I am sorry you are dealing with this. I don't have any ideas or advice, but I've had a tremor in my right had since about sometime in my 20's. It started as just happening when I would lift a glass to drink. When my husband noticed it we wondered if it was just some nerve damage that happened when I was 3, I fell approx 8 feet onto a cement floor and ended up unconscious for 8 hours. It was a slight tremor, and really didn't bother me in other activities, because it was only at a certain angle. I got in the habit of using straws in restaurants because I didn't want others to see me shake when I drank. We would joke and say 'if you shake when you drink, then don't drink!' I never went to the Dr for it, it didn't seem to be something I needed to go for.

Over the years, I would notice it increasing, mostly when I was nervous, or if I was tired, or after vigorous exercise. It seemed to also not just be in my right hand but my left started to be effected. My right still being the worst. After my dx in March '08, I at least had an answer for it.

Now, when I am holding things, others notice it. I can never hold a book to read, it always has to be propped on something steady, like my leg or a table surface.

One day I drove to a hair appt. A few things happened along the drive that made me have to be extra cautious, like someone cutting me off, near misses, drivers zipping in and out. By the time I arrived, my nerves were shot. I am not an angry driver, but these things had just taken their toll on my nerves. I went to sign in and couldn't steady my hand enough to even write my name. I turned to my daughter and had her do it.

I have just adjusted to my tremors by doing things a little different than I used to, so I don't really have any advice, but I know how you feel!

Aus Sue...all I can say is...STAY CALM & DON'T FREAK OUT!! I remember when I got my first tremors 2 1/2 yrs ago....was VERY SCARY! I've had off-&-on head & right hand tremors since then...however, they are becoming much more frequent (and sometimes more violent) recently...as well as starting in my left hand now (occasionally)! I use Marinol (Medical Marijuana in a pill form) & Zanaflex to help calm my tremors, spasticity, & muscle spasms. I'll also smoke "MMJ" when they are excessively bad...as it seems to be the ONLY thing that calms them down instantly!

There are 2 types of Tremors:
Resting Tremors: These happen when you are "at rest' with no "voluntary muscle action!' This type is common with Parkinson's Disease.

Intentional Tremor: These happen when you are "voluntarily" using your muscles...such as, you go to reach for a glass...& your hand starts to tremor. These are common with MS.

Often, "tremors" can simply be genetic in nature...and are HIGHLY hereditary...with NO other disease evident. They call these "Familial Tremors." These just happen to run in my family...so, don't know if mine is "Familial" or "Intentional?" Hope this helps! ;)
~tj

tj,
That was actually helpful and educational to me! Thank you for that info. I remember my neuro referring to mine as intentional, I never really realized there were two different types. When he first used the word intentional, I thought inside my head "hey, I'm not doing it intentionally!" but quickly realized that's not what he meant. It must just be the name for it. :o)
I also didn't realize there was medication for it... If mine ever start to really interfere, I will have that knowledge now!
Thanks again...