Frozen with fear

Snuffuls

-taff wrote: »

Why can't you write your dissertation with speech software? You can research on the internet with speech software too?
You could also pay someone, maybe not in money but in some other way, to type out what you've recorded..

You are right, speech software is the main way I've been able to hand stuff into my university. I've been using it for a while now, it is very slow going but it is not capable of doing a good chunk of what's needed thesis wise - quite a lot of it is ancient language work, diagrams, and linguistic equations, which the software can't deal with. Fascinating stuff, I know...:D


I have been asking here and there for people to help me type bits up, so suggestion is spot on, but yeah, I'd need to hire someone to type and format for any sort of substantial work...perhaps I could pay them in cake? That's an acceptable currency, right?

Snuffuls

Bublin1 wrote: »

Isn't there software that allows you to speak into a microphone and it types it out for you. Can you obtain this from your uni?

You also need a job that doesn't require typing. Maybe telesales and use a dictaphone for notes.

Food - go to a food bank after getting a referral letter from your gp.

I don't think I've been helpful but I'm racking my brain.

You've been wonderfully helpful and I am grateful just for people talking back to me about it - I feel much more spurred to action just in these few short hours.

Food bank is an excellent idea. I'll do that.

I use speech software (using it now), it is very good for emails, short notes, etc. Unfortunately the software curls up in a ball and cries when I confront it with weird languages and squiggly symbols, which is most of what my thesis consists of. I forgot to mention I have speech impediments also...while speech software has learned to cope with my dulcit tones, telesales (which I tried three months ago and was 'let go' after five days) was somewhat less forgiving. But thank you for you suggestions - I am genuinely grateful and as I said it is just good to talk about it. The food bank is a great idea and something that hadn't popped into my brain at all .

Snuffuls

StressedSteph wrote: »

Yes I was thinking the same, either sort out the speech software or try to ask a friend even an old one over the phone to type your dissertation for you. I do feel that where theres a will theres a way.

Maybe a trip to the Drs may help, you could been suffering from a touch of depression due to all the worry bought on by your carpel tunnel and your dissertation. definitly worth a chat .

Take care xxx

Thank you so much for your concern and advice. I feel so much better already just reading things on the forum and making myself think about money and the future properly.

I've never thought about depression or stress. I do feel sick and frightened a lot of the time. I don't know if that counts as depression though. It is good advice to make an appointment with GP anyway...maybe she can help in some way.

Snuffuls

chiefsfanuk wrote: »

Does your uni have a students union, perhaps with an advice centre you could seek help from?
Perhaps Shelter could help with the housing issue?
Are you certain there are no benefits available to you, I also thought DSA (mentioned above) might have been an option.
Sorry to read you are having such a tough time, I hope you are able to find some options available to you.

Thank you for replying, it means a lot.
I've sent an email to relevant student help centres being as upfront as possible.
Shelter housing - you are right and I need to start thinking about it. I never thought I would be facing homelessness in my twenties...but I know there is a need to try and be positive about things. I'm going to try local charities and churches too. I have even emailed the landlord, asking if there is any chance I can pay my rent two weeks later than usual to buy more time...anything is worth a go, right?!

I got rejected for DSA last time I applied...I think because I was given an ample amount of student hardship funding. It is very much something to do right away though ,and I'm going to make myself look at it first thing tomorrow morning. I know it sounds a bit pathetic but I've just been avoiding thinking about it all...until now when I'm in a complete pickle

Snuffuls

cydney65 wrote: »

Have you applied for DSA (disabled student allowance)? This may help you get Dragon software, Dictaphone, computer etc. It really does make your life easier. You may be eligible for PIP (personal independence payment) too. Talk to student services at your uni...they should be able to talk you through the options available.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I'm going to do all of those things. I feel so much better already. Never heard of PIP!

-taff

Snuffuls wrote: »

..perhaps I could pay them in cake? That's an acceptable currency, right?

You'd be surprised what some people would do for cake
maybe tuition for first year students?

Bublin1

What are you using now to type? Your grammer, spelling etc is spot on.

Snuffuls

Bublin1 wrote: »

What are you using now to type? Your grammer, spelling etc is spot on.

I use a program called Dragon Nuance Medical and specially programmed keyboard shortcuts for commonly used words. I can also type the occasional word and sentence if Dragon gets it wrong. I've used it for about five months now and it tries to learn your voice and vocabulary as it goes along. It can be very inaccurate and downright bonkers though. 'Save document' has translated to 'please delete everything I have worked on for two hours' one too many times...:D

writer5

I can sympathise with you as I know how painful CTS is. You really seem to be suffering very badly with it, so I wonder why your consultant hasn't suggested having your hands operated on?

I had CTS when I was pregnant, had both hands operated on at the same time and within 5 minutes of the operation, all symptoms had gone. The relief was incredible.

This was a few years ago under general anaesthetic, but I heard yesterday about a friend having the op next week under local anaesthetic, so it's not a major op any more.

theoretica

Have you discussed getting an amanuensis with your university? Basically they, rather than you, pay the person to type for you - perhaps a student in the same subject who wants a part time job and can cope with the right sort of squiggles.