Writing aids advice needed

[solar5]

Hi

I was diagnosed with SCA6 in 2021 and gradually my writing has become worse (no surprise). It is still legible (just!) but is getting harder and harder to do. I was thinking of trying a weighted pen - has anyone tried these? Do you have any advice on which to buy as there are so many different types of varying prices available? Are they any good?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[wobblybee]

🙂 I’ve seen lots of recommendations for ‘chunky weighted pens’…but no specific brand/type mentioned.

[Telegraphist]

SCA6 is progressive. Mine (2014) has gone through block capitals to illegibility. My advice is to think about developing your digital footprint (email, social media etc) you can still write a book even if you are unable to write. A digital signature is important - and does not decay.

[Jellybean75]

it's horrible isn't it! Losing the things we used to do - walking, talking (my speech is getting worse) and writing - that has gotten worse too. I got some rubber pen grips which meant my fingers had less of a pincer grip but haven't really made any difference. My mind knows what I should do, but my brain doesn't connect

[2hot]

Hi solar5 There are lots of different pens for people with grip and writing problems. It depends why your writing has got worse. If it is the grip there are chunky pens and ergonomic ones that do work (I have tried them) if it is uncontrollable movement I would say a tablet or computer with large keys would be easier. The problem with technology though is that you would probably need a printer too. I hope you work it out. Take care.

[Libra7]

I also had a diagnosis of SCA6 in 2016 and have all the symptoms of poor balance, slurred speech etc, However I have managed to keep my writing reasonably good. I put this down to completing Codeword in the newspaper each day (you can also get books of the puzzles) as the discipline of having to put letters in small squares I’m sure helps. It also keeps the brain functioning! In any event it’s important to write each day if it’s only a page from a book.

I also think it helps if you put pressure on the pen when writing so I think the weighted pen would be really helpful but I would certainly only try with one of the cheaper ones.

Good luck

[Tallguy101]

I was diagnosed with sca 48 in 2006, I don't really write now unless I have to. I can still write very slowly and only in block capitals, but it hurts my hand pretty quickly. I rely on my phone, typing lists on notes etc and Word for making labels etc...

[Driven1]

Abandoned a pen years ago. Now just digital everywhere. Signing documents. Kept a signature from years ago as a .jpg. Signature never changes, copy and paste in