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so its not a common typing symptom? like carpal tunnel maybe? i am the only one here who suffers...

Posted By: bd on 2005-12-30
In Reply to: Cold hands could by a sign of anemia. - ex-twiggy

from chronic cold fingers? only while typing.


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Symptom of carpal tunnel
one of the first things some people experience is excruciating elbow pain.
Thanks! At least I don't have carpal tunnel (yet)! nm
nm
Carpal tunnel
I had carpal tunnel surgery about 10 years ago in Nashville, the chief of ortho told me I would never be able to transcribe again - went back to work transcribing 10 days later and have been transcribing every since without problems.
carpal tunnel
My wrists were just starting to hurt after almost 8 years of transcribing and I was thinking oh no, not surgery. I bought a pair of little stretchy "gloves" with the fingers cut out and an adjustable strap that goes around the wrist at Walmart for about $8.00 and they have really helped. Found them in the section where they have assorted splints and braces.
Carpal tunnel
I just had the carpal tunnel release done. It was quick, relatively painless and I was able to work again almost immediately.  Before considering a complete career overhaul, consider having the CT release surgery.
Carpal Tunnel
I was having terrible symptoms of wrist pain, hand pain, forearm and shoulder pain.  A couple of years ago I switched to an ergonomic keyboard and the pain went away.  It took me about a week to get used to the keyboard, but it was well worth it.  The only problem is that now I can't type on a regular keyboard.  My friend, who has been an MT for 20+ years and was about ready to retire due to the pain, did the same and it helped her also.  There are a lot of ergonomic keyboards on the market, but my favorite is the Microsoft Natural.  Hope this helps.
Carpal tunnel
Have been doing this for 20+ years and I had more problems when working as an Admin Assistant for department heads at a hospital.  In fact had CT surgery when working as a secretary and answering phones for 12 social workers.  Since I have been doing this, have not had any problems except for that which comes with older age.  I do get up and move about, have a movable keyboard rest and work in several positions but type up to 10 hours a day sometimes and no problems.  I do walk, exercise and do yoga and take time for myself and feel that helps. 
Carpal Tunnel
I began experiencing problems with carpal tunnel about 3 or 4 months ago. It wasn't so much during the day that I hurt. My first symptom was that I was waking up at night with my hands having numbness with a sharp tingling sensation. My thumb, and first two fingers were slightly numb during the day, but not enough that I really noticed it very much.

I went to the doctor for the pain that I was having at night because I thought that I had something wrong with my circulation.

His advice to me was to wear supportive wrist braces at night--and only at night--to keep me from bending my wrists while I sleep (which is what most people do, I guess). He said that I had inflammation of my carpal tunnel due to the amount of time that I spent on my keyboard (though I blame ASR for the necessary repetitive motions back and forth between the arrow keys and 'home row'). However, wearing a brace during the day would only cause my handsd to have to move in 'unnatural' ways and would only make the problem worse. He said that I needed to keep my wrists straight while I slept at night, as this would be when my wrists would receive their best 'healing time.' He also prescribed daily NSAIDs.

I noticed a difference after just one night!! I still had to wear the braces for about a month to completely get rid of the symptoms, but I am currently symptom-free!!

I can't say anything about how to relieve exhaustion WHILE ACTUALLY TYPING. I mean, the best thing to do is to take frequent breaks--but if you can't, then you can't!

I fortunately now have an account that has no ASR and allows me to work for a couple hours in the morning, a few hours in the afternoon, and a coulple of hours in the evening. This breaks up the monotony and gives my hands a break.
carpal tunnel
I never had the surgery itself, but I worked with a coworker when I was in-house who had both hands done, but not at the same time. She was back to work within a couple of days. She did find that an "ergonically correct" keyboard (hope spelling is correct)was helpful. It took her a while to get used to it, but it really helped her.
The dreaded carpal tunnel

My doctor (neurosurgeon) thinks I need carpal tunnel surgery.  I went to him for back pain and during neuro checks, he said my thumbs were "dead."  He is sending me for an EMG.  The only thing I have noticed is that I wake up in the night with "numb wrists."  I don't have any finger/hand symptoms at all.  I have always knocked on wood when anybody said "carpal tunnel." 


Has anybody out there had carpal tunnel surgery? And how did it turn out?  BTW, I am 51 and have been an MT since 1984. 



carpal tunnel syndrome...nm

yes, CTS, (carpal tunnel) sorry guys

Don't you worry about getting carpal tunnel
or worse yet a blood clot from all that sitting? I used to work those kinds of hours about 8 years ago when we were swamped and they constantly asked us to put in more time. Now, I am suffering the consequences. I was diagnosed with RSD, repetitive stress disorder. My forearms start to ache and my neck and shoulders burn like heck. I messed myself up good so now can only work about 4 hours straight and then have to take a big break. Sure, it's possibe, but it will take its toll eventually.
well at least im not alone. its probably sign of carpal tunnel,..
something to do with blood flow or something. its stinks and it hurts. i run my hands under hot burning water when i just cant take it any more.
Carpal tunnel--what works for me
1. Vitamin B6,50 mg a day. No more than 50 mg per day, as per my neurologist. (i.e. if you take more than that, you can burn the nerves and cause pain). I have taken B-6 50mg a day, more or less, for 10+ years.

2. Watch what program you are typing on. I have much less problem with Microsoft Word 97, no experience with newer versions of Word, BUT, WP5.1 and other programs like ChartScript really, really caused MAJOR CT symptoms after even a week. So, I'm sticking with Word for now.

3. Do the exercise where you really stretch the wrist back (up) a long way. Seems to help. You can search Google for other exercises.

The B6 and being on Word instead of Word Perfect have really helped me. If I was still on Word Perfect, I don't know if I'd still be doing this. Hope you get help. I had one hand operated on 16 years ago by an excellent orthopod, and have never had to have the other one done.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYMPTOMS..sm

Is it possible for carpal tunnel syndrome to cause a slight tingling feeling in the face as well as the arms and hands?  I have had just the slightest of tingling in my face for the last two weeks.  No other symptoms at all...just a slight tingling.  I have also had, for a longer period of time, pins and needles in both arms, more on the right.  I've been a steady MT for about 14 years, and I'm wondering if it's catching up with me?  I sorta ruled out a stroke since I figured I'd be dead by now and there are no other symptoms!  Any advice/help is greatly appreciated. 


you are confusing RSI with carpal tunnel
I'm not having a problem with my wrists. It's all the tendons in my fingers. Funny thing, I posted the message after having gone to Best Buy and clickey-clacking through all their keyboards. They are all stiff too. I am looking for something that you can just barely touch the keys so my tendons aren't so strained.
Carpal tunnel surgery??

Has anyone had the surgery on both hands?  I just got done with the left hand and now will have the right hand done next week.  Just wondering if you are right handed if that hand takes longer to heal.  My left healed enough for me to type in about three weeks. I am hoping my right does too.  I want to change companies, but cannot really apply for any jobs or even test if I do not know when I can start. 


Thanks for any help.  I am new here and it has been a wealth of info for me. 


 


right carpal tunnel surgery - sm
I had my right carpal tunnel surgery about 10 years ago, and I would say I was fairly well healed by three weeks, but I took the whole six weeks that I was allowed as my job paid for the leave. IF I had to have it done now, I would have to go back to work at three weeks, cannot afford to stay out for six weeks. I found that squeezing a small rubber ball really helped. Good luck.
carpal tunnel symptoms
Well, it has finally happened.  After 18 years of transcription, I'm starting to have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.  It has come on very suddenly, over the course of just a week.  What I would like to know is if it is possible to turn this around, since it's just coming on?  I have bought wrist supports, which help immensely, as does naproxen.  I'm taking frequent breaks also.  Can somebody give me hope that I won't end up needing surgery? 
Carpal Tunnel recovery

Hey All,


I have been putting off surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, and am wondering if any of you have had carpal tunnel surgery.  How long was it before you could return to full-time transcription?  How much releif did the surgery give?  I also have developed a nodule on the inside of my right thumb,  right where it hits the spacebar and am having to hold my wrists up higher, like I am playing the piano, so I don't hit that spot on my thumb, and that makes my arms get numb faster than they usually do.  What a mess!


I just can't keep going much longer, but I am scared of the financial loss of not working for any period of time


 


Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!


Tinnitus and carpal tunnel....
....plus a rotten and distrustful attitude toward the industry. Man, I'm so grateful to be old and retired!
Don't forget Carpal Tunnel Lane! nm
x
Wrist splints for carpal tunnel....
Go to your local drug store and purchase the best pair available and then wear them nightly faithfully.  They help tremendously!  (At least me, but everyone's different...)  
Carpal tunnel - know I saw post about vitamins...
or such that helped carpal tunnel without surgery or such.  I am really having problems with my right wrist and it is majorly affecting my production.  I do not want surgery or such, so was going to try vitamins or exercise first, any suggestions?  Thanks. 
Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.
I have the above, and neurologist told me that at all times to keep my wrists turned outwards and not bent inwards. This, along with wrist splints, have helped me tremendously and I have no need for surgical intervention.
Duh! Should be carpal tunnel. I really should proof before I hit send. nm
/
Burn-out, carpal tunnel, RSI, obesity,
blood clots in the legs, very high stress to produce fast and still 100% accuracy, years of training... we are waaaay underpaid.
what are the specific symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (sm)
Anyone know the specific symptoms of carpal tunnel? My right top of my arm feels sort of numb, like my forearm and my wrist aches.  Also, my shoulder hurts.  Is this typical for carpal tunnel or maybe something else?
those of you with hand pain, carpal tunnel, tendinitis

How long had you been in the business before the onset of the symptoms, how fast did they progress, and what steps did you take to keep the symptoms at bay, without surgery.  Even those who have had surgery, you may reply whether or not it helped.


For me, my symptoms began after seven years, just aching.  I then switched keyboards to split.  That worked for a few months, then the joint pains in fingers.  I typed softer, really concentrated on not BANGING the keys out.  Those two things helped another six months.  Last year about this time, pain again caught up.  I got splints..started B6, magnesium, muscle relaxers, took sugar and pasta out of diet (most), and coffee, carpal tunnel exercises.  If I deviate off this diet for even one day, I get the inflammation in the wrists.  The night splint worked for exactly one year.  Here we are, i'm now on the same boring diet, and have resorted to wearing the splints during the day as well.  I believe this is my last year as an MT.  I need to get a dif job and do this part time or find an editing job which seems impossible.


Could some of you share your time lines so I know how severe mine is in comparison?  Also anything I have not tried, if you could share.  Thanks. 


does workman's compensation cover us for carpal tunnel? nm
x
Isolation, backaches, carpal tunnel, eyestrain sm
neck pain, sensitivity to noise, others think you're "nuts" because you know so much; yet they call you first for every little thing. On the positive side, being able to perform a task not many can, even doctors! Pride in profession, even though in today's world the pay stinks! It used to pay well, sorry for those who have wasted 2 years of college on something that is going the way of the horse and buggy. Sorry to be so negative, it's sad and I get even madder if anyone calls us "a dying breed" - we are special people. Love it, hate to see what's happening all around me - worth the pain to me though, not sorry about any of it. No flaming please, its sad enough, bordering on depression but refuse to go there, I take a nice hot bath instead and hope for the best.
My left thumb is the only "finger" I don't use, carpal tunnel is bad enough already.nm
x
And don't forget avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome! nm
......
Probably something to do with carpal tunnel - The rare times mine acts up - sm
my thumbs get weird and trembly (?). I suspect that is your problem. Try changing your keyboard position, if you have it raised, make it flat, and visa versa. On my backup computer I have to have the keyboard raised but on my everyday PC I have it flat, and my CTS does not bother me now that I have my keyboards situated well for me.
...to prevent carpal tunnel and other repetative stress injury. nm
s
How does it work with typing common phrases,

But how does that work in relation to typing phrases that are common usage, the patient, return p.r.n., etc. 


Good luck, my husband suffers from depression, which he acknowleges, but do something about it,NO-sm
He did actually go the doctor who prescribed Xanax and Lexapro, this was back in March just before my daughter got diagnosed with the Wilm's....to date he has not taken 1 pill.  He does talk about it now and then but he is afraid of how the pills will make him feel and of ED too, plus he hates pills in general, can't even get him to take an aspirin/Advil when he has a headache.  When he is in one of his "moods" it's pretty horrible for about a week or so, though they are getting better.  Had a very long dry spell of 6+ months then wham, he got really bad, and it's been no bed of roses lately with it either but I think we are in a mend phase right now so we will see how it goes.  All I can say is try to get him first acknowledge he has a problem, then off to the doctor of course and hopefully if he is prescribed meds for him to actually take them.  I have tried to think of ways I could "slip him a Mickey" but that is not going to work and he needs to do it on his own anyway.  I hope it works out for you (and me too!)
My experience has been that the shorter the reports, the more my line count suffers, UNLESS
You have docs who truly repeat themselves day in and day out. Then you can clean up and make some real money with having all kinds of normals. Otherwise, I have found that it slows me down to no end to listen to the stuttering, slow ESLs who never say the same thing and where you feel as if you are typing with just your thumbs. Sorry. :_(
I had the surgery and have been symptom free for

15 years now.  Yes, it was painful, more painful than childbirth for me, but I had really easy labors and deliveries.  LOL  Probably the worst pain came from my toddler bouncing on me and bashing my wired shut jaw with his hard little head.  I darn near passed out one time.  I lost 30 pounds in six weeks thanks to the pureed diet.  I still hate soup, milkshakes and pureed foods to this day.  I had to carry wirecutters in my front pocket in case I aspirated.  On the positive side, my symptoms are gone.  The cosmetic results were great, too, because I don't have the overbite and receding jaw now.  It was worth it.


It's just a symptom of our mentality... Let someone else take care of us so we can
s
Offshoring is just a symptom of the world "flattening"...it's not going to go away
the entire world is going to send work wherever it is done the best way for the best price. Globalization is just beginning. What really scares me is America is fat and lazy from prosperity, and India and other countries like that have first generation workers coming out of poverty and they are HUNGRY for success. Kids in India go to school, come home and study for 2 more hours. MT's in India have TWO master's degrees. You watch-- in the next 20 years, our schools will be on-line with professors from all over the world - that's where America is going to really have the challenge - how to stay cutting edge against smart AND hungry people!
but then again, your "empty folders" symptom doesn't really sound like a
nm
Wow, on Discovery Channel - Preg woman delivering suffers leak of amniotic fluid into mom's

mom having an allergic/anaphylactic reaction.


Heart can't push the goo through.


Body went into shock.


She couldn't breathe.


Her blood began to clot.


Docs did emergency C-section in 6 minutes.


Then mom went to cardiac arrest.


Then another catastrophic thing happened.


Paula began hemorrhaging massively from every part of her body....from eyes, ears, nose, every incision, every bump and bruise.  All her blood clotting factors had been used up.


Docs poured blood clotting factors into her.


The baby's chances of survival were at 50/50. 


Mom was then noted to have unusual swelling in upper abdomen.


Surgeons reopened c-section.


Astonished to find 1 gal of clot-filled blood.  With the clots removed, her blood quit clotting.


Of the 10% of women who survive, most are brain-damaged. Only 1% survive without any damage.  She turned out to be in the 1% luckily.


A day later she was holding her baby and was OK.


=========


All this started with her first labor pain of her second child.  It was the leak of the amniotic fluid into her blood stream that caused her to immediately start to feel like her throat was "closing up" and she couldn't breathe (anaphylactic allergic reaction).  She passed out pretty quickly. 


 


Common phrases. LOTS of common phrases, just like ops. SM

pser = the patient was seen in the emergency room


wwd= the wound was dressed


Just two tiny examples. People need to learn to use their Expander programs. I'd be making like $10 per hour without mine. I also work in a job where I do the work type I do best. That's very important. I would imagine (don't know for sure) that H&Ps and DSs have the most lines (I work on a gross line count) but you have to think more, look up more, and type more to get those lines.


I have everything magicked in there. That's the way I like it, that's the only way I will work.


 


Typing. This is NOT typing, it is transcribing. There is a BIG difference. sm
Transcription includes typing, but so much more.
IC with severe carpal ts, what will I do for $$
Hi, any suggestions for an IC for 10 years now that has severe CTS? I am in severe pain and have to medicate myself daily to work. After raising 2 kids on my own, I don't have any $$$ left to pay for an operation. What do I do now? I am so used to being independent.  .   .thanks for any help.sm
Wait til he goes thru a tunnel!! ;-) nm
nm
some people have tunnel vision and don't see the
.
It's possible to get "carpal tunnel" at your elbows, too. nm
s
Carpel Tunnel pain
My wrists are acting up again. I'm looking for some ideas to help ease the pain. I've got the ergo keyboard and that helps some, but I can't type without having my wrists sitting on the wrist rest. Old habits die hard, I guess. I'm looking for some kind of brace or glove to wear while I type that is both comfortable and functional. Any ideas?