Keyboard height issues

It seems my keyboard is just a bit too high (or my chair is just a bit too low), as I am developing wrist extensor problems and ending up with a weak right hand, making it difficult to type.  (I have been massaging it, but can't keep on top of it.)

I tried putting the keyboard on my lap, which really helped my arms but caused more trouble with my legs (I have circulatory problems in my legs).  I also tried sitting on a pillow to boost me up higher, which, for some reason, also caused more trouble with my legs.

I have my keyboard on a tray below my desk and my chair at the highest it can go. - Any other ideas out there?  (Can't afford one of those cool desks where you can sort of recline and no husband to rig up something for me.) 

Thanks for any tips! 

• Keyboard height issues - Lara
  • Try plywood - Rose S
  • Are you using an ergonomic keyboard, that may help some. - NM
  • not sure how to entirely fix this - Keri

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I just spoke with Emdat this morning as I had the same issue - our company is just beginning with a new account using Emdat.

The tech told me that he has only personally  had two keyboard issues, and each one was regarding using the function keys (F1, F2, et cetera) - and that both of these were in reference to a Logitech keyboard.  Wouldn't you just know that my new keyboard is a Logitech Access (had to trade in my Microsoft keyboard because I rubbed off all of the letters on the keys - I've been told this happens most often on the black or gray keyboards, but, again, I digress).

I'm going to swap out my Logitech keyboard with a Dell and give that a go.

That key printing never wear down because the letters are part of the key itself.  They just don't make them that way anymore because it is too expensive to make.  Some of the mechanical keyboards like Cherry have what they double shot key imprinting and the letters are part of the key itself and don't wear off. That IBM keyboard is very noisy from the type of keyswitch it has so you may not like that.  Logitech and Belkin make some membrane switch keyboards that are supposed to have longer lasting key imprints.  I have a logitech that has the longer lasting key imprints and it is pretty good.  You have to look on the specs to find out if has the longer lasting key printing.

I have experimented so much with keyboards and have done a lot of research.  Way too much info.  

Okay, any lefties use this keyboard? How long did it take to get used to? I use my left thumb for the space bar and I notice on a diagram of the keys that I would always be hitting the backspace key.

I'm really interested in getting a better keyboard. I destroyed my left hand and wrist the other week when I fell because I'm becoming a real klutz.

I bought the Soft Flex gloves, but they only help a little bit. My production is down because of it and it's driving me crazy. I can only type an hour without stopping and then have to rest the hand for some time.

I did buy a Microsoft 2000 keyboard but have yet to recieve it. Is this a good one?

Do you use a keyboard tray with it or just set it on the desk? Do you think a kayboard tray would be the least expensive item right now that would help with a straight keyboard?

Any info you can provide to help me in making any decision would be greatfully appreciated.

'Scuse me for being old school, but I've only ever used a straight keyboard.

For longtime comfort which is best - split keyboard mounted on chair arms or split keyboard to be used on the desk?

Also, why the preference over split keyboards that come totally apart versus split keyboards that are permanently connected at the top?

I want to revamp my office and there are so many different options.

I don't understand.  I hear people complaining about their wages.  Yes, I know we aren't exactly paid that great of an amount, but seriously.  I see people complianing about making $20/hr or more.  I am lucky if I make $11.50 an hour right now (including shift differential and 5 years experience), but I don't care.  I have the luxury of being at home so that I can work while my son is sleeping (thus not paying $500/mo for day care).  I don't have to pay for gas to get to and from work.  I don't know about most of your situations, but I would be forking out at least $100/mo with gas prices at $2/gal in order to get to and from an outside of the home position.  And, I even qualify for benefits.  Add all that up, and it is more than worth it.  Why can't we just be happy that we have a job and can make money?  I am the sole supporter of my family right now, and $11.50/hr, I still can make it.  Yeah, I don't even have an extra $5 at the end of the month, but I can make all my payments, provide a roof over my family, and provide food and clothing.  I have a nice house (only 4 years old and +2300 sq ft), with a nice chunk of land, so it isn't like I am living poorly.  I don't understand how those of you making $20+/hr can sit here and complain that you aren't making enough and can't pay your bills.  I think instead of complaining about your wages, you should reevaluate how you are living.  I know different parts of the country are more expensive to live in, but I could easily make it on my income alone in most of the country.  Every position is suffering right now.  Our business is not the only business where people are taking pay cuts.  Why can't you just be happy with what you have? 

both deceased, but I have "disowned" all my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews.  I grew up believing I was the black sheep of the family and maybe I am, but their lives are so screwed up and I never heard from them unless they needed something and there was lots of bitterness and anger about various events - mainly my parent's death.  The only way I was able to deal with the issues was to disown them.  I was not interested in making things better because they aren't willing to make an effort and I just don't have time for that. 

My oldest sister hated my mom and was very ugly to her.  My mom did so much for her. All I heard was what a lowsy mother she was.  Well, my sister's daughter had a baby and gave it away, did drugs big time, drinking big time, has lived with several guys.  Her son is gay and can't hold a job, has had so many wrecks he has lost his license twice that I know of.  They just keep buying him vehicles very time he wrecks one.  He can barely make a move without having to ask mommy, is a druggie/drinker/liar.  Only my sister can't see all of this.   We all make mistakes and I don't claim to be a perfect parent, but.....

There are many MTs out there I have encountered on other websites who all have different opinions and solutions regarding state of the AAMT.  Questions:  Would you like to see a new organization built and structured for the MT, not for money or politics...or would you like to see MTs unionized.... or do you think it would benefit MTs to have state licensure to practice?  Please go to website http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hardworker1111  and place your comments.  Hopefully if we all voice together we can make some real changes.  Looking for real solutions.  Thank you.

I copied my autocorrect .acl file to a disk to load it to my new computer.  I copies it into 3 separate files that each had .acl and nothing comes up but the stuff normally put in, not my personal stuff.  Any help greatly appreciated.  Been searching internet too and I've been at this most of the day and I've just about given up.  Windows 2000, XP OpSystem

I was very careful about punctuation until I had to research things and found that the MTs at my hospital NEVER use commas. I could barely understand some of the long, strung out sentences. I always researched obscure medical terms to make sure my work was accurate, yet I make $10 less an hour than others there because the pools are set up so some MTs get the profitable work before the rest of us. The point of this is, I don't feel that my excellent work is appreciated, and I don't believe the pool situation is fair, so I just do minimum to get by.  I also work IC to supplement my income,  and my IC work is much better because I feel appreciated.

What a long thread!  I wasn't sure where to post this within this thread, as it goes back and forth in topics from dying field, to let's strike, to managers are Satan, etc. 

My only conclusion from this thread regarding the unhappiness so many have with being an MT is that the majority of you are young. I say that because you have such passion to defend a field you feel is worth fighting for, and that certainly is not a bad thing.  I used to be you.  I am older, though not necessarily wiser, but I have learned what works - the hard way.

All your complaints are very true for this profession, as well as for every job on the planet.  There will always be office politics.  There will always be a gossip.  There will always be somebody who doesn't like you or that you can't get along with.  There will always be a supervisor you think is incompetent. On and on and on. 

At my last on-site job, there was a very tight clique and I did not fit in, probably because I didn't try, nor did I have the desire to do so.  I brought my lunch, ate it outside, in the office, where ever.  Sometimes someone not in transcription would come in and join me, which was great, and sometimes I would eat alone, which was great.  I was invited to go to lunch with my co-worker out of politeness I'm sure, and I did go - once.  After listening to the gossip and the complaining and the attacks on everyone who walked by, I knew that would be the last time I would go to lunch with her.  She thought she knew it all, and I let her think that.  It made her happy and my life easier.  She did her thing, I did mine.  We got along great at work, but we would never be friends, and that's why it was a great place to work. 

In a nutshell: Do your job and do it well.  Do your time, and when the day is over, it is OVER.  You don't worry about what others are saying about you or anyone else.  As for being the meek little typer flying low and never saying a word, don't be quick to judge.  She is the smartest one of the bunch provided she sticks up for herself on the job front if need be.  She doesn't get involved, she minds her own business and does what she was hired to do, and doesn't go home with a headache or an ulcer at the end of her shift.

If you don't like your pay, approach your supervisor with facts and figures backing up your work.  If you are unhappy, start looking elsewhere.  Unless you have legal recourse for some action that management has done, you are wasting your energy.  Actions speak louder than words, let your work speak for itself.  No company wants to see an A+ trancriptionist head for the door, but by all means do so if the job is not right.  Trying to change the mindset of your supervisor will come back to bite you in the butt because you are not the one with the power, she/he is, and you will be looked upon as a threat.  Live by your job description, the one you agreed to when hired.  If your working for the social aspects, lots of luck. 

This is a dying profession.  I will be 50 shortly and I am looking to change my profession because I don't want to be looking for a job at 58 because low pay, outsourcing and VR made it impossible to make a living.  I do not see this being a viable way to support myself in the long run. 

Wow, do I sound OLD!  

The wage demands (usually union-driven) are what have priced Americans out of the more than this business. You need to get beyond this drama that you've created for yourself and look at the issue. Your 7 years in the business are nothing compared to my 21+ so don't think that your name-calling and having to have the last word are impressing me at all. You are letting emotions control your responses, not level-headed thinking.

My satellite transmission goes out if there is heavy rain, snow, clouds.......birds flying by (just teasing).  Very frustrating when you are trying to meet a deadline, but this is the only thing I can get.  It was also EXPENSIVE.  $600.00 up front to start installation and then they stuck me for another $150.00 for "additional" costs.  Monthly fees are expensive too. I live in the sticks though so I am lucky to have satellite.