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handwriting


Englishrose

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One of my biggest personal losses as a result of stroke was handwriting- ok we use computers and phones most of the time but cards, lists, diary I still prefer to write.

 

I cannot confess to being as committed to practising my writing as I have been about general fitness, but suddenly, with no warning, it's improved exponentially.

 

If anyone knows the "why" I am intrigued! its not quite how it was but its much improved.

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I would not presume to understand why your handwriting suddenly improved so dramatically but I am happy for you. My only thought is that it is yet another example of how the brain continues to repair itself well beyond the oft-cited one-year mark. That gives all stroke victims cause for celebration and hope. Thanks for sharing. And congratulations!

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hi rose.  i agree with ron. it''s a big celebration for you,  meaning more to come in your recovery keep up whatever you are doing. to get more function back in that hand" arms, and fingers.  we all like hearing members tell us good recovery updates, i wish you much more recovery in your journey

 

kimmie

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ThAnk you both it's almost a year since my stroke- I thought recovery was very long term and certainly beyond a year! However I'll be glad when the anniversary is over I must say . I too find it encouraging to read other peoples stories so I'm glad it's helped

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Rose, is this your stroke hand you are writing with, or the non-dominant hand that was not stroked?     Here is a story about us.    I had a premonition that something bad was going to happen and the week before Bob's stroke, I had us both practicing writing/coloring with our non-dominant hand, so if something took out our good hand, we wouldn't be helpless.    I could actually already do it, but wanted him to learn, too.   I think it's weird how we go along with an entire hand being ignored all our lives.   It has came in handy for me when I broke my arm and had a bad strain in my  wrist.    As luck would have it, Bob's non-dominant side was the one that he lost. 

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Hi I'm left handed and it was my left side affected by stroke which is a bummer- I did try using my right hand but that was dreadful my writing is actually better some days than others but I'm working on the brain creating new pathways as you teach it that certain skills are needed; I'm also practising visualising my hand writing as I've heard thAts a proven technique for recovery thanks anyway, Roz

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It is wonderful that you are able to get the stroke hand to write!   Keep doing what you are doing, that is exactly right.    I've tried to explain to Bob about visualizing, but he just can't hold a thought.   Maybe if I just sit there with him and lead him thru the thoughts with his eyes closed, like a hypnotist, he could visualize...hmmmm...

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Isn't it wonderful to have part of yourself returned! I am so happy for you! I know that handwriting is a huge deal. It is uniquely ours, represents us, and is a defining feature of our identity. It is important and that is why we use cards and written letters even today.

 

It is also reason to celebrate and hope because this is an example of the brain doing things to heal even without us knowing it,

I had similar situation with handwriting. I didn't recognize my signature. I was doing exercises for hand eye coordination on my own in the hospital and I began keeping a handwritten diary too. I can look at that diary and see the progression of improvements in my writing, How weird is that. Anyway as I have aged my handwriting has changed as my hands suffer from carpal tunnel and tendonitis. But nothing like stroke.  I was happy too when my handwriting returned to close to normal and I felt that my signature was familiar. Just one little piece added back means so much.  Enjoy your success. I hope that means your vision and other areas of coordination are improving too,

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Hi I've only had problems with writing not my sight or anything else so you'd think I'd be more relaxed but it does mean a lot to me to write - I will try to do something every day !

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Rose, one thing we were doing to improve/train our non-dominant hand, before Bob had a stroke, was coloring.   Would that be something you might find relaxing and enjoy using to exercise your hand?   

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