"For most of my life, I have been blessed with good health. I've also been blessed with a challenging and satisfying career as an information systems specialist at West Virginia University Health Science Center in Morgantown. Then, at age 55, I faced a new challenge: Accepting a diagnosis from my neurologist of essential tremor [a neurologic condition that causes rhythmic trembling of head, hands or arms, voice, legs, or torso].
Thankfully, I was able to continue working after my diagnosis, which I shared with my supervisor and a few colleagues. I never had any serious tremors in the office, and in 2013 I retired at age 61 after the grant funds supporting my work were not renewed.
After retiring, I turned to the Internet to find support and answers about my condition. I was disappointed to discover very few resources. Although I found support groups in many states, I couldn't find any in West Virginia, a fact that was confirmed when I called the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF), the national patient organization. Fortunately, I have many understanding family members and friends who help and support me as much as they can.
I kept a diary for a year and a half to pinpoint what might trigger the tremors, such as stress, caffeine, salt, and sugar. Work stress definitely made the tremors worse so I was happy to retire. By cutting back on certain salty and sweet foods, my tremors improved for a while. But over time, they increased and are now more severe.
Other people with essential tremor describe a similar gradual increase, at which point their doctor might adjust their medication or try something new. I now have trouble typing on a keyboard and using a mouse. There are very few medications for essential tremor, but I'm taking primidone (Mysoline), [a prescription anticonvulsant] once a day.
I've developed several coping mechanisms. I switched to plastic plates and nonbreakable glassware and bakeware in case I drop something. I use sippy cups with handles on each side. I buy things that are easier to open and almost always use my computer because writing with a pen is too difficult. I get frustrated with my tremor when I'm holding a plate of food, but of course my three rescue dogs—Abby-Layne, Snuggles, and Daisy—love it. They get an extra snack when the food falls on the floor.
My dogs are so smart and know when I'm not feeling well; they care for me in their own way. Often when I have tremors, I'll sit down, and my dogs will sit on my lap and cuddle or lie at my feet. Despite that comfort, I'm mainly dealing with the disease alone. But I'm not giving up. I'm hoping I will still meet people in my area who will open up and talk about their condition so we can provide support to each other."
- As told to Paul Wynn
