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Subject:Re: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome From:Virginia Day <Virginia_Day -at- DATACARD -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 18 Aug 1997 09:10:37 -0500
Bonnie,
I've seen some of the replies you received--lots of good information
there. I had problems that turned out to be tendonitis. I lost much of
the strength in my hands and arms for several months from waiting too
long. I'm glad you're taking action early.
As a temp, you're in a difficult position. You really might affect
your future chances for employment if you keep working as a temp.
OTOH, filing a claim of injury (worker's comp) gives you legal
protection (like people with other physical conditions). Many
employers are aware of the need to adapt work stations to indivuduals
and don't think too much about it, so you might ask for adaptations
without filing a worker's comp claim.
I had a difficult time finding competent medical care--my GP thought I
should relax and cut back on my work, but sent me to a orthopedic
surgeon, who said it was a soft tissue condition and sent me to a
rehabilitation medicine specialist (a physiatrist--they run physical
therapy departments in hospitals, and have private clinics). It took
five weeks to get all these appointments in. The physiatrist was able
to diagnose and treat me, but I still had problems with my
employer--well meaning but didn't really take things seriously. I had
to get the doctor to send me home from work before they moved me into
a cube there were adapting to my needs (I'm sort of short and need to
keep my body at right angles).
There are several good books that address how to care for
yourself--sitting posture, desk height, keyboard and mouse location,
etc. While there are devices that people recommend, I've seen a wide
variety of fixes that help different people--make sure you can return
any expensive devices in case they don't work for you. Also, exercise
helps to stretch those tight muscles and move toxins out of tissues
(an alternative concept that really seems to be valid). Listen to
your body and care for it!
Best wishes! Virginia
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