Rediscovering Reading and Writing: A Journey Beyond Migraines
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Chapter 1: The Impact of Migraine on My Life
When I was affected by a migraine variant balance disorder, I lost the ability to read and write. This experience was not merely an inconvenience; it was a profound change that reshaped my identity.
Before this condition struck, I was an avid reader, immersing myself in speculative fiction for hours on end, devouring hundreds of books annually. Creative writing had been my passion since adolescence, leading me to pen numerous poems and short stories, along with four novels. Storytelling has always been integral to who I am.
Despite experiencing migraines in the past, they never hindered my ability to engage with literature or writing until February 2023. A particularly severe migraine resulted in vestibular damage, rendering reading and writing excruciatingly difficult. I realized that it wasn’t just screens causing discomfort; it was the mental effort required to comprehend text.
What Reading and Writing Became
Looking at written words became overwhelming; the text would flicker and pulse before my eyes. Have you ever adjusted the font size and noticed how it increases the strain on your eyes? This discomfort was now my reality. I also became sensitive to high-contrast colors, making standard black text on white paper particularly disorienting.
In this heightened state of sensitivity, my brain struggled to process written material, causing intense headaches after reading just a few lines. Even handwriting became an arduous task, and on my better days, I could manage only 30 minutes of writing before succumbing to pain. The inability to work on a computer or smartphone for more than 15 minutes added to my frustration.
This loss had a significant impact not only on my professional life but also on my sense of self. I found myself grappling with the question: Who am I without the ability to read or write? My hobbies, my means of relaxation, and my way to process thoughts were all stripped away.
After seven months of struggling, I decided to embark on a journey of rehabilitation to regain my reading and writing skills. I was aware that guidance for such a unique situation was scarce, so I devised my own plan through trial and error.
Learning to Read Again
Listening to Audiobooks and Podcasts
A straightforward solution to quench my thirst for literature without the physical strain of reading was to listen to audiobooks. I reactivated my Audible subscription, which became an essential tool. During the spring and summer months, I often listened for up to eight hours a day.
In October 2023, Spotify introduced a feature for Premium users, allowing 15 hours of free audiobook listening each month. However, I found Audible's subscription model more beneficial, as it provides a single credit for any book along with access to a vast library of titles. There’s nothing worse than being cut off mid-novel because of time limits.
Researching through Audiobooks
When it came to research, I discovered an abundance of podcasts and audiobooks on nearly any topic I was interested in, making it a viable alternative to traditional reading. Whether it was about cave ecosystems or the Industrial Revolution, I found resources that fit my needs.
Using Text-to-Speech Tools
I explored various screen readers to help me digest digital content. Initially, I was excited by their availability but soon found that even the most realistic AI voices triggered headaches after brief use. I then discovered that listening to recordings of my own voice reading aloud didn’t cause discomfort, so I began recording my writing.
This method, while unconventional, allowed me to revisit my work without the strain of reading text. However, I quickly recognized that these adaptations alone wouldn’t restore my ability to read physical books.
Adjusting to Reading Again
Modifying Kindle Settings
I experimented with line spacing and other display settings on my Kindle to ease the reading process. By setting the backlight to zero and expanding margins and line spacing, I was able to reduce discomfort.
Using a DIY Reading Aid
Inspired by a dyslexia aid, I created a "post box" tool from a brown paper bag, cutting a slot to isolate lines of text. This simple invention helped minimize distractions from surrounding text, allowing me to focus better.
Adopting the Pomodoro Technique
Progress was slow, so I began reading in short, manageable bursts. I initially set a timer for 15 minutes, gradually increasing my reading time while taking regular breaks to prevent headaches.
Chapter 2: The Path to Writing Again
Using a Rocketbook
To combat the limitations of screen time, I purchased a Rocketbook. This innovative notebook allows me to write with standard pens, scan my notes digitally, and erase them for reuse. It was particularly useful for brainstorming, despite the challenges of converting handwritten text.
Switching to Dictation
I transitioned to dictation for longer writing sessions, discovering that speaking my thoughts eliminated headaches. My early blog posts were crafted this way, providing me with a sense of accomplishment without physical strain.
Evolving to Typing on Different Screens
As my condition improved, I shifted from dictation back to typing on my smartphone, eventually progressing to my laptop. Now, I can type on a computer screen, albeit with careful monitoring of my comfort levels and regular breaks.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on this past year, I recognize the profound challenges I faced. The impact on my personal and professional life was immense, but the journey to reclaim my identity as a reader and writer continues. As I type this post on my laptop, I feel a sense of pride in my progress and a determination to keep moving forward.
This video, "Read, Understand, and Remember! Improve your reading skills with the KWL Method," offers valuable insights into enhancing reading comprehension, particularly useful for those facing similar challenges.
The video "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons - YouTube" provides an engaging approach to teaching reading, beneficial for both learners and educators.