Tell me about your diagnosis and chronic pain experience.

“I was diagnosed with a functional tremor. This a neurological misfire in the brain that causes nerves to act up. My left arm would shake uncontrollably. My balance would be off and I would forget basic motor skills. I also experienced lots of muscle tension and cramping in my left arm, which could be really painful at times.  I will always have this condition. Ultimately, the tremor was the biggest problem.” 

Do you know how this pain developed? 

“We don’t know what exactly causes this condition. It may be caused by stress, trauma, or a brain injury, but it is different. We’re thinking mine was caused by stress.” 

What treatment options and lifestyle changes did you make? 

“ I started going to physical therapy twice a week. This is where I would work on small motor skills, pushing against a wall, and holding yoga poses for a period of time. I also started using a TENS unit everyday. The goal was to trick the brain into realizing that it was misfiring. I am much more aware of my stress and anxiety. I take sertraline for anxiety. I go to bi-weekly counseling sessions and we do stress checks, talk about the illness, how I am feeling, what’s happening in life, and breathing techniques”. 

What worked? 

“Physical therapy and the TENS unit because they were able to stop the tremor.”

What didn’t work? 

“Before my diagnosis, I saw 10-11 doctors who could not give me an accurate diagnosis or treatment. They tried putting me on anti nausea medications and muscle relaxants. I even tried taping my arm to my body.” 

Tell us about positive experiences with doctors. 

“After seeing so many doctors, the twelfth doctor gave me a diagnosis and a treatment plan. This was a neurologist and he diagnosed me after just asking three questions. I saw him every week for a month. He was very encouraging and helpful. He told me that he was going to help me get this under control and he did.” 

Tell us about negative experiences with doctors. 

“One time I was rushed to the hospital because I lost my balance and I had hit my head. The ER doctor had stated ‘Tourettes isn’t curable so I don’t know why you’re in my ER’ at which point I explained that I don’t have tourettes. The ER doctor responded with ‘My daughter’s friend has tourettes so I think I would know what tourettes looks like.’ It was a very unpleasant interaction.”

Do you have any advice for anyone going through chronic pain.

“Don’t get discouraged when doctors don’t believe what you’re saying. That happened so often to me and I started to wonder if I was crazy. And fight for what you want.”

Now that you have this under control, how are you doing and what does your life look like?

 “Pretty good. The tremor has not been back in two years. I monitor my stress, but I no longer dread tremors. I have developed the skills to be able to have control and heal. I live a regular life. I drive, I can work, I live on my own, and I am completely independent. I get to be my own human again.” 

Takeaways:

• Physical therapy and TENS units are very beneficial for this condition

• You may have to go through several doctors before you get answers

• We like doctors who are encouraging and hopeful

• Lifestyle changes can make a big difference

• Don’t get discouraged if doctors don’t believe you