NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:34:31 +0000

I have ADD and I recently realized that I have what seem to be (though diagnosed) symptoms of dyslexia. I was curious to see of there are others like me out there, and how you are handling it - also wondering what kind of coping methods you use. Maybe this thread could be a support thread as well.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

syncretic — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:27:54 +0000

My doctor decided to forgo the six+ hour testing regimen that I would have had to under go in order to officially diagnose ADD. I do (rather: did) have severe concentration and focus issues. I've been on a generic form of Welbutrin (spelling? Meh) for a couple months now and it works for me. Talk to a doctor! But make sure you find a good one, who will listen to you. Many will prescribe things that you don't need, and/or order expensive and time consuming tests you don't need, without actually getting to the root of the problem. Welbutrin is good for me because it covers so many things I cope with (diagnosed bi-polar, concentration/focus issues, smoking, etc) but it might not work for you. Non-medicated advice: For any sort of concentration/focus issues I've found that working with white noise (a fan or similar) is good. So is being able to use the full screen setting on your monitor where you don't have any open browser tabs/icons/kitchen sink tabs or buttons to distract you. Turn the TV off and don't listen to music with audible lyrics (for me even instrumentals are extremely distracting). Make sure the kids and significant others are out of the room and know to leave you alone and keep the noise level down! Also put the books away unless you absolutely need to look something up! If you can, avoid Google. Do not, under any circumstances, let yourself log into games, facebook, chatrooms, AIM, etc etc. It's easy to get very distracted by well meaning online friends!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shahw1 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:07:52 +0000

Hello - I just fit in the group as a whole (39 yrs) and was interested to find this thread. I have Bipolar Disorder, chronic anemia and just found out i have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Seems it should have been picked up yrs ago? I'm worried about it affecting my Wrimo experience as I'm literally exhausted all the time. My head is foggy/confused/unfocused at times too. But I'm gonna give it my very best. I'm mainly hoping this experience shakes up my debilitating need to over edit as I go. If it can do that, I'm a happy gal. I've started treatment for H.T so I should feel better in a few weeks. Good luck with the Docs. And I totally get the white noise/fan thing. I enjoy classical music to write to too, esp the more dramatic ones if that fits the scene. I can't do lyrical music while writing either - I start singing in my head and it goes horribly wrong ;D Shah .x

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

syncretic — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:50:36 +0000

:D I can't do music at all. Even classical/instrumental because I will just stop writing and "play the movie" in my head (literally, I will play the entire scene in my mind, eyes closed, from start to finish with a soundtrack - I am *easily* swept into that mindset). It's *great* for pre-planning (so are showers, I've found) but totally sucks for getting me to write. *Hugs* The only one I have personal experience with is bi-polar and that's bad enough. I can't imagine having everything else on top of it!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:58:30 +0000

Hahhhh, I'm like that with OSTs. I hear a track from Pirates of the Caribbean, and I'm right back there in the movie. Makes it a great pastime when I can't actually watch TV because my eyes are too sore/unfocused (and listening to music is less exhaustive of an activity than watching TV) but difficult when you're trying to do something else at the same time. xD

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:04:03 +0000

I've never tried classical music, but I know that I can't do any music with a strong beat to it or anything with words. My ADD is diagnosed, but I don't take anything for it. I also have severe depression that is controlled by medication - meh, but controlled I say it takes the edge off, I also have a heart condition, so between the two I already take four meds a day and I don't want to add any more. I don't know, I've seen psychiatrists for years I wonder about my diagnosis, but I don't have the symptoms for bi-polar, but at the same time we have tried every drug, every drug combination known to man over the past 15 years. I'm sick and tired of crying when I watch wheel of fortune, yet other's make me feel comatose. I've been writing a lot more in the past few months and I have always been kind of lazy when it came to proof reading, but after getting some rude comments about it (I post on fanfiction sites) I got more picky about it, and I started noticing things, like I frequently leave the n't off words, my word sequences are out of order - even in simple sentences and I will type in the wrong words when I mean something else. I always thought it was my fingers getting ahead of my mind until I was talking to someone over the weekend who has dyslexia and they said that these are some of the symptoms. They aren't very disruptive in my day to day life, but they are in my writing - so not sure if I will seek diagnosis for it or not. It's pretty mild if I do have it.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:15:30 +0000

I suffer from severe Myalgic Encephalopathy and Fibromyalgia, so I'm with Shah on the worries over exhaustion, as well as the issues with focus/concentration. I guess the trick with fatigue is to just make sure you're well-rested before and after writing sessions. Whether or not I take my own advice is another matter entirely... (: I couldn't have even dreamed of participating without a good piece of software to help me get organised, though. I use Liquid Story Binder XE, and it's made it so much easier to keep track. There's a bunch of other software types available too (I've tested Scrivener, yWriter and PangurPad, too, but LSBXE just clicked for me) that you could try out? They help keep your notes structured so you don't have post-its scattered everywhere or Open Office/Word/Wordpad/Notepad files littering your folders or one giant document to wade through. (Plus, LSBXE lets you use images, which are a big visual key for me to both keep me focused and inspired.) Mini breaks help me, too. I know nanoers are a big proponent of not flicking away from your writing screen, but I tend to find that doing something else for a few minutes (say, every 15-20 minutes you take a 2-5 minute break) stops my brain from wandering too much. Maybe get up from the computer, wander around the room for a bit (if you can, I mean. I can't, but I let my eyes wander instead and it can even provide some inspiration sometimes). How long you break for, and how often, is up to you to figure out. :)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

onnawufei — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:43:53 +0000

I have fibromyalgia and depression. I've also always been pretty sure I have ADD, but I've never been diagnosed and now I know both my fibro and my medication make me kind of braindead so I don't know what's me and what's a side effect. I have a painfully short attention span and bad memory. Last year was the first year I'd done NaNo since starting my current medication and I lost, so I'm determined to do better this year. I purposely picked something that would be easier for me to write about.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Selahrose — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:00:34 +0000

Hello all! I have rsd and a herniated disc in my lower back. With the rsd there are days ( when the weather gets really bad) that I will forget how to write sometimes my own name. So between fatigue, pain (due to light, sound etc..), weather and memory loss, I am hoping to beat the clock of winter so that I can finish this challenge. :D

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:42:51 +0000

I have issues with tendonitis and carpal tunel, that is bad enough, can't imagine how hard it must be for you guys with more severe physical limitations that make it harder to sit for long periods of time. I've found showers help me too, also writing late at night when it seems the world is calmer and quiet.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

AKimlin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:55:32 +0000

I have fibromyalgia - I write sat on a recliner very comfy. Also I sometimes take ephedra because it helps with the brainfog.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:48:49 +0000

I have chronic muscle pain, which does not play nice with being sat at the computer for hours on end ... but I do it anyway because doing nothing drives me stark raving mad. I'm starting on a new painkiller this month and trigger point injections so I'm hoping that doesn't throw my word count for a loop. (My first pill resulted in 3 hours of vomiting and a 10-hour headache so I'm not anticipating staying on it very long :P). I have MacBreakZ installed on my computer, which tells me to get off the computer every once in a while and runs me through some stretches so that helps (although too often I turn the software off because it doesn't like when you type really fast). The real challenge will be doing my physio religiously despite wanting to catch up on my word count every day. :) Good luck to you all.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

neddiheht — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:56:45 +0000

I have bipolar disorder and chronic migraines. *sigh* and I'm overcommitted for the month, so we'll see how this goes. Nano goes fairly well when I'm in a hypomanic phase, but I've been stuck in a sustained depressive for 8 months, so I'm not sure how this is going to go.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

burninglady — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:21:14 +0000

That software sounds amazing! I have a Primary Immune Deficiency. Basically, I was born without my entire immune system. I battled through it for years until I finally had to stop working two years ago. Nano is a challenge. In 2009, I caught severe bronchitis two weeks in, and this year I just got over walking pneumonia. However, it seems that all is well now so I'm hoping for the best. Resting often is important - I get so jealous when I see these posts about pulling all-nighters and such. Not possible for me! ANYWAY - back to the software. It sounds like a good thing to do in general, even though you use it because of your pain. Unfortunately I don't have a Mac. Does anyone know of a Windows equivalent? Also, thank you to whomever started this forum. Do you mind if I become writing buddies with a few of you? It would be nice to talk with people with similar difficulties. Good luck everyone. I hope this month finds you well, as well as you can be. Regards, burninglady

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

avantgardea — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:35:41 +0000

I have a conversion disorder which manifests as stress-related seizures. This is my first NaNo, and part of the reason I've held out for so long (I've known about it for about 10 years now) is, well, I just don't handle stress well and I've never tried an extended piece of writing. My longest piece is about 5K, and that was after about 2 years' worth of work. I'm already getting antsy, because I'm starting a little behind the ball as my proposed writing time block is taken up with classes tomorrow (luckily it's only once a week).

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

cassmetz — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:00:58 +0000

i have FM too so encouraging to see others with it who are attempting this. thank you for sharing your tips. I've not started yet and was about to but not feeling well. I'm still going to try though. thx

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

cassmetz — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:02:29 +0000

at least you did it and tried. I have FM too which of course is depressing - depresses all functions as well as mood. this year is my first and I'm excited to try and feel encouraged that others with FM have tried before me. thx for sharing. and good luck this year. c

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

cassmetz — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:03:49 +0000

me too. thx for the tips. I still have to find my way as I've not tried this before. Was just about to start my 2000 words for today but really feel i need to sleep. hmmm. good luck this year. c

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

cassmetz — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:04:44 +0000

I've never heard of MacbreakZ. thanks for the tip. I am going to go look for it now. good luck to you too.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

cassmetz — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:06:26 +0000

Oops sorry burning lady. that prior note i meant to write to the writer above. brain fog, i guess. I too am a bit envious of those all nighters. good luck to you and I too am grateful to whomever started this forum.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Reingard — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:13:57 +0000

Hi, I'm 36 and I have bipolar disorder. I've been diagnosed in 2006, after a month I found out about Nanowrimo, went on board while taking my first meds ever and... I won! I think Nanowrimo helped me deal with a lot of stuff then. Now I'm trying to write about my experience about being a child with an undiagnosed mental illness, my life as an adult who tries to balance family, a baby, work and creativity dealing with bipolar disorder. And my plot is already a real mess in just 1403 words! Maybe it is too hard for me now...

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

spooks101 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:15:57 +0000

I'm dyslexic but have been living with it for a long time now. coping wise, i cheat. Spell and Grammar checker on Microsoft Word. and apart from that, practice practice practice. i can touch type to the extreme but have got into the habit of going over my sentences time and time again to check for spelling mistakes (and believe me, i know their will be ones in this that i'll miss). Plus regards proof reading i have no choice but to get someone else to run their eye over my work.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:35:41 +0000

I have Bipolar and PTSD as well as lupus and fibromyalgia and chronic lower back and hip pain from degenrative bone disease. Usually I can manage the pain well enough to do writing, but this year my GI has been in total revolt and I haven't been able to stay sitting up much. I don't want to just pass on NaNo, but I don't know how much I'm going to be capable of doing. which really sux because book three is just screaming to be written.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Writer2006 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:03:00 +0000

Hello everyone. I have ADHD and clinical depression. There are days I don't even want to be alive. I know that sounds bad. But it's the way things are. I am in therapy and taking medication. And yes, for the most part it works. But I struggle on a daily basis. And writing sometimes proves almost impossible. The later it gets, the more creative I am. Nice to meet you all.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

WhitNate — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:03:57 +0000

Bipolar disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, non-24 sleep-wake syndrome. A nasty combination that's left me basically unemployable the past three years. The plus side is that I have more time I can commit to NaNoWriMo than I would have otherwise.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

cassmetz — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:39:19 +0000

I started the 14 day trial with MacBreakZ and I find it is wonderful! Thank you so much for the tip. Really made my day of writing easier....I can't thank you enough for mentioned here. Cheers, and good luck with your writing Cassandra

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Linda cat — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:13:46 +0000

Nice to see some fellow fibromyalgia sufferers. I also have chronic fatigue syndrome and a host of other problems, but I refuse to let them dictate my life. They've already taken away my ability to work I will not allow them to take away my smile and love of writing. I myself like to write in the morning and then take a nice long nap in the afternoon.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:31:04 +0000

F-ing forum! I typed out this long response and it didn't send, instead I got page not found. Anyway, I messed up my knee today in my attempt to get out of the house and attend a write in - now I am on crutches and a knee brace for the next six weeks. Wonder why I am depressed? I can't walk across a friggen sidewalk without injuring myself. LOL

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

chibisarel — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:34:28 +0000

I don't have any actual diagnoses as of yet, but am going through investigation/testing for mainly Aspergers and AD(H)D, and most likely I'll get some kind of diagnose, possibly both of those. On that list of questions (for ADHD) where they say "if you answer yes to more than three of these, check it up", I answer yes to 9 out of 10, and the tenth one is a "well, sometimes", and Aspergers seems to run in my family ^^; I also have problems with falling asleep, which usually leads to me turning my sleeping habits around all the time. Currently I'm up till five or seven in the morning (it's half four now XD), and then sleep till sometime between noon and three pm. I kind of like NaNo, since it gives me something to focus on for a month. Of course, once November is over, the semi-finished novel just sits around on my computer until I pick it up in October again, dust it off, realize it doesn't work and decide to re-write it ^^; I don't know how many novel projects I have lying about on my hard drive waiting for me to pick them up again. Kind of tragic, really. Some have been there since my early teens ^^; Side-tracking is also way too common. I'm mainly writing fantasy, and then I start wondering about how far it is from this place to that, which ends up with me drawing up a map of the entire country, including various fiefs and domains, and then I draw up the various noble families and write down important persons within each family and any notable traits, and.... and then November draws to an end and I sit the last couple of days writing frenetically, trying to get everything done at once XD Aaaand I should probably stop this rambling post and just press the submit button :p

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:04:49 +0000

I was using a different software before that did something similar but wasn't as adjustable and didn't have the stretching instructions built-in. I think if you do a search for 'break software' or 'RSI software' you should get some results and can probably even find something free (though MacBreakZ is definitely worth the money if for those of you that have a Mac). I don't use my Windows computer much so I haven't bothered to install anything on it. I'm still wrapping my mind around not working. So much of our self-worth is wrapped up in what we 'do'. *sigh*

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:06:36 +0000

Glad you find it useful. It's the best break software I've found so far, particularly since it shows you the stretches (most of them my physio had recommended before I started the software anyway). I like not having to think about it!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:19:10 +0000

I've being doing NaNo since 2005 and I haven't "won" every year. But every year, I had more writing done at the end of the month than I would have had if I hadn't decided to do NaNo. I'm a horrendous procrastinator (or maybe that's 'spectacular procrastinator' depending on your point of view) so any words are good words. :) Don't worry too much about the numbers.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Reingard — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:08:15 +0000

I'm so sorry for your knee! What an accident! But, really, it could happen to anyone. I hope you'll be able to write anyway.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Reingard — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:11:29 +0000

Depression and a change of meds hit me right now and my Nanowrimo is already stuck in a rut... I hope I will be able to find a way to go on anyway! Good special luck to anyone on this thread who takes the challenge to write 50000 words in a month while struggling with disabilities!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:16:56 +0000

I am really struggling today. I feel like my story sucks and just feel blah about the whole thing. After effects of messing my knee up maybe?

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

heavy hedonist — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:50:39 +0000

[quote=burninglady] That software sounds amazing! I have a Primary Immune Deficiency. Basically, I was born without my entire immune system. I battled through it for years until I finally had to stop working two years ago. Nano is a challenge. In 2009, I caught severe bronchitis two weeks in, and this year I just got over walking pneumonia. However, it seems that all is well now so I'm hoping for the best. [/quote] I feel ya! I've got dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease (they think) that messes with skin and muscles, and the treatsments depress the AI system; so any little cold I get can become the infection that takes my muscles away again... I was sick for two months in the summer, and it killed my songwriting challenge (the 50/90). Rest when you have to, write when you can. Whatever we get, we get. it's still something to build on.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Writer2006 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:39:16 +0000

I know how you feel. Today I just don't feel like doing much of anything. I might have to force myself to work on my novel. Hope your knee gets better.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:42:20 +0000

I'm feeling much better thanks, my knee is killing me, but I picked up 2000 words and am not feeling as bad about my story now. I think maybe I was thinking too far ahead on it instead of my usual approach of writing it as it comes.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Goldencat — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:51:02 +0000

My Dx is disabilities for lung disease and spinal problems, PTSD. Have had several friends who are gifted in creative areas but have psych Dxes : schizophrenia, ADD, ADHD, Bipolar, psychotic and bipoolar, OCD and autistic spectrum disorder... I firmly believe as a counseling student, that ALL disabilities are worsened by using them as "entitlement" to do poorly or act badly/irresponsibly. They are improved by doing your best within "reasonable limits" as defined by yourself and therapist or doctor, and not accepting the sidelines of life as your final destination. A support network helps, but we don't all have one. Sometimes we are the only ones who know what we are going through (and God) because healthy people can't relate. This can be VERY frustrating. What about capitalizing on this and using "what we know" in our fiction? Regular writers cannot convey what our lives are like, try as they may. Our oddball characters will live where theirs die early. Now, as for mental fog, I use a natural brain enhancing supplement with piracetam in it, derived from periwinkle. No, it isn't cheap, but helps where drugs made me worse. I'm biased towards naturopathic medicine - email me if u want to chat about that. I use a product from these reputable people http://www.cerebralhealth.com/brainhealthsupplements.php The idea of nootropics (brain enhancers) could be useful in a story too - they give good info you can use to start your own investigation. You want to check for interactions with pharmaceuticals though - but a naturopathic doctor (ND) is likely to say different things than a western-trained MD. I have also read studies on supplements and mental health, especiallly the importance of EFAs and B-complex.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Goldencat — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:58:40 +0000

As a female, I have had good results with mood and energy and restoring normal sleep patterns by using a transdermal progesterone cream, available from health food stores. Holistic MDs recommend naturally derived plant based creams, such as from soy and wild yam. They do not prescribe the synthetics, or the ones from pregnant mare urine (a cruel practice itself) that have side effects. Dose is about a 1/4 inch ribbon of the cream massaged into the soft skin of your inner arm, belly, etc, dailly. Hormone imbalance is almost epidemic in western society. In fact, Dr. Oz had something about it not too long ago. It would not hurt to try. Meanwhile, a good nutritional supplement that is easily digested like All-One, would help support you as you treat the other conditions. Brain fog and fatigue often go with poor nutrition. Also a western epidemic.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:14:47 +0000

No problem. I hope you feel a bit better so you can participate! I decided this year that I'd just sod the ME/Fibro and try anyway. I figured, even if I don't finish or even get started, at least I'd tried and not let ME win for once. :) I'm actually doing much better than I expected so far, but we're only three days in. I don't expect to be able to keep up this pace, but at least I have a bit of a buffer now for if I do need a few days off. :)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:18:48 +0000

I'd love to be your writing buddy. :) For Windows-cooperative software, try googling carpal timer or RSI timer. I think there's a bunch of different ones out there and I haven't really tried any so I guess it's worth trying some to see if they help. My friend has RSI and uses software like this; she swears by it. Good luck! :)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:24:22 +0000

I don't know if this would work for you because I've never been able to dictate myself, but have you tried either software like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or a voice recorder? (I have the latter on my HTC Desire, which has helped when I've had to make notes during planning when my hands were bad, or when I was too tired to sit up. I also tried Dragon when I was at uni, and it did make things easier for writing non-fiction. Back then -- we're talking like 8 years -- it was really quirky and didn't like my accent so I had to speak really slowly, but software like that's supposed to have improved dramatically these days.) I just figure, with something like that, you wouldn't need to sit up. Obviously Dragon would be better than a straight-up voice recorder since it transcribes for you into a Word/ document, but even a recorder could help if you had someone to transcribe it for you. You might be able to get a trial for Dragon or a similar program. It'd be cool if it lasts 30 days and left you with a written doc to work with. xD

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:25:24 +0000

[quote=Linda cat] Nice to see some fellow fibromyalgia sufferers. [/quote] You know it's funny, right? As hard as it is to get people to recognise FM and ME, there are so many of us, even in just this one community!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:27:16 +0000

*hugs* Sorry about your knee. :( Does this mean you have more time with your computer, though? If so, that can only be a silver lining to me! ;) This is why I got into the habit of copying my text before submitting it to forums, just in case. Also, if you don't already, I'd recommend Firefox. It usually saves your stuff even if the page dies on you during submitting. I roleplay, and it's been a godsend!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:44:28 +0000

Does cancer count as a disability? If I had a job, I'd be out on disability, so I guess it does. I was diagnosed with colon cancer 4 weeks ago and I also have severe Ulcerative Colitis. I was sick enough that they were ready to remove my colon before they found the cancer. Right now it's not impacting my writing much (other than the constant doctor's appointments and the occasional panic attack when a stupid nurse makes it sound like the cancer has spread and I'm going to die while giving test results over the phone-- don't worry-- results were actually what they wanted and she was just being dumb!) But next Thursday I go in for surgery to have my colon removed. I'l be in about a week and on crazy narcotics. I have adjusted my writing plan accordingly-- I'm pretending November is 20 days long instead of 30 and have adjusted my daily writing goals to reflect that. So far I'm on track to finish with no problems. I might be able to do some writing in the hospital, but I'm not really counting on it. I'll be on narcotics for a week or two at home as well, so the second half of the month will be... interesting? I've heard that drugs make for good writing, so we'll see. I have a feeling this novel will be a little unbalanced and need some SERIOUS editing, just to make the parts written before and after surgery feel like they go together. But I've got a good outline and I know where the story is going (or at least I think I do),so hopefully that'll keep it together.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

LadyAislin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:38:24 +0000

Bipolar here also, systemic lupus, diabetes diagnosed this year, long-term childhood cancer survivor, plus a few less critical things like asthma and spinal curvatures and such. This is turning out to be my most successful NaNo ever, as I'm over 5000 words and just starting my day three work, probably in large part due to meds changes about six months ago which have proven extremely helpful. I'm a big fan of Saphris, though I know everyone's different, esp when that comes to everyone with bipolar! I've been on a slew of other meds, but none have given me the freedom to write the way the Saphris has, so yay. :) Good luck to everyone trying NaNo with any kind of disbility/ies. :) We're stronger than most, so I think we're perfect candidates to do this! :) Cheers, LadyAislin

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Druidblue — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:22:24 +0000

I've had generalized anxiety disorder and depression since 1991, though my depression- due to my life circumstances- is through the roof (or I suppose, the floor, since it's a downer). I also have chronic loneliness (14 years involuntarily celibate/without a date/hell, without even having someone desire me, along with having no friends). NaNo is going very slow this year, despite having planned it the best of my four years so far- limiting the story and planning out word-count targets for plot points (so I actually have a finished story instead of being half-way or a 1/4 through in December.) I know one thing is different this year- I normally overflow with creative charge that overwhelms my standard "blahs". This year it's not happening. I'm just reaching my limit on being alone so long, and having no one by my side who is truly interested in me and what I'm doing (so that I can return the favor.) Actually though, I suppose I'm not allowed to be discussing things here- after all, despite being unable to find work I'm capable of doing in 9 years due to my anxiety disorder, I was denied disability, so according to society I am NOT disabled. I just can't travel. Can't work outdoors. Can't work physical labor jobs. No dangerous jobs. No machinery or robotic lines. Can't work phones. Can't do sales. No dealing with the public. Unable to have a client constantly contacting me/standing over my shoulder while working. Unable to network. Can't work overtime or more than 5 days a week (I already did 8 straight years of 7/10-24/365 and only suffered for my efforts). Have to be able to come and go at will- no set hours or set break times. No insane deadlines (like the usual in my former career- year long projects due in 2 months). But I'm not disabled! After all, knowing the above, they told me in my disability hearing I could be.... *drumroll*... A lumberjack! (Pro tip: There are no lumberjacks in my city.)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Druidblue — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:24:30 +0000

I wish you a safe and successful surgery!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:56:20 +0000

Will be keeping a good thought for you!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:23:41 +0000

well, unfortunately the Dragon Naturally Speaking is out of my price range and doesn't have a trial. :( but it got me looking up other stuff on voice recognition software and I might have the option for Office 2010. but I need a microphone. that I think I can handle. So I have to say thanks because it never would have occurred to me. I'll have to keep you updated on if it works.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:43:44 +0000

Ah! Sorry, I forgot how expensive it is. I was lucky to get mine through the university, so I didn't have to worry about the cost, but the computer it was on died a long time ago. I think you can get mics pretty cheap, though? Anyway, I'm glad I could help, even if it was in a roundabout fashion. :)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

LaylaWrites — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:51:08 +0000

Hello fellow fibromites and bipolars! I have the fibromyalgia, the CFS, bipolar, Celiac, OCD, probable ADD, possible Asperger's...I think that's it, but I'm not sure. I usually forget one or two. But to deal- I do my writing first thing when I wake up, before my brain gets all fuzzy from fibro and cluttered from input. No TV, no internet except for essential research, until I've reached either my word count goal or my limit for the day. If it's a nap kind of day, I can sometimes get another writing session in after the nap. Build extra wordcount on days I can work, and try not to feel bad about the days I can't. And, armwarmers to keep my hands from cramping. Also- LYYYYYRICAAAAAAAAA!!!!! I'm super-excited because I just got my Lyrica back after years of feeling crappy, and already my energy's increasing and allowing me to do things.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

kitsuneopal — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:05:19 +0000

I got diagnosed with Asperger's three years ago, and have been struggling with some rather nasty depression for the last five years. And I am almost positive that I have some kind of anxiety disorder also. It can be a real pain in the rear to write(or do a lot of anything) a lot of the time because I have this need to "do it perfect" the first time, and most of the time that translates into not doing anything at all. It's one of the reasons I wanted to do NaNo to help me get out of this mindset.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 06:47:43 +0000

Not sure what your price range it, but I've found a lot of my pricey software for cheap at SoftwareKing online (though I shop at the Canadian version). Especially if they have a download available (they don't always). Some of the newer operating systems have rudimentary voice recognition built in but I'm not sure if it extends to actually taking dictation. I had the same experience as soggymuse with Dragon (though, admittedly, the software is less picky about Canadian accents than UK ones since I think the manufacturer is American). Once thing to remember about voice recognition software is that when you train it you have to be in a quiet environment (which is why it never worked for me at work) or else it will drive you nuts with errors.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 06:52:30 +0000

Good luck with your surgery. Hope the narcotics work well for you. :) I think you're amazing for even trying to do NaNo with all that you have going on, but I would hope that I would do the same, just for the distraction.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 06:58:03 +0000

Yeah, don't get me started on "officially disabled" versus "actually disabled". Every single patient in my chronic pain support group has been denied disability. Bureaucratic definitions have nothing to do with reality it turns out (shocking, no?). Not for nothing, but I know someone who went 15 years without a girlfriend and then found one 25 years younger than him (too bad for him that I turned out to be somewhat defective ;P). Things happen when you least expect them. Even good things.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 06:59:42 +0000

Hmm. *stares at sample of Lyrica sitting on desk* I've been debating about whether I should try that. Meds and I do not get along, unfortunately.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

The_MOW — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:58:06 +0000

I was born with spina bifida, and have been in a wheelchair since 2nd grade (I'm now 40). The_MOW = The Maniac On Wheels. ;-)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:07:59 +0000

It's a good distraction, but I totally wore myself out yesterday with housework and shopping and when I went to write, I fell asleep on my computer. Doh! And I was tired the day before and wrote less than I wanted. I'm loosing my head-start and I'm getting scared I won't finish now. Gotta remember my limitations and not overdo it, but.... it sucks.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

cassmetz — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 18:02:48 +0000

Thanks for posting. I came to this forum for some companionship. I have both too. Also can't work. I am feeling very discouraged this morning. I'm behind in where I should be on my word count and my pain is bad and I just want to sleep and I don't see how I am ever going to be able to do this. "You get what you get" is a good reminder, and that whatever i get was more than I would normally get. Was hoping to go to a write in this afternoon for some actual companionship but just can't. This here is pretty good though. I will hope for a better day another day

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Faecanuck — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:31:28 +0000

I've got a stress related seizure disorder, too. However, I find the actual writing relaxing. I don't worry about the count, and tried not to get too wound up prior to the kick off. Just do the best you can and don't sweat it!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

burninglady — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:54:23 +0000

Hey The_MOW. Now words yet. Everything ok?

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:48:12 +0000

3 day countdown till surgery. MUST get ahead before I go in! At least after the surgery I go off the prednisone so I won't spent 3/4 of my day EATING! Seriously, it's no wonder druggies are always snacking. Steroids are evil (and so good at the same time-- can't complain for how much the quality of my life has improved since I've been on them!)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 03:30:32 +0000

for me Lyrica and Celebrex was a miracle combination. For about a year I had far less joint pain than ever before. It didn't help my back and SI joints, but everything else...it was great. Then when my GI started acting up, my doctor took me off the Celebrex and within a week I noticed the difference. I have had to deal with more pain the last few months than I have in a while. I would say give the Lyrica a try. It can be a real help. my two cents worth. -shattered

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:18:04 +0000

I've considered trying some of these newer anxiety meds, but man, ever watch some of the ads? The side effects scare the crap out of me. When they start talking about suicide and thoughts of suicide and depression - as side effects of drugs to treat anxiety? Ugh - what is this drug supposed to be doing again???? On the other hand though, I am tired of the anti-drug nut jobs who try to tell me that all I need is fresh air and vitamins - on and lots of fresh fruits and veggies - that will cure me, oh, and to stop feeling sorry for myself. So sick of hearing about how ADD isn't real and it is just drs and pharmacies taking kick-backs on Ritalin (does anyone even prescribe that anymore??!?!) and depression is just a bunch of fat old women sitting around feeling sorry for themselves. Apparently it is all mind over matter and we should be able to shrug it off. If they only knew...

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:36:58 +0000

My husband takes ritalin-- the other drugs don't work for him. He has to jump through hoops and sign contracts to get a prescription though! He hates taking it, but I finally convinced him to use it again-- he's a lot more successful at work when he's on it and he's happier because of that success! He went about a decade without it because he was so anti-drug, but he has admitted that it's useful.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:25:21 +0000

UGH!!! This is the most frustrating NaNo I've tried yet! I can't find my words! I can see the scene, but when I try to write it....nothing! And when I can finally coax the words out of their hidden corners my body decides that I've been sitting up long enough and I need to go lay down! at this rate I'll be lucky to get 5000 words for the month. This SUX!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Reingard — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:42:02 +0000

I spent the last days trying to fight the side effects of my meds change. Now I don't feel so sleepy all the time! My wordcount is still at 400 though :-(

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:52:08 +0000

I finally got myself up to 20k. I've been doing a lot of fits and starts. I went to 10k on day two, then didn't write a thing til Saturday, then got myself up to 15k , then finally got myself to 20 today. Hopefully I will hit the halfway point tomorrow. It's kind of a bad attitude to have, but I just want to get to 50k and get it over with.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

LadyStarlea — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:06:25 +0000

hello everyone lets see I have sleep apnea and I am suppose to be on a cpac machine but my insurance wont cover it and I can't afford it. Raynaud's disease, Polycystic ovary syndrome, degenerative disc disease, mild ADHD (never was on medication), mild dyslexia, tennis elbow, sprained ligament in ankle and bad knees....all leading to my body is broke and in lots of pain. Have two kids both on Adderall different strengths and I hear we might not be able to get their Adderall next month as it is on back order as they are missing an ingredient to make it....oh joy. So might have to switch them to ritalin the only other choice for adhd and the med my husband hated taking as a kid and he was so against our kids taking it which was why we choose Adderall to begin with. Writing is my stress relief. I love to write and I love to read. I so want to get this story done and I hope it is good enough to get published that will be my utmost high.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Emalive — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:36:54 +0000

Good luck with your surgery and I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Emalive — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:38:36 +0000

Thank you all for posting on here. I appreciate hearing the tips, stories and my heart goes out to everyone. I have myriad issues, chief among them chronic pain and a genetic disorder. If anyone would like to add me as a buddy please do. Despite my picture I don't bite!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:25:55 +0000

I just hit 20K as well! Hoping to get to 25K before my surgery (preferably tomororow since my mom comes in Wed and then I have to prep... ). Feeling like there's a good chance I'll finish though-- just need to order a fancy lap desk so I can write while I recover!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

LaylaWrites — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:17:49 +0000

I know what you mean. I've been through so many because they either do nothing, or the side effects are intolerable. Crossed fingers for you if you decide to try it.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

LaylaWrites — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:22:37 +0000

Those people who think they have the answer drive me nuts. I found this diet for you- try it! Or magnets. Or homoeopathy; did you know that water will take the good qualities of a poisonous plant, and ignore the bad ones, so you can keep adding more and more water until there's no substance but water, and it's magic and will cure you? Do they think we just like taking a dozen pills a day? Ugh. I would love to be able to stop taking all that crap,

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

LadyAislin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:31:36 +0000

I feel your pain...I've managed to top 10K, but am struggling to move onward and upward, though here's what I keep telling myself. I don't know if all of it is valid for you, but you might find something here to use, I hope! (1) You're doing your best. (2) You've already done far better than you've ever done before at NaNo. So even if you never got another word on this thing, you'd STILL be topping your previous records by a long shot. Be proud! (3) A few good inspired days might help make up some or all of the word deficit. It's early in the month yet. Not quite a third of the way through. It's a marathon, not a sprint. :) (4) Consider that you aren't working with the same advantages as a lot of ppl. The number of words you have represents a great achievement considering what all you have to deal with daily. (5) This is for FUN, not some kind of job where you finish on time or get fired. This is basically a GAME. And the only one you need to worry about besting is yourself. I don't know whether any of those things would help for you to tell yourself, but they help me when I say them to myself. :) Hang in there. I know it's rough. You can do this! :) And whatever word count you reach will be an achievement worth celebrating! Same goes for everyone here on this thread.... (And re the ppl talking about official definitions of disability...oh, don't get me started. Denied twice; approved on third try only after a lawyer and a threatening letter from my psychologist entered the picture...my psyc who did my therapy basically said if you folks keep delaying and denying her case, I will not be held responsible if she attempts suicide, b/c she's getting this way b/c you guys are making such a mess of things. Yay for snarky therapists. The system's a mess, and I'll be the first to say that there are a lot of ppl on disability who don't need/deserve it, and tons who get denied who DO need/deserve it. Life stinks on that point.) Hugs to all, LadyAislin

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

burninglady — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:17:25 +0000

This post lifted my spirits, especially the part about having achieved so much given our limitations. Thank you for writing it!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

ClipperDown — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:52:02 +0000

Fibromyalgia, depression and PTSD are the ones I'm on disability for. I have other conditions as well, but those are all managed pretty well. For that matter, the ones I am on disability for are managed reasonably well. With fibromyalgia, I am learning that there is no real way to do Nano (at least at the pace I am going) and take it easy. I have created a little nest in my bedroom with all my necessities near at hand, so I'm not interrupted by constantly running to the kitchen for snacks or drinks. I write in bed, shifting between laying down and sitting propped up. Someone mentioned taking breaks. I do that fairly regularly. I keep one of my facebook games (Gourmet Ranch) open and with the little dings that chime when a dish is prepared (about every half hour to 4 hours, depending on the dish) I look away from what I'm writing for a little while and take stock. The pleasant sound of birdsong that is the background for the game is a nice bonus. I take some time out to read (believe it or not, I've finished 3 books this week) and work on my blog, which is at fibromight.wordpress.com. This is my first year on disability. I find that I am able to do more writing now that I don't have the interference of work and the daily grind to distract me. One of my biggest hurdles with being disabled is finding something that I CAN do to fill my time. Apparently, writing fits the bill perfectly. I feel more satisfied and productive than I have in years (disabled since mid-07). I have always wanted to write professionally, ever since I can remember. The further I get into Nano, the more I am coming to realize that being disabled may be a blessing in disguise.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:19:55 +0000

Yeah, meds do not seem to help and usually harm. Sticking with 1/4 dose of my pain med for the moment (full dose made me ill for 30 hours until it wore off, sigh). A lot of the stuff I've been given, like Lyrica, works for fibro, which is not what I have but is what they know how to treat (which isn't saying much :P). Sigh.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:23:44 +0000

We used to get the American drugs ads when we had cable. It amazed me that ANY Americans took any drugs at all with those kinds of commercials! Our commercials aren't even allowed to tell you what the drug is for ... which makes for some very creative erectile dysfunction drugs. :D I remember seeing one for asthma that included death as a side effect (um, isn't that what you're trying to avoid with asthma drugs?!).

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:58:06 +0000

You're in my thoughts, hope you'll be able to pop in and let us know how you are.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:00:36 +0000

I am not sure what my issue is, I just feel really low lately - like I don't want to do much of anything. I think it might be the middle of the month blahs, the start over, getting deep into the word count, so deep that you cant really quit and start over- yet the finish line is a ways a way. In short, I feel kinda crappy. I'd been feeling a lot worse if I wasn't enjoying the guilty secrets thread so much

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

cassmetz — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:02:59 +0000

thank you from me too for that post. Really helped today. Been feeling discouraged I've been too sick to write for days.... very helpful suggestions. c

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

jennrann — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:40:52 +0000

This is an amazing thread- so varied both in kinds of disabilities and word counts! :) I have chronic Lyme Disease and take meds for general anxiety disorder. I haven't been tested for ADD but my Dr. thinks it's likely I have it. I'm not working right now so I feel like I should be keeping up with the word count, but keeping up with day to day stuff and getting enough rest has been taking its toll. This is my first NaNoWriMo and I've decided I'm pretty happy with this process whether or not I reach 50k. At the very least, I'm doing it! Wishing you all the best of luck!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Clay Wolfe — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:14:06 +0000

Hmmm... The short list: Bipolar with Borderline features, Chronic Migraines, Chronic Leg Pain, possible ADD, a whole lot of annoying med interactions, and at the moment a nasty sinus and ear infection. But hey, it keeps life interesting, and not being able to work means that on "good days" I have more time to write.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

aime — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 17:39:53 +0000

Hi, Amy here - I have Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Panic Attacks, Social Phobia - am on several medications for all of these things - I have been hospitalized at this time of year many, many times, so doing NaNo gives me something else entirely different to focus on - although, with all of the meds that I take, my creativity is somewhat stifled. I also have DeQuarvain's Tenosynovitis in my right hand, but I refuse to get surgery (which I was told was my only option) because I am terrified that if the surgery is screwed up, I will lose the use of my writing hand - I'd die if I couldn't write. This is my second year as a NaNo'er and I am doing okay so far - sure, there are days that I feel like stopping the whole entire project, but I persevere - I am a writer!!! Anybody feel free to add me as a writing buddy - I need some more. :)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:27:55 +0000

I get to go home today! AND my word count is STILL above what it needs to be to finish on time, so I have no worries there (even though It'll be slow to start back in). Anyone ever taken Vicodin? Evil stuff-- could barely tell you my own name with it in my system! Luckily Tylonol and a half an Oxycodon seems to do the trick. Minimal brain fog. (though not none-- I'm sure I'll be laughing my head off when I go to edit whatever I write this week!!)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:32:07 +0000

Surgery went well-- I'm going home today. Could NOT have written with any of those drugs in my system though-- Oh my goodness-- I couldn't even focus my eyes!!! (still on Oxycodon, but it's kinder to me than Vicodin was). I'm so glad I pushed myself to be half-way before the surgery though. It's been a little depressing to see my stats bar not moving, but it's still north of the required word count, so that's encouraging. I can start back in slow and still be okay! Maybe I'll get a few hundred words in today.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:07:30 +0000

apparently I was writing the wrong novel. who knew? I switched and I've had the best writing day I've had so far. It might actually be possible for me to make 50K. if my tremors don't get too bad, that is.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

burninglady — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:49:16 +0000

I'm so glad everything went ok, which may be an assumption. Your tenacity through all of this is inspiring! Keep writing and amazing us all. I take Oxycodone at times for chronic, intense pain. It is a blessing and a curse. It helps the pain, but not the brain. Sometimes it allows for brief openness of the mind which makes for great writing, but mostly it makes everything way too cloudy. I wish there was a pain medication without side effects! Be well.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:06:14 +0000

How's everyone doing so far? How are you handling the various physical and mental hurdles? After a really shaky start I think I hit my stride Monday. I still have to make sure I schedule breaks to give my hands and wrists a chance to rest and often to take a nap to fight the fatigue. My tremors haven't been too bad the last couple of days, though I've found that my spelling suffers because I can't always hit the right keys. *bleh* I also discovered, quite by accident, that taking Acidophillus goes a long way to helping the nausea I've been suffering from for so long. I haven't been having nearly as many anxiety attacks (I was having numerous attacks a day) and I think it helps having something to focus on. I've written 1100 words in the last two days. If I can keep up this pace and still continue to let my body rest (I try to stop writing by 10:30 so I have enough time to get enough sleep before I have to be up in the morning to walk the dogs) I think I'll make that 50k after all. which makes me quite happy. I had almost resigned myself to just not making it past 10k. Hope to hear from people on how they're doing. Take care! -shattered

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:32:59 +0000

recovery is still good, but just found out it had already spread and I need Chemo...

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:34:08 +0000

Finding out I need chemo and have a very low chance of survival has put a damper on my writing... Need to be distracted from life, but too distracted to write... Sigh.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:41:15 +0000

oh gods I'm so sorry to hear that! of course that would cause you to be distracted from writing. words seem so inadequate. my thoughts are with you.... -shattered

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

burninglady — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:51:46 +0000

I'm so sorry. My thoughts are also with you.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:29:21 +0000

I'm sorry (which seems inadequate but that's all I've got).

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

MikkaG — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:29:51 +0000

I'm so sorry. But hang in there -- I've seen friends beat horrible odds against the big C. The mother of my ex-boyfriend of many years ago was even sent home to die, and that was in... 1999, I think? She's still alive and well. Maybe you can put some of your fears and doubts and anger and whatever else is going on into your writing. Maybe make it into a tool for your survival?

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

MikkaG — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:52:20 +0000

Hey everybody! I don't think I've checked into this thread before, so here goes. :) I've been living with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) for over a decade now, with very varied symptoms. Seizures, numbness or "fake" sensations of pain, temporary blindness, shaking muscles, migraines, awful balance... And always the fatigue that plagues so many of us with MS. A few years ago, I started having exreme mood swings, completely irrational false believes and even hallucinations, and eventually I was diagnosed with schizo-affective psychosis on top of everything else. They think that the latter might have been caused by brain damage due to the MS. I stopped working full-time a few years ago, and that combined with the rather effective meds available nowadays made a real difference. By now, I teach at a tutoring school three days a week, and I have a small online doll shop on the side. Life is pretty good! Well... Mostly pretty good, that is. In the first week of August, I took a bad fall and managed to break my right leg in no less than four places, completely shred the capsule of the ankle joint and tear a few sinews. I was confined to a wheelchair for a while, then I used a walker for a few weeks, and now I can hobble around with my cane again. Due to all the physio therapy and lymphatic drainage and doctor's appointments, I've reduced my teaching to one day a week for now. (Thursday, actually, so I need to go pack my bag in a couple of minutes!) But the definite upside of all this is that I have a lot of time for writing. I've always wanted to write a book. I told my teacher in elemtentary school that I wanted to be a writer! For as long back as I can remember, I've always made up stories in my head. I cannot sleep at night before I've immersed myself in my fantasy world for an hour or two. When I left school, I actually had definite plans for a novel, but it never quite happened. I think I always psyched myself out with ridiculously high expectations. I've wanted to do Nano for a couple of years now, so it was high time I gave myself a swift kick to the behind! And it's going pretty good, even though I'm starting to feel that this book is going to be at least 75K. Most likely more, as I don't feel that I'm halfway through the story.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:47:49 +0000

I'm so sorry to hear that. I can't really say much more than that, but like everyone else said, my thoughts are with you.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

soggymuse — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:52:04 +0000

I'm kind of reluctant to post this after a couple of us have had bad news and bad days, but I think it's important to claim the good wherever we can, so here goes. I'm writing the final scenes of my novel, having topped 50k on the 14th. I'm so pleased, because I honestly never imagined I'd get to even start writing, let alone finish it or "win" NaNo. Of course, my hands are really sore, I've had a perpetual headache for about 10 days and my brain is mush; I'm exhausted and worried what my body's going to do when it realises just how much work it's been doing. But I'm just so ecstatic and thoroughly proud of myself. So, keep up the good work, guys. It is possible! :)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:02:19 +0000

Good for you! I love good news, even when my own life sucks! If there wasn't good stuff in life, what would be the point of trying to stay alive??

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:03:21 +0000

I haven't touched my novel in 9 days. Yes, life sucks right now, but it's mostly excuses-- I'll probably feel better if I just get some work done on it (but then I feel guilty for using my energy on writing instead of with my kids. If I die, would I rather have finished a novel or helped them make memories? My mom's logic-- I don't think 2 more weeks of writing will make that much of a difference long term for them, but it might for me!) Of course, seeing that stage 3-c colon cancer has a 28% 5 year survival rate kinda gives me panic attacks (ok, not kinda-- it does!!) i have a feeling I'll be on anxiety pills or antidepressants soon!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Faecanuck — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:21:19 +0000

Way to go! That's fantastic! :) Now take some much needed time for you... Gotta have the good stuff in life or its too dark and ugly to bother with! Congratulations, again!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:22:11 +0000

I think that you should do what you feel like you should and try not to feel guilty about it. It's especially hard when you have children and you feel like you have to choose between them. do they go to school? If so, that would be a good time to try and attempt writing as you feel able. Then when they are home, you spend that time with them. I can't imagine what it's like to be going through this. You must be so scared, and yet you haven't given in to despair. Remember to take it one day at a time, and we're all here for you. -shattered

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 06:42:56 +0000

thanks. They're not in school-- just 2 and almost 5. Today was an especially bad day. I stayed in bed all morning. My mom had to drag me out and take me shopping! felt a little better after that, but not much. Maybe I can go write now for a while...

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

heavy hedonist — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:22:26 +0000

Hope the writing is going decently. I let myself take off a few days for a cold so it wouldn't turn into bronchitis as usual, and slipped off my tracks. hoping to do the mad, mad, mad writer dance this week. at least this week, some of us get pumpkin pie.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:25:09 +0000

Landed myself back in the hospital overnight. Ugh. Bowel obstruction, crazy pain, heavily drugged! But then it passed just after noon and they wouldn't let me go home. I had nothing with me so I asked for paper and a pen and wrote 6 pages between passing out (literally, fell asleep with the pen in my hand a few times... those drugs stay in the system a long time!!) I'm SOOO tired now, but we'll see if I can get some of it typed up. Best estimate is that I wrote 1000-1500 words. Not near enough, but not bad for a day in the hospital!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Faecanuck — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:20:03 +0000

That's a die hard attitude! :) Hope you're feeling alot better!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:38:36 +0000

I typed up what I wrote yesterday-- 1300ish words-- a little more than I thought was there. I've had a total of 10 days on which I wrote. I have 10 days left. And I am at 24,999. Technically it should be doable. I'm really tired and having a hard time getting comfortable to write, but I'm going to try!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Faecanuck — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:11:10 +0000

You can do it!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:22:55 +0000

I'm up to almost 33k and all but 5000 of those words was written in the last week! not having to fight constant nausea is a BIG help. but my hands...uh! the tremors make typing a real challenge, and they swell up after two hours so I have to take a break. still, I'm sure I can make at least 50k and possibly more by the end of the month.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:20:36 +0000

*Sigh* I haven't written in 14 days (eeps!). So I need about 4 000 words/day to catch up. After about a week my shoulder and neck got bad enough that I couldn't motivate myself to sit at the computer anymore. :( I taped my shoulders a couple days ago and they're starting to get better now. Injections and, I'm hoping, a medication change tomorrow will either make me much better and this will be doable or I'll be much worse and abandon all hope of getting to 50 K. I just got a treadmill delivered today to keep me moving during breaks (too icy and cold to walk outside) and bought a microphone for my iPod so I can dictate scenes when they come to me (which is usually when I am laying there at night trying to get to sleep and turning on the light to write would just wake me right up). Any other ideas for continuing writing when your body says "Hell no" ? Assuming, of course, that one should continue writing when one's body says that (which, I'm told, is not necessarily the Right Thing To Do).

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:39:21 +0000

Spent 2 days researching chemo options (like 15+ hours of research!) and didn't write a word. Keep falling further behind!!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:07:01 +0000

800-something words. Pitiful, but still something...

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:08:54 +0000

ugh-- sounds painful. I had a bad neck injury in college, so I can imagine a little. I hope the new meds will help!!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

VirtuallyCJ — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:24:28 +0000

You're in my thoughts Nessa - wondered what happened with you, didn't think to look in here though. Duh. My depression has been really bad lately, good thing I finished last week, I have been totally unproductive since. I've had a rude little girl harassing me on a fanfiction site I post on and she wont back off. Ive reported her, so guess we will see what happens.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:15:27 +0000

Got the meds in a cream instead of a pill. Irritated this option was suggested $300 dollars ago. Ah well. Seems to be working.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:15:50 +0000

*wasn't suggested Geez, is there still no edit function on the boards?

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:14:55 +0000

Glad it's helping. Hope the relief lets you get back to the computer comfortably.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:30:12 +0000

I've been having such a hard time motivating myself to write. I'm tired and I've been overdoing it. My mom has been here dealing with the kids, but I've also been wanting to spend time with her, and I can't write while I'm doing that. She went home this morning. So even though things will be much more chaotic without her, maybe I'll actually get more writing done now. 50,000 is now clearly unattainable for me, but I'm going to consider myself successful if I can hit 40,000. The extra complication of having to spend so much time researching the chemo, paired with the long surgery recovery kinda makes this month too chaotic to have really tried NaNo anyway.... I feel sorta like I'm cheating myself, but really, it was the advanced stage of the cancer that threw me for the loop-- I didn't expect that. Anyone would have trouble bouncing back into fairy tale writing, right? Anyway, I'm supposed to be napping, but despite extreme exhaustion, my body won't sleep. So I'm going to try to write. Maybe I can actually get something done today!!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Shem-the-Penman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:28:32 +0000

Best of luck, Nessa. -Shem

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:03:00 +0000

got in over 3000 words today. If I can keep it up (and a little more), then I *might* actually finish. It might still be possible... No thinking, just writing!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Artimisia — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:16:12 +0000

More power to you, Nessa! Whatever gets written is good. Sorry the doctors are giving you such bad news, but glad you ARE writing and being with your kids etc. I've only now just found this thread -- have been too busy writing up until now to even look around at the forums! (Am a longhand Luddite so that's kept me from being tempted by distractions.) My disability: hard-of-hearing since birth, messed-up vestibular system (translation: bad balance, but immune to motion sickness!)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:25:37 +0000

broke 40K! Not bad considering I was at 25K just a few days ago! I think I might actually finish if I can keep my brain on task. Of course, my next appointment with my oncologist is wed morning-- what was I thinking scheduling that??? Gonna try to do as much as I can tomorrow in case he screws up my head too much to write on Wed.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

heavy hedonist — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:20:45 +0000

[quote=Nessabutterfly] broke 40K! Not bad considering I was at 25K just a few days ago! I think I might actually finish if I can keep my brain on task. Of course, my next appointment with my oncologist is wed morning-- what was I thinking scheduling that??? Gonna try to do as much as I can tomorrow in case he screws up my head too much to write on Wed. [/quote] Kudos! Girl , you need an advocate-- it's one of the things that could help so much, having someone to help with effectvie research, and/or all the paperwork that comes with major illness. that in itself is like a really shitty unpaid part-time job, as I well know.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

heavy hedonist — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:25:11 +0000

I've had to ignore my wordcount and really the entire site here, just to get back on track. Became obsessed swith my word count to the point that i was checking it every sentence, so finally i just stopped keeping track at all. Till thios morning at 6:30 am, i was sure i was sooo far behind, but it appears i'm over 42k. Maybe i'll finish! If not, i'll have wracked up my first NaNo flop, and then that's done with and i can move on. Though this year, i've got less good stuff, i think, than ever before.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:04:28 +0000

Almost there! Less than 6000 words to go. But now I need to take a nap. Soooo tired! I have somewhere to be from 6-9 tonight so I'm not sure how much more I'll get done today. Hopefully meeting with my oncologist tomorrow morning doesn't mess up my mental state too much. I would hate to not finish when I'm SOOO close.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:16:32 +0000

I'm rooting for you! I'm 35 000 words myself. :D

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:17:15 +0000

ARrrgh. Edit button please! That's 35 000 words behind

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Artimisia — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:01:55 +0000

Congratulations, winner! So pleased to see you got those final 6000 words in.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Anysia — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:25:19 +0000

Yay, you! :)

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:27:10 +0000

I DID IT! Congrats to the rest of you who finished.

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:59:24 +0000

conts! I'm so happy you made it!! *does the snoopy dance*

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:59:52 +0000

[quote=shattered_dreamscapes] conts! I'm so happy you made it!! *does the snoopy dance* [/quote] meant congrats! grrr!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

shattered_dreamscapes — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:01:48 +0000

I squeaked under the wire with 57K which is pretty darn good considering the first half of the month sucks SO bad. AND had a medication incident yesterday and today. could barely write today!! But I DID IT!!!! Fourth time NANO WINNER. woohoo!

Re: NaNo with Disabilities

Nessabutterfly — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:40:30 +0000

yay! There seemed to be a lot of squeaking in at the end, but we did it!!