My Battle With ET

Essential tremor is a physical disorder I have experienced for most of my adult life. During the early stages it was not recognized by the medical professionals; it was often misdiagnosed as Parkinsons disease. I was not on any medication for the disorder until the early 1990’s.  Treatment is not a cure although some medications can reduce tremor. The prognosis is not enlightening. I was told by my neurologist that the condition would progressively worsen with age and there was no known cure. Brain surgery is still in the experimental stages with no absolute solution at this time.

Basically I have tremor that is incorrectly observed as nervousness. I am generally not nervous except when people assume my tremor is a result of being nervous and express it that way. My appeal is for people to avoid stressing me by calling attention to the tremor.

Others can experience tremor in their head or lower extremities. For me it is most noticeable in my left hand, with a residual transferring to the right hand for an attempt to lessen the left hand tremor. I am learning to cope more effectively by keeping informed on the condition through the International Essential Tremor Foundation. I have limited my public activity for these reasons but realize now that all of us have some disorder function in our bodies, mine is just more noticeable. Coping is difficult when tasks of socialization involve holding articles with hands extended.

My medication for ET is currently Inderal or Propranolol and Phenobarbital. The combination of the drugs seems to assist in reducing the hand tremor considerably unless I get extremely exhausted from physical exertion. Stress contributes to the aggravation as well.  I also can become very sleepy after a few hours; for this reason, I take the medication at bedtime. I am trying to keep the dosage as low as possible. I am medically monitored since Phenobarbital can have side effects. Recently I ran out of the Phenobarbital and noticed increased tremor and inability to control fine motor skills of both hands. Once I started the medication again the tremor was greatly reduced.

Above all, I am thankful for God’s comfort and peace. In spite of the seeming obstruction of these tremors I am able to perform my job well and most people can empathize after explanation. I adjust to that is less embarrassing when necessary.

You can google the subject and find articles that explain the subject of ET with more clarity than given here. This is just briefly my story of the disorder as it has affected my life and choices I have to make. I limit activities that require fine motor skills and steady hands.