Technology and Fun-- Stroke Recovery

One of the things I'm most embarassed about that's stroke related is my handwriting. I get very annoyed and frustrated when an envelope or check is returned to me because the handwriting is deemed "illegible" by a recepient.

I've turned to technology a lot to resolve this problem.

1. I use a typewriter to fill out checks for the few items that need to be done by hand. Tax time is especially frustrating to me.

2. I use electronic banking to pay most of my bills. My ATM card is something that's been a big boon to my recovery.

3. I now look at every piece of new technology from the standpoint of how it appears to help people with disabilities.

Initially, i thought speech recognition programs would be very useful to me, but I soon discovered that it was more important for me to relearn how to speak clearly than it was to rely on speech recognition software, which can be diffisdult to migrate from one hardware platform to another.

4. As improbable as it may seem to some, convertible notebook computers have become a huge part of my life.  I do use stylus data entry. i've developed my own shorthand note taking codes and if i feel something is important enough, I convert the notes to typed text the same day. Convertible notebooks have been a godsend. I've recovered enough use of my left hand that I can type accurately and quickly in classes. I use and recommend a Lenovo X60 tablet. it has outstanding commnuications options, a crisp display that works very well for fine stylus input, and a stylus that fits very comfortably in my left hand ( and which even has an electronic eraser!)

My life is on that computer. and it's become a much more important critical part of my life than the technology was before my stroke.

I found out last night that my family is giving me a new piece of technology that I think can make a difference-- a Dymo label printer that prints labels as well as postage-sized strips.  That should take care of the illegible adresses onthe envelop problem. And, it gives me a chance to print custom stamps that have a picture of my snarling chihuahua. To any of my recovering stroke blog readers, I recommend this label printer very highly. And, it has the capability for to print your own laugh-in-the face-of-adversity images on personal postage stamps.

5. I have adapted my lifestyle to include those things that challenge my disabilities and force me to overcome my limitations. Notetaking initially was one of those as was my ability to remain focused "on task" for very long. I have followed up on those avocational interests that improve my dexterity and concentration. I routinely take college courses in topics that interest me. I use technology to help me take notes, be a productive member of study groups and generaly improve my personal learning skills. There are a couple of programs i highly recommend: Microsoft OneNote and iLighter from www.iLighter.com. Both programs are powerful and can help you stay focused on tasks or projects.

Get Outside and Get Busy

6. I spend a lot of times out of doors everyday. I'm an avocational organic vegetable gardener. It helps me improve the fine motor skills of my affected (left) hand and keeps me from becoming a sedentary pink slug couch potato. In the sunny months, I have a two-bottle-a-month SPF 45 Sunscreen habit.

7. I enroll in and faithfully attend adaptive PE courses offered by local community colleges and adult education programs. I do this to improve my ability and general physical conditioning. I spend three hours a week in a heated therapy pool in a water aerobics class. It's fun and as a result of my experience i've become less body conscious and much more flexible.

8. I deep sea fish a lot. it's taught me to be a lot more patient with myself. Bbenig out onthe ocean alone in my 18-foot Panga, trying to land a big yelowtail or mid-sized tuna yellowfin tuna requires concentration. If i lose a fish, trying to land it, I laugh. There's always another day and most likely there will always be another fish.  I fish intelligently. I look for bait on the surface and diving sea birds.  I also have a nice fish finder with integrated GPS. I made a deal with my family: they don't worry about me floating off to  Japan, and I don't go anywhere on the water without a fully charged VHF marine radio attached to my clothes with a stout lanyard.

9. Finally, i recommend blogging as a great activity for recovering stroke patients. It's a great proof-of-life activity and it can help you regain skills and self-confidence that may have been lost in a stroke. More importantly, it's a chance to show that you didn't lose your sense of humor. Jim Forbes on 01/20/2007.