Katherine Hepburn had tremors of some kind and she drank!! helped her but I wouldn't suggest that and cutting!

She had Essential Tremors, my friends symptoms are as advanced as Katherine's.

I, too, suffer from essential tremors. I am taking Tremadone, an herb supplement which includes skullcap, passion flower, folic acid and vitamin B-2. After taking two tablets a day for about 2 weeks, I saw an amazing change coming over me! My tremors were noticabley diminished! Tremadone can be researched at [email protected]. I hope it helps everyone out there willing to give it a try.

Debbie, I will definitely research it and possibly give it a try. I had heard that magnesium might help and have been taking it for about a month, but haven't noticed a difference. Thank you!

I do not have ET myself; however, my hubby does. He tried every medication available that he could take, with no improvement. In Nov. 2012 he had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to improve his right hand. It worked. The neurologist, R. Pahwa, MD, was amazed that it also improved his head bobbing and voice since it does not always improve those areas. Now he is beginning the process of working to improve his left hand issues. The same surgery is used for some Parkinson's patients. http://www.neurology.org/content/53/7/1447.abstract R. Pahwa, MD is mentioned in the link. Do research, talk to your Dr. You don't have to settle without checking all avenues. I wish you the best.

I didn't know there was an official diagnosis for this. My hands started doing this intermittently about 6 months ago. I thought it was because of some meds I'm on but I am taking nothing new. At times it is worse than others. I can take a Xanax and it works sometimes. It even affects my typing on the computer. I was at dinner one night with my son and his family and my DGD said "Nana, why is your hand shaking?" I wasn't even aware of it shaking but she saw it. Some days they do not shake at all and then another day, I'll pick up something and drop it because my hands are shaking so badly. It has also affected my handwriting and I found printing is easier than cursive.

I guess I better ask my rheumatologist)sp) next week when I see him.

Nana, I have had the tremors for at least 25 years. At first I only noticed it when I wrote, and believe me it caused a problem with my job. I worked in the accounting department for a large corporation, so there was a lot of writing involved. I no longer work, was let go 15 years ago because of "corporate cutbacks", and have not been able to find another job since. I'm pretty sure that as soon as a prospective employer sees the handwriting on employment applications, my app is thrown in the garbage.
After the diagnosis of Essential Tremors, I started thinking back and discovered that I have probably had the disease even when I was in grade school. I always suffered with anxiety when called upon in class, and had a big problem writing on the chalkboard. When I try to write with my arm and hand outstretched, the tremors are much much worse and I get what is called fractal writing. And my penmanship teacher in 4th grade was always on my case about this, which didn't help with the anxiety. But enough, I will succeed at getting this under control or finding another way.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. Keep them coming, I am still listening and appreciate the suggestions immensely. I'm sure everyone else on this board who has tremors or knows someone who has tremors is watching this thread and possibly learning different helps as well.

beckalou, I also worked in accounting but luckily this didn't start while I was still able to work. I'm on disability from Fibromyalgia, CFS and Panic Attacks. the Panic Attacks have been under control for several years now except one slight one. I'm like you, if I tried to handwrite an application, the employer certainly couldn't read it!! I have tried the wrist braces that velcro and they help some but they also get in the way at times.

One other symptom I have it involuntary jerking of parts of my body...not severe but just enough for me to notice. I have read that some meds will cause this but can't remember which one now but it is one I'm taking. That's another thing I'm going to have to mention to my doctor!! Getting to where I have to keep a "symptom list" now before doctors appointments!

You mentioned drinking coffee thru a straw-we have that for mom too. I found some lightweight disposable/reusable cups in the baby aisle. They are much easier to handle due to their weight. At first she was not happy with them but after using them a few times and not spilling she changed her mind. The only thing we change is to use a bendable straw rather than the short one that comes with them.
Just wanted to add, I don't know your age or situation, but if there is an agency on aging in your area, contact them to see if you qualify for PT or OT. Someone came to the house for mom and helped us find adaptable items that can make things easier. Good luck to you.

maybe try a quilting guild - there may be a fellow quilter living near you that is willing to help
or got any older grand children?
WIsh you the best nothing worse than not being able to enjoy quilting and relaxing

Maybe your husband, or if you have kids that are grown, a friend that could help. Or the accuquilt might be a good option.

I wish some of the local quilt shop owners would have the acuquilt and people pay a fee to go in and use it. Kinda like the Long arm. That way people don't have to buy the machine and then all of the cartridges to do a project.