I went to my doctor 8 months ago with shaking hands and was told that it was nothing to worry about. It is gradually getting worse and people are noticing it, I can't control it. I have noticed that my clothes have drips of food down them as I can't raise my fork without spilling some down me. Sadly my doctors just don't seem to care, get the usual fob off, age etc. Run out of surgeries in my town. Any ideas please. I do get bad cramps at night sometimes, I am also getting sharp stabbing pains in a couple of fingertipes sometimes, not in the joint but at the very tip.
Shaking hands getting worse: I went to my doctor... - Thyroid UK
Shaking hands getting worse
Written by
Dramlouie
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33 Replies
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SeasideSusieRemembering
I would go back to your GP and ask for investigation as to why your hands are shaking
nhs.uk/conditions/tremor-or...
and why you have the other symptoms.
Hi Dramlouie,
I developed a tremor over 10 years ago when I was going through a very stressful time. My GP, like yours, was unconcerned. However, a couple of years later I also developed a smell disorder and was referred to the Parkinson’s Clinic to rule that out as a tremor and smell disorder together could indicate Parkinson’s disease. However, I had an MRI and the result came back ok.
My tremor is only evident when I employ fine-motor skills, such as getting a spoon or fork to my mouth, or trying to separate the pages of a newspaper. No problem otherwise.
One of the first things the consultant asked me was if the tremor disappeared if eating with alcohol. And yes it does. A glass of wine with dinner and I have no tremor at all. The tremor is embarrassing sometimes when eating in public. I find soup particularly challenging! So if I’m not having wine, I tend to stick to finger foods.
Ultimately the diagnosis was benign essential tremor (now termed just essential tremor). I still have it but have learned to manage it well. I find stress makes it worse.
Even though my consultant arranged for the MRI, he was very reassuring. It seemed as though the question re alcohol made him pretty sure of the essential tremor diagnosis. I have since read that thyroid disorders can cause smell disorders so that was a bit of a red herring which led to the hospital investigation. I have Hashimoto’s.
I hope telling you of my experience is helpful but if you are concerned I would pursue it vigorously with your GP.
All the best
Caroline
Thank you, I shall try the wine tonight, but I am stressed at the moment and I haven't noticed any problems with my smell. Oh yes, talk about soup, well its very annoying and I won't have it in public. Its very disconcerting when the doctor just says don't worry about it, get more information if it was a vet! Find it annoying if showing someone a photo on my mobile, it starts shaking. I also have Hashimotos. So the answer is don't have soup just drink wine. I shall go back to the dr. thank you for your advice and good luck.
It doesn't take much alcohol. Just a few sips, less than a quarter of a glass of wine for example, immediately prior to eating and voila, I have no problem at all! Hope it works for you too.
Also I find supporting your elbow of the hand holding the spoon or fork helps considerably. You could even - dare i say it? - eat with your elbow/s on the table.
Soup is best for me when served in a mug!
All the best
Caroline
I have essential tremor and my Neurologist recommended a daily glass of red wine, but as I've only ever been a white wine drinker, that wasn't an attractive proposition. However, the National Tremor Foundation advises "People with tremor will find that roughly two units of alcohol (roughly one pint or one small glass of wine) will suppress essential tremor for about 4 hours." with no mention of what particular type of alcohol. But a 2011 study looked at the connection between wine drinking and essential tremor, and the possible neuro-protective effects of wine; and concluded it was probably due to the effect of its antioxidant components - which I believe are higher in red wine than white. There is also an associated anti-inflammatory effect, I believe.
Essential tremor is benign and in that regard, your Dr is correct that generally it is more nuisance than anything else (although it can become quite severe in some people); but that is no reason not to investigate and reach a definitive diagnosis. That's like saying that headaches are generally nothing to worry about - except that in some cases headaches might signify something much more serious. So you need to insist on finding out exactly what is causing your tremor.
Did you intend this for me, Maisie, or for Dramlouie?
I was given a firm diagnosis of essential tremor many years ago. I am fortunate that it hasn't got any worse, rather it is better if anything. Maybe because I have less stress in my life! And I do love a glass of red wine - my drink of choice. As you say, though, I was led to believe any alcohol in moderation would help with essential tremor.
Hope you have found your own ways to cope.
All the best
Caroline
I was replying to Dramlouie Caroline. 
I currently take Propanolol for my tremors, because I don't just have the handshakes, which themselves have definitely worsened over time - without the beta blockers I walk at a tangent, and with an unsteady gait, have internal shakes, postural weirdness if I stand still etc etc. Glad you've experienced an improvement.
Well the red wine tonight was most enjoyable and relaxing and my tremors have decreased quite a lot. What an excuse for a red wine. I too walk funny and have a weird posture, been to physio and osteopath and it hasn't improved, just feel as if my back is very weak indeed..
Glad it worked for you Dramlouie , you can keep a few medicinal bottles at the ready, now!
My weird posture is due, primarily I think, to kyphoscoliosis, together with a bit of trying to accommodate the effects/pain of a deteriorating spine, both of which were diagnosed only recently as a result of an MRI scan. Physio and Chiropractic didn't help me either. My scoliosis is in two planes, hence kyphoscolisis, but has your Dr ruled out simple curvature of the spine?
I get tingling across my back along bra line and burning across my back, my dr just looked at me and said tension take a painkiller. Still got it. After walking half mile it starts up again. Seen drs, just feel they think I am a hyperchondriac, I am very stooped and my bum sticks out and my head is very forward. Had it for years and its getting worse. Feeling ignored
I am so sorry for your frustration. I think when doctors see something new, something they don’t understand they aren’t always willing to research it and that is really sad. I do hope you get the help you require to feel more healthy. Good luxk
Hi Maisie,
I am sorry to hear that you have essential tremor and that it has worsened over time but pleased to learn that beta blockers are effective in helping you cope.
Do you find that this condition is exacerbated by stress?
I've always assumed that stress was the trigger in my case and certainly it is less of a problem now that I have a relatively easy life. However, I have also seen that hypothyroidism can cause tremor too so the true cause is uncertain.
When I saw the consultant at the Queens Medical Centre, he only mentioned alcohol in general as being helpful, not specifically red wine, so it would appear, on that basis, that a glass of your favourite white should serve just as well!😊
All the best
Caroline
Hi Caroline888 The problem with using propanolol is that it interferes with thyroid functioning in several ways (it's an adjunctive treatment for hyperthyroidism) so my endo has asked me to go back to the Neuro and have it changed if possible; hey ho.
It's interesting that you seem to have found a relationship between your tremors and stress. It's good to know you can take steps to manage both. I don't think it's the case with me though, as I seem to have been on a constant downward trajectory over the years, what ever has been going on.
Well, at least we can enjoy a drink on "medical grounds" lol.
Take care.
Hi Maisie,
I hope the Neuro prescribes a good alternative to propranolol and that you start to feel the benefit soon.
I'm the meantime, as you say, a glass of wine is definitely in order! Cheers😊
Take care
Caroline
Just a thought here. I’m not a doc, but too I have Hashi & have felt the lack of concern from the medical environment. Have you noticed inflammation? I get it everywhere off and on. I have a spot in the middle of my right foot that becomes very sensitive because it swells. I have introduce turmeric into my diet. I use natural oils to help relieve swelling symptoms. I may be barking up the wrong tree, but something is effecting your nerves negatively. May be it a vitamin deficiency? I know grasping at straws, I hope this helps.
Hi grafkimber,
Thank you for your response.
Yes, I am aware of some inflammation in my body. I take turmeric too. My latest blood test shows a low level of inflammation but I suffer from costochondritis (inflammation of the rib cartilage) and oral lichen planus. Both conditions have improved recently but I do get random very sharp pains at the top of my feet sometimes making it really difficult to walk for a short time before they disappear spontaneously. Personally, I blame everything on Hashimoto's!
All vitamins are really good. Just have to watch my ferritin level.
Hope you are doing well and that the turmeric is helping you.
Best wishes
Caroline
I totally agree. I get a little miffed sometimes at doctors in gen, cause it seems like your being brushed off. Like I didn’t get the memo that I was fixed
Very interesting re your costochondritis, I had a heart attack in 2014 and a couple of months after I started rehab, an hour of exercise after sitting around for 8 weeks. That evening I had pains in my chest which freaked me out and I called the ambulance. They said I was ok. I got really nervous thinking it was my heart. The next week the same thing happened and I went to my doctor who sent me for a chest xray. I pointed out where it was painful but they didn't examine me. Again freaking me out. This went on for many weeks and I did research and found costchondritis and went back to the dr with my diagnosis. They ignored me and contacted the cardiac unit. Not once did they feel my sternum. It calmed down when I stopped rehab and I knew it was costochondritis because it was tender where the ribs met the sternum. What is wrong with the drs, I went through months of fear and uncertainty, I just wanted them to confirm my thoughts but they wouldn't. A year after, when I was coming off the blood thinners I got a panic attack and all sorts of weird symptoms. I had stopped the blood thinners for a week and I went to the doctor who contacted the cardiac dept who told me to re-take the blood thinners. I had no appointment to see them. I decided to try and come off them very slowly and I had no more weird symptoms. I read somewhere you shouldn't suddenly leave them off.
Hi Dramlouie,
I too finished up in A & E with chest pains. Had the full battery of tests for heart issues and plenty of reassurance. But no diagnosis! I think when you are suffering that kind of pain you need to know what is causing it. All I was told was all tests came back fine.
The pain continued from time to time, and was usually worse in the night. Waking up with chest pain is very frightening.
So I made an appointment with a chiropractor. He examined my rib cage alongside the sternum, pressing at all the points where my ribs joined the sternum. I nearly leapt off the bed when he pressed a particular place, the pain was so sharp. There was a matching pain on the other side of the sternum. Costochondritis - a diagnosis at last!
I still find it scarey when the pain occurs but if I find that pressing the rib cartilage at any of several points produces pain, then I feel reassured now. If you look at a diagram of the rib cage, there is a lot of cartilage and not just alongside the sternum. Any of that can become inflamed and cause pain. I have found it wise not to carry anything heavy or move furniture. Gardening should not be too strenuous.
This kind of pain must have been really frightening for you after having had a heart attack. I hope you have found ways to avoid it in the main, and that you are well now.
All the best
Caroline
I can relate Caroline. My symptoms are in my gut. I have a lot of swelling discomfort........ I keep goin to the doctor to get help with this. I get told to stop eating the foods that bring on these symptoms. That is something I have figured out a very long time ago and already practice. I was hopin she might be able/willing to help me stop it from happing altogether. I find doctors reactive where diagnoses are concerned. As in, they are more likely to prescribe you something (a pill) instead of pro actively trying to help you figure out what is causing this negative reaction. I want my health to improve. I don’t just want good enough. I want 100%
I do agree. I don't have any faith in GPs since my Hashimoto's diagnosis. As you say, they just want to prescribe yet another pill. My cholesterol is elevated and all I get is repeated advice to take statins. I have also been offered antidepressants when not depressed and antacids when I don't think they are called for. All turned down of course! A ten-minute appointment - if you can get one at all - is not long enough to address the list of symptoms we can have with thyroid issues with the aim of reaching an appropriate diagnosis. It seems that writing a prescription of any kind is the way they aim to get us out of the door as quickly as possible.
Good doctors are few and far between it seems, and if you are fortunate enough to have found one at your surgery, getting an appointment will be a sheer impossibility as they will be the first choice for everyone and therefore never available.
I hope you find the answer to your stomach problems soon. I used to suffer discomfort after meals until I went gluten-free. Have you tried that to see if it helps?
Best wishes
Caroline
Ya I’m gluten free, don’t drink milk and many, many fruits and vegetables. My dinner plate is gettin pretty slim.
Yes it is scary when the pain comes but as you say, when a painful point is found it is reassuring. I can get it if slouching in chair or doing something I am not used to. Strange how the doctors couldn't make a simple diagnosis when I pointed to the area instead of me being scared for months. I think it doesn't help at night if scrunching up the chest with the shoulders forward when sleeping. I haven't suffered it in a while thank goodness. All the best x
That good, that you haven't suffered the pain in a while😊. I hadn't experienced it for months until last Wednesday night. I don't know what triggered it as I don't lie on my right side any more as I know that brings it on because it squishes my rib cage in a particular way. I can lie on my left side though with no problem. The strange thing is that if I get up and walk around, which I have done in the past looking for painkillers, it goes away completely on its own and I don't need the paracetamol at all. Usually the pain lasts less than 20 minutes. I find that really difficult to understand. I do generally panic a bit though when the pain comes on and if paracetamol is handy will still take a dose, despite the fact that the pain will be gone before the painkiller could possibly have had time to work. I try to wait it out but can't really relax until I've popped a pill. Sad I know. Hopefully I'll get over the need one day.
If your pain occurs as a result of slouching in a chair, do you find it goes quickly when you change your position or does it persist for a long time?
I agree with you that doctors should be able to diagnose this easily. But your doctor didn't and nor did mine. We have to do our own research and cope the best way we can. Thank goodness for the internet!
Best wishes
Caroline
I had to see a phychologist after my heart attack as I got so sensitive to everything and thought it was all leading to another heart attack. It made me realise that the pain brought on fear which produced the adrenalin rush. When I saw the vicious cycle it helped me cope. Even a bit of heartburn sends me into a worry cycle. If I get the costoc I feel for the pain site and that reassures me but it is still a horrible feeling. I can't relax either. What about rubbing some anti inflammatory cream on the site of pain, I think that would work faster and a bit of masssage would help. Usually if I get the pain then I have been ignoring the warning signs and its a bit late to just change position. I now put a cushion behind my back to stop the slouch but the pain can last a long time. I am now getting it a lot less but I am sure when the gardening season starts and I am moving my arms more it will start up again but its reassuring that I am not the only one who panics. Strange that I can't lie on my left side anymore, only my right. As you say, thank goodness we can become our own health advisers with the help of this site and the internet, I don't know where I would be, trusting the drugs and doctors........
I totally sympathise with your earlier need to see a psychologist. I would have been just the same and it's really unfortunate that you then started to suffer with costochondritis which in many ways mimics a heart attack. It's good that you are now able to reassure yourself by finding the source of the pain. Just remember to take it easy and not do too much.
On a separate issue, I've just read your profile and you could have been describing my experience with my mother! She was diagnosed with vascular dementia too. She was a really lovely mum like yours and, although needy and childlike, retained her good nature to the end.
I wish you all the best with your mum. She's very lucky to have you.
Best wishes
Caroline
P.S. I have just bought a book entitled "The End of Alzheimer's" by Dr Dale Bredesen, which purports to prevent and reverse cognitive decline. I don't know if this would be useful to you. It's £1.99 for the Kindle edition from Amazon at the moment.
I have just looked at my C-Reactive Protein blood test from Sept 2018 when I again complained about neuro symptoms and joint pains which my doctor said was all fine and it is above range at 6 (0-5) and my serum alkaline phosphatase level is also above range at 124(35-104) and serum creatine kinase below at 23 (26-192). I didn't check as was told all was normal and I was fine, no further action. Would this have a bearing on how I feel?
Hello,
I think you should test your calcium levels. If calcium is too low, that can result in shaky hands.
I take vitamin K2 and 12000mg Vit D3 daily but don't take any calcium, I sometimes have cheese before bed as I find I sleep well. I do get cramps and thought that might be too much calcium. My last calcium blood test July 2018 was middle normal range.
I have just looked at my C-Reactive Protein blood test from Sept 2018 when I again complained about neuro symptoms and joint pains which my doctor said was all fine and it is above range at 6 (0-5) and my serum alkaline phosphatase level is also above range at 124(35-104) and serum creatine kinase below at 23 (26-192). I didn't check as was told all was normal and I was fine, no further action. Would this have a bearing on how I feel?
I am very thankful for this page. I have gotten a lot of useful info and it has helped me to push my doc just a little bit harder to help me reach optimum blood levels. I just wish I didn’t have to push so hard to get positive results. I feel like they believe one mold fits all.
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