I have had it for 8 years. It is permanent and progressive. It is idiopathic...I had lived a healthy, active life, so my neurologist thinks it may be genetic. My grandmother and my aunt had the same, one diagnosed, one not. As time goes by, I find that besides the Tramadol, people that "get it" keep self-pity away. So thank you. What tools do you use - if any - to stay hopeful?

Good evening @keeptrying , sorry to hear it is progressive. I hope you are coping the best you can. I do not deal with the same issues that you are dealing with but multiple others. One is an irregular heartbeat, a symptom of mitral valve prolapse which runs in my fathers side of the family. It is believed to be genetic. That wears me down the most. I'm still working so it is very difficult to get through the day. Joint pain is severe at times making it difficult to walk or put a shirt on. I just have the attitude that it's what life is all about for me. There are many others who deal with much worse than I, so in a way I've got it pretty good. There are no guarantees in life. Every minute we are alive is a true miracle.

Believe me when I say that we do get it. I chuckle a little to myself each time I hear that because it is so true. I would also like to say that you are great at sharing. It is our hope to help you but you have also helped us/me, thank you. When we welcomed you to the Mayo Clinic Connect, you became one of us. That is very special opportunity and purpose. Hang in there, be strong!!
@vdouglas
Von