Old Builder new problem

[Johnny Mike]

I have been building wooden ship models for a long time.

I recently had brain tumor removed and although I am OK lost the fine touch in my hand to do quantity workmanship.

Can any one give me pointers on how to improve.

[palmerit]

Maybe trying a model at a relatively larger scale? Olha Batchvarov is doing a group build of the Model Shipways Gunboat Philadelphia at 1:24. It's not a lot of small fiddly pieces. No tiny thin planks.

 

And maybe having the videos may help - not that you don't know what you're doing, but watching someone do it might help remind your hands how to do something.

 

I'm a neuroscientist (not a physician, not a neurologist) and with brain damage from surgery or stroke from my understanding it's trying to rewire (literally) your brain. It's slower to happen as an adult, and may depend on what brain areas were removed and what areas are close by, but other brain areas can sometimes take over lost functioning to some degree, but it takes practice. If you're seeing a physical therapist, especially one focusing on fine motor skills, you might ask them about what things you might want to do to transition back into your hobby. They might even see model building as a form of PT. Lots of people don't do their PT homework - having done a little myself for a relatively minor problem I know doing my "homework" was a chore - whereas building a model is a hobby.

 

Best of luck!

 

 

[woodartist]

Johnny

I had an accident and lost use of my right arm bicep. I can still move my right hand but it is stiff and does not have a lot of flexibility. I use my left hand as my primary hand now because I can not raise my right arm without assistance from my left arm. So I am incredibly slow in moving and each move has to be planned in advance. I use a 3rd and 4th hand a lot, I use reverse tweezers a lot to hold things, I use super glue much less often because it takes awhile to get pieces situated. I use a white glue that can be released with alcohol  as well. Mainly it is just realizing that I have limitations and plan accordingly. Can I be as good as those with two good hands, NO, but I can  still do quality work and enjoy the process. I do 1/48 scale but no longer try to do 1/64 or higher. I also do admiralty models because rigging is not possible with my limitations. I still have great fun.

[Baker]

I can't help you with your question.
But I wish you a good and fast recovery.

[Johnny Mike]

Thanks for your response.

I understand and I have to adapt to my situation.

The response is very reaffirming for me to keep trying.

As mentioned recovery is slow but in my case continues

and even after 3 years I can see very slow but continued improvement.

 

I do force myself to keep trying build what is hard because I know 

you have to force yourself or you will not improve.

 

I to, have found I use a lot less superglue and have to clamp pieces I would have held before.

 

Thanks, I think the encouragement you have given me is the most important thing.

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[Mike Dowling]

I think others have already said it but, in case it helps, I had a stroke last year and basically lost control of my right side. Perseverance my friend is what it's all about. I am sure your therapists have talked to you about 'neuroplasticity' which is the posh way to say brain rewiring but it does happen albeit slowly. Keeping trying to do difficult things helps that happen and will make your recovery faster. Keep up what you are doing and just remind yourself of the 'oh, I couldn't do that last week', moments. They really do happen.

[knightyo]

My wife has a condition which has resulted in severe scarring of the brain, and it's been a continual "rewiring" process for years.  The brain definitely does figure out how to do certain tasks again by rewiring itself to bypass damage. To get back motor skills, I'd actually recommend an x-box or similar game in which the game is played exclusively with your hands.  The more you use your hands, the quicker the brain will rewire.  Video games are the first things that come to mind for me, but anything which forces your hands to perform over and over and over and over... It works, it just takes time.   The other thing I'd recommend is to purchase Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.  It is an amazingly enjoyable book which teaches you how to draw, and I think consistent drawing would also be beneficial for the rewiring process. 

 

Alan

[Johnny Mike]

Alan and Mike

 

Thanks for responding.

 

My situation is very similar although I was fortunate enough not to have a stroke

when I woke up from the operation nothing on the right side of my body worked.

Of coarse I am right handed.

 

I work on writing a lot and getting better. That simple thing pushes me to small improvements.

Who ever thought writing would require so much brain activity.