taking a break

coppercoins · November 21, 2003 1:37PM

excuse the no-caps, i'm typing with one flipper right now..

on that note, i stopped by to say i have to take a break from typing here for a while because of a pretty nasty case of carpal tunnel in one hand, wrist. really painful stuff for those who haven't been blessed with the experience. anyway, typing with one flipper is for the birds, and takes too long. fortunately clicking is a one hand chore, so i can still be an on-looker while i figger out what to do with the other flipper.

have fun and remember i'm watching, just not posting.

XpipedreamR · November 21, 2003 1:41PM

Don't worry about it...capitalization is overrated anyway!

Rest that wrist. You know what I mean

darktone · November 21, 2003 1:42PM

if I can keep up with only one finger typing so can you

. mike

EVillageProwler · November 21, 2003 2:04PM

CD,

Have you considered getting one of those ergonomically correct keyboard/mouse setups with the proper padding and shape? You still need to rest the wrist.

I think I was in serious danger of getting CTS too -- my right wrist was killing me, and a small bone was sticking out in a very unnatural way. Luckily, my job changed where I no longer had to type so much. Good thing... I'm fine now, but at that time, I also did lots of wrist exercises. Dunno if that would've helped for real, but I did get temporary relief.

EVP

lordmarcovan · November 21, 2003 2:11PM

I don't envy you. My Mom had carpal tunnel surgery, and I'm crossing my fingers that I don't have to go the same route one day.

No-caps is better than all caps- you can pretend you're e.e. cummings.

Bochiman · November 21, 2003 3:13PM

I agree with EVP in asking if you have tried an ergonomically designed keyboard/mouse?

Back in college, I was going through information system classes during the day (lot of computer work) and then gaming around on the PC at night. I continued through my jobs with computer related chores and more gaming. I started hurting (14+ hours a day on the computer).

I now use the Microsoft Natural keyboard (Pro version). It is the split design. And, I use the larger wireless mouse...optical and a nice curve for my hand.

I use these at home and work. It has helped me.

If you are already using something like that, then I wish you the best in recovery over time. If you haven't got them, think about it as a gift to yourself. Microsoft makes some nice ones and I hear that logitech does as well.

Sometimes, the keyboard&mice are very overlooked in thinking about computers (as is the monitor, but less so these days).

Good luck bud.

Ron

coppercoins · November 21, 2003 5:35PM

hi folks...problem with using the ergo-keyboard is that I do not type with the proper fingers in the proper places, and those things drive me nuts. i have the pad for the wrist, not very much else a person can do. i intend on seeking further help for the condition before moving into surgery, that's a bit far for me - in other words, for now, it's not that bad...just hurts to use it, so i'm playing it safe.

newbiecollector · November 21, 2003 7:57PM

To try and add a helpful comment I submit this.

From time to time I work for a company that has several thousand computer users. I had noticed that some (not 100's) were not using the "normal" mouse. I asked the IT chief about it and was told:

They had done an extensive survey of the problems people were having and came up with the use of the mouse that is shaped like the old "joy-stick".

I talked to several users of this and they told me their problem went away almost immediately.

Just my attempt at trying to offer a little help. (No personal experience with this myself).

1jester · November 21, 2003 9:40PM

CD, good luck with the recovery. Have fun lurking!

oreville · November 21, 2003 10:53PM

actually all small letters looks good!

Good luck cd!

RELLA · November 21, 2003 11:39PM

<< <i>problem with using the ergo-keyboard is that I do not type with the proper fingers in the proper places, and those things drive me nuts. >>

I would say to bite the bullet on this issue; when I made the switch (to the Microsoft keyboard mentioned by others) I could barely type for the first two weeks, was back to normal in one month and typing three times as fast as ever before within two months. My conclusion: forcing yourself to learn to type properly is a good thing to do and switching to an ergonomic keyboard is a great way to do it.

RELLA

bigindie · November 22, 2003 5:26AM

Lurkers suck -- Post or Go Home!!

Just kidding -- I hope the time away does your wrist some good. I was having serious problems with the fingers on my right hand for a couple of weeks (I too type all day at work and most of the evening at home). Fortunately, after several days of rest the problem appears to have gotten considerably better. I hope the same happens for you.

jpumper · November 22, 2003 5:33AM

I hope you heal swiftly--Have you considered VTT/TTV? Voice to text and text to voice. Scansoft has a dragon product which is improving as time goes on. You might want to check it out.
John

Russ · November 22, 2003 5:52AM

<< <i>typing with one flipper is for the birds, and takes too long. >>

You'd laugh your ass off if you ever saw me typing. You're probably faster with one hand than I am with too. I flat suck!

Russ, NCNE

EVillageProwler · November 22, 2003 7:41AM

you can pretend you're e.e. cummings

Or, michael.

I agree with Rella that you probably will adapt to the new kbd/mouse setup, and will then be better off for it.

BTW, folks, just thinking about all this is making my wrist hurt again. Can anyone say p-s-y-c-h-o-s-o-m-a-t-i-c???

EVP

kranky · November 22, 2003 8:04AM

Hope you heal quickly. I will cast another vote for the Microsoft natural keyboard. I am a very fast typist (probably 90+ wpm) but my wrists started to hurt and after I switched, no more problems. The adjustment period wasn't very long, and now I switch between the MS keyboard (at work, where the vast majority of the typing is done) and an old, non-ergo keyboard (at home) without any problems.

JRocco · November 22, 2003 12:03PM

I also hope you get better quickly. Have you looked into getting a properly fit CT wrist brace? Not one of those cheapo's sold off the rack, but one fit by a licensed surgical fitter? I have a CF license and can say that if a brace is properly fit it can do wonders to help speed up the healing process. Maybe something to think about. I wish you the best.

mercurynut · November 22, 2003 12:10PM

Hurry back and keep watching!

Conder101 · November 23, 2003 1:09AM

Another thing that would REALY help would be if the manufacturers and typing teachers bit the bullet and switched from QWERTY to DORVAK. The standard QWERTY keyboard was designed to SLOW DOWN typists by making them reach to type the most commonly used lettters or by placing them under the weaker fingers. With DORVAK they are all either at the center of the home row or easily reachable by the middle and index fingers of each hand.

cosmicdebris · November 23, 2003 1:17AM

Carpel tunnel does suck, hope you get better soon.

What about that speech recognition software that types for you?

taking a break

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