Rediscovering PC Gaming: My Journey as a One-Handed Gamer After a Stroke

Hello, dear readers,

Today, I’d like to share a personal journey that highlights resilience, creativity, and the passionate world of gaming. At just 13 years old, I faced a major life shift when I suffered a stroke, which unfortunately affected my mobility, particularly in my left arm. Prior to this event, gaming was my escape, a way to bond with friends, and a source of intense excitement. Naturally, I feared these treasured experiences were behind me.

However, beneath that despair sparked a relentless desire to return to the gaming universe that I loved. I understood that most gaming controllers were designed for dual-handed use, presenting a significant barrier. Yet, the thought of giving up was unacceptable. I began the quest to adapt to my new reality, embracing the challenge of making gaming accessible once again.

After extensive research and experimentation, I stumbled upon a solution that would alter my gaming experience: a versatile gaming mouse with interchangeable attachments. The mouse came equipped with different button configurations, including options for 2, 7, and 12 buttons. I decided to start small with the 2-button setup, but very quickly I realized that this limited me in various games. Transitioning to the 7-button option proved transformative, providing much greater freedom and control.

It was imperative for me to take my time and not rush into the 12-button setup, as I quickly learned that mastering new configurations comes with its own set of challenges. Patience and practice became my allies in this journey.

Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to say that I have returned to playing a range of exhilarating games like CS:GO, Elder Scrolls Online, Call of Duty, and Rivals. Each game comes with its own button customization, yet I maintain consistency in my main controls to reduce confusion and simplify the experience.

This journey back into gaming has been not only rewarding but deeply fulfilling. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can inspire others facing similar challenges to seek out innovative solutions and never lose sight of their passion. If you’re navigating the complexities of accessible gaming or have inquiries about adaptive gear, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your gaming destiny is still very much within reach!