My Life With Orthostatic and Essential Tremors

My story begins when I had severe ear and sinus infections. An ENT doctor put me on 6 weeks of antibotic. When I recovered and started my housework and shopping I had great difficulty standing for more than a few minutes. It became impossible to go grocery shopping and finishing my daughters bedroom that I had started stenciling before my infection. Any time that I had to stand more than a few minutes became more and more difficult. I was constantly looking for a place to sit down even if that meant sitting on the floor. As soon as I was sitting all the shakiness would stop.

I finally received a diagnosois of Orthostatic Tremors. Doctors tried me on all kinds of medications and none worked for me. A neurologist at the University of South Florida suggested that I get surgery where they would implant a device into the brain to help stop the tremors. Having that done really scared me so I just have been dealing with the tremors progressing.

In the past couple years I have been diagnosed with Essential Tremors too. My arms and hands shake. I have a lot of difficulty trying to prepare my own meals, eat and drink. My husband helps me with most activities. I use a walker and hold onto the walls and furniture to get around. If I go out of the house I use a wheelchair, especially for shopping. Most of the time I stay at home.