my two toddler grandsons or singing in a chorus (holding music for long periods of time). Knowing my doc trusted me, I brought this to his attention and he advised to take an extra dose. I pointed out that I would run out of drug before I could refill it...he agreed. I asked him to write the prescription for a slightly higher daily dose so that I'd have enough on hand to deal with sensitive situations when they arose. He agreed, and ,while I still have bad days, I'm able to anticipate and medicate. I still take the regular daily dose but can increase it if the need is going to present itself. This may not work for you until you're sure of the action of the meds and have the trust of your doc but keep it in mind.
If you haven't, look at the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) website. There's a lot to be learned. They can also tell you if there's a support group in your area. I started one in my little corner of the known world and we enjoy exchanging tips and information.
Stay positive. It may get worse, it may not. A glass of wine always helps. It doesn't progress to Parkinson's and is something you can live with. If you have family and friends, make sure they understand the nature of this disease and that it's not "all in your head". Also, do your best to inform your primary care physician because they've never heard of this !
As I'm told by those closest, especially when in a social situation, slow down and relax before putting yourself in a more stressful situation than it really is.
Finally, on a funny note : Forget Soup...it's history !!! lol
I Use Propranolol
If you can get it it's cheap and easy to use. Up to 160 mg per day (in 40 mg tablets) and no side-effects. My son also has ET and uses the same drug, because patients tend to get nervous when they see a dentist waving an electric drill around with shaking hands!
A side benefit is that it lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate.
The other effective remedy is alcohol, but society for some reason seems not to approve.
There is actually an Essential Tremor Foundation and they produce a very informative newsletter.
Apart from the shakes one of the main symptoms is stage-fright, and that sounds very much like what happened to you.
You can beat it,
Joanne
P.S. A common proprietary name for propranolol is INDERAL.
This...
...is fairly good news. ^__^ I'm glad you've found a diagnosis. It's (almost always) better to know the what and the how of such things, and this should help to cut down some of your stress. Ganbare! and hugs.
-Liz
-Liz
Successor to the LToC
Formerly known as "momonoimoto"
Propranolol
I didn't know you could get larger sizes. I take 2 x 10mg three times per day for a convoluted liver/spleen/oesophagus/blood problem. I'll have to talk to my GP to see if we can get larger doses although, I suppose 60mg per day isn't a lot.
Funny, Erin, how many of us are wired a bit wonky. Might go with the territory, d'ya think? Although apart from my liver, spleen, blood, oesophagus, plumbing and eyes, I'm fine!
Susie
Wiring
My neurologist, while diagnosing my epilepsy told me my brain was wired differently. He got my attention with that comment, But I was sat in his surgery wearing a floral skirt at the time. No, he said the EEG showed that both pf my hemispheres work on problems at the same time, usually just one hemisphere is involved. I suppose this defines why I can problem solve quickly but it doesn't rule out my original assumption that I am wired differently for different reasons.
Topsy
Mostly Harmless