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My first comment is to say that doing something
immediately is important - you're on the right
track there. If your problem persists, get
medical attention; untreated CT can lead to
permanent nerve damage.
I had exactly the same thing happen to me - I have
an MS ergo keyboard and mouse. I was working on
some detailed technical illustrations for several
weeks, which of course was done completely "by mouse",
and started to have pain in my right hand. Though
minor at first, the pain got bad enough that I
started mousing left-handed (I'm fairly ambidextrous).
Two things have helped minimize the discomfort,
although I was told that it will never completely
subside. I switched from a mouse to a trackball -
it took a bit of getting used to, but if you use it
whole-handed, you'll see an immediate improvement. I
also bought (for about $7) a fingerless glove
designed especially for CT sufferers that I wear
whenever I'm at the computer. So far, I have been
able to work (most days) at my normal pace with
a minimum of discomfort.
And of course, if your CT is really a result of
using the mouse, take some time to learn those
keyboard shortcuts!
HTH
Dan
Dan Hall
Sr. Technical Writer
SchlumbergerSema RTEMS
-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-72045 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
[mailto:bounce-techwr-l-72045 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com]On Behalf Of Annamarie
Pluhar
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 7:28 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Occupational hazard - carpal tunnel
Hi all,
Since I'm beginning to exhibit early symptoms of carpal tunnel, I
thought I'd ask for personal experience with forestalling the
syndrome.
I'm pretty sure the culprit is the mousing I do with my PC laptop.
My Mac has a lowered keyboard and a wrist rest. The PC has an MS
ergonomic keyboard. It's the mouse that gave me my first sharp pains.
I've changed the mouse to one with a lower profile and dropped it
onto the lowered shelf where my Mac stuff is. I can use the track pad
on the PC laptop and get more vigilant about learning and using
keyboard commands. I now know that one should take a break every 20
minutes or so. I've been shown some stretches to do. I plan to be a
good girl and do my yoga daily.
Any additional suggestions?
Thanks for your help.
Annamarie
--
Annamarie Pluhar
IDD Tech Solutions
Instructional design and development for technology.
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