Ottawa Canada Hi Kristen and list:
I'm replying on the list as while this is off topic, it may be of general interest. About three years ago, my sense of touch gave out on both hands probably from a nasty combination of diabetic neuropathy, carpal and Cubital tunnel problems. At one point I couldn't zip zippers, fasten the hook and bar on trousers, tie my shoes or button a shirt. And handling shirt studs for my formal shirt to attend lodge was a disaster. But after a few months, my sense of touch rebounded and came back to where I can now read Braille, especially on a display, do up buttons, tie shoelaces and even handle shirt studs, which are fancy metal fasteners used in place of buttons on a formal shirt. Essentially they are like cuff links but go where the top four buttons on a shirt would go, except for the very top button by the collar. I have also had surgery on my carpal and Cubital tunnels on both hands. If anyone else on the list is having loss of sensation in their fingers, I urge them to consult their medical doctor about the condition as it may be from a number of causes and may be an indicator that their blood sugar or other things about their health are seriously out of normal range and require medication, surgery or immediate changes to your diet. With no sense of touch, you cannot type, read Braille, or figure out which button to push for lobby on the elevator in your apartment building! You make telephone calls by pressing zero on the telephone you hope and asking the operator to please place the call for you. Its definitely no fun. It also makes taking medicine hit or miss as you wind up dropping more pills on the floor than you get in you. And there's no society or association or institute for the fumble-fingered! ItÂ’s a definite disability but you're on your own as far as finding work arounds. If anyone wishes to discuss this topic off list, please write to me privately at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] It can be overcome with some thought, clothing that does up with Velcro and a lot of perseverance. Brian Brian K. Lingard email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: ve3yiab2ji15 tel: +1 (613) 247-0665 New York NY Tel +1 (646) 797-2862 FAX +1 (613) 247-9998 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.15/949 - Release Date: 12/08/2007 11:03 AM ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
