Do you or someone you know shake? Essential Tremors

[Novelafemme]

Originally Posted by princessbelle

This is definitely the most difficult post i have ever made. I've thought about doing it for awhile, but just couldn't muster up the courage to do it.

I have essential tremors. For those of you who don't know what that is, think...."Katheryn Hepburn" and remember her head shaking. That's what she had. Mine started in my 30s with a head jerk. It has progressed to a persistent "no no" motion that i cannot control. It's not there ALL the time, but it is there.

I was petrified going to the reunion thinking someone would say something....no one did. Even though it is not there all of the time, i'm sure it was some of the time. I thankfully did not get one comment. That's not so common in the general population. Not many days go by that i don't have someone ask me if i have Parkinsons or if i'm answering "no" to something they just said to me.

Here is a little bit about the disease:

Definition:

Essential tremor is a disorder of the nervous system that causes a rhythmic shaking. Essential tremor can affect almost any part of your body, but the trembling occurs most often in your hands — especially when you try to do simple tasks, such as drinking from a glass, tying shoelaces, writing or shaving. Essential tremor also may affect your head, voice, arms or legs.

In a study of individuals with ET, results of an advanced imaging technique known as positron emission tomography (PET), which examines the biochemistry of the brain, suggested an abnormality in the olivo-cerebellar tracts of the brain. In addition, PET testing in patients with essential tremor reveals increased activity in one brain region known as the cerebellum even while at rest, a finding that is consistent with the cerebellum having an important role in the generation of tremor.

The psychosocial effects of ET may be embarrassing and debilitating. ET may eventually affect the patient's ability to perform certain work-related tasks; interfere with activities of daily living; or lead to withdrawal from social activities and interactions due to embarrassment.

I am so self conscious of it. I've went to bed many nights crying because someone stared at me.

My father had it, it affected his gait and his arms mostly. There is a 50% chance a child will eventually get this if one of their parents has it. So far, my kids show no symptoms. But, i didn't either until i was in my 30s. It can affect your head, arms, voice and hands. Usually the hands and arms. I am lucky so far, and it just affects my head. But, i worry. Being a nurse, if my hands are affected, i'm in deep trouble. I watch them constantly and am petrified they will start shaking...so far, so good.

There are some treatments out there. Meds, beta blockers (which i used for 10 years and they worked great but lowered my blood pressure so low, i started fainting so i had to come off them) Anti-seizure meds and meds such as Xanax and Valium. They help to some degree, but not totally. There is also brain surgery where they insert an electrode in your brain. It's risky and it petrifies me to think about doing that.

Two things I hope that will come of this thread....

I am so very curious to know if anyone else here has this or a family member and maybe we can support each other. Maybe i'm not alone. Maybe it would be healthy to talk about this. Maybe i can help comfort another person who has to go through some of the same embarrassing comments and questions that i go through.

Number two.....

My mom called me tonight and she was excited. There is a breakthrough with the tremors and it is neurosurgery without being invasive. It was on ABC News.

Here's the link

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/patient...4#.Tx4LfoHnPR4


Thought i would share and see if there is someone else "out there" that may be very happy to hear about this or just wanna talk.

I was gonna say the same thing as JAGG did, Belle!! Kudos to you for having the courage to share. I know we've never met but I think you are the darned sweetest person on the Planet!! And even if you were nodding "no" at me, I'd take it as a sign to keep my mouth shut...which is generally a good idea for me!

I will keep you in my thoughts and let you know if I hear anything.

XOXO, Novela