Keep tremors down during stressful event - Cure Parkinson's

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Keep tremors down during stressful event

Jjrr profile image
Jjrr
27 Replies

My daughter is getting married this weekend. As father of the bride, I will be doing a speech, walking her down the aisle, and the father-daughter dance.

I would like to keep the tremors to a minimum at least during the wedding & reception. Any suggestions?

For example, decaf black tea seems to help calm the tremors.

Vodka might work too.

Or maybe shorten the time between meds?

Would appreciate any ideas. Thank You

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Jjrr profile image
Jjrr
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27 Replies
MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson

Lot of deep breathes. Congrats

Jjrr profile image
Jjrr in reply toMBAnderson

thanks, and the video you sent was hilarious.

chartist profile image
chartist

Jjrr,

You said, ' For example, decaf black tea seems to help calm the tremors. '

Given that information and knowing that three major components in tea are caffeine, EGCG and L-Theanine and you are using decaf tea, in your situation, it is likely the EGCG and theanine are offering you the benefit of reduced tremor. Both of these are available as separate supplements and they may be an option for you to consider as you can get more of each through supplementation. Also EGCG and theanine have synergy together as discussed here :

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Here is a relevant quote :

' The results showed that under Aβ25–35 stress conditions, mitochondria and axons degenerated, and the expression of cyclins was up-regulated, showing the gene and protein characteristics of cellular hyperfunction. EGCG + l-theanine inhibited inflammation and aggregate formation pathways, significantly increased the percentage of G0/G1 in the cell cycle, downregulated the expression of proteins such as p-mTOR, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin B1, upregulated the expression of GAP43, Klotho, p-AMPK, and other proteins, promoted mitochondrial activity and energy metabolism, and had repair and regeneration effects on differentiated nerve cells. The synergistic mechanism study showed that under the premise that EGCG inhibits amyloid stress and inflammation and promotes metabolism, l-theanine could play a nourish nerve effect. EGCG + l-theanine keeps differentiated nerve cells in a quiescent state, which is beneficial to the repair and regeneration of nerve cells. In addition, EGCG + l-theanine maintains the high-fidelity structure of cellular proteins. '

Unfortunately, the wedding is this weekend and that will not leave you enough time to get the supplements and experiment with them to find your optimal dose. Failing that, another doable option which you will have enough time to experiment with is to use the tea you are already using, but make it more concentrated. So if you normally use one tea bag in a cup of hot water, try using two or even three bags in one cup of hot water and see how it affects your tremor.

This is kind of short notice to test most potential options, but the tea idea is doable. If it does improve your tremor more than your current amount of tea, you can make two or three small bottles of this concentrated tea to have with you on the day of the wedding to help calm your tremor. Being a wedding, you will likely have access to alcohol, which can help some people to reduce their tremor temporarily.

As a bonus, due to its multiple methods of action, EGCG and L-Theanine are also beneficial for PD via reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal damage among other methods of action.

Art

Jjrr profile image
Jjrr in reply tochartist

Thanks, the concentrated tea is a great idea.

chartist profile image
chartist in reply toJjrr

Please let us know how it works for you if you decide to try it, as many on this forum have tremor and might be able to gain benefit from your experience. Have a great time at your daughter's wedding!

Art

Jjrr profile image
Jjrr in reply tochartist

will do, thanks

janers profile image
janers in reply toJjrr

My initial thought was also L - Theanine. I have found that a couple capsules of that is most helpful in such situations. I hope you have a wonderful time :-)

Jo692 profile image
Jo692 in reply tochartist

what supplements would you recommend please for use in stressful situations. I know you mentioned it was too late to experiment for Jjrr?

It would be helpful to know for my bwp as he is still working but gets stressed when having to do a meeting.

Thank you, best wishes.

chartist profile image
chartist in reply toJo692

I was referring to EGCG and L-Theanine as they were apparently helpful for him in the form of tea. So I was just suggesting trying to increase the dose a bit to see if it was additive . It takes a lot of trial and error to find what might be helpful for tremor in each person.

Art

Pezo profile image
Pezo

Well , I find every now and again valium help , OR the odd Tryhexephenydol ........ failing that yeah .. alcohol , make sure you get a good nights sleep too

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji

Propranolol can also help. Take 40 mg 2.5 hours before the event

Michel0220 profile image
Michel0220

Hi Jjrr, I don’t know how strong your tremor is (mine is still relatively mild) but I find that simply accepting the tremor is helping me. Knowing it is going to come and not trying to fight it. I find that I am not much more stressed than pre-PD, but that my body is reacting differently to stress (e.g. tremors). That awareness and acceptance is helping me go through those moments slightly better.

Jimmyalp profile image
Jimmyalp

Take medication on time you will be fine, and no excitement 😎

Seamus6 profile image
Seamus6

Maybe try not to hide it, you could even make a joke about it!

No-one at the wedding will care if you have a tremor, try not to let it control your day.

Remember, everyone there is on your side.....

I'm sure you'll have a great day 🎉

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply toSeamus6

excellent advice Seamus 6

Missy0202 profile image
Missy0202

Congratulations! I had the same concerns for my daughters wedding last Oct. I wore an outfit with pockets :) I adjusted my meds so when I walked down the aisle it was optimal. After that I let the excitement show.... which in our case is a tremor.

Fed1000 profile image
Fed1000

On the occasion of an event like your daughter's wedding, I wouldn't risk it. I would like to feel good, enjoy the party and not make daughter, relatives and friends feel anxious. Therefore I would shorten the time of taking the medicines a lot. I would try to do this a few days before to evaluate how you are. Who lives in our condition must be an excellent strategist. Congratulations

KevinBurns profile image
KevinBurns

Congratulations and enjoy the moments, come what may!

Crosley80 profile image
Crosley80

Try holding a beaded bracelet around your hand and spin it with your thumb one bead at at time. I’ve shared this with my boxing friends and they said it worked great for them too.

Bracelet for tremors
Jjrr profile image
Jjrr in reply toCrosley80

I have been doing something similar, i touch my thumb to my other 4 fingers in sequence as i walk.

kaypeeoh profile image
kaypeeoh

"Vodka might work too," especially if you drink enough to pass out....

bassofspades profile image
bassofspades

DBS, but that would take a lot of prep work. Good luck and congrats!

WinnieThePoo profile image
WinnieThePoo

I have the same treat to look forward to on 18th May. I visited the wedding venue with my daughter and son-in-law to be last week and the tremors kicked in then.Personally I find alcohol works, so I will be having a couple of gin and tonic. Also, just take the time to deliberately calm yourself down. Breath slowly and deeply and focus on doing so

And enjoy it. If you tremor you tremor. Nobody is going to mind. Say you were fine until they showed you the bill from the caterers

Have a great day

Jjrr profile image
Jjrr in reply toWinnieThePoo

i like the catering bill line👍

eschneid profile image
eschneid

Congrats....One down(almost) and ? more to go....Someone on this site at least five years ago suggested a breathing exercise similar to Poo's above that works for me most of the time for my tremors. When you breathe in slowly say & think PEACE to yourself and when you exhale say & think Tremors Stop, Shaking Stop or some variation.

Also, have a couple glasses of that expensive wine you are paying for and have a great time. Nobody cares if you shake, it's all friends and family so enjoy.

Sandmanliz profile image
Sandmanliz

just tell everyone how fabulous they look. include others in the speech topic. people only remember who noticed them. if tea and alcohol help you then inderal probably will too. In any case, it is a long known drug used by public speakers as it keeps your heart rate from spiking and causing shortness of breath and that panic feeling. I used it for years before Parkinsons as ii spoke to large groups internationally. 20 mg at least. cheap too. I am sure you will do fantastic.

KERRINGTON profile image
KERRINGTON

I carry mucuna capsules around and take them as needed during social events.

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