Wellness

[151949]

My DH doesn't type - he has an app where he can just speak and the computer types for him. Not perfect but better than nothing.

[jlkz]

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@LilacTree wrote:

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@LonestarBabs wrote:

You may find that Dragon's voice-recognition software can help you with the computer -- you just talk and it types for you! Also other commands -- might be very convenient for you!

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Yes, I've heard of Dragon software.  I plan to look into it.  Thanks for the suggestion!!

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@151949@,@LilacTree, @LonestarBabs

The Dragon software is excellent: DH uses it when we are in Naples for the Winter and works from the condo.  As a lawyer, he was amazed at its accuracy in spelling.

It requires a half hour or so of initial set up:  you need to speak into it so it recognizes your voice, accent, etc.  It should make this aspect of your life a whole lot easier.

Good Luck.

[LilacTree]

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@sidsmom wrote:

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@LilacTree wrote:

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@LilacTree wrote:

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@sidsmom wrote:

So sorry to hear this.   Sounds like you have some good recommendations for voice to text programs...to allow you to continue to post.

I have a story suggestion you might relate to.

Her symptoms were the same even though she was 20+yrs younger.

I can't link, but

Google:  Leslie Craine McDougall

That story might inspire you & give you hope.

Good luck, dear! 

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Thank you for that.  I will read this!  And thank you for your good wishes also. 

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ETA:  Sid's Mom.  Believe it or not these are the foods I mostly eat!  I must have come across this diet before.  However, I do also eat fish . . . salmon and tuna mostly.  I do not eat meat at all in any form.

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Unfortunately fish is meat.  All animal flesh & animal byproducts are highly inflammatory. 

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There is much controversy about whether or not fish is meat.  However, this is why I eat it:

Some fats -- especially omega-3 fatty acids -- lower inflammation.

They also cut down on “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides when you use them instead of saturated fats and trans fats. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in the blood) put you at risk for heart disease. Since RA makes heart disease more likely, you want to take every opportunity to keep your heart healthy.

Salmon, herring, sardines, and anchovies are great sources of omega-3s. Salmon has the most, with up to 2 grams per 3-ounce serving. Don’t overcook it, because that can destroy more than half of the omega-3s. Bake or grill fish instead of frying it to preserve healthful fat.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week.

Don't like fish? Walnuts, canola oil, and soybeans are rich in a different type of omega-3 fatty acid. Or ask your doctor about supplements.

[LilacTree]

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@Gooday wrote:

DH bought a Dragon but ended up giving it to a friend who is writing a book and the guy loves it!

DH also has a lot of arthritis which started with his grandfather, his mom and now him.  He has psoriatic arthritis and his fingers look like knobby, square digits.  He drops everything he picks up. 

I feel for all you that have this issue.

I consider myself so fortunate as I worked for nearly 30 years as a medical transcriber and have NEVER had a problem with my fingers or hands and never carpal tunnel which so many transcibers contracted.

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I also did medical tape transcription for many years.  I used to put in two or three hours every evening.  I was working full time as well.  With the exception of the years I was making and taking care of four babies in the 60s, I can't remember a time when I did not type every day, initially on typewriters and then since 1980 on computers.  

I never had a problem with my hands/fingers/wrists until I came down with RA. 

[LilacTree]

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@MoJoV wrote:

Lilac Tree I'm sorry you're going through all this pain and anxiety.  I hope you can find a solution that works for you.  

I use my Kindle tablet much much more than my laptop.  One finger is all I need and it's so portable.  I wish you would give a tablet another try.  But the Dragon suggestions seemed smart,too.

I wish you all the best.

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Thank you Skylark.

[Trinity11]

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@LilacTree wrote:

My right hand has just taken a turn for the worse.  I am now wearing a vinyl glove to try to keep my fingers together.  I can't use a brace when I type.  Rheumatologist said surgery is the only treatment. 

I researched yesterday and hand surgery in RA cases is not particularly successful.  Many scars and sometimes increased lack of dexterity.  It is my right hand (the deformity always appears first in the hand that's used most and I'm such a "righty" I doubt I will be able to type with just my left hand). I will discuss this with a surgeon, and in the meantime, the vinyl glove is helping.

Almost shed tears while researching and watching a video of hand surgery (really awful), but I didn't cry.  I never cry about my health, just about everything else.  I have been typing for over 60 years and using a computer for 36.  Touch screens won't do much for me because one still has to type, e.g., on this BB. 

This is not a surprise, I knew it would come.  I just hate that it's here.  I still feel lucky to be alive at this age and will just have to accept that life is going to be different in the coming months.

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I am so sorry Lilac Tree. I really wish there was something I could suggest. I was wondering if you were to start a biologic if this would regress? Sometimes the side effects of a drug are worth it making it easier to live and have less pain. I was just put on a steroid for my asthma ....I know I will gain weight and need new clothes but at least I will breath better. I also have a friend on a biologic for RA and she is doing a lot better. She can now go on walks and climb stairs. I see a huge difference in her endurance.

Just know that I am thinking of you...you've been a trooper and it cannot be easy for you.

[LilacTree]

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@Trinity11 wrote:

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@LilacTree wrote:

My right hand has just taken a turn for the worse.  I am now wearing a vinyl glove to try to keep my fingers together.  I can't use a brace when I type.  Rheumatologist said surgery is the only treatment. 

I researched yesterday and hand surgery in RA cases is not particularly successful.  Many scars and sometimes increased lack of dexterity.  It is my right hand (the deformity always appears first in the hand that's used most and I'm such a "righty" I doubt I will be able to type with just my left hand). I will discuss this with a surgeon, and in the meantime, the vinyl glove is helping.

Almost shed tears while researching and watching a video of hand surgery (really awful), but I didn't cry.  I never cry about my health, just about everything else.  I have been typing for over 60 years and using a computer for 36.  Touch screens won't do much for me because one still has to type, e.g., on this BB. 

This is not a surprise, I knew it would come.  I just hate that it's here.  I still feel lucky to be alive at this age and will just have to accept that life is going to be different in the coming months.

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I am so sorry Lilac Tree. I really wish there was something I could suggest. I was wondering if you were to start a biologic if this would regress? Sometimes the side effects of a drug are worth it making it easier to live and have less pain. I was just put on a steroid for my asthma ....I know I will gain weight and need new clothes but at least I will breath better. I also have a friend on a biologic for RA and she is doing a lot better. She can now go on walks and climb stairs. I see a huge difference in her endurance.

Just know that I am thinking of you...you've been a trooper and it cannot be easy for you.

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RA doc said it's too late for my hand.  Surgery is the only option.  Most of my physical disabilities are due to my cellophane back (osteoporosis).  Climbing stairs is almost impossible now unless I am being practically carried.  Walking is painful but my legs work, it's my spinal fractures and the gross fatigue that plague me the most.  I am so sick of the pain.

This hand thing is new (well, I mean worse), so I still don't know what I will do for that.  My groceries came and it took me almost two hours to put them away and I know I will pay for it tomorrow.  Just folding the bags was a chore. 

@Trinity11, your suggestions are wonderful and I appreciate your input so much . . . I just sometimes think it's too late for me.  But I'll get over it.  Today the groceries just did me in.  Going to rest a little and then make something to eat and end the day early.

I can't thank you and everyone here enough. 

[sophiamarie]

@LilacTree  I thought you had a daughter living with you.  If so, then why can't she help you with your groceries and other things?  Just a thought.......

[Trinity11]

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@LilacTree wrote:

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@Trinity11 wrote:

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@LilacTree wrote:

My right hand has just taken a turn for the worse.  I am now wearing a vinyl glove to try to keep my fingers together.  I can't use a brace when I type.  Rheumatologist said surgery is the only treatment. 

I researched yesterday and hand surgery in RA cases is not particularly successful.  Many scars and sometimes increased lack of dexterity.  It is my right hand (the deformity always appears first in the hand that's used most and I'm such a "righty" I doubt I will be able to type with just my left hand). I will discuss this with a surgeon, and in the meantime, the vinyl glove is helping.

Almost shed tears while researching and watching a video of hand surgery (really awful), but I didn't cry.  I never cry about my health, just about everything else.  I have been typing for over 60 years and using a computer for 36.  Touch screens won't do much for me because one still has to type, e.g., on this BB. 

This is not a surprise, I knew it would come.  I just hate that it's here.  I still feel lucky to be alive at this age and will just have to accept that life is going to be different in the coming months.

---

I am so sorry Lilac Tree. I really wish there was something I could suggest. I was wondering if you were to start a biologic if this would regress? Sometimes the side effects of a drug are worth it making it easier to live and have less pain. I was just put on a steroid for my asthma ....I know I will gain weight and need new clothes but at least I will breath better. I also have a friend on a biologic for RA and she is doing a lot better. She can now go on walks and climb stairs. I see a huge difference in her endurance.

Just know that I am thinking of you...you've been a trooper and it cannot be easy for you.

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RA doc said it's too late for my hand.  Surgery is the only option.  Most of my physical disabilities are due to my cellophane back (osteoporosis).  Climbing stairs is almost impossible now unless I am being practically carried.  Walking is painful but my legs work, it's my spinal fractures and the gross fatigue that plague me the most.  I am so sick of the pain.

This hand thing is new (well, I mean worse), so I still don't know what I will do for that.  My groceries came and it took me almost two hours to put them away and I know I will pay for it tomorrow.  Just folding the bags was a chore. 

@Trinity11, your suggestions are wonderful and I appreciate your input so much . . . I just sometimes think it's too late for me.  But I'll get over it.  Today the groceries just did me in.  Going to rest a little and then make something to eat and end the day early.

I can't thank you and everyone here enough. 

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Lilac, there are drugs with excellent track records for pain relief. When you feel better I would really consider them if you think it is too late. Please don't give up.. Speak to your doctor...maybe he feels this needs surgery because you won't take a biologic? Have you asked if you took one of the newer drugs what percentage of pain would be relieved. It well may be worth it with a guarantee of less pain.

[tansy]

 There's a microphone attached to my iPad. And that's how I just type this note. Maybe that's an option for you @LilacTree.