tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post8517499075979805913..comments2023-07-04T22:09:51.208+08:00Comments on Tropic Temper: RSI: Important advice for beginning writers...Glenda Larkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113271268122909969noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-54098366116871497872010-03-19T01:40:35.574+08:002010-03-19T01:40:35.574+08:00Great advice, Glenda. Being a Software Egineer mys...Great advice, Glenda. Being a Software Egineer myself I'd like to add that this applies on us as well, so geeks be careful...SandeepYadavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01441535335772378729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-27823369147644116662010-03-15T18:54:31.572+08:002010-03-15T18:54:31.572+08:00I have an ergonomic keyboard at home and, thanks t...I have an ergonomic keyboard at home and, thanks to a receptionist who had ganglion cysts in her wrists and requested an ergonomic keyboard at work, and then promptly left, I grabbed it for my work computer (it was actually an excess one from home which I 'sold' to the office), so I am a very happy little vegemite. I make so many typos when using a normal keyboard now it's not funny! And my hands keep colliding with each other!<br /><br />Ergo keyboards do take some getting used to but I have never (touch wood) had an RSI problem yet.<br /><br />I, too, have been searching for a writing slope for when I'm working on hard copy. My dad had something like that but when he moved in with hubby and I it was one of the things that got dumped (grr) - he'd made it himself and I think I'll have to do the same. <br /><br />I did create something temporary though when I had an ms to type up - it's half of a slim cardboard box that I cut down to fit between the keyboard and the monitor stand - it slopes enough so that I didn't end up with too sore a neck.<br /><br />As for my desk - I found a reception desk at my local second-hand store so there's a shelf for my stereo, small dragon statues (as opposed to my big dragon statue), photos, lamp and a couple of Daleks, and a return that holds my printer, and when I get around to tidying the desktop there's quite a bit of space!<br /><br />Oh, and I disposed of my cordless mouse a couple of weeks ago too - for the same reason, weight and batteries always running out.Tropical Dragonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06100944552777244165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-60900085763575952872010-03-15T17:55:51.925+08:002010-03-15T17:55:51.925+08:00I have a different set-up, as I don't even try...I have a different set-up, as I don't even try to work at a desk any more. I have RA, and an hour in a normal chair puts me in too much pain to concentrate. I work on the couch, with a footstool. And a pillow for my back, and another one for my neck (oh, and watch out for long hours spent editing hard copy with your head held in one position. Ask me how I know!) I use a bolster to support my wrist when using a mouse, and for a while I used one for typing as well, but carpal tunnel got me anyway. Now I have one of the full-on ergo keyboards, and I love it! Don't let anyone scare you away from the ones with the hump in the middle and the two pads of keys, they are brilliant.<br /><br />So yes, my set-up is a little... idiosyncratic, but it's comfortable and it works for me, and that's what matters.Jo Spurrierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00587942471030724321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-55866355132139284342010-03-14T21:12:39.883+08:002010-03-14T21:12:39.883+08:00Secretaries have been bothered by this kind of thi...Secretaries have been bothered by this kind of thing for a very long time but I didn't get carpal tunnel syndrome until later in life. I have sets of Chinese balls, I hadn't realised it would help. When I first started typing, we used to have stands for papers we were copying from, somewhere during my career those disappeared, but if you are constantly referring to other documents I do so agree you need something which keeps them at eye level. Most of the computer desks in this part of the world come with extra shelves for your keyboard (pull in and out). I would think if you are writing professionally a desktop computer would be a much better bet than a laptop. I have both so have some idea what I'm talking about. Of course if you are travelling you don't have any choice in the matter.<br /><br />Never used an ergonomic keyboard, but I would imagine they take a lot of getting used to.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-80404206731293430922010-03-14T20:08:02.034+08:002010-03-14T20:08:02.034+08:00I often try to write 10,000 words in a day when I ...I often try to write 10,000 words in a day when I get behind, which always leads to aching muscles afterwards.<br /><br />Something that I found helped with my hands are those mediation chinese(?) balls, the ones with the charms inside, that you're supposed to roll around on the palm of your hand without them touching? <br /><br />Really helps :)Katharinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00422628789410362463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-20740608110160934132010-03-14T18:48:40.704+08:002010-03-14T18:48:40.704+08:00I had real problems finding a desk that was big en...I had real problems finding a desk that was big enough to suit me and at a reasonable price, so I custom built one.<br /><br />1. Get a sheet of 8' by 4' MDF<br />2. Work out how high you want it off the ground and cut that (less the thickness) off the end and cut those in half to be your leg panels.<br />3. Work out how deep you want it and cut the big panel to that width - the remainder becomes a back brace.<br />4. Screw the panels together (centre the leg panels front to back and about 1' from left and right and butt the back brace against the desk and legs to make two solid corners for strength), fill the screw head holes and paint the desk.<br /><br />One of the best things is that you've made the desk and so can add holes for wires, screw in power strips, etc. to the desk exactly where you need them and while the desk is still in pieces.<br /><br />A single small hole right of center is great for PC keyboard, mouse and iPod cables, they don't end up snaking across the desk and if the hole is just big enough for the USB connector (two 3/4" holes next to each other should be fine), the iPod cable can't disappear down it.<br /><br />You can even incline the desk by cutting the leg panels an inch "taller" and then cutting a wedge off their lower edge.<br /><br />I use the cheapest Dell keboard <br />1. Because it has no special keys and a 1/16" bezel so takes up the minimum space possible<br />2. My MS ergonomic keyboard keeps on getting lent out at work to colleagues with RSI.<br /><br />But I have a Logitech G5 optical gaming mouse with weights and the whole shabang - corded because the batteries in wireless mice are too heavy and keep on running out.<br /><br />BTW, Glenda, just got Stormload delivered from Amazon UK - it's a great novel.Gryphonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10268813778928911800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-19315751336244748992010-03-14T18:36:44.138+08:002010-03-14T18:36:44.138+08:00I agree - mousing is definitely the worst thing. ...I agree - mousing is definitely the worst thing. I find a mouse in the keyboard (like on a laptop) is actually better in this respect.<br /><br />I have two pieces of advice in addition to the above, learnt the hard way.<br />1) as soon as pain starts, get it treated. I didn't realise there was something that could be done, but there is, whether it's a physiotherapist, hand therapist, etc. Getting it early means more likelihood of getting it fixed.<br /><br />2) consider investing in voice operated software, to be used to give your arms/hands/fingers a break. You don't have to use it all the time, it'll help stave off potential issues.j-a brockhttp://jabrock.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-6719312908451637562010-03-14T16:31:55.255+08:002010-03-14T16:31:55.255+08:00I find constant mousing is the worst thing. Every ...I find constant mousing is the worst thing. Every now and then I have a mouse-free day when I only use the keyboard. Tedious, but holds the wrist pain at bay.Satima Flavellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17427849961195148899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-14249960559669865862010-03-14T15:51:05.384+08:002010-03-14T15:51:05.384+08:00I wish someone had given me this advice 20 years a...I wish someone had given me this advice 20 years ago! <br /><br />Thanks for the replies and links...Glenda Larkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10113271268122909969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-66088889587743659662010-03-14T15:12:23.303+08:002010-03-14T15:12:23.303+08:00Fabulous article. All of this advice was given to...Fabulous article. All of this advice was given to me 20+ years ago when I was working in data entry.<br /><br />This is a good example of correct seating posture. http://www.iuinfo.indiana.edu/HomePages/012999/text/ergonomics.htm<br /><br /><br />Maybe a drafting table would be of some use.Suziehttp://www.suzs-space.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066416.post-57765867473514903552010-03-14T11:43:11.955+08:002010-03-14T11:43:11.955+08:00Great advice, Glenda. I have lost count of how man...Great advice, Glenda. I have lost count of how many writers I have seen commenting online lately about different RSI problems they are facing. <br /><br />And it affects editors, too. My physio added copyboards and writing slopes to that list. Long periods spent hunched over marking up hard copy manuscrips or looking down at hard copies to take in changes on-screen do bad things to neck/shoulders/back. <br /><br />Copyboards, which hold pages up next to your monitor are easy enough to find, and I have several different designs, but I am finding it pretty hard to get hold of a writing slope that will take a manuscript. Most of them are really things that are designed to save space on desks that have a keyboard, rather than being specifically designed for intense paperwork on a raised, sloped surface. Suspect I will end up with something homemade. In the meantime I am compromising with a copyboard which can't really handle writing pressure. It has, however, made a huge difference to RSI issues!BothersomeWordshttp://www.bothersomewords.comnoreply@blogger.com