tremors

[Pounds11]

hello wonderful forum. I am ETjak2, diagnosed Jan of 22 On 5 HU a week. About when I started HU I noticed my right hand trembling occasionally when I grabbed something. Now the tremor is more often and troublesome. Had shoulder xray and nothing shows up. Looked back on this site and found others with same issue on old posts

I’m 79 and use the grip feature a lot since I garden. The osteopath who is excellent thinks I have essential tremor. Is it related to the other ET or HU? Any advice on supplements or exercises? And as others said here it’s much worse when I’m anxious. Thanks for any tips. Best to all. Marti

[Kari1961]

I have an essential tremor. Although mine is not related to PRV or HU - I've had mine since 2012 when I had a stroke. It was diagnosed by a movement disorder Dr (neurologist)

As far as I'm aware there are no supplements that make it any better - relaxation does help, sometimes.

I believe there are some medications you can take: Propranolol (Beta Blocker) and Primidone (anti-convulsant) plus some anti-anxiety medications. However, I've chosen not to take any medication as I still work and believe the medication can make fatigue worse.

I just use aides to help with everyday living, like weighted cutlery, electric toothbrush and a grip mouse. I also don't drink caffeine at all and have accepted there are some things I can no longer do.

We have the National Tremor Foundation here in the UK and it may be worth looking to see if you have one in the US. Here's the link to the UK site: tremor.org.uk/

Hope this helps.

[CraftySpider]

Hi, I was diagnosed with benign essential tremor, before I had MF and started taking HU. Then I only had CFS/ME & joint Hypermobility syndrome.

Mine is in both hands and much worse when I am tired.

[Pv1955]

I’ve had essential tremor since I was 5-6 years old, 68 now. I don’t really notice but others do. I’ve been on Hydroxy for a few years now, and the tremors haven’t gotten better or worse with it. My tremors are worse when I’m tired, anxious or have more sugar or caffeine than I should. I, too, was offered beta blockers and declined as, other than dropping things when I’m not paying attention, the side effects didn’t seem worth it.

[Pounds11 in reply to Pv1955]

Thanks to all who responded. I don’t want to take any more drugs either so all your comments are helpful.

[dogsandhorses]

I have had essential tremor for several years. Mine started when I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroid, and years before I was diagnosed with ET. Endocrinologist put me on Propranolol for the tremors along with methimazole thyroid meds. After a few years, my thyroid returned to normal, and the Propranolol was starting to cause ocular migraines, so I quit taking it. Still have tremors, and have difficulty writing, but my grip is still very good. Tremors are much worse when I am stressed. Since ET has taken over as my main medical focus, I just accept the tremors as something I have to live with. At least I still have my God given thyroid, and it functions normally, so I'm happy with that.