iPad accessibility

I admit it, I am waiting for my ipad - my 40th birthday was last december, but I put off having any presents until the new range of tablets came out. I looked very carefully at the ranges on offer, and the Notion Ink device came a very close second for me. However the fact that I wanted something very light, that turned on and off immediately, and could play my audio books in the background whilst doing some serious work without the need for a stylus swung it for me. Talking of styli - I just got a new Palm PDA from work, and the stylus is even smaller than last time - so thats not gonna get used, and the screen is less responsive than ever. I am not surprised they aren't doing very well.

But back to the iPad - so have got agreement form even the most diehard anti apple guys in the office that the iPad was the one for me, I have been waiting and watching with increasing lust, and envy of the americans who are getting their hands on them this Saturday. My husband has already warned me he draws the line at waiting in a queue for one, so I will be web ordering. I am disappointed that they don't seem to be offering engraving at the moment, as that would have been the icing on the cake for me. However some of this disappointment has been mollified by this page.

At last! Someone realises that accessibility needs to be built in, not just added as an afterthought with software. I shall definitely be using the zoom, high contrast and triple click from time to time, but love the voice over ideas. I cant wait to see what others make of it as well. Top marks, Apple - now when can I have my birthday present!?!

Wrist Splints - The winner

I was still in so much pain, I had to continue in my search, so I am so pleased to report success! I ordered an LP wrist brace from Amazon. They are lightweight moulded plastic with a soft lining, and two adjustable quick release straps. They come in different sizes, and I went for the middle one. I am right at the smaller end of this one, but it feels really good on. The fact that it isn't enclosing is great and my neuropathy has completely gone. It is also so comfortable that I went happily to sleep wearing it so didn't undo the healing overnight. I am now going to get a lefthand one, and keep them by my computer for those days when I don't want want to strain my wrist by too much typing - like next week when I have to catch up on last week... Oh and a final point - the release mechanism is totally silent so I have no worries about having to adjust/remove it in a meeting. Worth every single penny!!

Socks for Neuropathy

A note about socks - and if you have neuropathy, you don't need to know anything more than that! - the daily struggle to find socks that don't make things worse.

Next - Coloured Footbed socks, OK for not too sensitive days as the pattern thickens up the sole a bit, close fitting so no good on swollen leg days, but OK otherwise. Slogan ankle socks - too thin for winter wear if you suffer from the cold, and generally too tight at the top if you don't have stick legs, too high nylon content for my feet, generally nasty to wear, but fun for a teenagers christmas present...

Marks and Spencers - Standard Cotton Rich socks - looser round the top but grip well a good low cost option. Padded sports socks - the extra layer of thick towelling make these my favourite socks. There are several types from trainer socks, through to plain black ankle socks. Warm and cosy, best ones I have found for those sensitive days when you don't want to put your foot on the floor.

Softop Socks - Available from many stockists. A nice luxury option for bad leg days, the special top just hugs your legs rather than grips. The high wool content ones are good for days when you want extra warmth, but the soles are thinner so not as good for sensitive soles. However on cold winter days, these inside a pair of sheepskin boots keep my feet so cosy and able to breathe that my neuropathy didn't kick off as much so a good option for your christmas list. They are a great option for bed-socks too, if you cant stand all the synthetic fibre ones.

Wrist Splints from thermoskin

As is the Way with Fibromyalgia, my wrist decided to play up this week. For no reason at all, I couldn't bend it, and couldn't lift anything heavier than a pencil! The pharmacy staff at Boots both in the town and village have been excellent, but I am still struggling sadly. First of all I tried a simple crepe bandage - tried and tested, but no good for doing anything much with my hand. Much as I enjoy being a lady of leisure, I still have to earn a living.

So something better was needed. I first of all tried a Thermoskin Carpel wrist brace. The splint was beautifully fitted to my wrist and palm and very comfortable, but the bottom strap didn't do up very well over my swollen forearms, so the spiky side of the velcro rubbed a bit. However this was nothing to the pain the next day - I seem to have developed a reaction to it, despite it being breathable. My neuropathy has kicked off so badly on my wrist that I now am in agony after just 20 minutes of wear.

My hand was not affected, so I went back to boots and this time just got a simple wrist strap which fits above the now sensitive bit. Its very comfy, but not as supportive, and pulls the joint at the base of my thumb a bit. However this is much better than the adhesive bandage I decided to try in the middle of all this. Never again will I adhere anything to already sensitised skin! Yes, I know it sounds basic, but you don't always think straight during pain do you?

I am now hoping it goes away very soon, or I have no idea what to buy next :(

Dr Martens For Life

As a huge fan of Dr Martens, I would not have believed they could improve this much! Having bought a pair of for life boots a while ago, I was immediately impressed at their softness. They needed no braking in at all-high praise indeed from someone with feet as sensitive as mine. However they got truly tested last weekend. I went to one of the CIAA Qigong weekends and wore them all the time. The soles were comfy and warm, when all the well people were complaining of cold feet, and the soft leather hugged and supported my ankles while being flexible enough far any exercises-Now my only question is when to get a black pair!