| We are new to the internet and my first search was "orthostatic tremor". Finding Gloria's website was wonderful. I am 53 years old and have had OT for 13 years. My husband is a sub-contractor (fitting outside awnings, carports, internal blinds, security etc.) and I worked with him for 10 years. I first noticed my legs shaking when I was standing on an aluminium plank supported by high trestles and I was extending my arms helping to support a light awning whilst Lou was preparing to fit it. The whole plank was shaking but because we live in the tropics here in North Queensland I put it down to being overheated. I didn't go to a GP for several years after this first incident - just stopped work when the shakes occurred and tried to ignore that this was happening at all. The same as all of you I went from one doctor to the next. I had blood tests, an MRI, all the nerves, muscles and reflexes in my legs tested etc. A correct diagnoses of OT was made when I asked for a referral to a neurologist. He made the correct diagnosis first time.
I was offered the range of drugs that you have all listed but thought I would try managing on my own. I found white light meditation which I learnt from a professional helped and I also go to gym on a regular basis to strengthen my legs. I am now finding that my tremors occur more frequently and things like stress and overheating bring them on almost immediately. I am really happy that I now have somewhere to express my views and that someone else actually wants to listen to what I have to say. My husband, Lou,saw a sturdy shopping trolley (one that you pull along behind you) at the hardware shop today. It has a solid wooden top, lighter plywood sides, covered in vinyl and is collapsible. We are both going to inspect it this afternoon to see if the height is right for me to be able to sit on the top when I need to, whilst shopping. Apparently the wheels are strong enough to support an adult's weight - so sounds promising. At the moment Lou is doing the major shopping and I only do a small amount. I am finding it hard to find employment now. Originally I was a Secretary, then worked with Lou in our own Home Improvements Business (both on the job and running the office) and last year I completed a traineeship in Business Office Administration. When the traineeship ended so did the job as the company could not afford to pay full adult rates - they hired another trainee. My office skills have been updated but I found it very stressful trying to do filing, faxing, photocopying etc.even though I was able to take a chair with me there were lots of times where standing was necessary. I am going to do some voluntary data entry work at the James Cook University here in Townsville this year, in the careers department, so am hoping that may lead to part-time employment. Thanks Gloria for your website and I hope I will receive some e-mails from anyone who wishes to correspond. Anne, Townsville, North Queensland, Australia. Anne lou.anne@bigpond.com.au |