14 March 2006
What goes around comes around.
Six years ago I started blogging because I was off work because my "disability" (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Type) had got all out of hand after a dose of the flu.
Six weeks ago I had a really bad dose of the flu.
Despite my best efforts, that disability, which I've fought to keep under control for the last four years, has got all out of hand again, but in a different way. Then it was my major joints that were the biggest problems, this time, rather than being my knees and hips and shoulders, it's my hands.
I've had a bit of trouble with my hands before, but mostly one hand at a time, and not for any great length of time. Combined with the fact that it's been a couple of years since my last really bad patch, well, I wasn't really prepared for how painful it was going to be.
I shouldn't even really be typing this, because the motion of typing is about the most painful thing I can do right now.
Which leads me to my dilemma.
I want to keep blogging, but it hurts to type (this post has been agony), and it might take a wee while before I manage to get some kind of voice input software sorted out. I had thought about doing a proper podcast - where I record and upload a sound file rather than typing my posts, but by their very nature they'd be inaccessible because I wouldn't be able to create a transcript (and if I could, I would just type rather than record).
So I'm stuck between wanting to do something that will make blogging more accessible to me in the short term, but which I know will be inaccessible to those who can't hear and not doing it because I know it'll be inaccessible and as a result not blogging for a bit... and that's not even getting into the whole issue of whether anyone would actually download and listen to it if I did do it.
But before I go (for however long it takes for me to sort something out), I have to say thanks to a couple of folk.
Firstly, to my secret pal for sending me a couple of cards and a lovely set of stitch markers.
Secondly, to whoever sent me the Battlestar Galactica Season 1 DVDs from my wishlist - thank you so much. I was feeling really crappy when I got home - my hands were agony and the amazon package was so unexpected. You really made my day and it's something I can do without using my hands.
You both rock.
Get well soon, Ann.
Take your time - we'd still be around when you come back :)
Get well soon Ann!
Hope you get well soon.
Get well soon!
And, if you want to do the audio posts, I know I could manage a bit of transcription...
I hope you are feeling a lot better soon Ann!
*hugs*
Hope it all sorts out soon - and for the time being, just concentrate on sorting it out, and getting everything back under control.
We'll still be around when you return, worry not. *grin*
Get well soon Ann!
Hugs & kisses
Hope all goes well, our thoughts are with you
*HUGS*
My other half has occassionly been forced into using Dragon Dictate because of various upper mobility problems. If you need any help on that side feel free to give us a shout. Our Contact details.
Look after yourself and if there is anything I can help with let me know. x
Huge hugs + kisses - take care of yourself xxx
big hug
Whatever you do, don't watch BSG Season 1 until you've seen the mini-series which sets the whole series up.
Glad you liked it. Look after yourself.
Sorry to hear that it's back, loads of virtual well wishes and hugs are being flung in your direction.
Dragon Dictate is ace. My Gran has been using it to 'type up' her memoirs/diary of old.
And I'm sure you could get a few people willing to type up a post or two now and again.
You'll have to get yourself a temporary secretary; keep off the keyboard (and knitting) awhile until you've rested...
More *hugs*
Sending you "non-stretchy" vibes.
See you soon.
I hope this doesn't last long and you feel better soon
Get well soon Ann, take it easy and don't try to do more than you can manage. xx
Take it easy Ann - please rest up, enjoy BSG and get well very soon!
Sorry to hear you're suffering. Here's hoping you feel better soon.
Get well soon!
I hope you get better soon Ann!
What they all said.
Hope you are back in olympic knitting form soon.
Get Well Soon!
Hey pix.
A big hug from Canada. Here's to a speedy recovery. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Regards,
Marco (aka crazybat)
I've never heard of that before, but it's really interesting. I'm definitely going to read up on that.
I hope you get better soon. Take care of yourself!
Big hugs, get well soon!!!!!!
Sue
xxx
More hugs from here. Hope you're feeling better soon :)
Hope you get better soon Ann!
Get well soon, dear. We'll leave the lights on for you.
We also do dictation, should you like. Send me an audio file and I'll sort out the rest, or we can do it live over IM.
Sorry to hear you're feeling so poorly, it must be as frustrating as it is painful.
Another vote for Dragon Dictate. Takes a wee while to get used to but once you're there it's brilliant. Then again, I'm also up for any transcribing you need doing, just holler.
Sorry to hear you are unwell.
Must be very painful for you.
Hope you get better soon.
I too used Dragon Dictate when I was transcribing conference papers.
It's very good and copes with most technical and scientific words with ease. You see the words appearing on the screen almost as you finish speaking the word, including punctuation.
Get better soon, Ann! *hug*
Get well soon Ann.
Get well soon Ann!
Sorry to hear having a tough time of it... lemme know if i can help out at all x
Adding to the hugs and good thoughts. Hope you feel better soon.
Here's hoping the quickest recovery.
So sorry to hear that things are grim - sounds very painful. I do hope things pick up soon.
Another vote for DragonDictate from this end - and the standard edition would work in most scenarios (unless you do extreme science)
I am interested in why you put "disability" in quotes - its interesting to see how others describe themselves!
Ouch, that's tough.
Hope it improves soon.
Get well soon, Ann. xxx
Poor you - I can definitely empathise having had 8 weeks of something similar. Contact me if you want to discuss tactics
Get your fella to act as an amenuensis.
And do get well soon.
Well I certainly hope you feel better soon, always look forward to your input, you have helped me alot over the last couple years with your input and opinions on things. It has always been greatly appreciated.
As we would have said in Germany - "Hold your ears stiff" (meaning chear up and don't let your ears hang. LOL - Dog thing I guess! ROFL)
Cheers
Kyle
Get well soon, make sure you are well for @Media if you are going.
Will be nice to see you again.
Lay off the knitting!
Sounds ouchy.. My brother suffers a similar thing, but his is an auto-immune type thingy (I'm so technical!). Heal well.. and watch lots of good movies
Hey,
Sorry haven't been round in a bit. And sorry to hear things are not so great at the moment.
I do however wish you a very super speedy recovery. Because you rock and people who rock should be recovered. Cause I say so.
Adr
... the online home and (not very) alter(ed)-ego of Ann McMeekin, a recently freelance Web Accessibility Consultant.
... passionate about many things, most of which will turn up on this site at some time or other.
... contactable via email.
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