Multiple Sclerosis can cause a variety of problems.

The trick is finding solutions to make life more livable.

Today, I open the discussion to your cell phone.

I have been using Palm Pilots for over 12 years.  Doctor appointments to business appointments, I have set my schedule in a “gadget” since I felt a need to get organized.  My organizational problems preceded MS; I just got lucky to make appointments and remember phone numbers.  I had several beautiful leather organizers.  They smelled great.  And the paper organizers were rarely opened.  Once I gave a speech about using PDAs (personal digital assistants) and used a bit of Flash Paper to burn my leather organizer.  Do not panic, I did not light a fire to get attention.  Flash Paper gives an instant burn and dissipates.  No buildings burned.

The PDA did everything I needed and gave me a game outlet.

Now I introduce today’s phones.  Every phone I have seen for the last 10 years has possessed a basic organizer for phone numbers and calendar.

So if you have a cell phone, it wills probably even the most basic organizing. 

Now we get advanced.  Smart Phones, from Black Berry, Android and IPhones have even more deluxe applications.  They can provide news and information. Plus be portable Internet.

One of the most common phrases spoken today is “We’ve got an app for that.”  Apps are programs available for smart phones to do just about anything.  My wife has Epocrates, a medical program giving information about drugs, interactions and dosages.  There is even an MS app.

I have endorsed no particular product to this point.

The Iphone4S provides me a hedge against a potential worsening condition.

My friend gave me an older Macintosh laptop.  I enjoy using it.  The main push from him was a “Speech to Type” program.  Literally, you talk, it types.  The program is not perfect.  I emphasize these words:  Edit, Edit, Edit.

The Iphone4S has a voice commander function.  My phone was Motorola Karma.  I got it two years ago, and tripped walking into the store.  I was still hiding my MS, and I did not admit it to the people in the store.  Back to my old phone, the Motorola was not very computer friendly.  The most computer interaction the Motorola would provide is charging from a USB.

My phone book transferred manually.  With my old phone, this was tedious and typing and time.  The new phone allows voice commands to enter data by talking.  Edit and Edit afterwards, but still easier than typing.

The protective reason for the phone is concern over my condition worsening.  The idea of losing my fingers ability to type frightens me.  I do not like working from fear, so I attacked the potential by products such as the new iPhone and talk to type programs for the computer.  I have the latest talk software, but I have not even trained the newest program.

My datebook is still being used from my old phone.  This is just a period of adjustment from old to new systems.

The calendar function can remind you to take medicines and just about anything else.  Most of these phones also have a camera built in for whatever use we need.

Market reality: these phones are killing still, digital and video cameras.  They quality is improving and will get better as time marches on to the future.  However, camera prices have dropped, with quality getting better with each new model.  Cameras might make a good holiday gift.  Just a suggestion.

The IPhone and I are hypothetically still strangers in a bar chatting, getting to know each other.  We have been set up for this chat; friends, doctors, rehab, professionals and actual people see us as a good match. 

Who knows what tomorrow will bring next?

Power to the People.

Power to the Cure.