This is kind of strange, but it is consistent enough that I wanted to report it here. I have Intention Tremor (link below) in both hands.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intention_tremor

I have recently been expanding my artistic skills, and I’ve been using a Wacom tablet while trying to learn to digitally paint on my computer.

My tremor, of course, is a problem when it comes to manual dexterity, but I am a big believer in “mind over matter,” and when I am using the Wacom tablet I concentrate really, REALLY hard to control my right hand.

I had not noticed it, but my hubby observed that when I am controlling my right hand with great concentration, my left hand takes on a life of its own.

It almost seems that I have willed my tremor into my left hand alone. If I really concentrate on my right hand, and sort of let my left hand do what it needs to do, I have fairly good control of my right hand. Meanwhile the left hand is twitching and doing its own thing. I am super pleased with this new understanding. As strange as it is, it is a skill that I intend to nurture.

Just sayin’.

Wow Marion, that is incredible. You must have a very strong concentration and will power. At work I had to hide my hands in my pockets when they decided to tremor.

If I tried to get a coffee cup to my mouth it might or might not tremor. I did not control it, I couldn't control it.

So I got to a point of not wanting to eat with friends at the same table. I would eat in my car or try for an earlier lunch. Thank goodness for Clonazepam. I took it before meals. It calms my tremors. I also helps me eat without choking from spasms.

That is amazing. Good luck with the artwork painting. A hobby is good.

That is amazing, Marion..

Are you going to post some of your art here, for us?

That is so cool, Marion. The concentration can be hard, but the accomplishment is great. Glad you are able to do it.

I've gone the abstract route with my painting because of spasms and stuff. I just call it an "artistic element" if one suddenly comes on when I'm painting.

I am finding myself being forced to be much more economical with brush strokes and such . . . which in a way is good. I think my days of niggling every painting to death are over!

I have bilateral intention tremor too, predominantly in my left hand. I'm just imagining your left hand "doing its thing" while you concentrate on the right.

I hope that you stay at a level where that technique continues to work for you for a very long time. The cerebellar lesions are such a pain.

Sure thing, Sal. I'll post it here the minute I have something worth blinking at.

I have been painting for most of my life (I'm 68) but never had the time to do it full time. Now that I'm not working I have so much more time to devote to painting. I have, however, developed a tremor (intention tremor) which is getting worse. I have been doing small detailed paintings but I just can't do it anymore. I'm trying to find a style, develop a style that will work with a shaky hand. Its hard to change your style. I have tried abstract but find there is so much more to it than just flinging paint at a canvas.
I am desperate for something that will lessen the tremors. I am investigating Deep brain stimulation. It may not work for me. I can't drink wine to calm myself. Is there medical marijuana that would work for a tremor? I will not give up painting.
In regard to a previous post by Miz Barbie, I have found that by thinking about my left hand my right hand relaxes more.
any thoughts?

Have you thought about putting a wrist weight on your wrist? The weight holds the wrist a little steady.

My dad was sick earlier this year, and couldn't write very well. I can't get him to try a weight on his wrist, which was something I'd read about for problems like tremors. He either doesn't believe me, or he just thinks the idea is stupid, but I think it would help. The websites where I saw it suggested said it helps. It's not a treatment, but more like a tool that helps.

If I could get my dad to try it, I have some wrist weights that I'd bought to play games with on the Wii video game system that I have. They're only 1 1/2 pounds. I just need to convince him to try them. It's not going to hurt anything for him to try.

Sally, I'm sorry it took so long to post this. Here is a link to my page in fineartsamerica.com.

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/marion-daly.html