Hello, I'm new to the forum. I'm a male 37 year old GP in the UK and have just been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome (after the 3rd specialist and cubital tunnel surgery) and am just wondering if anyone has found any specific behaviours/positions they use for typing.I seem to be able to do most things except type (and sleep on my back!) which means I'm struggling to work. Anyone any tips (besides VR) ?
Cheers
Stuart

Hey Stewart, Have you looked into the dragon voice recognition software at all? Alot of people use it. I dont think there is any good position for typing too long. I personally find using a laptop with my arms close to my body is easiest in a comfortable chair. Behond that for work, constantly changing postions and stretching getting up and moving around is probably the best thing you could do...in my opinion.
Cheers,
Jay

Loss of finger coordination is still one of my peskiest symptoms.

My hand writing is horrible and gets illegible quickly.
I hit wrong keys all the time and much more so when my neck and shoulder muscles are tight. And when I haven't been doing my regular stretching & posture work. yeah for Firefox built in spell check...


Other than VR , All I can think of is get your set up as ergonomically set up for you as you can. What ever makes it more comfortable for you is what works best.

some keyboards are more comfortable for me - the touch , pressure, key spacing
the size & shape of the mouse, the pressure to click it , even the angles of the buttons

take breaks for posture work, stretches, opposite postures ( at desk/pc - arms/upper body are forward, so put arms to the back of your body and hold that pose for awhile to balance out the forward postures of work, etc.)
And fidget at your desk, walk in place when on the phone or when thinking to get blood flowing

I have a split keyboard and a rollermouse pro off ebay which seem to help although I always get symptoms every time I type. I have a keyboard tray. I'll try to move it a little closer to see if that helps. Has anyone found that learning touch typing has helped?

Symptoms tend to come on more if I'm lazy with my stretching, relaxation or posture but I think I'll try holding opposite postures as you suggst Jo.
I'm lucky in that i probably caught it earlier than some and tend not to get any finger incordination. Do you still manage to work/type for extended periods Jo ? How many of you guys out there are able to still hold down a job that involves some degree of typing ?

I've got Dragon at home although the medical version costs a fortune so don't have it at work. Also the computers at work would need upgrading to run it I think.Maybe in the future

my sx are kinda different than everyone elses but

pillows under arm pits when im really irritated
NECK BRACE, im wearing this all the time now bc my neck has been holding up my shoulders etc its tired.

i hold a marker in my hand and use it to double click my mouse. also mac has a swipe mouse im interested in. you make gestures, altho i have hand coordination so if you dont have that, probably not a good idea.

The magic trackpad is good although I prefer this "ergonomic trackpad" **on ebay although it is of a lower quality than the apple one

Hi! Hopefully you'll find this forum a great source of advice - I certainly have especially as much less info around in UK.

I also work in NHS, although I'm currently doing research. What has helped me recently was an occupational health review of workstation - I have a special chair, normal keyboard but a wrist support pad and they looked at exactly the distances my screen etc should be from me. I also needed a foot rest to ensure my spine was at the right angle. A good physio could also do this if they have an interest in ergonomics.
Like you, voice activated software at work wasn't an option but I touch type which I think helps. It's important to take a break even if briefly every 45 minutes or so and to try and keep an eye on your posture while you're sitting. When mine gets bad, I flare up my symptoms.

Hope this helps

Good luck

Jenny

id love to have like a SOFT soft keyboard or some kind of touch screen keyboard where you could sense the keys but not have to slam into them

I've found the MS Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard to be very light touch.
I tried quite a few on the store shelves before deciding on it.

The keys are almost flat like a laptop, but not as crowded together like most laptops.
And it got stuff spilled into it 2x so far & just a good rinse w/warm water and drain & then a bit of blow dry a day or 2 later good as new.
I kept my older kboard for these fill in times.


I'm ordering another one since the price has come down a lot.
http://www.google.com/products/catal...=1360&bih=636#

Do not let arms hang at side while sitting or standing.
Place your hands in coat or pant pockets to relax shoulders.

Same for computer.

The goal is to support the arm, thereby taking the weight off the neck and shoulder.