Carpal Tunnel

[AWH-Gemma]

So I had an appointment with the doctor yesterday as my hand has been numb on and off lately, he told me I have carpal tunnel and will need a minor operation. He said its quite common for people that work all day on computers so was wondering if any of you guys suffered/ever had the op? and how long did it take to recover? Although I have never had an operation that bit didn't bother me... but when he said recovery time- 2 to 6 weeks without typing!!! panic set in!

[DaftDog]

I once suffered from numbness in a couple of my fingers on one of my hands. I also went to the doctor and was told that it was the way I used the keyboard and mouse. I was told to make sure that the edge of the desk does not press into your forearms for long periods as this was damaging nerves that run along that area thus resulting in the numbness in my fingers.

I changed my position when working at my desk, making sure that my forearms are not pressing against the edge. The problem gradually disappeared over several weeks.

[AWH-Gemma]

This is what I would assume that these kinds of things can be fixed without cutting me open straight away but he seemed pretty adamant. I will be getting a second opinion from another doctor regarding whether this surgery is necessary, thanks for your reply Trying to type differently right now and break habits of a lifetime!

[Chips]

Posture and arm/hand positioning is crucial. I have seen the therapy folks go through following the operation and it sure did not look like much fun. Perhaps being more aware of your posture and even some strengthening exercises might help. Would be a good question for the doc. Most doctors here prefer to try alternatives prior to ripping you open. It helps some folks, not others but surely worth a try.

Hope you feel better soon, I know it must hurt like the dickens.

[Anthony]

I had the same issue. I got a brace and did physical therapy. If took several weeks but it got better. I use a mouse pad with a wrist rest now.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2033122_use-...l-therapy.html

[AWH-Gemma]

Thanks for the replies guys, I wish I was armed with all of these questions for the doc yesterday, I will be prepared for the second doctor! I will also be taking the ehow tips on board, getting a couple of ergonomic keyboards at the weekend

[vinism]

I had a similar problem a few years back and was diagnosed with inflamed ligaments. I actually wore a glove on that hand 24x7 to keep it warm, took anti-inflammatories and started watching my posture and wrist position at the keyboard. About 8 weeks later, it cleared up.

[Renee]

There was a thread here a few years back about something similar.. the term sciatica rings a bell. Might be worth searching for it Gemma.

Good luck with your hand!

[Chips]

There was a thread here a few years back about something similar.. the term sciatica rings a bell. Might be worth searching for it Gemma.

Good luck with your hand!

Yes there was a thread for that but sciatica is a pain in the sciatic nerve in the leg(s). Usually overdoing it, weak lower back muscles, lifting wrong or a bulged disc will cause that. Think higher Renee...

[Renee]

True but I was sure someone posted in there about carpel tunnel because the discussion started going towards posture and things that affect your body by sitting at the computer for too long..

I could totally be mixing it up with something else. It was a long time ago.

[graham]

I used to have a lot of problems with my wrists from typing. I went out and got the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard and a Herman Miller Aeron chair and since then haven't really had any more problems. I would definitely look into a new keyboard and a good chair to help out.

[Topboss]

I have the same problem which comes and goes, and when I chatted to my Doc, he suggested that before considering the operation - I should try taking vitamin B tablets as these apparently repair some of the damaged nerves in the wrist.
I was a bit skeptical, but decided to try anything rather than the op, and I found that it has genuinely worked. It doesn't take it away all together but it certainly improves it big time.
Having said that - I have a lady who makes my curtains and she recently had the op done on both wrists - she did them seperately, but she was very pleased with the results and it only took her about 2 weeks before she could use her hands again, and she said she had no pain afterwards.

[AWH-Gemma]

Thanks again for all the replies. I bought an amazing ergonomic keyboard and mouse last night and am trying to watch my posture when I type and not get lazy hands. I also bought wrist splits, I think I went a bit ott buying stuff lol. Hopefully all this will help although the doc seemed pretty adamant that I should just go for the op and it will be straight forward. I will be on the waiting list for it so long so I will try these alternative methods in the mean time and if nothing is better... by that time I should hopefully be on top of the list to be cut open!

[CondorAff-Christine]

My boyfriend had the same problem, carpal tunnel syndrome from using the mouse too much. He went to a chiropractor and it was gone after a few sessions. It might be worth it if you know a good one and the ergonomic mouse pad is definitely a great idea

[Former Member 14]

but when he said recovery time- 2 to 6 weeks without typing!!! panic set in!

Please don't take this as being disrespectful or not holding empathy for you.

Unless your getting both hands done, guess you could learn to type using either 1 hand or 1 finger, that's if you experience a full blown panic attack from PC withdrawals.


Cheers



Dave

[AWH-Gemma]

Please don't take this as being disrespectful or not holding empathy for you.

Unless your getting both hands done, guess you could learn to type using either 1 hand or 1 finger, that's if you experience a full blown panic attack from PC withdrawals.


Cheers



Dave

Yes I think I need both wrists done unfortunately Will see how things progress, obv just having one done at a time will be better for recovery/ability to do stuff while recovering but I dont fancy being on the waiting list for a year for one then the waiting list for another year for the other

[Former Member 14]

I used to have a lot of problems with my wrists from typing. I went out and got the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard and a Herman Miller Aeron chair and since then haven't really had any more problems. I would definitely look into a new keyboard and a good chair to help out.

I'd also agree with that.

My back, legs and neck are basically stuffed from years of motto cross accidents. Even since having treatments my back is prone to spasms which in turn gives me insanely painful leg cramps and my neck locks up every so often too.

Yes I'm fine specimen of health

I'd been using crap office chairs for years - ones that just wear out after 3 months as the padding in poor quality. When my was ready for the tip, I decided to invest in some decent office furniture.

A table to suite my height (6' 2"), a foot rest and a you wiz bang director chair. Now this isn't any ordinary chair let me tell you. It's designed by a physiotherapist and is intended for back injuries.

It comes in Black kid leather with a solid steel frame and a total of 8 separate air bags located in the chair base and back. These use a small rechargeable compressor to allow you to custom fit/mould the chair to your body.

I can't speak highly enough about this chair...I can literally sit and work for 10 hours straight and not feel like I've been run over by a bus. Not exactly cheap $3,900AUD but it is custom made and definitely worth it. Prices vary from $3650 - $4250. So shopping around is a must - found that out after I bought it...lol

Anyway here's a link to it if anyone is interested:
KAB ACS (Air Comfort System) Executive Office Chair

Seriously if you work all day in front of a PC, take it from me if you don't have good equipment your going to do yourself damage.


Cheers



Dave

[Chips]

The keyboard should help. I bought one a few years back for the desktop computer and once I got used to the odd layout I fell in love with it. It made a difference on those marathon days on the desktop. I really should get one for the laptop as I use it more.

Hope the improvements/upgrades keep you away from the scalpel.

Dave is right on with the chairs, I had a P.O.S. chair that the stuffing flattened out in and it was a cripple maker. Invested in a Serta chair with memory foam and a zillion positions and it has really helped out. Granted it is not as extreme as Dave's (which my the way sounds awesome), but it was a small 220 USD investment.

[AWH-Gemma]

Yeah I dont think I will be forking out 4 grand on a chair anytime soon, perhaps if I win the lottery but as I don't play the lottery I don't fancy my chances. Its bad timing to buy office chairs as bought a couple for the home office pre diagnosis, ordered them months ago and this being Malta they will finally arrive tomorrow

Has been so long since I saw them I'm struggling to remember the quality of them, they were around 80 euros each so fingers crossed they aren't too bad

[Former Member 14]

I had a P.O.S. chair that the stuffing flattened out in and it was a cripple maker. Invested in a Serta chair with memory foam and a zillion positions and it has really helped out.

That memory foam is a great investment. A good chair makes a world of difference, hey!

If you are purchasing a chair at least try to get it with high density foam. And always test a chair out before you buy (if possible). Sit in it for a good 15 - 20 min...by that stage you'll get some idea if the chair shape suits you. The last thing you want is pressure points in your lower back, thighs and legs...

Seriously if you average a 8 to 10 hour work days those K-Mart et al specials are a waste of cash - unless of course you've got a thing for rivets sticking into your backside


Cheers



Dave