”One of the happiest moments in your life is when you find the courage to let go of what you can’t change.” – Unknown
Examples of things hard to do with Essential Tremors
- Put toothpaste on your toothbrush
- Eat soup
- Use keyboard at work
- Use the mouse at work
- Put air in my tires
- Cooking (especially flipping grilled sandwiches)
- Putting on make up
- Using my debit card in machines
- Writing
- Making my hand rubber stamped cards
- Shaving
- Drinking
- Carrying glasses of water or cups of coffee
I was referred to the Neurology Department at Ohio State in January of 2023. My first of many appointments was not until July 12, 2023. I was originally interested in hearing about a new procedure called Focus Ultrasound for my tremors. My mom had heard about it through a friend, a customer at the store, and then one of her really good friends had the procedure done and had great success with it.
After meeting with the neurologist and getting a neuro assessment and hearing about both FUS and DBS I decided that at my age DBS is the best way to go for me. With DBS if in ten years for example your tremor gets worse the stimulator can be tweaked. With FUS it’s basically one and done.
Dr. Jordan did an assessment and watched my tremors and and also filmed them to compare with when I see the Nurse Practitioner’s filming when I see her. Upon leaving I had several apts set up to proceed with seeing if I was a candidate for DBS. You have to see the NP, have a special MRI, and also see the Neurosurgeon. After all of these apts they meet as a team to discuss your case to see if you are a candidate. Let the waiting begin.
RECIPES WITH GRANDMA JUDY
COFFEE CAKE
2 c. Dark brown sugar
2 c. Flour
1 Stick softened butter (margarine)
1 Egg
1 c. Sour milk
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 tsp. Soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
Nuts (if desired)
Mix sugar and margarine, add flour and nuts. Take out a cup of the mixture for topping. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Sprinkle on topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.