Hello Thomas. You're symptoms seem very similar to mine indeed. I also have trouble with other activities especially writing. In fact this all started over 20 years ago with writer's cramp which then developed into general FD. It shows it's symptoms with many hand operations and like you, can mostly be controlled with slow movement and relaxed motion. I believe relaxation is a key to improvement. I've never tried the botox treatment and really don't intend to even though I'm pretty sure I've isolated which muscle spasm causes the problems. It's a muscle in the inner forearm which tenses when it shouldn't and is uncontrollable at times. My drumming however has improved immensely over recent years. I also play mostly jazz but also pipe band drumming which generally has been the biggest problem because of it's technical nature at advanced levels. Jazz is usually manageable but not as I'd like. Brushes are a problem like you but I can manage to play double left handed if that makes sense - ie traditional left grip with both hands.
I'd love to be able to give you specific advice, but I think it's very much an individual thing to overcome but with concentrated relaxation I think it can be helped if not totally overcome. I've also managed to change my right hand grip somewhat which has helped.
Let's stay in touch on this one.
We're not alone even if we sometimes feel isolated.
All the best. Des
