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Essential tremors: Anyone experiencing shaking?
Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Jan 2 10:57am | Replies (121)Comment receiving replies
@mclaughlinkaren I have Et also and it started when I was in my early 40's and I'm now 74. You are right, caffeine does make it worse, many cold meds and inhalers make it worse. I haven't gotten to the point where I have to take meds and would like to avoid them because of the side effects. They say it is a form of Parkinson's. But with Parkinson's you get a slow shuffling gate, when you try to write your writing ends up in one corner of the paper and very small. I have a friend with Parkinson's and I don't have any of her symptoms. I know this isn't a cure all, but if I'm out and eating in public I have found a glass of wine will settle my hands just enough that I can eat with out my silverware shaking all over the place. I also have it in my jaw and have trouble drinking out of glass or cup so I use a straw.
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@kvrudney Thanks for the feedback. I noticed my tremors were at their worst during the holidays. My dad had it, so I know somewhat what to expect. I heard about the wine, but I avoid alcohol due to menopause symptoms and need to avoid anything that is inflammatory, such as alcohol, which causes my legs to ache. I've been able to adjust and hope that lasts until I can retire. I am lucky to have an office job, where I only use my hands for the keyboard and mouse. Did your doctor mention that Katherine Hepburn had it? That sort of made me feel better. She was working until she was 87 and died when she was 96. Just watching on Golden Pond, you can tell she had it, but it didn't really keep her from doing things. Hope you feel that way. I am glad there is no pain involved, and it feels benign to me.