I'm posting this same message on a couple of boards, hoping someone has had experience with some kind of occupational therapists that helps people who can no longer work adapt things.
I haven't been on the computer much. This problem with my shoulder seems to be getting worse, not better. I wondering if anyone knows what I can do to compensate for this. Even a short time on the computer seems to make my tendons swell and irritates my spine. This limits dramatically even email, much less enjoying my time with my RA friends which means a lot to me.
I look at the computer and I just think PAIN! And, I am a complete computer nerd.
I know that they have voice recognition software, which I have an older version of, but it takes and incredible amount of time to train. There's a new version out there which is supposed to be much better, but it's going to be sometime before I can afford it.
I know that they have adaptive equipment for people who are trying to work. But does anyone know if they offer anything for people who can't work any more.
It's bad enough that I am starting to feel like I have only one functional arm now, but not being able to communicate, especially to write is just killing me. So, if you are not seeing me, it's just because I hurt so much and am too exhausted and in too much pain to sit at the computer.
Any ideas?
I am a programmer so most week days I am on at least 8 hours. Body position is the key to not having excruciating pain. My shoulders need to be square, elbows bent at no more than a right angle 90 degrees, and weirdly for me my wrists need to be mildly cocked upwards.
See if you can find some position where the parts that hurt feel relaxed.
Already been through all the ergonomic repositioning, taking breaks, cortisone shot, etc. I have a combination of a bone spur, bone cyst and tendonitis that the ortho says he cannot fix. Plus, any other activity I do with my left arm also flares it. For instance, washing dishes has become a big problem. Sometimes even eating is a problem.
One ortho says surgery will not help because he would have to make a large incision. Another says it is a possibility. But I'm changing insurance so I have to start with a brand new one.
I'm really looking for something more intense in the way of a solution. It has to be as though I didn't have a left arm. Sitting is also a huge problem because my spine starts hurting. I have problem upper and lower spine.
The tendon swells in my arm if I am even on the computer for 20 minutes. I just need a tatoo to go along with my Popeye arm. I do PT exercises, but they have not improved the situation.
Hi, Deanna. Went through all that early on and have now arrived at reasonably workable solutions. I use a desktop pc and when RA struck did the following.
1) purchased an extension cord (a couple of dollars) for the mouse. This allows me to vary the position of the mouse on the desk at will, even to switching it from the right to the left side and leaning across the keyboard to use it. This way I can easily find the most comfortable position for hand, wrist and elbow at any time.
2) I have a small square of sponge rubber as a "wrist rest" that I use from time to time.
3) modified my chair with foam rubber taped to the arm rests and several cushions to add or take away when sitting becomes uncomfortable.
As for voice recognition, tried that and not happy with it. Do you know about the keyboard shortcuts available in Windows? If you can hit a key easier than using the mouse, they can substitute for about 80% of your mouse commands. A friend of mine who has the "shakes" uses them with some success.
I know what it's like not to have comfortable access to your computer "friend" so I hope something works out for you. Cheers, Des.
Oh Dessy, I've tried all those things. I'm a real keyboard shortcuts person but I've lost the dexterity in my left hand.
The inability to do this is what has finally driven me from working. I also have found the voice recognition software clunky at best.
Sorry to hear, Deanna, that you've already tried various "fixes" without success. You're obviously a computer savvy person which I'm sure makes it worse. I use only one hand, one finger as a matter of fact and as I'm retired and not going anywhere it doesn't matter so much if things are a little slow. Since it's the same for dressing, cooking and so on, I take my days one minute at a time. Gosh, you do have a lot of health problens, I thought RA was bad enough but with all those other things as well...I just can't imagine it. Best wishes, Des.Deanna, you might want to check into getting a (Q Link) it helps to protect you from the EM stuff coming form the computer, which can really weaken us during the day, also. I have a "rollermouse" built into my keyboard so I never strain my shoulder using the mouse. I hope this helps some.Deanna, I haven't read all the posts here but I know my doctor is not expecting me to return to work and she wants me to go to "occupational therapy" to help me adapt to everyday living. Talk to your rd. I know my insurance would pay for it.
I also use a laptop and dont use a mouse. The mouse is very hard on my shoulders. I use laptops exclusively, sitting at a desk is very painful for me.
Miss you, I will call you soon. Rox
Hi Deanna,
The one thing I found that really helped my wrists when typing was an ergonomical keyboard. The keys are angled so your wrists don't have to bend as much. I'm not sure this will help with your shoulder, but I definitely recommend it for wrist problems.
Hope you feel better soon!
Oh Deanna, my heart goes out to you. I venture onto the Rheumamisfits.com board now and then and there is a lady by the name of Lola who is a quadro and has all of the computer equipment that has been mentioned. She, like you is a very gifted and talented woman. I am sure that if you sent her a PM message that she would be more than happy to tell you all about her equipment.Now & then, thank you for the suggestion. I registered over there and sent her a message. Thanks for the help.
I've done all the ergonomic things. This is going to take something a bit more drastic.
I have got the speech software to kind of work. What a painstaking, clumsy process. I feel like someone put a race car driver in an old jalopy with a maximum speed of 5 miles an hour.