Writing Styles

[scarhead]

When writing with different types of pens (fountain, rollerball or ballpoint) do you change the way in which you write? In other words, with a fountain pen do you write more vertically and with a ballpoint or rollerball you find that your writing is more slanted?

I find that my writing with a fountain pen or rollerball is more vertical than when I use a ballpoint. I have more slanted writing when using a ballpoint.

[Lion]

I unfortunately due to Rheumatoid Arthritis have a dislocated right wrist and thumb so when writing I have to hold all pens perpendicular to the paper. It looks weird but works well for me!!!

[Numismatist]

I hadn't thought of it; now I'm going to be self-conscious next time I write!

I'll report back.

[scarhead]

Becoming self-conscious when writing. Actually, I have to agree with you about that. I learned this from playing golf. When I would stand above the ball and put a lot of thought into my swing I wouldn't strike the ball as well as when I would just swing. This came to me after I found myself hitting great shots when I wasn't too concerned with the outcome. OK, OK I can hear you now, "We're talking pens here." My point being is that when I actually slowed down to the point of analyzing each stroke (another reference to golf) of the pen I found that my penmanship changed dramatically, and not for the better. I noticed my writing style differences when I looked back through my daily journal (I can't believe I still keep a handwritten journal despite having many iPhone apps to keep a journal) and realized that with a fountain pen I tend to write straight up and down.

Lion: In regard to your thumb my mother has just begun noticing changes in her thumb. She said it is one of the most aggravating things (almost as much as her knee) because it changes the way she writes, uses keys, etc.

[Lion]

Yes, Rheumatoid Arthritis can change your joints and not for the better!!!

[scarhead]

Lion, I was talking with my doctor about RA and he said that there have been some decent advances recently with medication. He said they are using low doses of chemo-type drugs to combat RA and they've worked with almost no side effects shown. I for one think that's a tough pill to swallow (pun intended) because I tend to think about the long term side effects (i.e., 10 to 20 years down the road). I just noticed that you are from Park Forest. If I remember correctly either UofC or Northwestern is supposed to have a fabulous RA clinic.

[Lion]

Originally Posted by scarhead

Lion, I was talking with my doctor about RA and he said that there have been some decent advances recently with medication. He said they are using low doses of chemo-type drugs to combat RA and they've worked with almost no side effects shown. I for one think that's a tough pill to swallow (pun intended) because I tend to think about the long term side effects (i.e., 10 to 20 years down the road). I just noticed that you are from Park Forest. If I remember correctly either UofC or Northwestern is supposed to have a fabulous RA clinic.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and interest. I have been on 3 immune suppressant drugs(Methotrexate, Imuran and Medrol) since 1991. Starting 4 or 5 years ago we added a biological medication to the mix. I do feel better on these medications but I think the long term use has taken its toll now because my teeth are falling apart. I will look into the U. of C. and Northwestern so thank you again!!!