| What a relief it was to finally be diagnosed with OT. For six years I had been doctoring to discover why, when standing for any length of time, I would experience leg tremors. As time went by the tremors increased and I learned very quickly to sit or lean on something when I felt one coming. One of my first encounters occurred while hiking. As long as I was hiking I was fine but when the group stopped to rest I had problems standing still. Eventually I had to quit hiking altogether. I am a 75 year old retired policeman living in a senior citizens community. Neighbors are aware of my problem and are quick to accommodate me whenever I need a place to lean, to sit, or to walk away. For the past six years I have seen several doctors. Each ordered blood work and an MRI and neuropathy tests and none had an answer. Finally, my new family physician referred me to Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix. In May 2003 I saw Dr. James Frey, M.D. at Barrows Institute. MRI's performed at Barrows Institute indicated that I had had two mini strokes within the past 5 or 6 years. I was about to give up when Dr. Frey ordered another neuropathy test. I agreed to have just one more test. This test was given by Dr. Kumar from the Neuromuscular Research Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ. HALLELUJAH!! On Aug. 11, 2003 Dr. Kumar, halfway through the neuropathy test, stopped the test and told me I have OT. Dr. Kumar prescribed clonazepam 0.5 mg tab twice a day. Within 10 days I noticed a definite decrease in leg tremors. I am experiencing a problem with my balance. Prior to taking the medication I was able to ride my bike and I am now afraid to try riding the bike because of my balance problem. I am going for physical therapy, the main thrust of the therapy is to strengthen my abdominal muscles and work on my lower back muscles. Hopefully, this will straighten my walking posture and I will be less inclined to pitch forward. We are also working on my balance. Please accept my thanks and appreciation for your web site. It is gratifying to know that I am not alone with this problem. Feel free to use this information. Several of the web site correspondents mentioned that tremors are often brought on by stress and anxiety -- something my wife noticed and was happy to have verified. Paul, Az |