not being able to help you...when my back was out roughly two months (March/April), I relied on heavily, and also lots of ice packs (I put various size rags in freezer bags, and freeze) and when my back acts up, I use the freezer bags to ice down my back. Really helped. When I'm done w/ the melted ice packs, I put back in the freezer, grab another one if needed, and continue.
I can definitely relate to your deaf friend and the interesting conversations you must have. Folks that deal w/ me make sure that I'm looking at them (I read lips, the hearing aids don't really help much) so I can understand what's going on. The things that I think I heard vs. what was actually said make for some interesting times and lots of laughs. It's a good thing you're doing, engaging your deaf friend regardless of your ability to 'officially communicate via sign'...you don't really need to sign, or anything like that, usually the deaf person will be able to read your lips and/or constitute the conversation to get the meaning of it.
Good for you two. A new week is coming up, and it looks hot, although it's supposed to cool down. I'll believe it when I see it!
Take care and drop me a note occasionally...would be nice to keep in touch!
Best wishes!
= new reply since forum marked as read