Name: Monica Ellison

E-mail Address: carnigrrrl@yahoo.com

Age: 25

Country: usa

Just Checking Things Out!: on

Comments: I have always had anxiety problems starting from a very early age, but recently I have been having tremors in addition to my anxious moments, Im just trying to find out what is going on with me. I also sometimes have a smothering feeling along with all of this.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

I am claustrophobic: on

I hear background noise: on

Other Problems: I didnt know other people have the wierd background noise thing happening to them too. When I have these tremors it feels like if I give in to it I would be shaking all over and my movements ie-head turning, are 'jerky'. This is all very scary to me, which in turn makes the panic worse.

Name: Kevi Lowry

E-mail Address: knl78@yahoo.com

Age: 22

Country: usa

I Have BFT: on

I have Essential Tremor: on

Comments: I am a musician in college (clarinet). The tremors become worse in accordance to anxiety. eg. performing in front of people. I have been taking Inderal to help control the tremors for about eight years. I experienced anxiety attacks more often as a teen and now very seldom.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

Name: Lisa Donham

E-mail Address: ladonham@yahoo.com

Age: 35

Country: USA

Name: lisha

E-mail Address: tinkerbell_gypsy@hotmail.com

Age: 15

Country: USA

I have Essential Tremor: on

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

I am claustrophobic: on

I hear background noise: on

Name: lisa

E-mail Address: lisalau@excite.com

Age: 35

Country: australia

Comments: my mother grandmother and great grandmother have bft

Name: Dawn Murray

E-mail Address: dawn.murray@haldex.com

Age: 47

Country: USA

Just Checking Things Out!: on

Comments: I believe I have BFT. I have not been diagnosed, but am considering seeing a doctor. My mother had tremors and my older sister also has tremors. I remember asking Mother if they had checked her for Parkinson's and she said the doctor said it wasn't but I don't think she ever said what it was. My tremors are worse when I am under stress and my boss commented on that she thought she just made me really nervous.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

I am claustrophobic: on

Other Problems: I used to suffer from anxiety attacks. I also used to wake up at night unable to move and terrified. I don't seem to have these attacks much anymore. I have gone back to school and I find it very difficult to give presentations - even though I know everyone in my class and am comfortable most times. I am also on Prozac for depression but lately it doesn't seem enough.

Name: Kathy Howard

E-mail Address: richard-howard@excite.com

Age: 41

Country: USA

I have Essential Tremor: on

Comments: Just diagnosed; worried

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

Name: Gavin

E-mail Address: gavin@tracknfield.net

Age: 19

Country: Canada/USA

I Have BFT: on

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

I hear background noise: on

Other Problems: -shaking hands -severe shaking when anxious/nervous -trouble speaking when '' ..........''

Name: Sharon

E-mail Address: themillers@citynet.net

Age: 53

Country: USA

I Have BFT: on

Comments: The white spots are interesting. I have them in several areas of my body - one physician said it is "vitiligo", an autoimmune disorder. Interesting that both you and your son have these and the tremor as well. Have you read much about mercury poisoning and tremors? Do you have amalgam fillings in your teeth? I have just read a little about this. Thanks for your site. It helps to know others are trying to find out the cause of this as well.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

I am agoraphobic: on

I hear background noise: on

Other Problems: Stiffness in my neck and shoulders; hypothyroidism; depression; chronic fatigue

Name: Veronica Swem

E-mail Address: vswem@northnet.org

Age: 28

Country: united states

I Have BFT: on

Comments: I have had bft since I was a child and just this year found out what it was that I actually had. Good to know there is places like this where I can find out more on bft

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

I am claustrophobic: on

Other Problems: Fear of new people and places

Name: David Hogan

E-mail Address: dhog922@cs.com

Age: 35

Country: USA

I Have BFT: on

Comments: Holy Cow, it's so nice to talk to someone else who's going through the same thing. Thank you SOooo much for your web site. I am in the military, have been for 17 years, I am due for retirement in 3 years. My condition is getting worse with each passing year, and being in the military,with having to stand still at the position of attention at times is agaony. My worse shaking is in my head, and I know everyone can see it, I feel like a freek show.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

I hear background noise: on

Name: Dustin Halldorson

E-mail Address: dustinhalldorson@hotmail.com

Age: 23

Country: Canada

I Have BFT: on

I Get Panicky: on

Name: Deana

E-mail Address: dea821@hotmail.com

Age: 39

Country: United States

Just Checking Things Out!: on

Comments: My dad and his mother both have a familial tremor, and I am getting it now too.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on

Name: Charles

E-mail Address: flyguy2468@hotmail.com

Age: 7-13-75

Country: united states

I Have BFT: on

Comments: i have had tremors for as long as i could i recall going to a nuroligest when i was in the forth grade he that the tremors where hereditary tremor i havent been taking any medication until i started seeing a regular medical doctor i may not not get the spelling wright but it sounds like propratonol i dont think that he know much about familial tremors questions but for my age its a tremors more rare /what medical treatment are there /or surgical treatments for familial tremors

Name: Howard

E-mail Address: hmunro@bmts.com

Name:

julie

E-mail Address: jhobbs@prtcnet.org

Age: 34

Country: usa

I Have BFT: on

I have Essential Tremor: on

Comments: i visited a neurologist today, ive been having tremors for about ten years now, they are much worse now than 10 yrs ago. my head and hands shake, and sometimes it feels as if my insides are shaking. im scared. and embarrassed. people look at me as if i am on drugs or something. i dont like to be around people like i use to. i am a hospice nurse, and when i get around a new pt the shaking is worse, worsens with anxiety and stress. i have a hard time writing. gets better on some days. also i find it hard to do certain things that require my hands to be still re: catheterizing a pt. the docter said this will only get worse as i get older, and rx'd mycoline (i havent gotten it filled yet). my family md put me on prozac d/t the depression...which i have since heard makes the tremors worse. please email me with any suggestions, tx's. thank you julie\ ps. not one test (cat scan, mri, eeg...was done to diagnos me with this condition, is that normal??

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

I Get Panicky: on I am claustrophobic: on

I hear background noise: on

Other Problems: pain in back of neck, and between shoulder blades d/t trying to not shake. also headaches and feeling of my eyes being dialated

Name: margaret

E-mail Address: victory1@se-tel.com

Name: Lenore Goode

E-mail Address: lenmae@fone.net

Age: 67

Country: USA

Comments: I don't suffer from anxiety attacks at the present. When I was 40 years of age they began in earnest. Claustrophobia, fear of being around people, etc. - the whole nine yards. I cured this with self-hypnosis. Now, I love to fly, am not panicky about a dentist appt, love to be around people and am able to speak in front of a small audience. Other Problems: I have just been diagnosed with BFT today. Thank goodness! I thought it might be the onset of Parkinsons. The tremors in my right hand and arm have been noticeable for the last 4 years, becoming very pronounced during this summer. Writing, cooking, putting on make-up, and golfing have become difficult for me. My Doctor prescribed beta blockers for me to try for two weeks. We'll see how they work. My two brothers are plagued by this malady also.

Name: Melissa

E-mail Address: MissC137@hotmail.com

Age: 22

Country: usa

I have Essential Tremor: on

Comments: I was suprised to hear about the white birth mark. I have one and have never thought anything about it. I have been having the shaking since I was in 4th grade and never knew that it was not common for people to experience. The tremors have began to be more prominent this year and I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with essential tremors and will be seing a neurologists this month. Thank you for your site stating that you can lead a normal life. That is the one thing that bothered me. Best of luck. Could you e-mail me on the signifigance of the white mark? thank you, Melissa

Name: Charles Coleman

E-mail Address: superbee64@hotmail.com

Age: 36

Country: USA

I Have BFT: on

Comments: Just recentley been diagnosed. I know that I have had this all my life but it was never a hindrance until lately. Following a traumatic breakup last fall, I lost a lot of weight and my hands began to shake a lot worse. I have been taking beta blockers for about 3 weeks and my symptoms are receding. I haven't suffered any side effects yet. The only anxiety I have experienced has been when I knew that my tremor would be evident to others in social situations.

Name: Brian

E-mail Address: www.traintracks81@excite.com

Age: 19

Country: U.S.A. Just Checking Things Out!:

Comments: When I was young I noticed that if I sat still I could still notice I swayed. As I grew older every body kept telling me to quit shaking but I never noticed it. I do notice after excersise or long periods of using certain muscle groups I cannot stop shaking. I have not been formally diagnosed as having BFT but have been told I have itio-(or idio-, I can't remember how to spell it) motor tremors and that it is probably inheirted, which is basiclly BFT.

I am claustrophobic: on

Other Problems: I really do not notice if it because of my tremors but most of my life I have been some what claustrophobic.

Name: Roger

Age: 63

Country: Canada

I Have BFT: on

Other Problems: typing or phoning will result in repeat letters when I am in preiods of high tremor. I feel this is affected by stress and my sugar level ie - if I go below 2. I have never been able to hold a coffee cup with one hand I do not order soup in a restaurant it is too embarassing.

Name: elise

E-mail Address: peace@budweiser.com

Age: 19

Country: seattle wa usa

I Have BFT: on

Comments: I was diagnosed about 5 years ago, I do not know much about it though. the doctors were testing me because I would shake so badly,I thought it was low blood sugar. The doc just told me it was BFT,it was a hereditery desise,it was not dangerouse and their was no cure.I would very much like to know more!As I have gotten older I have noticed symptoms of social disorders ect. What you have written makes me wounder if they are connected?

I Get Panicky: on

I am claustrophobic: on

Other Problems: mood swings,anxiety,obsesive compolsion depression,ect

Name: ray

E-mail Address: she@skyenet.net

Name: Rob

Age: 18

Country: USA

I Have BFT: on

Comments: This is what I've found online. A neurologic disorder that tends to run in families, involving tremors (shaking), which is typically worsened with activity and purposeful movement. Causes, incidence, and risk factors: A familial tremor affects about 1 out of 15,000 people. Unlike an essential tremor, which may occur as an isolated case, a familial tremor occurs more than once within a family group. Tremors occur at any age but are most common in older people. A familial tremor is usually a relatively benign condition, affecting movement or voice quality but seldom having any other effects. It involves a rhythmic, moderately rapid tremor (shaking) of voluntary muscles. Purposeful movements may make the tremors worse. There may be difficulty holding or using small objects (such as eating or writing utensils). Emotional stress may also increase the tremors. Over time, the tremors may affect the hands, arms, head, voice box (larynx), eyelids, or other muscles. An essential tremor rarely involves the legs or feet. In children, it is usually limited to the hands and rarely requires treatment. The exact cause is unknown. It is likely to be an inherited (usually dominant) disorder of some type.

Name: william davis

E-mail Address: kim.davis@nashville.com

Age: 29

Country: u.s.

I Have BFT: on

Comments: seeking others i can contact to learn more about my condition.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

Name: Gladys Baker

E-mail Address: imobaker@aol.com

Age: 69

Country: USA Just Checking Things Out!: on Comments: I think my teenage grandson has this and wanted to find out exactly what this was. Thank you

Name: Sarah Adams

E-mail Address: fdedip@pcez.com

Age: 33

Country: US

I Have BFT: on

Name: Ray Syblik

E-mail Address: 2607 Eastridge Mesquite,Tx 75150

Age: 55

Country: usa

I Have BFT: on

Comments: my anxiety results in nervousness before typing tests. I have trouble with the mouse pointer on computers. My tremor has always been constant and occurs everyday. It worsens with age. I especially have trouble carrying cups of coffee. I found that if I carry one cup of coffee and hold it with both hands while walking slowly, I do ok. I passsed the tremor on to my son Jeff one of three boys.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on

Other Problems: I get nervous in front of groups and shake uncontrollably.

Name: Rod Birch

E-mail Address: rodbirch@lineone.net

Age: 45

Country: England

I Have BFT

Comments: My hands shake constantly, and when I'm wound up this extends through my whole body! I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on I Get Panicky: on I hear background noise: on Other Problems: Handwriting is a problem, and the embarassment that comes from having people tell me I'm nervous. I suppose now that I am nervous, but nervous of shaking if you catch my drift? Finding a job that doesn't involve handwriting or using your hands in some way is impossible, and was a constant worry when I was unemployed. People at the benefits agencies do not understand conditions of this nature or how deep your anxieties become.

Name: Kim

E-mail Address: willerd@cyberport.net

Age: 38

Country: USA

Just Checking Things Out!

Comments: Looking for information on BFT for my mother.  Alot of what you are talking about sound like what she has called her panic attacks etc she has suffered from since she was a child. do you know of any other sites with good information on the subject?  She feels that beta blockers helped but she is allergic to them so I am also looking for a substitute for those.  Any ideas?

I hear background noise

Other Problems: Alot of "allergies"

Name: Christine Sherriff

E-mail Address: Sherriff@phnx.uswest.net

Age: 51

Country: USA

I have Essential Tremor

Comments: Started around 46 with tremor in my non-dominant hand and when to the other within a year.  I also have it in my left leg, mostly. I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on I Get Panicky: on I am claustrophobic: on Other Problems: I don't have background noice, but do have buzzing in my ears constantly.

Name: Susan Wright

E-mail Address: slw36@yahoo.com

Age: 36

Country: USA

I have Essential Tremor

Comments: Diagnosed approx 1 yr ago, and they go thru spells where they get worse.  Member and co-moderator of Tremor Onelist. Contact me anytime.

I suffer from Anxiety Too!

I hear background noise

Name: Elsie

E-mail Address: dll@chorus.net

Age: 63

Country: USA

I Have BFT

I have Essential Tremor

Comments: My tremors began at age nine in hand & head (slightly).  Progressed over the years to where all limbs tremble & I occasionaly have inner tremors.  Have spent most of my tears trying to disguise/hide them. I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on Other Problems: The feeling of anxiety/heat comes over me in chest and back after sitting awhile in lounge chair and when lieing in bed.  When it happens, I turn a fan on myself until it passes.

Name: Dawn Keefe

E-mail Address: Dkmedic@aol.com

Age: 36

Country: USA

I have Essential Tremor

Comments: I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on Other Problems: Only when I am not medicated and the tremors are not controlled. I feel like I'm...'falling apart'....

Name: Teresa

E-mail Address: LopBunnyLadi@aol.com

Age: 35

Country: USA

I Have BFT

Comments: I was diagnosed with BFT about 8 years ago.  I'm on Propranalol and it helps immensely.  I've had the tremors for as long as I can remember, but since my Dad and several others on his side of the family had the same thing, I always knew it must be hereditary, but never knew what to call it or how to help treat it.  I'm told that I'm the worst in the family for extremes of symptoms.  My Dad is 60 years old now, and just started on Propranalol last year. I suffer from Anxiety Too!: on I Get Panicky: on Other Problems: I don't fall asleep easily, my mind runs at 90 miles an hour, so I say, and I can't relax.  If I awaken during the night, I can be awake for 3 or 4 hours before I'm able to fall back to sleep.  By that time, it's almost time to get up! I'm told by my husband that I have tremors during the night, even, when I'm asleep.  I also can't sit still and either rock or am moving my leg or foot, or something else.  I don't realize I'm doing this unless my husband says something.  I hate having to stand at a buffet and serve myself food and I can't carry a glass with my drink at the same time, or I'd spill it.  It's embarrassing in public, but if someone notices, I just tell them that I have a "hereditary nerve disorder".  That's the easiest way to explain it quickly and understandably to strangers or aquaintances.

D. Park
 park99@ris.net
62
USA

I Have BFT

Just Checking Things Out!

Neal Smith
downhome@gnat.net
47
USA
I Have BFT:
I have Essential Tremor:

Comments: My condition has been diagnosed as either
condition depending on which doctor I see.

I suffer from Anxiety Too

I Get Panicky
 

Jennifer F.
Magicmkr@hotmail.com
25
USA

I have Essential Tremor

Comments: I was diagnosed with BET last year.  Before I was
diagnosed I just thought I shook because I was tired or nervous.
My friends and family thought it was funny.  I even used to
laugh about it because it happened so infrequently.  But, as I
got older the shaking came much more frequently.  My co-workers
laugh when I hand them papers or books because my hand shakes so
much.  I can't hold a mirror and apply lipstick because I am
shaking so badly. So far it is only in my hands and I get slight
twitches in my left eye.  I don't know anything about BET other
than the fact that doctors don't know why it happens and it
isn't life threatening.  Can you tell me more about it?

Hi, Jennifer, in answer to your question, I don't know enough about it to really go into depth for you, but here's a page that will...
http://www.et-resources.freeuk.com
This was worked on by a fellow sufferer and very good friend of mine, and there are lots of links and resources there for you to go through...I am currently trying to pull some resources together for this site, but since Barry has already done that, I'll just point you in that direction, for now, ok? Thanks!

Connie Garcia
conniesgarcia@monsanto.com
27
USA

My doctor told me that I have tremor but he didn't tell what
kind.  I have had this shaking as long as I can remember and now
it is getting worse.  It use to be only in my hands but I feel
my head starting to shake at times and the doctor told me as I
got older it would get worse.  I am trying to get in to see a
neurologist, but I have to get my
doctor to set up the appointment.

Whitney
wh_14@hotmail.com
15
United States

Whitney has BFT, and experiences Panic, Claustrophobia, Agoraphobia, and Background Noise in relation to her condition. She also has trouble writing and concentrating.

Comments: I want to know if there are any treatments?

Christy
Cmm318@aol.com
Age: 14

Comments: Hi. I have Essential Tremor.I don't think I suffer
from anxiety. But I get tired of people always looking at me
thinking I take drugs. I almost always shake. And now it is even
in my legs.   I get frustrated easy.

 Bonnie Green
 bonniedunkin@earthlink.net
 38
USA
Bonnie has BFT and/or ES
She suffers from Anxiety, Panic and Background Noise in relation to the condition

Comments: I seem to have depression,
at times.  I do not
like large crowds
at all.  When in
social situations,
the shakiness seems
to worsen.

Dianne
albertlelievre@yahoo
41
Canada
I have BFT

Comments: I was told that I have bet at the age of 38. This is
after 8 Dr. wanted me on medications. (All wanted to put me on
depressents. NO THANK YOU!) I found a Doc. that could tell me
what my problem was. As long as I can remeber I have had the
shakes, and I was 38 when I was finaly diagnosed. My sister has
M.S. and I have run across others who have both illnesses in
the family. I have been trying to find out if anyone is
investigating a corellation in these two illnesses.

Anxiety and Background Noise are also a problem.

other problems: My memory is going down hill fast.
My balance is off.
I think the worst is that I can't find my words anymore, or they
tend to get mixed or inverted.
 

Name: Robert Prevost
E-mail: wellwood@sprint.ca
Age: 34
Country: Canada
I have BFT: on
Anxiety: yes
panic: yes
background noise: yes

other problems: I especially get anxious when I'm with a group of
people. I tend to feel like they are watching my hands all the
time. I'm certain they wonder why, but are perhaps to polite to
ask. I can relate to the anxiety.

Name: Marilyn
E-mail: gmare@lakefield.net
Age: 66
Country: U.S.A.
I have BFT: yes
Comments:
Anxiety: yes
panic: yes
claustrophobia : yes
agorophobia : yes
background noise: yes

otherproblems: In my younger days I (at times)suffered what I
called spells and I had to go to bed.  By the next day I felt
better. My whole body trembled so hard I thought I was going to
die.

Name: TISH GIBBS
E-mail: TISHHG@HOTMAIL.COM
Age: 47
Country: UNITED STATES
I have BFT: yes

Comments: I AM WAITING FOR MY APPOINTMENT W/ NEUROLOGIST IN
EARLY DEC. FOR A DEFINITIVE DIAGONOSIS. A FEW WEEKS AGO I HAD A
PERIOD LASTING FOR +/- 5 HOURS IN WHICH I HAD UNCONTROABLE
VIOLENT TREMORS IN MY RIGHT ARM FROM THE SHOULDER DOWN.
HOSPITAL ER RAN A MRI FOR PARKINSON SCREENING AND SAID IT WAS
NORMAL.  WAS GIVEN ATIVAN IV MEDICATION THERAPY WHICH HELPED
REDUCE THE TREMOR.

I HAVE HAVE SYPMTOMS OF A SLIGHT DEGREE SINCE MY EARLY 20'S.
SYMPTOMS GOT WORSE AFTER TURNING 40.  WENT ON PROPRANOLOL 120 MG
+/- 4 YEARS AGO.  RECENTLY HAVE HAD MORE INTENSE SYMPTOMS
INCLUDING ACHING IN ARM, TINGLING AND FEELING COLDNESS IN ARM.
MY ARM MUSCLES FEEL WEAK ALL THE TIME.

Anxiety: yes
panic: yes

other problems: THE MAIN ANXIETY IS IN NOT BEING ABLE TO DO DAILY
ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS WRITING AND USING POWER LAWN EQUIPMENT IE:
LEAF BLOWER SINCE I HAVE SEVERE TREMORS AFTERWARD LASTING FOR
SEVERAL HOURS.

Kristine
barbaree@soark.net
35
U.S.A.

My sister was told that she had Essential Familial Tremors,
after MRI's and all kinds of other tests (especially to rule out
Parkinson's disease).  I am sure that is the same thing that I
have.  My hands  shake all the time.  Apparently, my grandmother
had it also.  My sister remembers watching her try to hold a cup
of coffee and watching it splash everywhere.  My sister's doctor
prescribed beta blockers, but she only takes them right before
she has to give a presentation.  The condition makes me very
self conscious.  It seems to get worse the older that I get. I
have worked with several people that thought I was on drugs. I
am sure that it is hereditary because my dad, my grandmother, my
sister, and my niece all have had it.  I is nice just to know
that I am not alone.  I am sick of being stared at.

Austin Holloway
holloway@iname.com
28
USA
Essential Tremor sufferer.

I have found your website very helpful.  Having been
recently diagnosed with ET, I find it comforting to know there
are others on the web who I can share experiences with.
I have no anxiety problems in relation to my condition.
What does the 'white marks on the skin, like a birthmark' have
to do with ET?

To answer Austin's question, I can only speak from personal experience and tell you this. When Sam's neurologist asked about it, I, too, asked her what it had to do with anything. She said that white marks like Sam's are often warning signs of various nervous and/or neurological disorders and that it was just a confirmation of her hypothetical diagnosis....

Wendy Spriggs
wspriggs@pasco.k12.fl.us
45
USA

Wendy suffers from Benign Familial Tremor or Essential Tremor.

Comment: Not really sure which, not officially diagnosed, but
my mom was

Wendy also suffers from Anxiety, Claustrophobia and Panic attacks.

Other Problems: Can't have my feet confined.  also get anxiety
that makes me have to move my feet

Barry Hookway
http://www.et-resources.freeuk.com
26
UK

I suffer from Benign Familiar Tremor, and have been asked to write you to inform you of panic and anxiety attacks that come with this condition. I myself suffer from them very often when placed in a stressful situation, and whenever it happens my tremors are much much worse .... I feel that they are often a neglected side effect of this condition. I have been prescribed sedatives but so far none of them have helped.