My family and tremor
Simon opens up about tremor and how it has affected his family.
Tremor runs through my family. It comes from my dad’s side of the family - my dad, sister several aunties and cousins all have tremor.
Even I have mild tremor, which I get in my hand – it feels a bit like a hangover. I've had mine for about 10 years, the same amount of time as my sister. But my tremor is more manageable. I don't take medication, but my sister says the occasional glass of wine helps!
My dad’s has been diagnosed as moderate to bad. He has had it as long as I can remember. It effects his daily life. As he gets older his ability to write, drink and eat are getting worse - when he drinks he has to use a straw.
His condition is very isolating and he is often too embarrassed to leave the house. He is often turning down social events such as going out for a family meal.
A few years ago he went to see the doctor, then went to see a neurologist, but ever since it has got worse and worse. He is taking medication, Primadone, but is frustrated as the treatment doesn’t seem to be making much of a difference.
Soon my dad is going back to see the neurologist and have botox injections which hopefully will be able to help him, but my dad is not so optimistic.
I am resigned to the fact my tremor will get worse with time and hope that future treatment options will give me a brighter future and an easier life.