How am I doing? October Edition

Things are as usual, the only major change is my left hand is getting weaker. As a result I have started using text to speech or speech recognition for controlling my computer. Last week I sprained my left ankle, and that took away my ability to stand on my own for few minutes. I’ve tried lot of stuff but it still pains like hell. If it doesn’t get better today I’m going to call my doctor tomorrow. I want to ensure a pain free travel next week.

This past Monday I attended Communication Aids &Systems Clinic (CASC) at UW. There therapists showed me how to use a computer with limited fine motor skills. I knew about most of the stuff, but it was nice talking to someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in that area. They showed me communication devices which I might need and future. All of these devices start around $8000, and can go anywhere around $15,000. It all depends on the options that user chooses. The new ones coming out have a technology called EyeGaze. It allows users to control the device just by eye movement. I asked them if I can just by the communication software and not the device. They told me that it’s possible. There’s a company called Eye Response Technologies, which markets the software called LifeMate. Sweet! That’s what I was looking for.

Yesterday my daughter dressed up in all bumblebee costume for her preschool. The costume was for a Halloween party at her preschool. She was all excited to be in a bumblebee costume, and was running around the house flapping her hands. After some time she comes to me and looked disappointed. I asked are what happened, and she said “I can’t fly”! But she later got over her disappointment.

For now I am busy preparing for my trip, I will be flying out next Sunday.

Tagged as: ALS, How am I Doing?