Hello y'all!!
Well, I have a question. Here is my problem- in the past 11 years, I have dealt with brain cancer and after the cancer was beaten, another non-malignant tumor developed in my brain, and it has casued me some problems. One big problem is this- the tumor has caused me nerve damage in the muscles of the palms and fingers of my hands, so, I am in constant pain.

As a result, the quality of my penmanship has deteriorated. I have started using thicker pens, with really smooth nibs, so that I dont have to clench my muscles to either hold the pen or press down on the paper.
And I have been using 'Write Now" book to practice and improve my handwriting.

Would you have any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.
-Sid

Gabapentin (aka neurontin)? It's really the only thing I know that can help to regenerate nerves.

Thanks Deirdre.- I used to take Neurontin. However, the tumor has caused me some other symptoms too, so, I am unable to take Neurontin. But, I will ask the Neurologist again if I can start off a small dose of Neurontin again.

It's the only thing that helps me, but it's a horrible drug. Then again, needing it is more horrible.

I'm no help on the penmanship front, alas.

Would a cast to hold the pen, something that tied/mounted on your wrist help? That would take stress off your fingers and allow the fingers to only be used to direct the pen.

I hope the idea helps and is practical.

Yours,
Randal

Peripheral nerves do regenerate. I didn't think Neurontin helped that, but rather is just to ease nerve pain. It's also an anti-convulsive, so it can help you tolerate higher doses of some other drugs too. I wasn't aware of any side effects though, so I'm curious as to why Deirdre finds it horrible?

Now here is an idea. Start with a nice leather glove or sports glove, and attach a tube to it to hold the pen in the right spot (leather pen holder!) without requiring you to grip at all. Just let your fingers form their natural shape but you don't have to apply any force.

You can also incorporate a wrist brace or design to stay out of the way of a Bowling brace. That gives support without locking completely, so you don't have to tire there. It also encourages you to "write with your shoulders" which is why I tried using it.

As a further refinement, put a nylon/teflon/UHMW-PE glide on the edge where it will rest on the page, and another on the wrist. This will let you glide on the page without smearing or sticking, without needing the small upward loft of muscle power.

BTW, I suffered from CIPD (or AIPD?) five years ago.

--John

It does help nerves regenerate, but not in all circumstances. It's specifically used for nerve re-attachment issues; a friend of mine is a hand surgeon and told me that.

Side effects: edema, nasty headaches (sometimes I feel like all the pain spared elsewhere's now focused in my head), and, on dosage readjustment, panic attacks and tachycardia. Oh, and I'm now much more of a space cadet than I was before I was taking it.

Maybe I was taking a lower dosage, or the side-effects of the Prednisone overwhelmed that (edema, etc.).

What is a "space cadet"?

Everyone reacts differently to medications, and something one person can tolerate without any side effects can be problematic to another.

Sid - I'm so sorry to hear you're having these problems. Wish I could think of a really good solution. Some of the other posters have some ideas that would be worth giving a try. You will not be forgotten when I'm saying my prayers.

Judybug

An example from last year.

I took the drug, was in a hurry, so I got in the car and was drove to a speaking engagement.
Enroute, I notice how pretty the sky was, and what a beautiful day it was.
I find myself missing my exit, and heading over the San Mateo bridge into the east bay.
$4 in bridge toll later, I'm almost late, so I have to valet park my car.

That's what I mean by space cadet -- this drug makes me get so caught up in the moment sometimes. I've learned not to drive within an hour of taking it, and since I need to take four doses a day, that can be annoying.