[Braden]

Hi guys! I know I don't post much around the forum, but I thought that this would be the perfect place to talk about something which I have recently discovered. Especially before I mention it to any of my family or friends.

For the past year or so I have noticed that I get uncontrollable shakes when using my hands, and sometimes at random times with my head. I put it down to the fact that everyone is different (obviously) and I may shake more than the average person. However, I've been more worried lately as when I go to parties I tend to shake a lot before I get comfortable and start to drink, which is embarrassing for me if anybody were to notice.

I had a horrible experience (well it wasn't that bad, but I was fairly embarrassed and it's the first I remember) at my two birthday meals in November (one was with family, the other was with friends). The first one was on my actual birthday with my family, and obviously the attention was on me since it was my 18th. This is a totally abnormal concept to me, and as much as I love people giving me attention, the idea of everyone having all eyes on me makes me feel very anxious. Well basically; when my brother and his girlfriend arrived and gave me my present I couldn't help but shake when I tried to open the card, and when opening my present I made it look near enough impossible, to the point where my brother opened it for me. The meal was okay, I was fully capable to eat the meal, but the part prior was completely embarrassing for me.

So, the same thing happens the next night when I'm having my meal with friends. My dad drives to one of my closer friend's house to pick her up and everything is totally fine with her in the car, until we get outside the restaurant see that mostly everyone is already there and I realise that I'm going to have to open cards, presents, etc, when I'm with them. So, obviously when it gets to that part I just feel the same immense pressure that I can't help, and I'm blatantly shaking like ****ting dog because one my friends mentions it to me (totally embarrassing because I knew that I couldn't help it).

The same thing occasionally happens when I eat lunch at school. It rarely happens, but say when I have something different to eat (like when I eat a pot noodle) I do find it challenging to stop the profound shaking. And I find it so irritating because it's not like I'm a shy person, I'm fairly confident with people, but not to the extent where I'm in people's faces and a bit of loud-mouth. Like, if you were to watch me in social environments in real-life you wouldn't expect to shake over the most simple of things, and I don't either high makes it even worse for me.

So I'm getting more annoyed with it, and I end up researching into 'shaky hands' because I'm pretty sure it's down to with an anxiety I can't help, and I just want an answer to my problem. So with that I come across the term 'essential tremors' and can't help but feel that this is exactly what I have, and explains a lot of things. Here is what I found:

‘Essential tremor’ is one of the most common types of shakiness. Instead of contracting at random, the tiny muscle fibres contract and relax together (‘synchronization’), resulting in more noticeable movements. (In medicine, the word ‘essential’ has a special meaning – it is used to describe a condition that is not caused by any other medical condition or disease, but simply exists on its own.)

• Essential tremor is unusual in young people, but affects 1 in 20 of the population over the age of 40.
• It tends to run in families, so some of your close relatives may also have it.
• It usually affects the hands, often the head, and sometimes the voice and other parts of the body as well.
• It becomes worse when you use your hands to do something, such as picking up a small object, or if you try to maintain a position, such as holding a cup steady. If you rest your hands quietly on your lap, the shaking usually stops.
• It is uncontrollable and does not mean you are ‘nervy’ or ‘neurotic’ (although, frustratingly, it becomes worse when you are anxious).
• An alcoholic drink often improves it, but obviously you should not overdo this remedy.
• If the shaking is really troublesome, your doctor can prescribe a drug such as a beta-blocker or primidone. Avoid too much coffee and strong tea

.

The reason why I've made this thread (and apologies if my post is extremely long) is because I'm curious to know if anyone has experienced similar situations to me, and if they have no answer for them. Apparently 'essential tremor' isn't quite well-know, and I thought it would be a good thread to start for people who feel out-of-place because they can't stop prevent something that causes embarrassment.

It's just a huge weight off my shoulders, because I'm 80% sure that I have this! but it's pretty scary since there are no treatments for it! and it is known to get worse with age.

[Lee.]

The best advice I can give you is don't EVER google your symtoms, unless you want to end up a total nervous wreck... Go and see your doctor and tell him everything.. It sounds to me like anxiety or nerves in certain situations

[Kazanne]

Yes Braden,take Lees advice,it's the best thing you can do,

[Kate!]

It does seem anxiety triggered Braden from how you describe it, I'd get a medical opinion to be sure. I have anxiety problems, but it manifests in a different way for me, mine's more typical panic attack reactions; head goes muzzy, cold fear grips me, and then when it releases I feel exhausted and light headed. I have to get outside if possible, or at the very least open a window to get some air. When I was first diagnosed with it they tried beta blockers but they made me worse, I was having to get off the bus halfway home and walk the rest of the way cos I felt so anxious and trapped. Or sitting outside in the early hours of the morning cos I felt better outdoors.

Horrible things to experience and I know there's quite a few on here who suffer this. I hope you get some resolution

[Braden]

Thanks guys, I definitely plan to talk to my doctor about it.

I have seen some tests on YouTube, one being where you have to draw a spiral. Mine are pretty-much like normal spirals, but the fact that it can progressively get worse with no control is what scares me.

I'm hoping it's down to general anxiety rather than 'Essential tremor'.

[Kate!]

Originally Posted by Braden

Thanks guys, I definitely plan to talk to my doctor about it.

I have seen some tests on YouTube, one being where you have to draw a spiral. Mine are pretty-much like normal spirals, but the fact that it can progressively get worse with no control is what scares me.

I'm hoping it's down to general anxiety rather than 'Essential tremor'.

It most likely is, and can be a vicious circle as the more you think and worry about it the more likely it is to recur.

[Braden]

I'm glad I have people on here to speak to and receive help from though.

It's just a bit too much to explain to my friends without thinking that they may judge me if I were to shake in front of them, and I don't want to worry my family by diagnosing myself with a condition which is genuinely quite scary to me and potentially them.

[Shaun]

Braden can't say anything anyone else hasn't already said really, hope it doesn't stress you out or get too big of a problem.

[Z]

I'm generally quite shaky and being anxious can make it worse, including my voice, but I don't think I'm anywhere near as bad as you are by the sounds of what happened at your birthday meals Braden! Definitely go see your doctor

[Braden]

Thanks you two!

I'm hoping that the birthday occasions were just because I knew there was a type of pressure and 'all focus on me' element, which I'm not used to. I know there are other people that find opening cards/presents in front of people an awkward situation, it's just that people handle it differently. But, I'll see what my doctor has to say.

[Kate!]

Social anxiety is very common. A lot of people don't like being in the limelight. I never wanted an 18th or 21st party because of that, and especially the thought of making any sort of speech in front of a large number of people - just no way.

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Braden

Thanks you two!

I'm hoping that the birthday occasions were just because I knew there was a type of pressure and 'all focus on me' element, which I'm not used to. I know there are other people that find opening cards/presents in front of people an awkward situation, it's just that people handle it differently. But, I'll see what my doctor has to say.

...ughh, yeah I hate opening gifts in front of people or getting attention in any way...I love giving gifts but genuinely hate receiving them and it's not because I'm not grateful or touched by it either..and I also think that maybe the 'hype' of it all added to your anxiety as well..?...I think though, which is what people have said...'self-diagnosing' is the worst thing you can do and will only make your anxieties worse and then it becomes an ever revolving circle when in reality if you go to your GP, you may have your mind eased straight away by a few self help/relaxation techniques when you can feel yourself getting anxious about anything...?...I know it sucks, Braden but try not to worry about it and just go and see your GP, yeah..?.......

[Kizzy]

Have you tried any relaxation techniques? just taking some long deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth can help. Lots of people get anxious about lots of things, I would try not to worry as it could make it worse.

[blackmagicwoman]

See a great neurologist. They are good specialists with great information. Check out Ronald Pfeiffer M.D. Google him. One of the best in the nation.

[Z]