SandmanNinja has Carpal Tunnel

[SandmanNinja]

Hi...

Well, I have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and using the mouse/computer is very painful. I literally do not want to touch it. On a good day, I sit down for a few minutes then recoil as if the keyboard is covered with leprocy. On bad days I don't touch anything.

I've had xrays and ultrasounds and it looks like it's surgery for me.

I go back to my hand surgeon on 03-Dec and get the final word on surgery and the date it will happen.

I've been told that I can't really do anything with my hands for 6 weeks, and may in fact be in casts for the first 2 weeks (so they don't bend).

I've been absent from here for a little while, and am unlikely to return until the surgery is over and I've completed my therapy.

This is a great site and I miss it greatly.

Cheers

-Joel

[Trevor Tizard]

Best of luck fella.......hope you make a full recovery soon.

[Trick]

Best of luck too !!

Since you can not work for the coming weeks, I would advice you to start practicizing mousing with your left hand (if you're righthanded of course) and use a tablet for your other hand when recovered. Even if the operation solves the problem, you still have to change your way of working to prevent the symptoms from coming back ! If you can use both hands you're doubling your chances...You have to give it some time (at least a half year) before you are up to full speed, but eventually you can enjoy working again. And if you are prepared to pay 1000s for software do the same for furniture, like a good chair and an ergonomic desk.

[lambros]

hope you have a quick recovery. I have had several problems due to pressure and fatigue from work, but not been diagnosed with anything that serious. when my hand started complaining seriously in the past (after continuous 12 hour weeks) I bought the best ergonomic mouse I could find and it did a serious job.

[mawo0]

Best of luck... get well soon.

[paultwyman]

Good Luck, hope all goes well.

[NickG]

sorry man - I had the same a couple of years ago and was sure surgery was the only way out - but physical therapy did the trick. I am fine now (as long as I keep doing the exercises...

good luck

ng

[Tommy L]

Best of luck man, on your return you should investigate some more ergonomic input devices.
I know it sounds like closing the stable door after the horse has done a runner, but hey, you dont want to end up in the same position and I assume you want to carry on in your chosen profession.
I use a trackball instead of a mouse after having some shoulder problems. I also have a wacom and a Nostromo N52. Im on my 3rd keyboard in a year, have recently bought a curved desk and Im buying a new chair next week (bad back). I am also starting pilates (doctors orders) and kind of wish Id followed my dream and been a photo-journalist instead of my current 'sedentary' role.
Ergonomics are very important and often neglected in a whirl of deadlines and tutorials. Our generation are beginning to realize the price!

Good luck fella,
Tom.

[jackb602]

Im on my 3rd keyboard in a year, have recently bought a curved desk and Im buying a new chair next week (bad back). I am also starting pilates (doctors orders) and kind of wish Id followed my dream and been a photo-journalist instead of my current 'sedentary' role.

For an ergonomic chair, I can't recommend the Freedom Chair highly enough. Yes it's expensive, but if you consider how many hours of your life you will spend sitting in front of the computer, I think it's worth every penny. As an architect, I was able to get a substantial "trade" discount on mine several years ago. You might want to try this angle as well.

And as for pilates, I think you'll warm to it when you discover that the majority of people in a given class tend to be very fit women. That should offer some added motivation to show up.

Jack

[NickG]

I'll second the Freedom Chair... we had Office Depot folding tables when we started ($29.99) - but a great chair

NG