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RSInetwork#3/October 91
=======================
For People Concerned About Tendinitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and
Other Repetitive Strain Injuries
Produced by:
Caroline Rose, 970 Paradise Way, Palo Alto CA 94306
(crose@applelink.apple.com)
Apple Computer is in no way affiliated with this newsletter.
This document is in setext (structure-enhanced text) format.
To index, browse, and copy from collected setext documents,
use Easy View, written by M. Akif Eyler, Bilkent University,
06533 Ankara, Turkey
(eyler@trbilun.bitnet).
Setext formatting by:
Craig O'Donnell, Assistant Sysop, MacWEEK Forum on ZiffNet
(72511.240@compuserve.com).
Other issues of RSInetwork are available through ZiffNet/Mac
and Compuserve, in the "Reference" file library at location
ZMC:DOWNTECH. Easy View is in the "Applications" library at
the same location under filename EASYVW.SEA.
Trigger Release Surgery
-----------------------
Marjie Hempstead has had trigger release surgery performed by Dr.
Robert Markison, to help solve her tenosynovitis-related trigger
finger problem. (She has had pain only in her hands, not in her
wrists or arms.) Before deciding to have the surgery, she spoke to
two other patients of Dr. Markison's who had had the same surgery;
other doctors weren't willing to put her in contact with previous
patients. Marjie would be happy to talk to you if you're
contemplating this type of surgery. You can reach her at (415)940-
2471 at work or at (415)961-9860 at home.
Marjie has switched to a job that requires very little typing, and
she wears casts when she does type. She modified the casts herself
to extend them down to little "points" past the fingers, so that
her fingers never actually touch the keys (the motion of the key
springing back onto her finger caused her great pain).
Interestingly, she can play piano far more easily than she can
type.
Doctors, Lawyers, Indian Chiefs
-------------------------------
Marjie suggested that this newsletter list people's
recommendations for doctors and lawyers. Others have asked for
recommendations for physical therapists. So here's a start below -
with the name and phone number of a person who was treated by (or
otherwise dealt with) that doctor and is willing to talk about him
or her with you. Please send your own recommendations.
Dr. Robert Markison, hand surgeon, San Francisco, (415)956-2525.
Contact Marjie Hempstead, (415)940-2471 work or (415)961-9860 home.
Dr. Vincent Hentz, hand surgeon, Stanford, (415)723-5256. Contact
Marjie Hempstead.
Dr. Julie Ladd, hand surgeon, Stanford, (415)723-5256. Contact
Marjie Hempstead.
Dr. Stephen Isono, hand surgeon, Albany, (415)524-7535. Contact
Jennifer Johnson, (415)991-9186 home.
Dr. Jeffrey Saal, physiatrist (not a surgeon), (415)851-4900. Or
ask for another doctor at this number, which is the SpineCare/SOAR
clinic. They hustle people in and out of this place awfully fast,
but the doctors are very competent. Contact Caroline Rose,
(415)424-9100 home.
The Special Technology Center
-----------------------------
The Special Technology Center is a non-profit organization you can
join for $25 a year and visit to explore the latest computer
technology for people with disabilities. They're in Mountain View;
their number is (415)961-6789. They offer hands-on computer
experience so you can explore what software and hardware solutions
suit you best, and they can show you other specialized devices as
well. I was impressed by a beautiful (expensive) oak desk that
goes up or down at the press of a button. They also offer group
presentations, and they really care about trying to influence
industry to take steps to prevent problems and to support the
already disabled. A worthwhile organization run by wonderful
people.
Ergonomic Resources
-------------------
Here's a list of ergonomic resources that may be of interest. And
a related story: I spoke with a professional ergonomist recently
and asked him how we can distinguish the folks who are selling the
ergonomic equivalent of snake oil from those who really know
ergonomics. He surprised me by saying that there are only 12 or 15
professional ergonomists in the U.S. He basically said that real
ergonomists have a Masters degree from an accredited school in
something like Industrial Engineering with a subspecialty of
Ergonomics. He mentioned a Human Factors Society in San Diego that
may be able to provide some guidelines. If this seems like
overkill to you, at least keep in mind that there may be some
snake oil salespeople out there, and it wouldn't hurt to question
their background. (The one time I did this, I was glad I did; even
I could tell they didn't have a clue.)
Ergonomic Health and Safety, Inc., Palo Alto, (415)325-5928:
They'll do ergonomic consulting at your workplace, are available
to give presentations to groups, and also sell a variety of
ergonomic products (including hypoallergenic wrist rests). Call to
arrange.
Lisa Voge, O.T.R, Menlo Park, (415)326-3965: Workstation
evaluation; prevention education programs for groups.
North Coast Medical, Inc., San Jose, 1-800-821-9319: Call for
their catalogs. The products in these catalogs can only be ordered
via a distributor, such as physical therapy office. I'm told that
their Care-at-Home catalog also comes out under the label of
"Independence House" and you can order products in that one
yourself; call 1-800-932-2120 for information. North Coast is also
working on an expanded ergonomics catalog, to be available next
year.
AbleNet, 1-800-322-0956: Catalog of various adaptive devices for
people with disabilities. Includes a "universal switch mounting
system" so you can activate a switch (such as your mouse or
trackball "clicker") with your knee rather than your foot (better
on your body; avoids ankle tendinitis).
J.M.G. Enterprises, San Jose, (408)978-3070: They make the
inexpensive, foam Wrist-Air wrist support. I use one and like it
very much.
Computer Furniture, Belmont, (415)592-7755: I got my keyboard tray
from these people, and it's a beaut. It had to be custom-made
because most trays aren't wide enough to accommodate a mouse or
trackball (especially with an extra-long keyboard). They may want
bulk rather than individual orders, but give them a call and see.
Just Chairs, San Francisco (415)543-5575, San Rafael (415)258-
9880, and Oakland (415)832-2400. A store with lots of ergonomic
chairs (and nothing else?); brochures available.
Workspace Environments, Inc., Roseville, 1-800-548-8277: Contact
them for information on the ErgoArm arm support.
Flex-Vision, Santa Rosa, (707)544-3020: Contact them for
information about the Compu-Rest arm support.
Employment Services
-------------------
Here are a couple of resources that may help you make that painful
move in the direction of finding another type of work - one that
doesn't use your hands so much. Let the rest of us know what your
experiences in this area have been.
Career Action Network, Palo Alto, (415)324-1710 or -1721: The
largest independent career center in the Western U.S., the CAC
comes highly recommended. They offer classes, counseling, and over
5000 job listings. You can become a member for $50/year or pay $7
a day as a nonmember. Call for a catalog.
De Anza College Career Development and Employment Program,
(408)996-4600. In cooperation with other Special Education
services, this program offers short courses in an effort to
enhance the employability of adults with disabilities. Program
services: vocational assessment, job-seeking skills, resume
writing/interviewing, job search, employer panel discussions, and
a resource room.
Don't Be A Slacker: Contribute And Subscribe
--------------------------------------------
If you have an Internet address, send it to me and you'll
receive the newsletter electronically.
To ensure the survival of this newsletter, please call, write, or
e-mail me whatever you want to know or whatever you think might be
useful to others. Being employed full-time, I can't do much
research on my own, so I need your help. My phone number is
(415)424-9100 and my Internet address is
crose@applelink.apple.com. (Specify if you don't want something
published in here, or I'll assume it's OK.)
..