Coming down with carpal tunnel...

[Deja Q]

Poll question: Coming down with carpal tunnel...

Add in a very heavy workload (heavier than others' at work and the micromanagement management has imposed proves it). Even the users I work with think I am being taken advantage of by my boss because I am a hard worker (many my co-workers are apathetic. And knowing that my job might eventually be replaced with thin-client terminals, I can't blame them for being apathetic...)

Should I call in ill tomorrow, just to rest?

[mmm]

1. strange

[Deja Q]

3. How strange? and more on the situation.

I'll admit, the users I work for have noticed my co-workers acting apathetic, just doing their job. (I actually care and give a fuck about what goes on, probably moreso than 90% of my coworkers... not that I can blame them, since the new management was hired, things have turned really sour... :-( )

[david_vincent]

2. Carpal tunnel can't be cured by resting for a day

You need to change some things. Get a book on the subject. Try altering your keyboard vs. chair geometry. One thing that helped me was switching to a trackball. I loved my mouse (a really offbeat model), but going to a trackball helped restore my hand to its old self. FWIW, I use an old Memorex model with an adjustable base.

[REP]

4. File a Claim

I worked with CTS for a long time, and ended up with numerous permanent injuries that have severely limited my use of my dominant hand. If you really think youhave CTS, file a Worker's Comp claim and have it treated.

[midnight armadillo]

5. One handed keyboard

I have wrist/forearm pain that flares up from time to time. Now I'm taking steps to cure it, and will be trying out the Twiddler, www.handykey.com.

[pscot]

6. Don't screw around with it

There is a test involving a couple of electrodes and an ohmmeter. A doctor can tell you exactly how bad it is and what you need to do about it. Worst case the nerve dies and your thumb flops around. Not good. Have it looked at before it gets worse.

[soothsayer]

7. carpal tunnel stems from a nerve in your shoulder blades

it's NOT in your wrist

go get massages for your back

avoid surgery, they try to fix your wrist

silly western medicine

[corarose]

8. Do you know how I ended up on Disability?

I posted the reason 2 years ago.

I had a botched carpal tunnel surgery that left me with RSD. I had no insurance and by the time that I got treatment it was too far gone.

[alfredo]

9. If you do call in sick, go to the doctor about it. CYOA

Sometimes I think they feel it is better to work you until you drop, then fight worker's comp, in an attempt to starve you out. If it wasn't for my union, I would have been thrown to the wolves. I now have Postal disability retirement and social security disability. I would rather have my arms back.

If you do have CTS, see if your company will accommodate your injury. Never give them the impression that you are trying to take them for a ride. Also, if you do file a claim, do not do anything in public that they can use against you. If your doctor says you can't do such and such, don't do it.

Get informed of your rights, be forceful but respectful. Keep good records. Ask a lot of question, and do not give them anymore information than they asked unless you know it will help your case. Be nice to the people on the phone and behind the desk, and they will be nice to you.

Be honest, lies catch up to you.

Let's hope your hand is alright.

Ibuprofen is great for inflammation, but it will tear your stomach up.