Essential Tremours

[Oldgreybeard]

I have not been able to turn safely for over a month due to a condition known as 'essential tremours' (Think I spelt it correctly?). Statistically, 1 in 5 males over the age of 50 have or will have the condition, so I am hoping there are some turners who have defeated the condition and still enjoy thier turning.
For those readers who are not familiar with the condition, it is the uncontrollable and involuntary twitching of the muscles - most commonly in the arms and hands. The symptoms are similar to Parkinson's Disease (but not directly related); the major difference is that with Parkinson's Disease the twitching occurs when the muscles are at rest - in essential tremours the twiching occurs when the muscles are in use and is exacerbated by 'stress' associated with attempting fine detail, eg threading a needle or using a shew!! (Trying to control the mouse while editing this post is a real task as the hand is twitching every time I try and position the cursor.)
When turning, the major concern is 'catches' caused by twitches; particularly when turning detail or attempting light finishing cuts to remove tool marks. My last attempt resulted in a major 'digin' which pulled the gouge out of my hand and sent it flying across the garage. No damage to me, the gouge or the shed, but gave the heart rate a good workout and completely demolished the edge of the bowl.:oo::oo:
And some idiot had the cheek to call it an 'essential' tremour!!:no:
Unfortunately the twitching is not something I can control, it does not happen all the time; in fact there may be several days between episodes which may last for only a few minutes or several hours.
I have been looking at some images of captive tool rests designed for deep hollowing and wondering whether something similar could be adapted or some other modification to the tool rest might be of assistance.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions, but I am not ready for a garage sale just yet:D


Bob

[tea lady]

Hmm. It might depend on which bit twitches. More transverse movement is needed with spindle or bowl turning. Might need a bit of actual observation to see what is going on and how it could be minimized or assisted.

[Old Croc]

Hi Bob, never heard of it so I consulted Dr Google, not good at all. :C The site i read did list a lot of helpful things, so lets hope the medical fraternity can help you, as it sounds very frustrating. Hopefully someone else can offer you some help.
rgds,
Crocy.

[Sturdee]

I have been looking at some images of captive tool rests designed for deep hollowing and wondering whether something similar could be adapted or some other modification to the tool rest might be of assistance.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions, but I am not ready for a garage sale just yet:D


Bob

Sorry to hear that Bob and I hope you recover.

In regards to the tool rests for deep hollowing I have the Vermec deep hollowing set which holds the tool so that you cannot have a catch as it is designed to cut on the wrong side, being the up cut.

I'm sure you could adapt that for general scrapers and if you would like to have a look and feel of the system send me a pm and we'll arrange a suitable time.

Peter.

[BobL]

I've had a mild case of this for many years. It's supposed to get worse as one gets older but it hasn't done so except that when I get tired it gets a bit worse than it used to. This makes chainsaw carving a bit tricky - have to take more rests.

[Oldgreybeard]

Thanks for the comments.
Tea Lady- the twitch is generally horizontally and forward (into the work piece). Unfortunately the randomness of episodes makes observation difficult - at this point.
Peter - I will pm you shortly. Unfortunately there is no cure and no effective treatment. My GP believes it will get worse over the next 6 months or so and that may be good :? in the sense that it may be possible to predict when twitches are more likely to occur.

Bob

[artme]

Not good Bob!! Let's hope you can, and will, get over this!

I know from my NPH and subsequent recovery just how frustrating things like this can be.

All the best mate!!!

[Hermit]

I sympathise, Bob, and hope you can find a work-around. Not good at all.

I have a very minor version or something similar, too, but it only affects my fingers.
I can't hold a finger above a mouse button or keyboard key for more than about 30 seconds before it involuntarily jerks and clicks the button, usually when I least want it. Doesn't cause any 'real' problems, though, unlike your condition.

Sorry I can't offer any advice.

Edit: I just did a quick bit of reading, never having heard of 'essential tremor' before, and apparently there are a couple of medical options that can produce good results - deep brain stimulation or surgery. If it gets bad enough these could be options worth exploring.

Also, some drugs normally used for heart conditions, (beta-blockers), or epilepsy have been used with success. More possibilities.

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Essential_tremor

And a bit more info: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/movement_disorders/conditions/essential_tremor.html
(Here it's even suggested that you tie a weight to the affected body part! :D)

[dai sensei]

Geez Bob not good news :C. Sorry I cannot help only sympathise :-

[Oldgreybeard]

Edit: I just did a quick bit of reading, never having heard of 'essential tremor' before, and apparently there are a couple of medical options that can produce good results - deep brain stimulation or surgery. If it gets bad enough these could be options worth exploring.

Also, some drugs normally used for heart conditions, (beta-blockers), or epilepsy have been used with success. More possibilities.

Source: Essential tremor | Better Health Channel (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Essential_tremor))


I just had a look at this link - definitely written by bureaucrat or politician !!

"There is no cure for essential tremor. Treatment aims to suppress the involuntary movements, and can include:

Avoidance of known triggers, such as alcohol or caffeine

Stress management techniques

Some drugs used to treat other medical conditions, such as heart disease (beta blockers) and epilepsy (anticonvulsants). These drugs have been helpful in some cases
Other drugs, including tranquillisers
Deep brain stimulation, a surgically implanted device that helps to short-circuit the impulses or brain waves causing the tremor
Brain surgery to alter the part of the brain causing the tremor has been successful in some cases
Regular monitoring and observation – if the tremor is mild and doesn’t stop the person from performing their usual activities, this may be the only treatment.

In some cases, alcohol may reduce the tremors. However, this is not a recommended treatment, because long-term consumption of alcohol has significant health risks. "

Note emphasised sentences (my emphasis). :?

Perhaps I should have a scotch, but that would trigger the "shakes" so then I could have another scotch to reduce the effect. I could drink to that:2tsup:

Thanks for the advice:D
Bob

[chuck1]

Sorry to read of your ailment. I wonder if it's possible to make a sliding tool gate and have a stopper on the tool so you don't have dig ins.
I have something partly set up that came with one of my lathes. It's a hand held copy attachment but could be modified for other tools.

[artme]

Good to see you still have your sense of humour Bob!!!:)

[Old Croc]

Thanks for the comments.
Tea Lady- the twitch is generally horizontally and forward (into the work piece). Unfortunately the randomness of episodes makes observation difficult - at this point.
Peter - I will pm you shortly. Unfortunately there is no cure and no effective treatment. My GP believes it will get worse over the next 6 months or so and that may be good :? in the sense that it may be possible to predict when twitches are more likely to occur.

Bob
Bob, the most important thing with problems like this is ask to be refered to a specialist asap, and allways ask for a second opinion. Quite often early intervention can make one hell of a difference.
Rgds,
Crocy.

[Evanism]

See a neurologist.

I'd wager they'll put you on tegretol, carbamazapine and/or Dilantin.

[Oldgreybeard]

Thanks Crocy and Evanism, I have an appointment with the neurologist, but earliest available not until late September.

Regards

Bob

[wolften]

...keep us informed with your travels Bob, I know of a few gents with tremors.

[Paul39]

Oldgraybeard,

I'm 74 and have the usual laundry list of things that befall that age.

I have followed Dr. Weil's suggestions for several things and have been able to avoid some prescription drugs with nasty side effects.

One of the most impressive was the relief from pain from Plantar fasciitis by taking 2 alfalfa pills per day rather than 6 to 8 ibuprofen that were prescribed. I was concerned for my liver and kidneys.

Have a look here:

https://www.google.com/#q=dr+weil,+Essential+Tremors&spell=1

[oreos40]

I have posted some videos of tooling on a converted metal lathe. A similar system could be made for a wood lathe bed. I do production turning off a template but often turn free hand without a template for one offs. The system does not use traditional tools and you may garner some criticism from the purists in the group. It would all but eliminate the chance of a catch and may give you back some peace of mind and joy in turning.

[Tim Creeper]

Bob, sorry for your position. I hope you find a way to keep on turnin': any way you can. It must be so frustrating:~
Tim

[Paul39]

Oldgreybeard,

Here are a few more things to consider:

HEALTH FITNESS CAFE: NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ESSENTIAL TREMOR (http://healthfitnesscafe.blogspot.com/2012/03/natural-remedies-for-essential-tremor.html)

Essential Tremor Treatment Options | IETF (http://essentialtremor.org/treatments/)

Bee Venom Therapy - Benign Essential Tremor Info (http://www.essentialtremorinfo.org/beevenomtherapy.htm)

-------------------------------------------

https://www.google.com/#q=alternative+medicine+for+essential+tremor

https://www.google.com/#q=acupuncture+for+essential+tremor

https://www.google.com/#q=oriental+medicine+for+essential+tremor

I get my medical care through the Veterans Administration, with which I am well pleased.

The VA docs have been quite open to my experimentation with vitamins & herbs, and monitor my progress with blood tests and check ups.

[tea lady]

Concert violinist diagnosed with a tremor plays during career-saving brain operation to help surgeons locate the exact spot to fit his implant | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2721342/Concert-violinist-diagnosed-tremor-plays-career-saving-brain-operation-help-surgeons-locate-exact-spot-fit-implant.html?ito=social-facebook)

Found theis artical about a concert pianist having an implant inserted to cure his essential tremors. Not sure how you get a lathe into surgery though.:doh:

[Oldgreybeard]

Concert violinist diagnosed with a tremor plays during career-saving brain operation to help surgeons locate the exact spot to fit his implant | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2721342/Concert-violinist-diagnosed-tremor-plays-career-saving-brain-operation-help-surgeons-locate-exact-spot-fit-implant.html?ito=social-facebook)

Found theis artical about a concert pianist having an implant inserted to cure his essential tremors. Not sure how you get a lathe into surgery though.:doh:

Thanks Tea Lady, I see if I can talk the neurologist into trying it - his reaction should be good for a luagh:D
Bob

[lubbing5cherubs]

I working with my ot and to help with twitches, work within my tolerance and my dr prescribed clomezapam and bacoflen, which has helped a lot with it Hth my leg arm and head all do it pain clinic thinks lathing will be beneficial but in controlled like if tiredness is your trigger stay below that. Learn your body