Born left handed 'switched' to right hand... - Healthy Evidence

Healthy Evidence

3,058 members437 posts

Born left handed 'switched' to right hand, could I return to being left handed after 50 years?

Adlon57 profile image
3 Replies

I was born left handed 62 years ago, then at school my teacher 'persuaded' me to being right handed. Hit on left wrist every time I used left hand. I now have nerve damage on my right arm, "schwannomas", would it be feasible to learn to go back to being left handed again, or make do with a slow right, I would like to try to re-learn, it was "not in fashion, to be left handed!" all those years ago? Would it be medically possible, any examples of anybody else doing this after so many years and would there be any long-term advantages of doing it?

Written by
Adlon57 profile image
Adlon57
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
3 Replies

I am ‘on the other hand’ intentionally using my left hand more in sports and tasks of daily living because at 64, I want my brain to be running and working hard. I cannot imagine being scolded to look the part of our society, I do recall the desk in a few grades were made for RH students though as I write this reply.

For me it began in tennis when I was first taking up the sport and my right arm fatigued from hitting balls incorrectly. Also, at my age I see many with shoulder or knee injuries who cannot continue to play so I thought if I have at least some ability with both hands, I could remain in play much longer.

The I took up pocket pool and found great advantages to being ambidextrous. Although I feel I am not fully capable with both LH/RH I am surprisingly close to equal.

So there you have it, if for nothing else do it for the brain. Rewire and life is great.

Adlon57 profile image
Adlon57 in reply to

I always half boasted that I was ambidextrous, when asked now I will have to be in reality, I used to be a half decent right handed darts person, now positively dangerous with the 'arrows', a pool cue the ball goes off in the other direction, Ronnie O'Sullivan I am or never will be, but thanks for the encouragement ducdaddy!

in reply to Adlon57

You bet - remember, if it challenges you it's good for the brain, and maybe for the spectators too :)

You may also like...

Stop my hands shaking, I cannot type with two hands, last straw reaction to AZ vaccine, left hand useless, since feb. 2021, getting better?

have absolutely no confidence, hands all over the place, especially left, high blood pressure, get...

I'm new here, possibility of cancer & how to make my gp take me seriously?

18 year old girl here, For the last eight months I've had intense pain in the lower right hand side

How can I access the evidence my NHS CCG uses to make their funding policy decisions?

procedure was made a number of years ago so I’m sorry I can’t provide you any further information...

Where do I go with ADHL [hyper activity] to get treatment?

health reasons, living on my own for many years, but I cannot get any length of sleep, not being...

Loosing sensation in right leg?

spine. I have had many examples of a 'dead leg' where I lose sensation in my right leg, I am able...