Physically Challenged Cooking

In article <[email hidden]>,

~patches~ said:

Nancy Young said:

"~patches~" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

do a lot of canning as everyone knows here. I get DH to put the canning
pots on the counter as I can't lift them at the moment but I can add water
and I can get jars out. Freezers are a royal pain in the butt for me. I
can get into the sbs but the chest freezers are really a pain! DH for the
most part has to get that stuff out. I cook in bulk as much as possible
to compensate for those days I can't cook.

I'm really sorry you are hurt. Can you get a wheeled cart with shelves
and a place to put it out of the way? Pick through your stuff in the
shelves you can reach in your kitchen and put less used stuff higher
and use the space for more used stuff within reach?

My kitchen is set up as being very efficient but unfortunately there is
no room for a wheeled cart.

Quoted message said:

I did that myself, emptied out a cabinet, put that stuff (I hardly
used) somewhere else, and put other things in that space.
Annoys me to rely on someone to get everyday things for me
from a high shelf.

I'm using the step stool or DH. I should almost put the step stool on
wheels but that wouldn't be too safe LOL.

Quoted message said:

Good luck with that. nancy

We have a step stool at work that is on wheels, but when you put weight
on it, the wheels retract and the solid feet come down. :-)

The wheels are lightly spring loaded.

Maybe you could find something like that?

I can take a pic of it this week if you need it?
--
Peace, Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

~patches~ said:

Lefty, thanks. From what my gp said these problems are going to
continue for some time. I'm seeing a neurosurgeon the end of this
month. In the meantime, I have a rehab person coming in to offer
modification suggestions for all areas of my lifestyle on Tuesday.

The rehab person should have some good ideas for you. I suspect
you'll have to make room for things like a wheeled cart for some items.
The only ideas I had were mentioned here already so I won't repeat them,
but I hope everything clears up for you quickly.

Stacia

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ok I have eluded a couple of times to some of the problems I'm having

and without going into detail if anyone out there is dealing with
physical problems when cooking, would you please mind sharing them and
your ways of dealing with them. <<

I have an arm that barely works because of an accident. Overuse leads
to dropping thing, loss of sensation and pain.
I therefore use a food processor when someone else might not, and I
have three of different sizes and powers. I use two different
mandolines and a microplane. Using a foodmill sometimes ends up with
spur of the moment redecoration.
I am also short so every stepstool, chair and oddment gets used. Not
living with anyone currently, so chest freezer could become a coffin
for me! Upright it is.
I am so used to these things I don't notice until someone starts
whinging about how cooks don't really cook anymore they just process.
I cook for money. Without my helpers I wouldn't make much. I probably
wouldn't eat much either.

jmcquown said:

~patches~ said:

Ok I have eluded a couple of times to some of the problems I'm having
and without going into detail if anyone out there is dealing with
physical problems when cooking, would you please mind sharing them and
your ways of dealing with them.

My aunt Jean was legally blind (not totally blind) from the age of about 26
back in the early 1940's. She was an excellent cook. She knew where things
were in her kitchen and around the house by touch. She made wonderful meals
including a fantastic German chocolate cake with coconut pecan frosting.
She also refinished furniture and did pottery as a hobby. So no, you don't
have to tell me about physically challenged people. I know they can and
will do things, if they want to. Thing is, you have to want to.

Jill

Jill, if you have read my posts you know I'm a die hard foodie who does
a lot of canning. The *want* is a given. The ability might be another
issue. Oh and I'm not trying to tell anyone about physically
challenged people. I'm asking for tips on how to cope with this problem
while maintaining my cooking standards as well as not giving up canning.
This type of discussion could be of benefit to more than just me.

Ted Campanelli said:

Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these great (and sometimes not
so great) words of knowledge:

Quoted message said:

Ok I have eluded a couple of times to some of the problems I'm having
and without going into detail if anyone out there is dealing with
physical problems when cooking, would you please mind sharing them and
your ways of dealing with them. Here's mine - I need a step stool in
the kitchen. Reaching for anything is not an option. I get very
frustrated but that's the way it is for now at least. I need things
consistently in their right place otherwise it is just too difficult.
I do a lot of canning as everyone knows here. I get DH to put the
canning pots on the counter as I can't lift them at the moment but I
can add water and I can get jars out. Freezers are a royal pain in
the butt for me. I can get into the sbs but the chest freezers are
really a pain! DH for the most part has to get that stuff out. I cook
in bulk as much as possible to compensate for those days I can't cook.

I don't know the exact nature of your problem, however, from you saying
a neurosurgeon, I presume it concerns your back.

Cervical - MRI results - C3/C4 mildly affected, C4/C5 worse, C5/C6
significantly affecting spinal cord, C6/C7 worse than C3/C4 but not as
bad as C4/C5 - all due to an accident. I have marked left side
weakness, tingling sensation or numbness and pain. The weakness is bad
enough that I cannot pick up a filled coffe cup with my left hand and my
left leg is rather lazy giving a bit of a limp. The left side weakness
has created a lot of problems. So far I have been able to compensate a
lot with my right side. I'm finding it more difficult to do things but
that doesn't stop me from trying. My gp gave me strict order of what I
can and can't do because of C5/C6 and the symptoms I'm having. She said
this is necessary until I see the neurosurgeon. She is very concerned
that C5/C6 will get a lot worse. Sitting for longer than about 10
minutes or standing is a problem Reaching and lifting are not allowed
right now. I do a lot of moving around mainly to get comfortable.
Sleeping is a problem.

Quoted message said:

If you are not aware, there is a back surgery that is being done on a
"trial basis" for "ONE DISK ONLY" (gotta love the FDA and AMA). This
procedure has been used in Europe for over 15 years, for MULTIPLE disks
and has a 97%+ success rate. Basically, they separate the vertebra,
imbed a metal plate in each vertebra and the put a cushion between the
two plates. The "normal" back surgery here (fusing of the vertebra) has
the following rates: 25% are better, 50% are the same and 25% are
worse. While recovery time for back surgery done here is about 6
months, this procedure from Europe has an average recovery time of about
6 - 8 weeks.

Is this the laser surgery? Someone mentioned that last night as well as
some type of machine to help with the pain. I can't do anything without
my doctor's consent. I've had physio, traction, and deep muscle therapy.
Everything is on hold until I see the neurosurgeon. That makes me a
little nervous that things are worse than she said. I don't like taking
high powered pain killers so I do imagery and seed filled hot packs.
I've done yoga for years but can't right now. I find I'm more
comfortable if I'm moving around then sitting or laying.

Quoted message said:

The reason I know about this is that I have degenerative arthritus of
the spine. It is disolving my disks. At present I have 2 disks
completely gone (bone on bone) and 2 more with less than 10% of the disk
left. Fortunately, between the pain killers, a cane and gritting my
teeth, I can still get around somewhat (no wheel chair YET )

I feel your pain and thanks for sharing.

~patches~ said:

jmcquown said:

~patches~ said:

Ok I have eluded a couple of times to some of the problems I'm
having
and without going into detail if anyone out there is dealing with
physical problems when cooking, would you please mind sharing them
and
your ways of dealing with them.

My aunt Jean was legally blind (not totally blind) from the age of
about 26 back in the early 1940's. She was an excellent cook. She
knew where things were in her kitchen and around the house by touch.
She made wonderful meals including a fantastic German chocolate cake
with coconut pecan frosting. She also refinished furniture and did
pottery as a hobby. So no, you don't have to tell me about
physically challenged people. I know they can and will do things,
if they want to. Thing is, you have to want to.

Jill

Jill, if you have read my posts you know I'm a die hard foodie who
does
a lot of canning. The *want* is a given. The ability might be
another issue. Oh and I'm not trying to tell anyone about physically
challenged people. I'm asking for tips on how to cope with this
problem while maintaining my cooking standards as well as not giving
up canning. This type of discussion could be of benefit to more
than just me.

I've read your posts. Sorry, was just relating a story about my legally
blind aunt. Piggybacking, as it were. (BTW, she got her sight back due to
an operation 6 months before she died. She hadn't seen herself in a mirror
in 40 years.) I suppose the moral to the story is never let it get you
down. I have no other suggestions for you, I'm sorry!

Jill

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ok I have eluded (sic) a couple of times to some of the problems I'm having
and without going into detail if anyone out there is dealing with
physical problems when cooking, would you please mind sharing them and
your ways of dealing with them.

I have only one arm. Lost the left one years ago in an auto accident. I sometimes get
really frustrated when things won't hold still and I have to chase them with the knife.
Otherwise, making bread ( I guess baking, in general) is the only procedure with which I
have more than average trouble.

I love to cook and, while I might take a slightly different approach to completing a task,
I manage rather well.

--
Rick R
[email hidden]
replace default with com to email

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

~patches~ said:

Nancy Young said:

"~patches~" <[email hidden]> wrote

>do a lot of canning as everyone knows here. I get DH to put the canning
>pots on the counter as I can't lift them at the moment but I can add water
>and I can get jars out. Freezers are a royal pain in the butt for me. I
>can get into the sbs but the chest freezers are really a pain! DH for the
>most part has to get that stuff out. I cook in bulk as much as possible
>to compensate for those days I can't cook.

I'm really sorry you are hurt. Can you get a wheeled cart with shelves
and a place to put it out of the way? Pick through your stuff in the
shelves you can reach in your kitchen and put less used stuff higher
and use the space for more used stuff within reach?

My kitchen is set up as being very efficient but unfortunately there is
no room for a wheeled cart.

Quoted message said:

I did that myself, emptied out a cabinet, put that stuff (I hardly
used) somewhere else, and put other things in that space.
Annoys me to rely on someone to get everyday things for me
from a high shelf.

I'm using the step stool or DH. I should almost put the step stool on
wheels but that wouldn't be too safe LOL.

Quoted message said:

Good luck with that. nancy

We have a step stool at work that is on wheels, but when you put weight
on it, the wheels retract and the solid feet come down. :-)

The wheels are lightly spring loaded.

Maybe you could find something like that?

I can take a pic of it this week if you need it?

Thanks Om. If it like what they use in the libraries, that would be a
lot easier. I'm vertically challenged so need a step stool at the best
of times but one on wheels would really be a blessing.

I've actually visited their showroom on Lung Guyland

http://www.maxiaids.com

~patches~ said:

Nancy Young said:

"~patches~" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

do a lot of canning as everyone knows here. I get DH to put the canning
pots on the counter as I can't lift them at the moment but I can add water
and I can get jars out. Freezers are a royal pain in the butt for me. I
can get into the sbs but the chest freezers are really a pain! DH for the
most part has to get that stuff out. I cook in bulk as much as possible
to compensate for those days I can't cook.

I'm really sorry you are hurt. Can you get a wheeled cart with shelves
and a place to put it out of the way? Pick through your stuff in the
shelves you can reach in your kitchen and put less used stuff higher
and use the space for more used stuff within reach?

My kitchen is set up as being very efficient but unfortunately there is
no room for a wheeled cart.

Quoted message said:

I did that myself, emptied out a cabinet, put that stuff (I hardly
used) somewhere else, and put other things in that space.
Annoys me to rely on someone to get everyday things for me
from a high shelf.

I'm using the step stool or DH. I should almost put the step stool on
wheels but that wouldn't be too safe LOL.

Quoted message said:

Good luck with that. nancy

Patches, our county library has a type of step stool that has hidden
wheels, but when you step on it, it drops a bit to stabalize and doesn't
move.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Patches,

It seems that if you ask about specific tasks here , you'll get plenty of
input on how somebody's method is easiest. When I worked in rehab, most of
the adaptive equipment and processes would benefit anybody, not only the
"challenged", and some originated in somebody's tried and true "best way".

I wanted to add that the beauty of getting professional help is often that
it will qualify for insurance or other types of assistance that way. You can
also sometimes borrow products to try out before putting out any cash. This
stuff can get expensive.
Lefty
--
Life is for learning

biig said:

~patches~ said:

Nancy Young said:

"~patches~" <[email hidden]> wrote

>do a lot of canning as everyone knows here. I get DH to put the canning
>pots on the counter as I can't lift them at the moment but I can add water
>and I can get jars out. Freezers are a royal pain in the butt for me. I
>can get into the sbs but the chest freezers are really a pain! DH for the
>most part has to get that stuff out. I cook in bulk as much as possible
>to compensate for those days I can't cook.

I'm really sorry you are hurt. Can you get a wheeled cart with shelves
and a place to put it out of the way? Pick through your stuff in the
shelves you can reach in your kitchen and put less used stuff higher
and use the space for more used stuff within reach?

My kitchen is set up as being very efficient but unfortunately there is
no room for a wheeled cart.

Quoted message said:

I did that myself, emptied out a cabinet, put that stuff (I hardly
used) somewhere else, and put other things in that space.
Annoys me to rely on someone to get everyday things for me
from a high shelf.

I'm using the step stool or DH. I should almost put the step stool on
wheels but that wouldn't be too safe LOL.

Quoted message said:

Good luck with that. nancy

Patches, our county library has a type of step stool that has hidden
wheels, but when you step on it, it drops a bit to stabalize and doesn't
move.

Thanks biig. Someone else suggested this so DH is going shopping tomorrow.

biig said:

Patches, our county library has a type of step stool that has hidden
wheels, but when you step on it, it drops a bit to stabalize and doesn't
move.

No doubt you mean these:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?G2A3242DC

Very common in industrial environments, also. The best of their type,
IMO.

nb

Lefty said:

Patches,

It seems that if you ask about specific tasks here , you'll get plenty of
input on how somebody's method is easiest. When I worked in rehab, most of
the adaptive equipment and processes would benefit anybody, not only the
"challenged", and some originated in somebody's tried and true "best way".

I wanted to add that the beauty of getting professional help is often that
it will qualify for insurance or other types of assistance that way. You can
also sometimes borrow products to try out before putting out any cash. This
stuff can get expensive.
Lefty

Ok, here are my biggest kitchen problems aside lifting anything of any
weight.

heights - I'm vertically challenged to begin with so have had a step
stool for quite some time. I can stand on the counter and still not
touch the ceiling. With the left side weakness and/or numbing or
tingling, climbing that step stool can be challenging. I can't catch
myself if I misstep but the possiblities of misstepping are greatly
increased. Sol'n so far have been to get DH to get whatever large pots
or equipment down for me first thing in the morning and then he puts
them away at night. This is a really big problem for me. Then If I'm
trying to get something down it is worse.

reaching - strict orders not to raise my arms above my shoulders. Eye
level and counter level is ok. Left side weakness presents some
problems but I'm dealing with it. One corner cupboard is a disaster for me.

standing - Prep work is fine as long as I don't stand in one place for
longer than about 10 minutes. I have a dishwasher so only have to wash
pots and pans.

bending - the lazy susan is in the bank of the lower cabinet. The
*only* way I can get anything out of there is to squat then sit on my
butt and hope to hell I can get back up. So this is a major problem.

freezers - 2 chest freezers and one side by side - If something is near
the top of the chest freezers I can get it. Other than that, no way.
The sbs isn't too bad so DH has been rotating the freezer food for me
more. I'm wondering if getting an upright freezer would be a better idea?

canning - I'm very experienced so feel comfortable running the canners.
Getting jars in or out seems to be ok at the moment. Moving heavy
pots or the canner is a no go.

kitchen size - We have an l-shaped countertop, stuffed to the hilt, not
eat in kichen. There is no room for a wheeled cart or island. My
canning shelf is on one wall so at least that stuff is always
accessible. We can't bump out or make the kitchen larger although DH
does have an architect coming in to see what we could do. If a
wheelchair became a necessity for even a short period of time the whole
back end of our house would have to be redone.

Any and all suggestions welcomed

On Sun 19 Mar 2006 01:01:54p, Thus Spake Zarathustra, or was it ~patches~?

Quoted message said:

biig said:

~patches~ said:

Nancy Young wrote:

>"~patches~" <[email hidden]> wrote
>
>
>
>>do a lot of canning as everyone knows here. I get DH to put the
>>canning pots on the counter as I can't lift them at the moment but I
>>can add water and I can get jars out. Freezers are a royal pain in
>>the butt for me. I can get into the sbs but the chest freezers are
>>really a pain! DH for the most part has to get that stuff out. I
>>cook in bulk as much as possible to compensate for those days I can't
>>cook.
>
>
>I'm really sorry you are hurt. Can you get a wheeled cart with
>shelves and a place to put it out of the way? Pick through your stuff
>in the shelves you can reach in your kitchen and put less used stuff
>higher and use the space for more used stuff within reach?

My kitchen is set up as being very efficient but unfortunately there is
no room for a wheeled cart.

>I did that myself, emptied out a cabinet, put that stuff (I hardly
>used) somewhere else, and put other things in that space.
>Annoys me to rely on someone to get everyday things for me from a high
>shelf.

I'm using the step stool or DH. I should almost put the step stool on
wheels but that wouldn't be too safe LOL.

>Good luck with that. nancy
>

Patches, our county library has a type of step stool that has hidden
wheels, but when you step on it, it drops a bit to stabalize and
doesn't move.

Thanks biig. Someone else suggested this so DH is going shopping
tomorrow.

This is the type that was suggested to you.

http://tinyurl.com/fcr3v

--
Wayne Boatwright o¿o
____________________

BIOYA

Quoted message said:

Ok, here are my biggest kitchen problems aside lifting anything of any
weight.

heights - I'm vertically challenged to begin with so have had a step stool
for quite some time. I can stand on the counter and still not touch the
ceiling. With the left side weakness and/or numbing or tingling, climbing
that step stool can be challenging. I can't catch myself if I misstep but
the possiblities of misstepping are greatly increased. Sol'n so far have
been to get DH to get whatever large pots or equipment down for me first
thing in the morning and then he puts them away at night. This is a
really big problem for me. Then If I'm trying to get something down it is
worse.

One sorta solution to paragraph above. I NEVER get on a step stool. If I
can't reach it, DH will bring it down for me. If he weren't available, I'd
have to work out another solution - i.e., get rid of a lot of stuff; put
everything essential at eye level and a little up and a little down.
Don't trust yourself on the smallest step-stool. My opinion only, only
because I don't.

Quoted message said:

reaching - strict orders not to raise my arms above my shoulders. Eye
level and counter level is ok. Left side weakness presents some problems
but I'm dealing with it. One corner cupboard is a disaster for me.

I can't reach out in front of me with anything weighing much over two lbs.
Just don't try. Put something else in the corner cupboard for DH to do when
he's available.

Quoted message said:

standing - Prep work is fine as long as I don't stand in one place for
longer than about 10 minutes. I have a dishwasher so only have to wash
pots and pans.

If you're abode is open, or if you have a chair near, put on a timer, then
sit down and relax or read something. Or bring out a tablet to sketch until
you gain back some energy. This is one reason my kitchen is always a mess,
I usually have to work in increments of time. Lots/most of the time I do
mise-en-place, rest, do a few dishes, rest, cook, rest, clean up dishes.
It's an on-going thing.

Quoted message said:

bending - the lazy susan is in the bank of the lower cabinet. The *only*
way I can get anything out of there is to squat then sit on my butt and
hope to hell I can get back up. So this is a major problem.

Forget about the lazy susan stuff -- don't do it! I have a buffet chest
where I store kitchen towel, cloths, etc. on a lower part. I set it in front
of the buffet in a clothes basket. It sits there until DH unloads it.

Quoted message said:

freezers - 2 chest freezers and one side by side - If something is near
the top of the chest freezers I can get it. Other than that, no way. The
sbs isn't too bad so DH has been rotating the freezer food for me more.
I'm wondering if getting an upright freezer would be a better idea?

Maybe size down your freezing space altogether?

Quoted message said:

canning - I'm very experienced so feel comfortable running the canners.
Getting jars in or out seems to be ok at the moment. Moving heavy pots or
the canner is a no go.

Wait until DH is home for a day or around the house to can.

Quoted message said:

kitchen size - We have an l-shaped countertop, stuffed to the hilt, not
eat in kichen. There is no room for a wheeled cart or island. My canning
shelf is on one wall so at least that stuff is always accessible. We
can't bump out or make the kitchen larger although DH does have an
architect coming in to see what we could do. If a wheelchair became a
necessity for even a short period of time the whole back end of our house
would have to be redone.

There is always the in-between mobility and a wheel-chair -- investigate the
purchase or rental of a nice walker.

And it's OK to give in to health problems. Sometimes it seems
insurmountable. Doing less seems terrible when you're used to doing a lot,
but you'll have more time for some sit-down things for a while.

Quoted message said:

Any and all suggestions welcomed

Those are my suggestions.
I hope they don't sound too dire. I've faced a lot of the same thing, but
not on the same critical basis that you are facing.
Good health,
Dee Dee

Dee Randall said:

Quoted message said:

Ok, here are my biggest kitchen problems aside lifting anything of any
weight.

heights - I'm vertically challenged to begin with so have had a step stool
for quite some time. I can stand on the counter and still not touch the
ceiling. With the left side weakness and/or numbing or tingling, climbing
that step stool can be challenging. I can't catch myself if I misstep but
the possiblities of misstepping are greatly increased. Sol'n so far have
been to get DH to get whatever large pots or equipment down for me first
thing in the morning and then he puts them away at night. This is a
really big problem for me. Then If I'm trying to get something down it is
worse.

One sorta solution to paragraph above. I NEVER get on a step stool. If I
can't reach it, DH will bring it down for me. If he weren't available, I'd
have to work out another solution - i.e., get rid of a lot of stuff; put
everything essential at eye level and a little up and a little down.
Don't trust yourself on the smallest step-stool. My opinion only, only
because I don't.

See, I'm have really developed a fear of falling especially since
falling between the boat and dock last year due to this left sid
problem. That tore a hamstring, not pleasant. I'd like my feet on the
ground but I will use the rubbermaid step stool in the kitchen out of
necessity.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

reaching - strict orders not to raise my arms above my shoulders. Eye
level and counter level is ok. Left side weakness presents some problems
but I'm dealing with it. One corner cupboard is a disaster for me.

I can't reach out in front of me with anything weighing much over two lbs.
Just don't try. Put something else in the corner cupboard for DH to do when
he's available.

The corner cupboard is just a major problem for me. I'll talk it over
with DH tonight. Maybe we can do some switching around.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

standing - Prep work is fine as long as I don't stand in one place for
longer than about 10 minutes. I have a dishwasher so only have to wash
pots and pans.

If you're abode is open, or if you have a chair near, put on a timer, then
sit down and relax or read something. Or bring out a tablet to sketch until
you gain back some energy. This is one reason my kitchen is always a mess,
I usually have to work in increments of time. Lots/most of the time I do
mise-en-place, rest, do a few dishes, rest, cook, rest, clean up dishes.
It's an on-going thing.

I've been doing the sit to where my leg goes numb. That usually takes
10 min then I have to get up and move. My gp said not to stay sitting
when it does that. But plain standing is a problem I'm having the
numbness in the left side and tingling in the right. I have a smaller
step for putting one leg up to help and I've been doing the
mise-en-place as well.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

bending - the lazy susan is in the bank of the lower cabinet. The *only*
way I can get anything out of there is to squat then sit on my butt and
hope to hell I can get back up. So this is a major problem.

Forget about the lazy susan stuff -- don't do it! I have a buffet chest
where I store kitchen towel, cloths, etc. on a lower part. I set it in front
of the buffet in a clothes basket. It sits there until DH unloads it.

Quoted message said:

freezers - 2 chest freezers and one side by side - If something is near
the top of the chest freezers I can get it. Other than that, no way. The
sbs isn't too bad so DH has been rotating the freezer food for me more.
I'm wondering if getting an upright freezer would be a better idea?

Maybe size down your freezing space altogether?

That is DH's suggestion. He figures we should get rid of the big
freezer in the garage because of its age and me being able to get to it
in inclimate weather especially icy weather. He figures if it is gone
then there will be less chance for a slip and fall compounding
pre-existing problems.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

canning - I'm very experienced so feel comfortable running the canners.
Getting jars in or out seems to be ok at the moment. Moving heavy pots or
the canner is a no go.

Wait until DH is home for a day or around the house to can.

Quoted message said:

kitchen size - We have an l-shaped countertop, stuffed to the hilt, not
eat in kichen. There is no room for a wheeled cart or island. My canning
shelf is on one wall so at least that stuff is always accessible. We
can't bump out or make the kitchen larger although DH does have an
architect coming in to see what we could do. If a wheelchair became a
necessity for even a short period of time the whole back end of our house
would have to be redone.

There is always the in-between mobility and a wheel-chair -- investigate the
purchase or rental of a nice walker.

I'm using one crutch on the days my left side is really bad. My gp said
to put everything including any strengthening exercises on hold until I
see the neurosurgeon. I'm getting in a short walk as in block and back
walk daily on nice days. I think that's helpings and within what she
said I could do. Riding a bike is out 🙁

Quoted message said:

And it's OK to give in to health problems. Sometimes it seems
insurmountable. Doing less seems terrible when you're used to doing a lot,
but you'll have more time for some sit-down things for a while.

See Dee, I'm so used to doing so much all the time. This is really not
sitting well with me!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Any and all suggestions welcomed

Those are my suggestions.
I hope they don't sound too dire. I've faced a lot of the same thing, but
not on the same critical basis that you are facing.

Nice to have the suggestions and I really do appreciate them. Thanks.

Quoted message said:

Good health,
Dee Dee

Sheldon said:

I've actually visited their showroom on Lung Guyland

http://www.maxiaids.com

I'm in the market for a decent (easy to use) text to voice software
with a natural sounding voice, not microsoft mechanical. The products
seem to be in the $40 range... does anyone have experience with this
stuff?
--

Practice safe eating. Always use condiments.

On Sun, 19 Mar 2006 21:25:55 -0800, sf <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Sheldon said:

I've actually visited their showroom on Lung Guyland

http://www.maxiaids.com

I'm in the market for a decent (easy to use) text to voice software
with a natural sounding voice, not microsoft mechanical. The products
seem to be in the $40 range... does anyone have experience with this
stuff?

I work at the Disabled Students' Program office at UC Berkeley. I've
asked my co-worker who deals with accessible hardware to give me a
recommendation. I'll let you know what she says.

serene

notbob said:

biig said:

Patches, our county library has a type of step stool that has hidden
wheels, but when you step on it, it drops a bit to stabalize and doesn't
move.

No doubt you mean these:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?G2A3242DC

Very common in industrial environments, also. The best of their type,
IMO.

nb

B is the one our library has....Sharon