| I'm a 28 yr old female and was just diagnosed with OT. For 3 years I have been fighting with multiple medical problems and doctor after doctor have been scratching their heads in confusion. When they gave up trying to figure out the problem, they would just send me off to more doctors. Some even tried to tell me that this was all in my head. That I was either "faking" this or imagining these symptoms. To say I was frustrated and depressed would be an understatement. I was experiencing migratory arthritic type joint pains, severe exhaustion, weakness in my lower extremities, pain and leg cramps, mid and lower back spasms and pain, vertigo, imbalance and unsteadiness. They tested me for every disease under the sun. All of which came back negative. To complicate matters I have a thyroid problem and hyper-mobility syndrome so my doctors always attributed any minor visible tremor to that and nothing more. Then about a month ago I developed a very visible tremor as my lower body and torso basically grew weak enough to no longer support the rest of my body. The weakness was so bad I could barely stand, walk or even move. My legs could barely support my weight and my whole lower body was wracked with hard tremors. Lying down was the only relief I would get and even then I would jerk and twitch. Sitting I could only do for a short time. More tests and MRIs showed nothing. Again I was left in the dark with no diagnosis. Never any answers, only more questions. I was beginning to think there was no solution to this problem and even began to doubt my own sanity thinking maybe the doctors who were telling me this was in my head was true. I have always been an active person and my morale and emotional state were really taking a beating. Finally I was referred to a young neurologist who diagnosed me with OT. Today is the first day in a month that I don't shake, that my tremors are under control and that I feel human again. I am still a bit weak in my legs but I can stand and walk. She has prescribed a combination of medications that has given me a "functional" life back. She's young, enthusiastic and very interested in my case and pursuing options, treatments and causes. It is my hope that through her treatment of me, we'll find solutions to help others. I know I will never live without OT but for the moment I am learning that I can live "with" it. I hope you continue to improve your site and continue to network with others who have OT. Most importantly, those of us with it now know that we are not alone. So thank you again for your site, the information you provide, and for sharing your experiences. Sincerely, Kristin , USA |