Essential Tremor

[earlberger]

Hi:
I am new to the forum. I have essential tremors in my hands, usually when I hold a spoon or fork, or when I try to sign and cheque. My question is whether anyone has had any success with exercise.

I would be grateful to hear of anyone who has tried, and what kind of exercises they used.

[dentist]

Hi earlberger,

I find that when I do strenuous work or excercise, the tremors get worse for a while. I do not know if this is an adrenaline rush or a side effect of the ET.

I have been recently diagnosed with ET and am willing to try anything to reduce or eliminate the tremors.

dentist

[macacoza]

i go to the gym 5 nights a week...sometimes it is worse for short time..soemtimes it is better...I just dotn pay it any mind and just keep going...Good luck!

[dduck]

I have had ET since I was about 10 (I'm 61 now) and have tried lots of approaches to control and have done a fair amount of reading on the subject. Some patients find exercise to be beneficial in helping to relax the tremor, but many others - myself included - find that exercise actually exacerbates the tremor. I benefit from moderate exercise - walking the dog, gardening - but anything strenuous - playing soccer, skiing - will make the tremor worse. Of course, if it's a good match or an exciting slope, who cares?!

I had Deep Brain Stimulators installed in 2003 and the tremor is now almost totally controlled. Getting overheated - whether it's from exercise or just sitting in a hot car in traffic - will bring on a bit of the tremor, but it's really not very bothersome. Can't head the ball very well, though :-)

[macacoza]

keep up the good work!!!

[sandyet]

I have had tremors in my hands for some 30 years. I do find strenious exercise will make it worse. But, I found that attending Curves and stretching after has helped. I had a nurse tell me that using 2 to 5 lb weights can help also. She said she just carried them when she walked. Nothing special. She also had tremors. I have not tried the weights yet, but I am going too.

[macacoza]

My theory is I will try something to see if it works...lol..weights in my hands actually make the tremors a tad worse for me..when I do the pump class at the gym and lift the weights I skake noticeably. Give it a try though..it may work for YOU! Worth a try!
deb

[Killamanjaro]

dduck...

u had dbs done?

would u do it again? did it control all of your tremor? where do u have tremor? head hand etc?

for i have brain mri done tomorrow (thursday) and have been actively researching and speaking to others about their dbs surgery.

thanks!

~M

[macacoza]

have you heard on your MRI yet???
deb

[Killamanjaro]

deb....

no word on mri... if i dont hear anything by monday afternoon i will call.

~M