Re: Trouble typing and using mouse

[Guest guest]

Wow, Mike, what a lot of information! I do have Microsft IntelliMouse which

has the wheel. I have started using the wheel to click with, but find for

scrolling that it hurts less to just use up or down arrow keys. Since my hand

is partially contracted to try to use the wheel for scrolling causes the same

problem and mauneuvering the mouse or clicking as usual. Found some shortcuts

on the key board, as you suggested, but fail to use the typing shortcuts when I

am actually typing. I use shortcuts when I write longhand but haven't been able

to switch when typing. I used to type 70+ words a minute. I can still get up

to 60wpm but can't do it for very long at a time. I'm more like 25-30 wpm now

with the painful, trembling, contracting hand. My right thumb trembles when I'm

typing which drives me crazy! The whole hand trembles and cramps when using the

mouse. I think I'll try the touch pad that Ruthie? suggested. I do have the

Microsoft ergonomic keyboard which helps tremendously. I cannot use a standard

key board any longer. Have a gel filled wrist rest on my mouse pad which helps

also.

I have a Pentium 90mghz computer with 32RAM. I've bought 5 computers for my

kids, but am stuck with my son's old computer for time being. Someday, when I

don't have any children in college (Ha! Ha!) I'll buy a more powerful computer.

Write now I'm just using it for Word Processing (Word 97) and e-mail (IE4). My

wife uses computer to do medical research, for which we now have a DSL direct

service line that downloads/uploads at 256Kpbs...really fast!

I don't think I'm ready for the Voice programs you mentioned. But

someday.... Keep sending other ideas as you run across them. I know that

others are benefiting from your suggestions at least as much as I am.

Ray

[Guest guest]

I'm very happy with Via Voice Gold. I've been using it for a couple months

now. I chose it over the others on several recommendations from friends.

===========================

Ruthie Cunliffe K2ZQ

ruthie@...

http://www.cunliffegroup.com/ruthie/

experimental web cam: http://www.cunliffegroup.com/ruthie/spy/

** A BALANCED DIET IS A COOKIE IN EACH HAND **

>my speed in words per century. So, I went to one of the voice dictation

>programs. I have used both Simply Speaking Gold and Via Voice Gold (both

>by IBM) and they really work well. Via Voice is a little more expensive

>but you can dictate into it faster and like you were holding a

>conversation. And, both are really cheap for what they do! In Canada,

>Via Voice is the equivelent of $130 U.S..

[Guest guest]

,

I can use a pen/pencil, but not for very long due to cramping, contraction,

pain, and fatigue. But a touch pad sounds like a good idea anyway. I'll just

use a finger to control the movement.

Ray

[Guest guest]

Ray,

& nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbspThe problem with your hand must be

disturbing. I have some similar apparently progressive problems with my feet,

& amp it can be troubling at times. That's one of the reasons have been taking

flexeril. But the trade-off with flexeril's depressive side-effects is worse.

Will be getting an Rx for klonopin when I can get to the doctor's, and

meanwhile am taking valerian. Valerian has distinct muscle relaxant

properties,

but requires a high dose. For sleeping 10 500 mg caps are suggested, so I've

been taking 5 once or twice daily, seems to help.

& nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp

& nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp

& nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbspKen

t 08:05 PM 8/25/98 -0400, you wrote:

>

> ,

> I can use a pen/pencil, but not for very long due to cramping, contraction,

> pain, and fatigue. & nbsp But a touch pad sounds like a good idea

> anyway. & nbsp I'll just use a finger to control the movement.

> Ray