In the early '80s I began having involuntary tremors in, head and hands most often and it was very embarrassing as I could not control my body. I saw 2 or 3 doctors over time, and each told me it was nothing to worry about. Eventually, my persistence paid off and a Neurologist diagnosed Benign Essential Tremor. Beta-blockers didn't really help so life went on. When I felt stressed the worse it became.
Symptoms changed as time went by and in early 2001 I began falling over in the street many times. I also suffered lacerated knees, black eyes, ruined glasses, bruises, back etc. I fell and fractured several ribs and all I was concerned with were my two dogs. It must have been the pain relief the paramedics gave me. I was convinced they were trying to take Bertie and Boris from me! Three days in the hospital and the boyz survived with the help of neighbors and friends. This falling continues for years, my balance was off, I'd veer off to the left, walk into supermarket shelves, hit other trolleys and so on. I felt people thought I was shickered to beat the band. I have seen a neurologist at Walton Centre and attended fall clinics, you name it. My neurologist retired last year and I must now wait for twelve to fourteen weeks for a new one. Symptoms are much worse now - I cannot write or read my own writing, cut anything up, food, dog's dinner, filling a hot water bottle is a no-no, tea and coffee are an ordeal with half a cup remaining by the time I get to the table. Insomnia is a hard cross to bear and falling onto a glass table was one party piece I don't wish to repeat. I was so low recently my doctor felt I had Hoginson's Disease and when I googled it, I ticked all the boxes. I now just wait to have it confirmed. Lovely people pick me up off the street but, I can't take it. Do any of you suffer similarly? My sense of humor gets me by most times but then it fails miserably.