Aug 27, 2005 09:16 PM
4076 Views
(Updated Aug 31, 2005 12:15 AM)
There is a drizzle, a slight trace of rain, outside the window. The smell of fresh rain-kissed earth is something that can inspire even the uninspirable.
Unfortunately, as I write this(using a combination of speech software that Microsoft kindly bundled with the copy of MS Office I got and some pecking at the keyboard with a finger or two) I'll need more than rain to inspire me.
Two weeks ago while writing one of these reviews, I got this sharp shooting pain in both my wrists. Machismo dominated reason and I ignored the pain and finished the writing. So far so good. the pain reduced. back to normal.
Normal? Not so. the pain came back. each time I played one of my priceless musical instruments. or when I tried to type. I said to myself'dude. you've pushed yourself too far'
I had read that CTS(carpal tunnel syndrome) can be quite agonizing and can cause enough damage to make people give up careers and lose some quality in life. The doctor was the only one who could give a concrete answer. The doctor had to have an answer!
It was not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in its true sense that hit me. It was RSI(repetitive strain injury) that hit my wrists. A couple of decades of contact sport(including the dreaded sport - boxing), musical instruments and nearly two decades of computers had given my wrists a beating.
As far as I know, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is just one part of RSI. And as far as I know(this I am sure about). its better to PREVENT than to CURE!
I have it now, so a cure has to be found. No miracle drug exists. Surgery is a path I dont like to take. As of now, ACCUPRESSURE is the route I have taken. The doctor's also put a strict ban on musical instruments and taken away 80% of whatever I do. even this is not allowed but I chanced it. because its something everyone needs to be aware of. everyone.
Here's my two cents plus tax on what I shouldn't have done:
I shouldn't have worked for long stretches on the computer.
I shouldn't have sat in the same place for hours and hours.
I shouldn't have stared at the screen for ages.
I shouldn't have TORTURED myself
and here's what I should have done:
I should have got myself one of those ERGONOMIC keyboards.
I should have taken short breaks at 15-30 minute intervals.
I should have given more thought to posture and placement of the peripherals of my computer(s)
I should have been more careful
Its a bit too late for me. I'm in the stage where I need a cure. Most of you are in the PREVENTION stage. Read and research the subject and take all the tips that people offer a bit seriously. Trust me. as the proverb goes. prevention is much better.
Even though RSI has taken away everything that I do best(for now). its helped me re-evaluate. And even though this forced break from music, computers etc. is something I didn't look forward to, it might just help me explore new aspects of life and learn new skills. It has also made me take up walking very seriously(as thats the only form of exercise that has been prescribed).
Dark clouds do have silver linings(this review is bringing out cliches and proverbs. blame the rain)
As for the road ahead. I know I'll bounce back because we human beings have something called a WILL(not that piece of paper that leaves all our material to someone else). just have to use it to find a way.
~finis~
Forgive me for not reading and rating reviews. trying to sort out a lot of things. once the hands heal, will be back and will read and rate your works.
once again. special thanks to MS Office's speech recognition software and Microsoft's SAPI. it made writing this review less painful.
Edit(31-8-2005)
The Doctor I go to suggested an exercise that has helped reduce the pain. am sharing it.
fill one bucket with hot water(tolerable temperature) and another with cold water
toss in a sponge(one for each bucket)
plunge your hands in and gently squeeze the sponge.
after a minute. interchange hands and continue the squeeze routine
do this for 10 mins. its great relief
