The Orthostatic Tremor Forum (archive)

Hi
My name is Michael 58yrs old .I live in Spain.
After about 8/9 yrs of suffering from this peculiar disorder I was finally digonosed on Monday .The neuroligist was quite excited as I was the first case he had ever come across.I to was pleased as I know had 'something' with a name instead of this shakey thing and I no longer have to explain why I cant stand for a few minutes or line up for anything....never liked buffets much anyway.
Ok this is just an introduction and now Im going to read al the posts.

HEllo Michael
Welcome to our group.
We hope to hear more from you. IT is always a relief to be able to put a name on this
rare condition.
All of us are so grateful to GLORIA. Without this forum we would be a lonely group
of people for sure.
take care and keep in touch
stella

Hi Michael
Welcome!
I know what you mean about buffets I don't like them much either. Always feel I look as if I'm barging other people out of the way, when all I'm trying to do is a balancing act with a paper plate and a cup!
Much better to shout your orders out to friends or family who understand the condition whilst sitting on a chair! Although then you worry about looking lazy/bossy!

Hi Michael
Welcome...I too am 58 years old and it was a relief when I finally had a name for my shakiness. I have had symptoms for about 10 years now but have really increased in the last 2 years...quite dramatically in fact. We just get by the best we can and change the way we go about our daily lives. I too hate buffets but I have a good family and group of friends who are very helpful....almost too helpful at times.
Hang in there !
Chris

Hi Michael,

Welcome to the OT Forum! I think you will find it very helpful to know there are many others who suffer the same things and experience the same problems as you. I find it a comfort to know I am not alone; and when I describe something, others know exactly what I mean. We have all walked a mile in your shoes!

I have had OT for approximately 15 years and was finally diagnosed in 2003. It was such a relief to have a name for these severe tremors; even though I was told little is known about the condition and what to do for it. It is now learning different ways of coping with every day events ~ things I (we) always took for granted; now become a challenge.

I think you will find everyone will try to be helpful to you, answering questions you may have; whether it's something you are experiencing or medications you may take.

We all have Gloria to thank for this site; because through her research for information regarding OT, this site was created and has grown to what you see now.

Good luck and keep a positive attitude!

Betty in Florida

Hi Michael,
I am 59 and will turn 60 by the end of the year. I started having symptoms 12 years ago but had a dramatic increase in symptoms and severity about 9 years ago. I was lucky in the fact that it was diagnosed correctly after only one year. I found the OT site and a medication (Neurontin) that worked for me through the OT site.
At buffets, if I am alone, I call a wait person over, explain that I can't stand in lines, tell them what I want and give them a big thank you and a bigger tip. That always works for me and it doesn't draw any attention to me which is what I like. Oh, you have to have gone past the buffet so you can tell the wait person exactly what you want.
Hope this helps,
Patty R