Essential Tremor

[missb]

I am 43 yrs. old and have always been in good health until an idiot rear ended me doing 45+ while I was stopping to avoid another idiot who decided to make an abrubt left hand turn without any warning. This was Nov. 07
So, since Nov. 07 til present day I have endured many long months of physical therapy using the (dry needle techique), chiropractor visits with manipulations and painful decompression, living day to day relying on several bottles of pills, and am now home recovering from having anterior cervical discectomy with fusion using titanium cages filled with bone that was harvested during surgery from my own osteophytes and plates and screws. Two levels were fused C 5-6 6-7.

This is what is so boggling to me.... In Jan. 08 had my first cervical epidural injection which was the start of treatment after my neurosurgeon looked at my MRI results. Had the shot which again was very painful and without sedation had no effect on symptoms. Was scheduled for one more before being told surgery was my next stop. Feb. 08 reluctantly had the 2nd CEI this is where the tremors began. Had the shot the doc missed the mark 2 times before hitting the spot he was supposed to the first time. 1st attempt my right arm went immediately numb and I could tell the doctor and nurse were extremely aggitated, nervous, and continually asking me if I was ok. Hell no, but not knowing this wasn't normal he attempted a 2nd try then my left arm and left leg went numb and boy did the tension in the room rise. Trying to keep my composure he went for the 3rd try and whether he hit the correct space or not no one knows. It took me a good while just being able to get off the table and get my senses back.

Here is the kicker... For 3 days after the injection my arm was on fire, a really bad raw sensation, and then the TREMORS started. Talked to my neurosurgeon who suggested I contact the office that had performed the injections and they said " the injection could have caused it and could not have caused it," and suggested I contact my nerosurgeon so that he could refer me to a neurologist. On July 17,08 saw the neurolgist who prescribed propranalol and up to this point has not helped but has only increased more symptoms to occur.... fatigue, heart palpitations, light headiness. He also, wanted to set up testing to find out what might be causing the tremors but he had to get the go ahead from my neurosurgeon before proceeding. I saw my NS yesterday and inquired if the neurologist had contacted him and he said no. So, he contacted the neurologist right then and there but yet to hear anything.

I just want to know what is causing this to happen, was it from the accident, from the injection. All of my problems that resulted in me having the ACDF was left side related and this is my right hand and I am right hand dominant. Sorry for such a long story but I'm just so damn frustrated. Just the simple task of signing my name has become something almost impossible to do. Thanks for your time and patience with my long story.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
missb

[macacoza]

wowwwwwwwwww....you have had a very tuff time. I wish I could help, but I dotn ahve a clue. I know you must not be very trusting of DR's right now, but I dotn know what other path for you to take. Read all the post and see if there is someone that can help you. I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers!
deb

[missb]

Thank you for taking the time to read my very long post. That means alot. I feel like a ping pong ball being bounced fom doctor to doctor and never really getting any answers. Most just want to continue to prescribe more pills and call in a week or so. I do have to say that at this point I am having less symptoms on my left side since the ACDF surgery but I have a long way to go. It's just so nice to have this site to vent on.
Thank you for your prayers.
missb

[macacoza]

It is good you joined us here. IT helps us all to have people to talk to..we are all different in some ways and oh so alike in others...ET brings us together to help each other! HAng in there girlie!
deb

[missb]

If anyone has any ideas as to what you think is causong these maybe not so sudden tremors please send them my way. I'm going crazy waiting on the neurologist to order the tests. He is now prescribing medicine for the migraine headaches that I'm beginning to have along with all the other symptoms.

Should I see another neurologist for a second opinion / speedier results ? Can I do that without a referal ?
missb

[macacoza]

Goodness gracious miss b...I dont have any answers..i am just here to say I am reading your post and keeping you in my thoughts!..
huggggggggs
deb

[Unicorn71]

Miss B,

I really don't have any answers for you either but in my opinion if I were you I would go to see another neurologist and hopefully he can give you the answers you're looking for. I wish you well and you are in my prayers too.
Hugs to all
Laurie