Is the computer difficult for anyone else? | Arthritis Information

Just curious if keyboard and mouse usage kills anyone else's wrists and elbows. I don't know if its arthritis or maybe carpal tunnel syndrome. Seeing as my job doesn't require and my lifestyle doesn't allow more than a couple of hours on the computer, I can't imagine that its CTS but not sure if its typical with RA either. A major source of communication and information is the net and I have found myself getting behind on emails and procrastinating on research or using the computer that I used to look forward to doing because it not only is more difficult and uncomfortable but it leaves me aching for hours afterwards. Anyone else have this issue or found a solution?Yes, it bothers my wrist, elbows and my shoulders. It stinks for me too, because I love being on the computer. So on days I'm on it, I take frequent breaks from it. I have no solutions for you, sorry.

I have a laptop, and I have a laptop tray table that tilts down, and it has a separate part of the table that does not tilt, for the mouse. I think it's just too high for me, and on it's lowest setting.

Actually during my worst days the only thing I was able to do was to peck at the keyboard.

Some days are more difficult. It is more the chair I have than anything else I think. There was a huge joke about me when I broke my wrist when I fell off my stool getting headphones for my daughter out of the closet, the joke was that I broke my wrist from playing solitaire too much on the computer......hardy har har! lol

THe mouse on the computer does get to my wrist at times. I have this laptop now and many times I just use the the mouse on it. Other days I just type a bit then go do other things.

With looking online for a job it is hard for my hands and I have to take a break. THis too is my only way of communicaiton mostly.

"What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other" --George Eliot

Love that quote sunan...and welcome.

I can really identify with that.

Yes and no. Some days, I wake with stiff hands, and using the keyboard and mouse "warm them up" and make them more flexible. Other days, it is the exact opposite, and my fingers become stiff and cold, or my whole hand is painful. Sometimes my shoulder gets really bad, and other times it's fine.

I, too, try to take frequent breaks, stretching in between, sit with good posture, and do everything I can to make sure my computer and desk are ergonomic. I use a wireless mouse as I find it easier to move around.

There are some other possibilities depending on your exact issue....for example, if pressing the keys on the keyboard are a problem, there are special keyboards that require very little force to type, even ones that are flat like a sheet of vinyl that you just lightly tap. Then there are heated mice and mouse pads. And there's always software that allows you to command the computer with your voice. If you spend some time noticing which specific issues give you the most trouble, you may be able to find some devices that help with it.

Good luck!

Hi Guys, (ps sunan, go get an RA test , asap!!,~ i was lucky enough to have a smart dr and not just get told it was carpel, he sent me to the Rhem dr.)

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This is what i've discovered, regular computers are better then laptops.

(i'm on a laptop, otherwise, i wouldn't have a puter.. and this is loaned to me, so I'm grateful!)

EROgomanic (sp?) Keyboards, are a MUST, they probably take a wk to get used to ,

makes a World of Difference!!!

Its very important to have a desk, proportioned w/ a good chair.

(when i first got diagnosed, i was sitting on the floor, using a tea tray,to type on..

my drs office, was sooooooo nice, they delievered me a HUGE Desk and really nice,

very comfy office chair.. and the special keyboard and the GEL Wristpad~ all donated and free)!!

see how sweet i must be

Plus wear your wrist braces!

If you have trouble warming up, in the morning, stiff joints and all, take a super hot bath..

me i just pour ONLY hot water into the tub.. i like mine jacuzzi hot and am annoyed when its not that hot!! lol

All those of above, if you're not doing now, Will make a world of difference!!

Good luck :)

Blessings~

ohh if you have a husband or bf, i believe they are there for