PART 1: Life before Treatment

I first experienced the tremor around 2000, when speaking publicly or when under stress at work. There were several episodes over the next few years, none I considered serious and I retired from full time work in 2009.

I did notice that the tremor stopped when I put my hand upright and assumed it was a ‘trapped nerve’ and didn’t do anything about it.

First significant issue was in 2016, when after a night’s drinking, at breakfast in a hotel, carrying two coffees, my right hand shook uncontrollably, and drink was spilled publicly, to my great embarrassment. I put it down to the previous night’s excesses.

Next significant incident was at Twickenham Rugby ground, when attempting to deliver 2 pints of Guinness, my hand shook so badly that drink was thrown over several people near me.

I had been retired since 2009 and focused on several hobbies, painting, photography and piano. The tremor was hardly noticeable at this time and I was able to pursue these activities without concern, although I did use a mahlstick for painting and drawing,

After the coffee and Guinness incidents, and the conditioned worsened, I made excuses not to carry liquids and avoided pouring out drinks. My wife took over these tasks, and when attending buffet functions, she would have to help me get food on my plate as my hand shook so much. She was helping me almost continually with small tasks, to my embarrassment and disappointment. Mealtimes were particularly stressful, and I frequently became angry at the table with sheer frustration at my inability to eat normally. Buttons, pills, zips, gardening, DIY repairs al became major challenges.

Eating was a real problem, especially in restaurants when my knife would rattle on the plate and bring unwelcome attention from people around me. I had to leave my part time  job as an Invigilator as I was unable to write reports or write on the blackboards, I stopped painting and drawing, and piano playing and began using my left hand more, for shaving, using my camera and I began learning to write left-handed. I did notice that alcohol reduced the shaking.

I eventually consulted my doctor, was referred to hospital for tests for Parkinsons, had several scans and was diagnosed with essential tremor. I was prescribed Propranolol which eased the symptoms very slightly but not for long. The tremor worsened and I was prescribed another anti-epileptic drug which caused significant side effects and was stopped very quickly.

As a last resort, I was referred to a mental health therapist who, after my assessment, concluded I was mentally a well-balanced individual!

Watch videos of David pretreatment

Part 2: The Decision to Undergo Treatment

I was continually searching the internet for progress and treatments for Essential Tremor. I dismissed DBS for fear of intrusive surgery, I found MRgFUS and asked my GP about the procedure. She saw that it was available on the NHS and referred me to Dr Peter Bain in July 2021. Having been advised of a  very long waiting list and no response from the NHS, with the condition worsening, I was at a low point, my marriage suffering as well.

I then saw MRGFUS treatment for Essential Tremor at Queens Square being advertised in the RHS magazine, The Garden. I made enquiries and went for an assessment with my wife. She was surprised at the full extent of the tremor, me having hidden the severity of it for many years. I was delighted, even excited when informed I was a suitable candidate for treatment.

Agreeing to go for the treatment was stressful as my wife and I had discussed possible outcomes, good and bad, and although statistics were strongly in favour of a positive outcome and the surgeons and technicians very confident of success, we were, naturally, very concerned.

Part 3: The Treatment Experience

David undergoing FUS

The treatment itself seemed almost uneventful, except wearing the brain cooling helmet. Inside the Scanner I was informed regularly of what was being done, checking my cognitive actions and apart from a feeling of tipping backwards when the final procedure took place, there was no discomfort.

On completion of the procedure, whilst still in the scanner, I was asked to draw a spiral, which to my genuine amazement, I was able to do successfully. Previously I could only make dots.

I had a further assessment and was declared good to go, albeit with balance issues, which were expected. I used a stick for support.

I kept a diary of my symptoms over the next six weeks, my balance slowly got back to normal, and the tremor had gone. I then needed to regain confidence using my right hand and even now, after so many years of the tremor, I tend to hesitate for a few moments before using my hand in delicate situations, like pouring wine.

Part 4: Life After Treatment

My life has changed immeasurably since the treatment, I would go so far as to say it has given me back my life and most importantly that of my wife. I am happy to eat in public, I can perform hundreds of tasks that were impossible for many years, my hobbies are now doable, and my friends and family are amazed at the change in me.

Watch videos of David post-treament

Part 5: Looking Back and Forward

Before treatment I was slowly becoming almost reclusive, the tremor, although apparently, I hid the symptoms quite well, or joked about them, had become the dominant feature in my life. I was unhappy, quite often depressed, frequently bad tempered and frustrated.

I’m know I am one of many who have suffered, or are suffering, with Essential Tremor. I would wholeheartedly recommend investigating the treatment initially and having become familiar with the process go ahead with the assessment and subsequent procedure. The results for me are truly amazing and I cannot thank enough all the staff, Doctors Nurses and Technicians at Queens Square who brought about this miracle of technology.

David Grant