Re: [QUAD-L] Social life

[dillon awe]

I have v. 7.3   I see your office is nicely adapted for you.  But how or what have you done to become more socially active.  We're both high level injuries so sports is out.  Do you travel out independently without aid/ family.  What have you done to meet people/ girls/ develop friendships ----- Original Message ----- From: B. Kimberlin To: dillon awe Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 3:21 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Social life I am attaching a photo of me in my office.  You might be able to see how my office is set up to allow me the maximum independence possible.  Additionally, you will be able to see that I cannot move my arms at all and am therefore dependent completely on the mobility of my neck and head. What version of NaturallySpeaking you use? Billy dillon awe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'm c 4/5 quad with useful movement in one arm, no wrist or fingers.  I can type with a splint but often need breaks.  I can't drink or eat independently.  Some food I can eat with a fork if it is positioned.   The aide is mainly for transportation, meals/ drink, cough assists, personal care and assisting with personal affects - wallet, pens, papers etc.   Ask all the questions you like.  I'm looking for answers.  I want to know if I'm doing all I can or am in a rut and need a push.   I also use voice software - Dragon Dictate.  It is okay. You write well  ----- Original Message ----- From: B. Kimberlin To: dillon awe Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 12:50 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Social life Is important that you to try to improve your social life, but I am curious about your level of injury and why you require so much aide. Are you on a ventilator? Do you have door openers at your house? Do you have any use of your arms whatsoever? The only reason why I am asking these questions is so that I might be able to give you some ideas to try. I am including a picture of me so that you will see how dependent I used to be, but through determination, perseverance, and the assistance of a good stipend I have been able to achieve almost as much independence as is possible -- especially considering the level of my paralysis. C2-3 (tetraplegic) with absolutely no arm mobility. Billy Please excuse any errors. I am using voice-activated software and it occasionally makes mistakes which I do not always catch. I am hoping when I get a more accurate microphone I will not encounter as many errors. dillon awe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:     I live at home with my father.  You have some great ideas.  I just find it because of my lack of independence difficult for interpersonal communications.  My aid is always with me or nearby and I'm unable to venture out on my own for very long without needing some type of assistance.  My availability is also confined during the week.  Evening hours are almost impossible without family assistance and weekend appointments are also difficult because of the difficulty in finding someone to drive me around to various appointments or meetings.  Most all my social contacts most often take place during the day or early evening, so it is difficult to go out to bars, movies.   I'm glad you found friends near your home.  Unfortunately, most of my neighbors are nowhere near my age and rarely socialize even during summer months.  I do not mean to paint a depressing pitcher or expect pity but it just seems I cannot maintain nor sustain a meaningful social contact but I am still trying.     ----- Original Message ----- From: B. Kimberlin To: Ed Awe Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 5:43 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Social life Do you live in a house, apartment, or assisted living facility?  I only ask this question because if my situation is completely different than yours, it doesn't really do you much good to hear about it. Billy Ed Awe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I have been injured 10+ years and in that time have been unable to develop true friendships.  A high level c4/5 quad I am dependent on an aid for personal care, driving etc.  I have joined support groups, local disabled associations and the like but have not had any luck beyond informal acquaintances, though of my history of skin problems, health and availability of my aide to assist/ drive has also hindered participation somewhat.     Any advice or views?   Ed Do you Yahoo!? Jazz up your holiday email with celebrity designs. Learn more. Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com