I've always had very shaky hands. In some positions, usually gripping something, they'll tremor uncontrollably.

If it's Parkinson's, my unissured ass would rather not know...

uninsured*

Hi there,

I'm sorry you're dealing with all this. I'm sure it's quite overwhelming and scary. I've never suffered from shaking of any kind, but I have suffered from a load of other anxiety symptoms that manifest themselves very similarly to those of other serious conditions and have often worried myself into a frenzy that I might be dying or something.

It's only ever been anxiety, though. Never anything serious.

Shaking can be caused by a number of things, though. It isn't necessarily Parkinson's or some other major disease.

However, if it is something serious, it'll be okay. There are numerous treatments out there for all kinds of ailments and plenty of supportive people to help get you through whatever it is.

Try not to spend too much time focusing on what *might* be. Focus on what *is*. Do something fun and relaxing until your appointment to keep your mind off things. Taking action always helps dilute anxiety.

Try not to let the shaking worry you too much until you have more answers. I know it's always easier said than done, but all you can do is try. It certainly beats worrying yourself sick about it. Believe me, I know.

Everything's going to be okay and you're going to make it through this *hug*. Good luck and I hope this helps.

And from a person who has essential hand tremors, here's a terrific idea to help you with the anxiety associated with the "dropsies".

Practice in front of a mirror until you can say it in your sleep and relax. I am more than the shake, I am dancing, I can be happy with this...or whatever helps you to see the natural movement of the shakes. I don't really know how to describe it, however, once you learn what is shaking (sometimes, it comes from the wrist, sometimes, from the thumb, sometimes, the palm...and there are ways to relax the motion naturally), you can use your breathing to relax the motion.

Stay hydrated. Mine is noticeable when I'm dehydrated.

Whatever it is, it can be treated, so relax, and give yourself time to recover the balance.

Best wishes.

Thank you all for the support. Some of your comments bring me to tears, but not in a bad way. It's so good to hear positive encouragement that even if it is Parkinson's it will be okay. And the comment about no insurance made me laugh :) sometimes I do wonder if it would just be best not to know! Thank yall for being an encouragement, it means a lot.

Your doctor may not have heard of this, but the MTHFR gene mutation is fairly common and can play a part in anxiety, stomach problems, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and a host of other issues.

If you have the gene mutation - like about 30% of the population - you can't properly convert the folic acid in food into folate your body can use. Folate is critical to cell function - especially neurological cell function.

If you have the mutation, the treatment is to avoid all foods that are "fortified" or "enriched" as they contain folic acid. Also check your vitamins for folic acid. People with the mutation take an inexpensive special sort of folate and it can solve a myriad of issues.

With Parkinson's, my understanding is that the homocystine levels go up which can be part of the problem. The folate can help to correct that - if you have the gene mutation.

A lot of MD's aren't aware of the full range of issues the mutation can cause.

Here's more information:
http://journeyofhealth.org/hello-world/

Hey there Leigh42 - I just now read your posting and that you have an appt. with a Neurologist scheduled for Wednesday - that is today right? It's very understandable to be scared and anxious about what his diagnosis may be. When I first went to see my family doctor for my symptoms and he automatically referred me to a neurologist I was scared to death. Then after being evaluated and examined and was told that I had Parkinson's Disease I felt quite overwhelmed and was in denial for the longest time. But know that if you do get diagnosed with Parkinson's it does not mean a death sentence and that there is a very good group of supportive people in the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

I will be keeping my fingers crossed and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that your shaking is just coming from you be overly anxious.

Please send us a posting after your appointment today with the neurologist to let us know what he says. You have our support and many are sending out their well wishes. Good luck today and please, keep us updated on how your appt. goes.

Well the Dr said it was essential tremors. He does not think it is Parkinson's. But.....when he checked my reflexes he said the reflex in my legs are very brisk so now he wants me to have an MRI. He said he was not going to discuss with me anything it might be because it didn't won't me to worry. So I went with one fear and leacing with a completely different one. So discouraged. Thanks for the advice and concern. I know worrying won't change anything but I can't find my off switch for it!

Hi chick

No need to worry yourself, i have very shaky hands and when im anxious my head shakes a lot also. Isnt anything but nerves, worrying worsens the tremor sensations so when im feeling shaky and the tremors start, i just breath slowly to calm my nerves. It can be scary but once you reassure YOURSELF that youre perfectly safe you WILL be fine and nothing bad will happen. Rest assured. Anxiety has so many symptons which makes one feel like they are experiencing something much worse

Leigh, sweetie, you should check it out of course. But I have been asked about that for so long and I'm sick of hearing it.

The clerks at the store ask me if I am ok when my hands shake when trying to pay and get the change back.

I told my daughter if it was Parkinson's I would be shaking all the time. But after a nice glass of wine or an anxiety med.....not so much shaking going on.

The shaking can also be felt in your stomach. Well, it is for me sometimes. And then I think....if people are watching.....no stress there at all! :-)

Sometimes(always lately) it takes me over 30 seconds to get up the nerve to turn on the key to start my car. Will it start or will it not? It has never failed, but it did one time because I needed a battery. Got a new battery but the fear has never left. :-(

It was really great reading all these comments and I will read them again as it was very informative.

But I'm thinking anxiety is the problem and not Parkinson's.

One thing I keep going back to is who could ever lose a grip on a McDonald's burger??? :-) But I sure know what you are talking about.

xoxoxo

I kinda have same problem but my Dr says its tardive some thing.sorry I can't member the full name.I can ask him to write it down next time I see him but the td does the same thing to me.maybe ask your Dr?