Louise,
If you haven't checked it out already, Microsoft puts a voice recognition thing in its windows products, and also in Microsoft office like Word and excel. When I had my hand surgeries this past year, I used it a LOT in order to be able to work and to keep up on the boards! All you need is a decent microphone (maybe $20) and you're good to go! PM me if you need more info.
Glad to see you're healing and that you had some good news from your RAS. Life is good.
Hugs
Cats