Writer's Cramp

It's something we would have laughed about before we knew what it was about. It's called Focal Dystonia, stems from the basal ganglia in the brain, and affects the muscles of the hand and forearm - causing spasms during writing. Automatic fine motor skills, that we take for granted, are no longer possible without supreme effort. The easiest is to learn to write with the other hand - which is not easy at all.

It's a bummer if you are a 22year old 3rd year going into 4th year electronic engineering student, who needs to write or use a computer keyboard a lot, and who needs to put together circuits and things that require accurate, fine motor skills.

Medication is not helpful. Botox injections may help. Occupational therapy could help develop the other hand and arm. Any advantages? - depends on your mindset:
- develop the other side of your brain
- develop patience and forbearance
- develop creative ways of dealing with frustration
- investigate the best buys in small keyboards that will fit the span of the other hand - to prevent shoulder and arm stress in that other arm
- invent cunning devices that will help make life easier for other sufferers

- gives intercessors something specific to pray for/ about
- gives non-sufferers the opportunity to say "There but for the grace of God go I"

Its a bummer if said electronic engineering student is your 3rd son and you can't do a damn thing to help or take it away.

Some things our children have to negotiate through themselves in life.
We can stand by and encourage and pray.