I've been increasingly suffering the effects of what I had feared is ALS. Now the self diagnosis seems to be more appropriately 'Ataxia', which is not a disease but merely is the description of a group of symptoms from injuries suffered in a full life of many falls that often included head injuries. As usual Doctors have shown to be almost useless and secretive.
There was just lots of early childhood assault, and later the injuries that happen in construction. Nowadays, construction helmets look increasingly like very protective motorcycle helmets, so I wish those in construction well.
I've been scribbling away at some short stories and am now increasingly aware of the decreasing profiency of my wordsmithing. So, the question is: should I just stop trying to write? Are my stories riveting enough for others to tolerate what is happening to me? My stories are becoming micro-stories of 1000 words or less. My last large story "Lt. Katia in Afghanistan" was in 2010 and even then suffered from my wandering mind.
Perhaps I am done.
Gwen Brown
Comments
Only you...
Only you can make such a decision. But I would ask this: do you still enjoy writing? Because that's what should matter most. <3
The answer should be simple
The answer should be simple --- people on sites like this like to say you should write for yourself first. If you write for yourself, the rest is gravy. Anyone who has hit publish on a story knows this to be a bit of a lie because we all like affirmation. However, writing for yourself first is good advice.
When I get down, I ask myself - am I getting more benefit or problems by writing? So far the answer has always been 'it is a benefit'. It gives me a release I can't get any other way. I suspect the same is true for you too but you're the only one who can answer the question.
One thing I've learned about this community is if you want to talk, people around here are willing to listen.
As both say before.
As both say before.
On the other hand, writing might help with continuing effort to slow down the effect of ALS.
Hugs, Peace and Prayers tmf
I'll re-spell the 'hippie' affirmation as "Write On!!"'
Self-diagnoses can often be very wrong, and delay/mess up getting ... (yada-yada ...)
As for doctors who are secretive, who won't be straight with you ... Well, straight out their door, and your secret is never coming back.
Self diagnosis ... remember the adage that a doctor who self-diagnoses has a fool for a patient ...
{Me? My self diagnose for 'always being out of breath' was "lack of exercise." But really, a failing heart valve was killing me ...}
Head on over to Google/Wikipedia and poke around. I did this for your "diagnosis", and was reminded that a doctor is needed (and sometimes a 2nd, 3rd, .. opinion) to figure things out, and how to deal with it.
I call this 'naming the dragon.'
Without a proper name for your 'dragon', you don't really know what you're up against, or how to respond.
--- ---
Look into 'speech to text' systems. About all I know is that they exist, and are 'trainable' to better understand your voice.
There are undoubtedly truck-loads of gizmos to help you with writing, and everything else.
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In my time in tech-IT-computer programming-customer support land, I've had these co-workers:
One stone blind,
one stone deaf,
one who needed to use a foot-mouse,
one with no arms below his elbows,
and one who had a 'thing' with the hydration of his eye lens/cornea such that his vision changed semi-randomly.
And every single one of them dealing with computers well enough to earn a living.
-
Oh, and from 'composer-land', there are any number of composers who couldn't put pen to paper, so they had scribes.
So maybe a friend can be your scribe. Yes, I know this is BCTS ...
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Now, I'll paraphrase Shakespeare, "Get thee to a doctor."
=== lastly ===
Why yes, 95% of the world thinks I'm a nut-job on this topic.
Two things:
- Doing this >cannot< hurt you,
- Doing this will certainly stop wrong foods from -adding- to all of your other problems.
Please sign up (free!) https://www.pcrm.org/vegankickstart Please, so very please ...
1000 words (minimum) on why I stopped writing
I don't know whether you've been told this, but there is ironclad rule that any writer who decides to give up the craft, is obliged to write a piece of 1000 words (minimum) on "Why I've Given Up Writing."
Or optionally, if it applies: "Why I Decided to Stop Being So Funny."
On a serious note, though: I find that each thing I write is harder than the one before. I don't have an explanation for it, but it's so. I also find that I jot down what I think is a hilarious premise for a story, only to realize that in reality it's appalling. It takes some polishing and puzzle-solving to turn the sow's ear back into the silk purse it once was.
And then, too, reading! I come up some book or other that strikes me, or makes me laugh, or astonishes me, and -- while I'm entertained, I'm at the same time dismayed that this person writes so so so much better than I do.
At times it makes one feel Why bother?
What it comes down to for me, is: because it matters to me. And that's enough.
hugs,
- iolanthe