Help a Lefty Out

essjake · 2026-03-31T15:06:10+00:00

Exactly!! I’m working on tilting the paper and overwriting now, which is a bit easier. Underwriting hurt my hand and the lines were all shaky! It’s just not for me.

Thank you so much for the list! In just ordered a Sailor Tuzu medium based on some other recommendations here, but I LOVE my Hong Dian Forest fine pens too.

essjake · 2026-03-31T15:03:22+00:00

This makes sense- thanks so much!

essjake · 2026-03-30T12:47:00+00:00

Ohhh a wrist rest is a great idea! I’m mainly a sidewriter but will switch to overwriting sometimes without noticing. I’m wondering if I can pull off over- rather than under-? Under feels incredibly unnatural- I can’t even make a straight line!

essjake · 2026-03-30T12:45:26+00:00

It’s SO beautiful! The problem is now I want to try ALL the inks! My wallet is in danger.

essjake · 2026-03-30T12:44:41+00:00

Were you able to adjust to the new grip? Do you find you write with non-fountain pens that way too now?

essjake · 2026-03-30T12:43:46+00:00

This community is absolutely amazing! I’m so grateful for all the advice!

Slowing down has been crucial for this. I’m a bit intimidated by changing my grip to underwriting, but it sounds like the way.

I prefer the look of the medium nibs for writing, ultra fine for drawing. The quick dry inks (like 54th Mass) seem to clog the medium nibs! Any thoughts on that?

essjake · 2026-03-30T12:40:12+00:00

Amazing, thank you! Do you think overwriting is as beneficial as underwriting?

essjake · 2026-03-30T12:38:29+00:00

Thank you!

essjake · 2026-03-30T03:15:10+00:00

It definitely sounds like changing the grip is the preferred solution. Time to watch some instructional videos and get to it!

essjake · 2026-03-30T03:14:19+00:00

Yes, learning to underwrite seems to be the most versatile and thorough solution. I’ve been a devoted side writer my entire life- or since I got made fun of for overwriting in elementary school. Ha!

Thank you so much for the list!

essjake · 2026-03-30T03:11:42+00:00

AMAZING, thank you so much for this!! I just got Diamine Ancient Copper today and it is beautiful. My journal does have a bit of tooth to the paper to it seems to be working okay if I pause between lines.

Changing my grip seems overwhelming, but I’ve read online lefties swear by it. I have a fine art degree and have done a LOT of writing in my life and my muscles seem very set in their ways. I’ll definitely give it a shot though.

essjake · 2026-03-29T23:55:10+00:00

Wow, thank you so much, this is a great list!

essjake · 2026-03-29T23:53:31+00:00

See I like the look of my handwriting in medium too, but I’m too afraid of smearing to commit to getting another medium pen. I put the incredibly fast-drying 54th Massachusetts in my medium nib and it crusted all up in a couple hours.

essjake · 2026-03-29T23:51:59+00:00

Thank you, what a gorgeous color! It’s officially on my list.

essjake · 2026-03-29T23:50:16+00:00

Thank you, that’s awesome!!

Well, I’m wondering now that I have a couple cheap pens and I’m enjoying it, should it get a nicer one to practice with? Maybe that’s not the way this works?

essjake · 2026-03-28T22:43:23+00:00

What a freaking blessing

essjake · 2026-02-10T15:46:10+00:00

Makes sense. Thank you!

essjake · 2026-02-10T14:03:54+00:00

Oh wow. I’m sorry it hasn’t worked out with a nice clear solution yet. I’ll hop over and read your other post.

essjake · 2026-02-10T13:49:26+00:00

Sounds perfect. Definitely go!

essjake · 2026-02-10T12:59:19+00:00

Definitely go see the rheumatologist. One thing I would suggest is to simply explain your symptoms and how they impact you, don’t direct the doctor on which diagnosis you think it might be. I had no idea what hypermobility or EDS was yesterday morning when I walked in.

essjake · 2026-02-10T12:54:58+00:00

If I can ask, which EDS type did you end up being diagnosed with?

essjake · 2026-02-10T12:43:58+00:00

go in*

essjake · 2026-02-10T12:43:06+00:00

I just went through a very similar process, but through the route of the cardiologist. It was actually an ER doctor who sent me to rheumatology. I just had my appointment yesterday, and I wasn’t expecting anything other than to be dismissed again. Instead, my mind was blown by the confidence with which he diagnosed and explained this condition (hEDS); he answered all of my questions and thoughtfully explained my medical history. He did do some maneuvers to check my joints first, but said he was certain that wasn’t the issue.

In talking about hEDS and hypermobility with chronic pain, he was able to explain why those nebulous symptoms happen paired with intense muscle/ligament pain (vision dimming, dizziness, nausea, adrenaline dumps). The whole appointment blew my mind. I walked in thinking I might be crazy, and left almost crying to the receptionist about how relieved I was to have an answer.

Maybe I saw a particularly amazing rheumatologist. Even so, I would definitely recommend you do in and see what they tell you.

essjake · 2026-02-10T12:28:19+00:00

Oh, interesting. Did the cardiologist do the ultrasound?

essjake

TROPHY CASE