(c)8-11 by Donna Cunningham, MSW
Many of you have been writing to ask about my hand problem and why the long absence, so I thought I’d just write a short blog post to bring you up to date. I had two terrible falls in June where I landed on my hands and injured them, though nothing was broken. Then I sprained both wrists trying to compensate for not being able to use my hands. So it’s been a really rough summer, with lots of pain, and I haven’t been able to be on the computer very long at a stretch.
Skywriter’s readers, hearing about this at an early stage, sent in about 50 recommendations for curing arthritis. I actually considered for a time turning this into an arthritis cure review blog, but then I realized that would entail as much writing as this astrology blog, and astrology is much more fun to write about.
Well I finally found out from my doctor what the trouble is. My doctor explained the x-ray, saying that the bones in my hands are thinning out, and that the falls really just brought a long-term, slowly progressing condition to a head. For a writer, of course, this is the worst possible news. My doctor and I are looking into medications and other possibilities.
The first solution was to learn how to use voice recognition software, so that I could dictate my articles rather than use the keyboard. I purchased NaturallySpeaking 11.5 and have spent the last month trying to get it to cooperate. I am told that it will learn anyone’s vocabulary and vocal patterns.
Right! I’ve spent hours trying to teach it astrology. I can dictate simple English text like the paragraphs above with a fair degree of accuracy, but I have laboriously spelled out every astrological term and it’s not having any of it. It has the terms in its dictionary, but that’s not the same as matching pronunciation with words.
The worst was trying to dictate my advice column for Dell horoscope, some 3000 words jammed with jargon. It took about three times as long as usual. Each paragraph takes about10 minutes to dictate.
Finally, I just lose any semblance of patience, and commence to curse. Oddly enough, it doesn’t have any problem at all with rendering that perfectly. I’d even go to so far as to say it’s a bit of a potty mouth. I suspect it was previously owned by a parrot that was previously owned by a sailor.
But I am determined to soldier on and get this software to work. At least Mercury in Virgo is a good time to do those sorts of corrections and detail.
Anyway my dear readers, I do miss you a lot, and I miss all the fun we have on this blog. I still have all the excellent suggestions about articles that come from the contest, and I have a notebook full of article ideas besides.
So readers, I will get back to regular blogging, as quickly as I can. Drop a note in the comment section to say hello. Donna
So sorry to hear this! Maybe you could hire an eager to learn astrologer as a scribe. Sending you healing energy!
By: Debbie on August 29, 2011
at 10:40 am
Hey Donna we miss you and wish you a speedy recovery!!
Best wishes,
Elise
By: Elise on August 29, 2011
at 10:42 am
I’ve thought about voice-recognition software but never thought about the specialized-vocabulary aspect of it. Because such software adapts to one’s speaking patterns over time, it seems that it would be very difficult to test in the store to compare different brands. How did you settle on NaturallySpeaking?
By: Wolf Lahti on August 29, 2011
at 11:22 am
A friend who uses it said it’s the best. It wasn’t that expensive–$149. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 2:54 pm
LOL on the parrot!
It’s good you can find humor in what sounds like a frustrating situation. But whether or not you have an underlying condition, it’s very possible that your hands will feel a lot better once they heal up from the recent trauma. Orthopedic things can take a LONG time to resolve, but in my experience (and I have all too much of it) they often will, especially if you avoid heroic measures like surgery or overly aggressive PT. I have found that doctors often give unnecessarily negative prognoses for these kinds of conditions. I’ve been told things like, “You won’t ever recover function” or “You’ll always be in pain” and then recovered ALL function and felt fine. But it took a year or two.
So don’t despair!
By: Jenny Brown on August 29, 2011
at 12:10 pm
Thank you, Jenny, I AM starting to feel somewhat better. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 2:55 pm
I agree. Fractured wrist last year. Just takes time. All strength came back. Some PT but soon as I stopped all was well shortly. Doctors
aren’t necessarily healers. Try Jo Dunning’s work. You will find her
on the net and she offers free twice a month on the net work as well
as on many radio shows like “News For The Soul”.
By: CD on September 1, 2011
at 6:53 am
Oh my gosh! Mars in Gemini with the SN and all! And trying new software on the Mer Rx? AHHHH! I hope you recover well and soon! Take Care and thinking of you here in NY!!
By: Tricia on August 29, 2011
at 12:16 pm
I agree with the idea of hiring someone to write what you dictate….an apprentice perhaps….sometimes technology is downright maddening and not worth the aggravation
I also agree that doctors dismal prognosis aren’t always correct.
I’ve found holistic/alternative/nutritional/herbal methods most always help me much more than western medicine. Keep the faith. Sending positive vibes for a full recovery
By: pastelartist74 on August 29, 2011
at 12:32 pm
Donna, hope you make a full recovery soon.
By: Patrice Thompson on August 29, 2011
at 12:48 pm
I have hand/wrist problems too so know some of what you’re going through. And similar problems with Naturally Speaking, too. It would swear if I had a cold! Sending lots and lots of healing energy to you lovely lady. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery xxx
By: Louise on August 29, 2011
at 1:06 pm
Yes! Donna,
Both pastelartist74 and Jenny Brown are quite correct. In fact, you are getting some good advice from all sides as far as I can read. Please do keep a eye open for alternative healing methods. Slowly, medical science is coming around to seeing that much newly discovered discoveries of targeted nutrition, supplementation, and other methods actually do work much more than previously thought. If you are interested ,check out this website:www.lifeextensionfoundation.org. I do know of where I speak, a 34 year survivor of 3rd stage Cancer, and a 2 year survivor of double valve heart replacement surgery,as well as a heart-lung transplant that got cancelled because they felt it was too late, too far gone… I wasn’t expected to survive, and it did result in my toes being amputated BUT here I am ! I walk just fine with a cane, thank you.. Doctors are still scratching their heads.. You will be amazed at just what your body can do if given added support.
Click on the section under “health concerns” that covers osteoporosis, as well as arthritis…wishing you the very best !!
By: Marjorie Margel on August 29, 2011
at 1:08 pm
So sorry for what happened to you! But i know the mind can heal better than a doctor. And you have a powerful mind. Though I never partecipated to this blog, i always read it with attention, interest and pleasure. All my positive thoughts and wishes to you, and love, Angela
By: angela on August 29, 2011
at 1:10 pm
Dear Donna, Sorry to hear about your hands.his if my first time to your website. You are such an amazing gift to us all and a great resource we hope to get you whatever information to heal as soon as possible. I have always looked up to you as a mentor from all your articles and books and columns ,,,thank you for all you give to us. I have been using a method of” Grounding “called “Earthing” I can send you details of how to read the book for free (on line it is read to you)! email me and I can send you more information.I also have a web site with healing sounds to help your progress with the healing. I have what is called “Thorasic Outlet Syndrome” which begins with “Carpel Tunnel Syndrome “.. I have been using a Grounding Pad for several months and most of the numbness and tingling and pain in my hands and the whole rest of my body is gone!!! I can go to sleep after a difficult day with too much lifting etc. in pain and sore muscles and wake up with no pain and no soreness the following day!
One the the major improvements physically from staying grounded is in pain reduction and in inflammation control. It seems to have great results for Arthritis also. It ii has had several preliminary trials with studies at NIH with great results. Please look into this as it is a quite inexpensive healing technique. I will list a few areas to get more information and a link to the interviews online that describe the method. Basically the more time you can spend grounded (touching the earth, skin to earth) the stronger the results. They have found the most efficient way to stay grounded for the longest time is to sleep grounded. The book is written by a Cardiologist and the founder of Earthing, Clint Ober.
this is now on their web site:
Research has demonstrated that earthing the body plays a substantial role in the reduction of inflammation and functioning of other physiological processes. On this basis, it is strongly recommended that individuals taking medication to thin the blood, regulate blood sugar, control blood pressure, or to regulate hormone thyroid levels, consult their Doctor for advice and a medication monitoring routine before they begin sleeping earthed.
The main web site with information is http://www.earthing.com and below is another web site for research with more information. They have the products and information available on line. So if you cannot walk or spend time touching the earth outside they have an earthing sheet or pad you can use to sleep on that grounds you while you are touching it.
I was pleasantly surprised that NIH has conducted some preliminary studies on earthing and has recommended further research. I was particularly interested in the “Earthing and Human Body Influences Physiologic Processes”. This is the study that showed the results on Thyroid, Glucose, etc. It is also the one that indicates a potential problem for those on certain medications like blood thinners.
You can listen to the book online at
http://www.earthing.com/earthing-book-audio-preview.php
– http://www.earthinginstitute.net/
More Information at:
– http://www.earthinginstitute.net/
grounded.
Here are links that are to interviews that explain earthing and it’s uses.At least watch the first few video’s on “YouTube” of the electrical fields demonstrated. Something you might not pick up on in this video with the lamp — the lamp is not on. This shows that you can pick up electrical currents from lamps, etc. with just them being plugged in. Since each video is 15 minutes long, I just watched one video a day. There are cautions in the “Earthing” research video’s, esp. the use of grounding if you are on blood thinners, since Earthing thins the blood. People on Thyroid meds and Insulin or Type 2 meds also have cautions and need to get tested by their doctors because meds need to be reduced and may need to be eliminated entirely.
All the Best, Jackie
Electrical Fields Demonstrated
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OhYOsvJleA&feature=relmfu Part 1 of 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2IypcUzM8s Part 2 of 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RsS0RKucHQ Part 3 of 3
General Earthing Discussion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TipAfxBSJoY Part 1 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S787_Xssdc&NR=1 Part 2 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOgEJ3x826U&NR=1 Part 3 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utr-yFbL7VY&NR=1 Part 4 of 4
Earthing Research
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OclGGH0EKhc&NR=1 Part 1 of 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0gN4hIE_Og&NR=1 Part 2 of 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR2ug74Zp04&NR=1 Part 3 of 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_0uLrwcgZ8&NR=1 Part 4 of 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOsuc_7NaI0&NR=1 Part 5 of 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMyyKcU67E4&NR=1 Part 6 of 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJvZDoCSeBk&NR=1 Part 7 of 7
Healing Thoughts and Blessings! Jackie
By: Jackie on November 28, 2011
at 11:39 am
I wish only to let you know that healing thoughts are flooding the ethers in your direction from me to you!
By: Dianne Eppler Adams on August 29, 2011
at 1:11 pm
Did you do this one with the software, Donna? It looks and reads great, and I hope you didn’t have to spend too many hours fiddling with it.
This brought me a giggle: “I’ve spent hours trying to teach it astrology. I can dictate simple English text like the paragraphs above with a fair degree of accuracy, but I have laboriously spelled out every astrological term and it’s not having any of it.” This could be a quote from your astrologese article. I certainly felt that way trying to understand those astro terms in the early days.
We can’t wait to get you back full-time, but until you heal it’s wonderful to see an occasional note. You have so much to offer here on Sky Writer that we can stay busy learning from you for a long time to come. I do miss your regular posts terribly, though, and can’t wait to have you back all the time.
By: cj wright on August 29, 2011
at 1:11 pm
Thank you, CJ. Yes, I dictated that with the software, and it wasn’t that slow, but I purposely left out the jargon. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 2:57 pm
I recently heard about odesk.com You can hire help from overseas at a reasonable cost. Perhaps you can record your articels on freeconferencecalling.com and get them transcribed by an assistant from odesk.
Also love the idea of an astrology assistant. I also would check out alternative/ herbal methods for help. More positive vibes for yoiur recovery!
Catherine stevens
By: cathrstevens on August 29, 2011
at 1:12 pm
Donna, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all you do and give – you are greatly appreciated. Sending you positive healing thoughts and love.
By: Barbara on August 29, 2011
at 1:12 pm
Sending well wishes and healing energy your way. Peace and blessings.
By: Diana on August 29, 2011
at 1:14 pm
Dear Dear Donna:
I am so very sorry about your condition.
I am a huge fan from the 80′s whenever you published
Solving Pluto Problems,
and since I have seven
Pluto contacts to personal planets,
your book was and still is my bible.
Could I suggest 2000 milligrams of
ESTER C Capsules(only) with
2 to 4 OSTEO BIFLEX Tablets Daily
I am 64 and I have been doing this since 1997,
with great results and no pain,
even though I have many many arthiritis spots all over my body.
The ESTER C seems like magic in combo eith the other,
and capsules have better absorption.
Thank You so much for being a pillar
of wisdom in my life for over 30 years,
and I so love getting your newsletter.
I wish you a good recovery and I know you will
get well soon.
God Bless
Julia Monroe
By: julia monroe on August 29, 2011
at 1:15 pm
Thank you, Julia. I didn’t know Osteo Biflex was available. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 3:05 pm
Hi Donna,
I was missing you and your fascinating posts. I’m sorry to hear about your hands being injured. I can understand your frustration with the recording software too. I’m glad the program understands your cursing though. lol Maybe you should let it come out whatever way it does and let us try to figure out what astrological term you meant? It might be fun or funny anyway.
By: Angela Artemis/Poweredbyintuition on August 29, 2011
at 1:18 pm
Oh, Lord, it does make some funny mistakes. I was telling one fellow writer that she was on a roll with her writing.
Software said: “You’re on parole.”
Me” “Erase that. You’re on a roll.”
Software: “You’re on the honor roll.”
It just occurred toi me…maybe I should give it a name. If I worked hard for some boss that didn’t even call me by name and cursed at me, I’d probably balk, too. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 3:02 pm
Ha! Reminds me of the old SNL Emily Litella “what’s all this talk about sax and violins?” I tried Naturally Speaking a couple of years back when I had repetitive strain injuries. It was amazing software, but I could see it was going to take a very long time to “train” it. Good for you for having the patience! Hang in there, and hope to see you back here soon.
By: Leslee on August 29, 2011
at 3:22 pm
Thank you Donna, for continuing to work and get things out to us, “your fans” in the face of all that…
I wish I lived close to you, I would love nothing more than to be an editorial assistant and type your dictation, or whatever! And I know all the jargon !
Sending lots of healing vibes your way, and “trines”. Love, Stephanie Kirchner, Oak Park, IL
By: Stephanie Kirchner on August 29, 2011
at 1:42 pm
Hi Donna,
Miss you too:( Sorry to hear your hands aren’t doing better. Hope you’re feeling better soon!
Karen
By: Karen on August 29, 2011
at 1:54 pm
Hi Donna, patience is definitely the ‘it’ word for August! Hang on in there you’re a tough cookie with a determination than can only inspire … bless you for thinking of us readers and may you long be sharing your astrological wit and wisdom on this blog… sending Love and healing energy from across the Atlantic…
By: Janet on August 29, 2011
at 2:07 pm
Donna
You had me laughing out loud with your potty mouthed voice recognition software. So sorry to hear about your hands. Hope time and the medication are helping.
By: Ann on August 29, 2011
at 2:31 pm
hi Donna,
Had I known, I could have forewarned you about Naturally Speaking, which I bought several years ago and never was able to conquer it. And no astrology terms were involved. I bought it because I’m a transcriber and thought it might save me some time. LOL!!!! No way. As you see, only robotic phrases can be deciphered. I think eventually it will work. But I haven’t heard anyone I know having an easy time with it. And I agree, an apprentice is a great idea! Be well … heal quickly! ~Regine
By: Regine on August 29, 2011
at 3:04 pm
Donna, may your hands and bones strengthen and heal. It does take time! I can feel for you–I fell last Dec. on a slippery surface and it took at least 3 months to heal my hand, wrist, and twisted sacrum. Chiropractic and then the more subtle cranial sacral work helped a lot. Have you considered taking homeopathic Symphytum, (Comfrey)? Good for healing the bones. When I took it, my bones felt strong!
By: RobinSky on August 29, 2011
at 3:17 pm
LOL! 3rd prompt today about Symphytum! Looking into it. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 3:29 pm
Hello Donna
Would an audio blog be feasible? then you could speak without having to produce text version. On the other hand, not easy to edit or recall what you’ve already covered
Sorry to hear that the painful hands condition is lasting so long.
Had hoped you were off enjoying summer.
What does ‘not being able to use your hands for typing’ make possible?
By: Lillie on August 29, 2011
at 3:18 pm
Many things are not possible, but I was never a big fan of housework anyway! Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 3:35 pm
Best wishes, Donna. Be patient and let your hands heal properly before you start writing full time again
By: Natalie Normann on August 29, 2011
at 3:25 pm
Donna, I am so sorry! I agree that getting a transcriptionist is a great idea while you are finding ways to restore your hands.
Lily
By: Lily L Diamond on August 29, 2011
at 3:25 pm
I am glad to hear you are feeling a bit better. As a practical Taurus, I’m going to give you a suggestion here: check the ergonomics of your computer workstation. I’ve helped lots of writers who complained of aches and pains by fixing basic ergonomic problems. I knew one writer (Academy Award winner for best screenplay too!) who complained he had constant shoulder, elbow and wrist pain on his right side. One day I went out to his house to work on his computer, I told him “well no wonder you have problems, your mouse pad is about a foot too far away. You’re straining to reach it.” He was using that spot to set papers, so he just moved the mousepad closer and the papers farther. In a week or so, he felt much better, no more pain. So you’d be amazed what simple changes to your work environment can do.
I have a gel wrist-wrest and that seems to help me keep my wrists straight and avoid RSI in my hands. I recommend them to everyone who uses a separate keyboard (not for laptops). I will leave you a link to the best site on ergonomics that I know of, from Apple. Their advice will work for all computer types.
http://www.apple.com/about/ergonomics/
By: Charles on August 29, 2011
at 3:34 pm
Good reminder, Charles. Many years ago, I had RSI, and a friend who was a physical therapist looked over the ergonomics and redesigned the space–helped a lot. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 5:51 pm
Sorry to hear about your hands & wrists. Get well soon.
You could try posting .mp3 on your blog, although it’s not great for internet search engines to understand. But we would all get to hear your beautiful voice.
I kind of doubt that any other software would be better than Dragon/Naturally Speaking. The software is based on many decades of research at IBM since 1950s. It’s pretty much the best software out there I believe. The voice recognition is done via Hidden Markov Model, which is probability-based (both vocal patterns and vocabulary). It’s already the state of the art. I think you probably need to give it some time, before the underlying probability increase for astrological vocabulary.
For obvious reason (on all the troubles that you’re experiencing), voice recognition has never become mainstream into any PC or electronic devices.
By: Nathan on August 29, 2011
at 3:51 pm
Thanks, Nathan. It was my impression, too, that Dragon is the best, witgh potent underlying technology. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 5:49 pm
At least you haven’t lost your sense of humor – that would really be grim! Sending you good healing wishes.
By: Margaret on August 29, 2011
at 3:59 pm
Hi Donna, Reading about your hand problems I am so sorry. I love your blog and look forward to it each and every day. have you all read Louise Hay’s “You Can Heal Your Life?” she stalk about holding on with hands. Try and peek at her reasoning, who knows it might help. anyway I send love and good wishes to you always and forever. Thanks so much for sharing so much with your students we all love and appreciate it. love, flo higginsI
By: flo higgins on August 29, 2011
at 4:01 pm
Flo–didn’t I do a workshop at your place in NJ ages ago? Nice to hear from you. Will ponder what you say about holding on too tight. It all happened while Mars was in Gemini, though never before. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 5:47 pm
Sorry to hear about that. What a drag.
If You don’t use it you lose it
so I recommend using your wrists and build up the bones through sheer will power and desire; and say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! and mean it.
Karate people bust their knuckles all the time to build up scar tissue and buldgy bones to make their fist like a sledge hammer. Check out Bruce Lees Knuckles next time you see him in a movie. You could build those wrists up to handle anything if you desired it strong enough!
Come on Donna.. work that Moe Joe !!!!
That story about the potty mouth word recognition…. Ha ha ha
so true, even my word corrector doesn’t recognize astrological terms or certain big BIG WORDS.
May be you need another program geared for Astrology? Is there such a thing? Now that mercury went direct may your mercury ruled wrists get better by the hour ..
By: Barehand on August 29, 2011
at 4:18 pm
Thank you, BH. I can become the Bruce Lee of blogging. No special add-on exist for astrology, though it does for medicine. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 5:45 pm
Dear Donna,
I’m sorry to hear about your injury. Hope you can get it under control and begin using your hands soon.
Warmly,
Hiroki
By: Hiroki Niizato on August 29, 2011
at 4:27 pm
Missing you dearly Donna, and so sorry to hear of all the bumps on the road to recovery. Thoughts and prayers for a smoother process from now on, with GPS, voice recognition, telepathy or whatever it takes!
I second the idea of an apprentice as a scribe!
By: sabrina on August 29, 2011
at 4:39 pm
Once you’re stronger, you might want to look into yoga hand exercises… that and EFT have helped me a great deal with my wrist/hand issues…
Sending you Reiki light and the hope that an apprentice presents him/herself to be your scribe… I do think it could be a win/win with the right person… blessings and thanks for all you do
By: Pamela on August 29, 2011
at 4:49 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your hand/ wrist problems. My husband has dragon speak and suggests you call the Dragon people directly to facilitate the special vocabulary ( he is an astronomer) and to consider Skype, which is free if your
assistant has it on her computer, and would allow you to dictate the material in real time with clarification as you speak. Good luck!
By: maryjane on August 29, 2011
at 4:59 pm
Egads, Donna, sounds like a heap of Saturn stuff. I so admire your determination with all this! Cheers to your good humor & hanging in there & taking it slow.
Yes, a name for your ghost writer sounds fun. I vote no for HAL………;-)
By: pdw on August 29, 2011
at 4:59 pm
Oh Donna – Get well soon! The irony of a writer losing the use of her hands is just too bitter. Lots of healing vibes
By: Christina on August 29, 2011
at 5:33 pm
Just a suggestion, but Boswellia is excellent for pain. It took away pain in my hands that I’d been having since the winter. I only had to stop taking it because I developed diarrhea from it, but that’s a common problem for me. according to the information on it, diarrhea is a rare side effect (not for me ;-}) p.s. The pain disappeared in about a week.
By: Pat on August 29, 2011
at 5:55 pm
What is it, Pat? An herb? Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 29, 2011
at 6:03 pm
Hi Donna
It is Frankincense resin extract (Boswellia serrata), ginger is also a great addition – you can get ginger oil too – even more potent.
By: su on August 31, 2011
at 1:34 pm
Hi Donna,
Hope your dragon trainning is going well. Whatever transit is ailing you shall pass in time. Sending well wishes your way.
By: Eunice on August 29, 2011
at 6:12 pm
Thank you Donna for the update. LOL with your comments about the software doesn’t want to learn astrology. So cute. Good luck. Donna. I have been reading your blog and books. You have been giving to us so much. So take a long break and we have so much to take in and read from you. Love. Eleni.
By: Eleni on August 29, 2011
at 6:39 pm
Hello Donna,
Glad to hear you are doing better. I had wondered if something was going on with you since you are usually so prolific. Boswellia is Frankincense oil, not sure how she was taking it. I got Dragon Naturally Speaking 11 back in April the last time Mercury was rx. It takes a few times of working with the program patiently but it will eventually get it. It was quite frustrating at first but it works pretty well in time.I have had to re-tune it since the upgrade to 11.5 but this version is much better than version 10. I got that last year and ended up returning it, it didn’t work for me very well at all.
Take care of yourself. Sending healing energy your way. Thanks again for all you share with us. Blessings:)
By: Selene on August 29, 2011
at 7:50 pm
Oh, no!! Your hand(s) too??!! I’ve been having problems with my right hand since March, but in this case it’s been because of an allergic reaction to machine oil on the heater core tubes at work. Neptune(oil) in Pisces, (you bastard, opposing my natal Sun), you did this to me!! Plus that annoying T-Square between Mars,(in Cancer, transiting my sixth house) Uranus, and Pluto. (And then Saturn!!) Not only the transits, but these damn transits affecting my natal planets as well. I’m so sorry, Donna, that you are having problems with your hands. Blame the outer planet transits.(And your second Saturn return? My first was AWFUL, I could write a whole dissertation about mine!) I haven’t been able to use my right hand for over a month, not to mow the grass, do dishes, or any kind of normal daily activity. The breakout from the oil was so bad, my hand looked like chopped meat. Well, I happened to run into a friend at a local restaraunt who works at the same place as I do, and SHE had problems with an allergic reaction to the same oil on her FACE. She told me that her grandma recommended an old-fashioned home remedy…CRISCO OIL!! Not the liquid stuff, but the solid stuff. It’s working!! Not even the steroid cream my doctor gave me was working, nor the powerful antibiotic. MAYBE I won’t have to go see a dermatologist after all. Transiting Neptune opposing my natal Sun in Virgo(I have the Sun at 0 degrees 34 min of Virgo), and all these issues with OIL and CHEMICALS) but the one thing that is working is a NATURAL(Virgo!) chemical like Crisco oil!! One thing that might work for your hands, Donna, is soaking in a hot tub, like at a health club, a hot tub that has (the good) minerals and chemicals in it for not just your hands, but your entire body. You also might try using castor oil(Neptune again!!) on your hands, it’s an old Edgar Cayce remedy that seems to help sore muscles and sometimes joints.
By: Kathleen on August 29, 2011
at 9:17 pm
CRISCO LARD? Better than steroids? Yeah I am a 29 Leo and have had that darted Neptune transit opposition my Sun as well and had an itch that wont go away! I never thought that transit could be behind it? Will try the Crisco for getting rid of it…steroids work to mask the symptoms disappear but NOT to get it GONE! Once the steroid cream wears off ( a month) its right back! I have tried everything, Caster oil, garlic, cayenne , vinegar etc it all seems to make it mutate and become less, but NOT go away completely. A natural healer tells me skin issues are related to a sluggish Liver. Mine was damaged in childhood so I tend to believe that. Gotta get the Liver purified which takes time. It took the Nun one half year to poison me so it ought to take the same amount of time to undo that. This is not to mention all the environmental contamination in household cleaning products, tap water etc etc.
.A strong healthy liver will help to purify the skin.
Now its just a matter of discipline to take all the right steps!
By: Barehand on August 30, 2011
at 7:01 am
HMMMM. Never thought about it being a sluggish liver that might be hindering the healing process. But, I’m also a diabetic, and once this thing broke out, it’s just been the devil to get rid of. I have been taking a diabetic drug for 10 years(Metformin) and it works by keeping my liver from ejecting more sugar into my bloodstream. Then there’s my cholesterol meds. Had to stop taking Crestor, couldn’t afford it after the company I work for “downsized” their health insurance to only 500 dollars a year per employee, a 90 day supply of Crestor costs 492 dollars!! So the doc has me on a new cholesterol med, and the cholesterol med works on my liver as does the metformin. The cholesterol med is 80 mgs. of Simvastatin, and it only costs 4 dollars at the local pharmacy. BUT…..taking these new meds might be impeding the healing process, even though it’s an allergic reaction to machine oil. Vitamin “E” is helping tremendously, I’m putting it directly on my abrasions. Plus, Ive been taking 2000 mcgs. of B-12, sometimes more than that, and at least 1000 mgs. of vit “C”.
By: Kathleen on August 31, 2011
at 12:20 am
Good ideas, Kathleen. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 30, 2011
at 1:40 pm
Donna,
And as far as CURSING….HAH! It’s a good way to blow off steam, and it doesn’t hurt anyone. Your computer certainly won’t get its feelings hurt. With Mercury now having gone direct, maybe you won’t have as many problems with the program you are now using. Of course, Mercury retrograde had something to do with my hand being all messed up, plus the problems with your hands (and your fall) plus those dratted(I’m not cursing this time!!) outer planet transits. I’ver got a whole folder of paperwork(Mercury) from 3 visits to the doctor for my hand, plus evil memories of the doctors(one in particular) at work who denied my workmans comp, denied that there was any oil on the parts, and the one doctor whom I first saw at work tried to imply that I did the injury to myself!!(RIGHT, like I would PURPOSELY mangle my hand so I couldn’t use it to make a living and not be able to make my house payment). The last time Mercury went retro, in April, my daughter(Mercury rules my 5th house of children) had to go to the hospital for emergency surgery to have her gall bladder removed. I missed a week of work, then, too. This time, because of my hand, I have missed almost a month of work. Talk about CURSING. My supervisor was giving me a hard time at work because I was in pain because of my hand, and I couldn’t shoot screws fast enough for her, and when I showed her my hand, she wouldn’t hear of it, she told me she was putting me on notice for discipline. I’m friggin’ 50 years old!! BOY, did I want to “Curse” her out!! Can’t do that, then I won’t have a job. Hang in there, Donna, it WILL get better.
By: Kathleen on August 29, 2011
at 9:37 pm
Hire a temp to do your typing Donna! If I lived anywhere near you I’d help you for free, LOL! Don’t worry, you’ll find a solution.
By: Jack M on August 30, 2011
at 3:53 am
Dear Donna,
For your Dell articles you might want to use a transcription service instead of speach recognition software. All you need is a dictaphone and selecting the transcription company that offers the best service and rates. There are many fast and professional firms (e.g. in India).
I hope you will recover soon! THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the great books and articles! Your writing style makes all topics “easy to digest” and absolutely fun to read!
Best wishes, Saskia
By: Saskia on August 30, 2011
at 8:47 am
Hi donna, Yes you gave a wonderful workshop at my home in Rumson, N.J. long ago and we had such a good time. Lots of laughs. My husband died and i moved to a wonderful condo miles away from the ocean. Today in N.J. that home was flooded I am sure,but it was fun while we lived there. I also had a shop in a neighboring town and you spoke there also. You were in N.J. to do a workshop with the late Joan Negas and Ken Negas.
Back to your hands and Louise Hay. she writes:”Hold and handle. Clutch and grip.Grasping and letting go. Caressing , Pinching. All ways of dealing with experiences ”
” NEW THOUGHT PATTERN; i CHOOSE TO HANDLE MY EXPERIENCES WITH LOVE AND WITH JOY AND WITH EASE.
According to Louise Hay its mind over matter and sometimes we hold on to stuff too long. for what it is worth I share this and send you much love. i also have a website under my name .Not as full of astrological info as yours, it is more fun and game, but i enjoy the writing. much love and know you will be feeling better. I am also involved with Unity Church and you could always call for prayer . I will look up the phone number and send it on. again love and blessings, flo higgins
By: flo higgins on August 30, 2011
at 9:18 am
Thank you, Flo. Thanks, everyone. I was so happy to hear from you all yesterday, that I overdid my time on the computer. Donn
By: Donna Cunningham on August 30, 2011
at 1:44 pm
Hello Donna,
I’d gladly be your apprentice if I was there. There should be others willing to be apprentices too – if you decide to give them a chance
I hope you recover fully and you probably have enough ideas for healing, but just to add mine too – botanical glucosamine works very well against pain without side effects on the stomach.
Also from the technical side, if writing with a pen is less effort for you, maybe a graphical tablet can help – they recognize English handwriting and transfer it to fonts.
In any case have your time to rest and recover, we’ll wait
P.S. You look very beautiful on both of your pictures
By: Mesecina on August 30, 2011
at 11:19 am
Hi! Hope you get some relief for your poor hands!
By: Vanessa on August 30, 2011
at 3:36 pm
Hi, Donna,
Thank you for the update. We miss you but want you to take of yourself too! I’ve enjoyed reading your older blogs and articles and have gained personal insights from them,
I empathize with your situation, as I am “breaking in” an ankle brace that has caused me much knee pain (ankle bone connected to the knee bone, etc). I opted for the brace rather than undergo ankle-fusion surgery which the surgeon told me is “a very big deal” (No kidding!) with a 6-month recovery. I’m now wondering if I’ve only postponed the inevitable, plus damaging my knee in the process. Spending the alotted 15 minutes with a doctor doesn’t give anybody enough time to ask questions and absorb information. It’s been my experience that ortho surgeons tend to forget that a human being is attached to the purely mechanical problem.
Healing thought to you!
Amy
By: Amy T on August 30, 2011
at 4:41 pm
I’m so sorry that you have to go through all this pain as well as loss of function. I hope that there is a way to stop or at least slow down the thinning of you bones and relieve the pain. I also hope that you can find a way to continue your writing without endangering your health.
Take good care of yourself and let yourself bask in the glow of so much healing energy from all of us: )
By: Mari Kosik Aubuchon on August 30, 2011
at 5:28 pm
Hi Donna–so sorry you are having to deal with this. I’m wondering if there might be some young, astro learner bee who would love to take your dictation in return for a bit of instruction. Just a thought.
I know everyone joins me in wishing you a full and painless recovery! All the best to you!
By: Lee on August 30, 2011
at 6:47 pm
Hi Donna, hope you feel better soon.
By: Jan the Alan Fan on August 30, 2011
at 6:56 pm
I feel for you and will chant for your complete recovery. As other writers said, bone and tendon conditions take a long time to heal. I tore a tendon in my ankle, was laid up for 8 months, and the doctors said it might never heal, but now that leg is as good as new. Don’t give up. Chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and know that so many people appreciate you and are sending healing energy.
By: Pawntucky on August 30, 2011
at 8:16 pm
As a diabetic you have to stop white flour. Ezekiel Bread is best in the freezer section at most stores. Go heavy on fresh veggies and fruits. A big diet change should work to get you off being diabetic and then you can get rid of the prescribed meds. I don’t trust those because while they are helping one thing they are destroying another!
1-800-herbdoc will get you a free catalog for fantastic herbal cures and purification solutions! Great Good Luck to you and Donna getting well!
By: Barehand on August 31, 2011
at 5:55 am
Yeah, I don’t trust those damn drugs either. I will write that number down you gave me. I have been diabetic for 10 years. It SUCKS.
By: Kathleen on August 31, 2011
at 7:41 am
This was a reply to Kathleen
By: Barehand on August 31, 2011
at 5:56 am
well, I’ve got a bit going on too. But I am happy to see how many people posted here too. Please allow those hands to heal!! We miss your wisdom
By: mimi on August 31, 2011
at 6:02 am
Praying for your speedy recovery.
Take Care.
By: Byrappa on August 31, 2011
at 12:10 pm
Oh, boy Donna, that is not good! How awful for you to fall like that . . . it is a “knee jerk” reaction to do what you did with your hands to break the fall.
I am really sorry that you are so impaired, indeed, I don’t know what I would do with both hands/wrists out of work.
It was bad enough when I fractured my right wrist last August, a year ago, and it was really hard – in fact it was fractured because I landed on it in the same way.
I send you bone-strength love, and I hope you think long/short term and find a way to enhance the bone-density. It is possible, again, you have a surgeon/physician to inform you of those options! I admire the attempt to do word recog. I think medicine has come a long way further than some technology! Ha!
So, carry on, I am sending you love, as I said . . . thinking of the time I went through the two hip replacements and then was “helping” you through yours!
By: Erin Sullivan on August 31, 2011
at 12:33 pm
Yes, you were really helpful when I had my hip replacements, Erin. Can you imagine, that was more than 10 years ago–best thing I ever did for myself! Thanks for the good thoughts. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on August 31, 2011
at 2:28 pm
Dear Donna—OK—here I go again—I want to do my spiel about adequate magnesium—most people deficient and likely as we age because of less absorption—-Ancient Wisdom has a spray on oil—topically great—101healthshop.com has anstrom minerals 100% absorable and no diarhea—also adequate vite D—-good to get level tested—should be around50-65—-and more B12 as we age—-there I did it!—-Been There—Pat
By: Pat Nolan on August 31, 2011
at 12:56 pm
Doesn’t Virgo rule the hands (or was that Gemini/Mercury)? Sending healing thoughts your way!!
By: kristy on August 31, 2011
at 3:47 pm
So sorry you have to go through this. I enjoy your blog. I think the idea of hiring a novice, or maybe a “more than a novice” who wants to learn more, and could take dictation, sounds like a good idea…
By: Janie on August 31, 2011
at 4:56 pm
Hi Donna, just wanted to say thank you so much for this wonderful blog and all your books. As a confirmed Pluto person I feel quite blessed to have discovered you through Healing Pluto Problems a few years ago. I really love your work! Take care of yourself and I hope you’re feeling better soon
By: Jennifer on September 1, 2011
at 8:27 am
HI Donna hope things work out for you.
Have you considered asking other people to train your dragon to speak astrology. Or you could get a dicta-phone and i believe they have software in it that converts speech to written word
By: enslavedtobooks on September 2, 2011
at 12:11 am
Wouldn’t work–the point is to train it to recognize your own voice patterns. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on September 2, 2011
at 3:21 pm
Donna,
I send you my best wishes and lots of solid, positive vibes for your wrists.
Will miss your blogging, and what you share about astrology and the guests you invite. This blog is so rich in knowledge and a feeling of community.
In the meantime, lots of good rest for you. And good luck with your voice software – astrology is indeed another language for this kind of things, right?
At least for the time being.
CrisLondon
By: CrisLondon on September 2, 2011
at 1:48 pm
Donna, sending lots of healing! I was LOL at the software with the potty mouth. My brother actually had a neighbor whose parrot swore like a sailor. They’d stash Polly at my brother’s house when the minister came to visit. (That didn’t do a thing for the bird’s bad habits, because my brother cussed more than his fine feathered friend.) I know you’ve heard every cure in the book, but when I did Humor Month on my blog, I was reminded about the healing power of laughter and how Norman Cousins got so much pain relief by watching funny movies. Can’t hurt, might help, and who couldn’t use a few more ha-ha’s? For extra entertainment and healing value, you could turn on your voice recognition software, let it record the soundtrack, and howl at the results. Two laugh tracks for the price of one.
In all seriousness, I’m envisioning you back at the keyboard again with wrists strong, healthy, and happy.
By: Joyce Mason on September 2, 2011
at 9:36 pm
Well, humor – albeit unintentional – has been constant in my efforts to communicate with Lady Potty Mouth. That’s what I’ve christened my voice recognition software, once I realized it probably get better results if I called it by name. Dictation in plain English is starting to go pretty well, but throw in some dense astrological jargon, and I think it plugs its ears, closes its eyes, and intones, ” hear no evil, hear no evil, hear no evil.”
So many readers have suggested that I find somebody to transcribe what I dictate. It won’t work because that’s not how I write. I revise constantly as I write, so by the time I get done, the end result looks nothing like a first draft, but instead is a polished piece. Dictating it to someone else would mean going back and forth several times, and by then I would hope to be three or four articles down the line. Too frustrating. It’s better to just keep on talking to Lady Potty Mouth until we get comfortable with one another. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on September 3, 2011
at 6:36 am
Donna, what’s your astrological stats? Like , when were you born, what year, and all that? I don’t even know your chart!! From one astrologer to another, I (and the rest of your readers) could give you some insight as to possible solutions to healing your hands. I myself have been racking my brain to figure out why MY hand won’t clear up…with the poisoning from the chemical filled oil on the heater core tubes at work still affecting my hand, even though I’ve been away from the oil for a month. I’ve been dealing with this since March. Steroid cream is helping somewhat, and even Crisco vegetable oil helped for a few days. Now the sh*t is back again, and my hands are starting to look like they did a couple months ago, cracked open, oozing, uncomfortable. Well in some previous posts I wrote of Mars causing all the mischeif(Mars rules my 3rd house of the hands) and it’s been transiting my 6 th house of work and health. Yeah, he’s causing some problems, but he’ll move out of my 6th house on the 18 or 19 this month, but….of COURSE!! Transiting Pluto(poison) at 4 degrees in Capricorn on the cusp of my 12th) is in a very tight square to my NATAL Mars in Libra at 4 in my 8th house! The 8th house rules illnesses, too. Pluto, the poisoner, is getting ready to transit my 12th house, and it’s squaring my natal Mars in Libra in my 8th.Mars rules inflammation, and that’s what its been doing since I got on that heater core job.
By: Kathleen on September 3, 2011
at 3:03 am
I think I have a pretty good handle on the natal and transiting picture – stellium in Gemini natally (the hands) including Mercury, with transiting Saturn sesquiquadrate natal Saturn and Mars transiting Gemini. Uranus trining my ascendant by transit suggests that technology like the voice recognition software can be a big help, and eventually, in a month or so Saturn will trine Mercury. This says to me that persevering with this new communication device will pay off, and even prevent further effects of aging on my hands. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on September 3, 2011
at 6:40 am
Donna, Just had to take a minute and say your answer concerning the giving out of your birth information which i just read, sept. 3, 2011 was the best of i ever read. bravo to you. you are the best in what you do as an astrologer. and handing out birth info is something else. anyway you sound good and i am sure you will be exactly where you want to be soon. and with all that gemini and a trine from saturn you will be fine. love ya, flo higgins
By: flo higgins on September 3, 2011
at 8:14 am
Thanks for your good thoughts, Flo. (I could tell you stories!) Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on September 3, 2011
at 9:34 am
Hi Donna
I wish you peace and healing prayers. I’m 60, going on 61 in October and some of the things I think about are falls (accidents) and health problems (and of course the astrology taboo of death). Is there a way to see these in the chart with progressions and transits? Would you ever consider doing some blogs – or having guest bloggers – write about the medical issues, changes or transitions of our age group? Sometimes it seems astrology concentrates on the younger folks and forgets about us wise old owls….Be Well
By: Nett on September 3, 2011
at 4:46 pm
What a good suggestion, Nett. My friend, Gretchen Lawlor (http://www.gretchenlawlor.com) is not only a medical astrologer, but also a naturopath. homeopath, and essence practitioner. Will run it by her. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on September 3, 2011
at 5:20 pm
Hi Donna…Thank for the link to Gretchen Lawlor…Be Well
By: Nett on September 4, 2011
at 5:02 am
Donna, after reading this column and being concerned about your welfare, I couldn’t resist looking at your chart to see what was going on. A predictable Astrologer reaction, for sure, and Astrologers are never short on ideas…
But, respectfully, is it appropriate for us to share ideas about your astrology here? I wouldn’t want to offend your privacy or get the Lady PM stirred up.
By: pdw on September 6, 2011
at 3:21 am
No, I don’t want a general discussion of my chart here. Look above on my reply to that. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on September 6, 2011
at 5:42 pm
Donna, hope your recovery is complete and speedy! So sorry to read of your hands-full summer! Sending some good vibes your way . . .
By: Pep on September 6, 2011
at 5:12 pm
sending health and healing wishes your way.
By: Katley on September 7, 2011
at 4:56 am
So sorry to hear of your problems with your hands. Having had a surgery years ago that took half my elbow, rending my left hand useless for months and gracing me with permanent carpal tunnel syndrome I know how frustrating all this is! God bless you for soldiering on! You might find a good energy worker can provide some relief. I used the services of one back then and it helped to regain the use of the hand. Blessings to you.
By: Beth Turnage on September 7, 2011
at 9:53 pm
Hi, Beth. I’d been using several kinds of energy work all along–Reiki, MariEL, the Reconnection–and I’m certain they helped. But I’m really psyched because yesterday I went for acupuncture, and the energy currents were really strong and last night there was about at 85% reduction in the pain level. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on September 9, 2011
at 10:44 am
good to hear some improvement at last
By: Lillie on September 9, 2011
at 8:43 pm
Hello Donna. I sent you love from Athens Greece.I am Vera a permanent reader
By: vera voyga on September 9, 2011
at 9:45 am
Welcome, Vera—good to hear from you. Donna
By: Donna Cunningham on September 9, 2011
at 10:41 am
Hi Donna,
I’m so sorry to hear about your hands/wrists. Hope the acupuncture continues to help. Have you had your Vitamin D levels tested? maybe could help with absorption of calcium for your bones? Don’t know, but imagine that could be a problem up in Oregon.
My cat liked the acupuncture and Rhus Tox (homeopathic remedy) for arthritis.
It helps to roll your feet over a tennis ball, best if you’re standing.
Take it easy, get well, and enjoy the voice recognition gizmo.
By: Brigette on September 11, 2011
at 11:41 pm
Dear Donna
i was so sorry to hear of the problems with your hands – and really moved by so many loving and intelligent responses on your board.
I just wanted to give you some info on bones – i have cured myself of a rare bone condition and from an esoteric point of view any issue with bones is something incredibly deep – it doesnt get any deeper than bones. So either buried or past life or both.
While the vouce recogniction will be great i believe that we can get back on track and even better than before if we work the body. so my advice would be gentle yoga = when you are stronger to keep the wrist and palms supple. Lots of wrist spinning while watching TV etc… Essential fatty acids omega 3/6/9 – must be all 3 and also something called Tissue salts – tissue salts are a cure all and essential for bone health and much else. you can get all 12 salts in one tabl and the best quality is Helios in the UK – they are half way between a homeopathic remedy and a vitamin and will really make a difference.
Wishing you well and sending much love and strength to you
x charty
By: charty on September 12, 2011
at 7:00 am
Wish you a speedy recovery! God bless you!
By: Jayanti Ghosh on September 21, 2011
at 8:47 am
Hello Donna, hopefully your hands are steadlily improving. Must be very challenging. Meanwhile, I’m happy that there is such a treasure of articles in your archives to discover or redisover. All the best
By: Mads Elung-Jensen on October 22, 2011
at 12:51 am
Donna, I am so sorry about your latest plight. Maybe Mars moving in Virgo for some time will help. Anyway I miss your beautiful column and can only wish you the best with your latest project of trying to get your voice recorded so you can produce columns. But whatever I admire your courage and send you no advice except to say you are truly an Astrological wonder. Hope you get that machine in working order soon. my love and best wishes for your hands and your love of Astrology. Flo Higgins
By: flo higgins on October 24, 2011
at 9:05 am
Oh Donna so many of us understand the hand issues…We women use our hands for everything……
Learned a lot from those that care about you. Some tips I am going to try.
I hope at this point you are seeing some positive healing results.
Best wishes for continued healing…
Ellen Michals
By: Ellen Michals on January 27, 2012
at 11:23 am