Info-Mac 3/Info_Mac_1994-01.iso/Periodical/General/RSI Network Newsletters/RSInetwork.10.etx

Text File | 1993-02-03 | 27KB | 625 lines

RSI Network Newsletter #10/February 93
======================================


  The RSI Network Electronic Newsletter
  For People Concerned About Tendinitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
  and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries


Produced by:
Caroline Rose, 970 Paradise Way, Palo Alto CA 94306
([e-mail])
Copyright 1993 Caroline Rose. All rights reserved.
Apple Computer is in no way affiliated with this newsletter.

About this document:
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
([e-mail]).

Setext formatting by:
Craig O'Donnell, Assistant Sysop, MacWEEK Forum on ZiffNet
([e-mail] / [e-mail])

  "RSI Network Newsletter" files in setext format are
  available on ZiffNet/Mac and Compuserve. See Subscription
  Information/Back Issues, below, for specifics.


Possible Temporary Shutdown
---------------------------
  As you read this, I'm recovering from surgery on my right
  shoulder, where I've had bad tendinitis since last May. It's
  possible that there will be no newsletter in April. It may come
  out in May or not till June; it's hard to say at this point.

  If anyone is willing to take over subscriber tracking and label
  generation for me (on a Macintosh, please), or otherwise get
  involved in distribution, give a holler.

   [* printed issues are unavailable for an indefinite period;
   see "Hardcopy Hiatus" below ---COD].

  Due to this foreseeable problem in getting out the next issue, it
  matters even more that I receive materials from readers. What I
  need the most is information/stories/articles ready for inclusion
  in the newsletter with minimal editing, sent electronically or in
  the mail on a 3 1/2" disk. See "Robin's Story" for an excellent
  example of an information-packed personal story the type of which
  you yourself might be able to contribute!

   [* Caroline asked me to add here that she will not be able to
   Email personal responses back to people for the indefinite
   future. Please do not let that inhibit any of you from sending
   her your material for the Newsletter ---COD].

  I hope you can help keep this newsletter alive. We're getting more
  RSI Network members all the time, and I'd like to be able to
  continue to help other people and raise the visibility of the RSI
  problem. I'm close to being unable to handle delivering this
  newsletter in any form - electronic or paper - to any more
  individual people, because I just don't have the handpower or
  bandwidth.

   [* Anyone who would like to subscribe to Issues 11 and later
   via Internet, to help take the weight off Caroline, please send
   Email to:
     [e-mail]

   Put "RSI Subscription" (without quotes) in the SUBJECT: line of
   your message and my mailer adds you to my distribution list. It is
   possible I will not answer each request personally   --- COD].


We're Up On ZiffNet
-------------------
  Thanks to the efforts of Ric Ford and Craig O'Donnell, issues of
  The RSI Network newsletter are now available through ZiffNet/Mac
  and Compuserve. Files can be viewed as plain ASCII text, or you
  can index, browse, and copy from them using the freeware Easy
  View. For details, see the subscription information at the end of
  this issue.

  Anyone who can put this newsletter on other networks, where it
  will be available to lots of other people, please let me know.


OLO Rolling Scissors
--------------------
  The box says you won't believe how different cutting can feel, and
  it's true. Craig O'Donnell found these shears at Staples for
  $10.25. [These are in the Museum of Modern Art's Designs for
  Independent Living catalog, mentioned in a previous issue -- COD].

  They work more like a can opener than scissors: hold the implement
  still and pull the paper past a pair of sharpened cutting wheels.
  Cardstock cuts well, and it's easy to follow a straight line. Your
  hard just wraps around the grip (like the handle of a teakettle)
  so as far as the wrist is, concerned there are no moving parts.

  The only complaint is that the handgrip (for lefties and righties)
  could be larger - it can cause some twinges if gripped too
  tightly. But a tight grip isn't necessary for good results. Made
  in America. Contact:
    P.A.J. America, White Plains NY, at [phone].


Adjustable Keyboard & New Mouse From Apple
------------------------------------------
  Apple's new Adjustable Keyboard is a "split" alphanumeric keyboard
  that lets you adjust the left- and right-hand sections up to a
  30-degree angle. It comes with hard plastic detachable palm rests.
  The function keys are on a separate numeric keypad rather than
  across the top as on Apple's Extended Keyboard. Adjustable feet
  let you change the slope of both the main keyboard and the
  extended keypad. List price is $219.

  The Apple Desktop Bus Mouse II fits the contours of your palm so
  it's more comfortable. At the tip of the mouse, there's a large
  button that makes it easier to click and drag. Cost is $79 but it
  will ship with all future models.


Keystroke-Saving Software: Quickeys and Prokeys
-----------------------------------------------
  Many Macintosh users are already familiar with QuicKeys, but for
  those of you who are not:

  It lets you assign a wide range of activities - selecting files,
  choosing menu items, clicking buttons, entering text, and so on -
  to single keystrokes. As a result, an activity that normally
  requires a number of different actions can be reduced to a single
  keystroke.

  ProKeys, a similar product, is available for IBM PCs and
  compatibles, DOS or Windows. Look for QuicKeys or ProKeys in your
  local computer store or catalog, or contact CE Software in West
  Des Moines IA at [phone].


Reading
-------
  Sylvia Dennerstein, from the RSI Group in London, offers a booklet
  put together by that group. It's about the fight for compensation
  and the experiences of RSI sufferers in England; its content is
  similar to the personal stories you've seen in this newsletter,
  and it sheds a lot of light on problems with RSI in that country
  (and you think we have it bad!).

  Sylvia writes in the Introduction:
     "RSI is one of the most unacceptable manifestations of the
     'technological revolution'. It should never have come about
      in the first place and should be consigned to the dustbin of
      history as soon as possible."

  There's a "Further Reading" section at the end. I have an
  incomplete version of the booklet; I believe the final version is
  35 or 40 pages long. To receive the booklet, send a $10
  international money order (which costs $3, so total is $13) to:
    Sylvia Dennerstein
    74 Park House, Seven Sisters Road
    London N4 2LS, England.

  The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a
  division of the NIH, has collected about ten published articles on
  RSI and will send out photocopies of them, free of charge (!). The
  articles include a review of ergonomic do's and don'ts by Jane
  Brody (New York Times, 3/4/92). Call:
    NINDS at [phone] or write:
    Office of Scientific and Health Reports,
    Building 31, Room 8A16, Bethesda MD 20892.

  Be sure to ask for their articles on "carpal tunnel syndrome,"
  because they don't seem to realize that the subject is actually
  broader. Incidentally, the material they send includes a 27-page
  booklet on chronic pain and mentions chronic pain associations in
  MD at [phone] and in CA at (916)632- 0922 and a chronic pain
  newsletter:
    P.O. Box 1303, Old Chelsea Station, NY NY 10011.

  In MacWorld May 1992, on pages 64-66, see Deborah Branscum's
  article entitled "Building an Accessible Society."

  Do you have trouble holding books to read them? People with
  physical disabilities, including RSIs, can apply to Recording for
  the Blind for recorded books and electronic (computer) versions of
  textbooks and computer manuals. Verification by a doctor or
  physical therapist is required. Call 1-800-221-4792 for more
  information.


Hardcopy Hiatus
---------------
  Sorry, no more subscriptions to the printed version until someone
  volunteers to help with handling paper subscriptions and
  distribution. Same with back issues in print. Stay tuned.

  Ric Ford has offered to coordinate this effort. Anyone interested
  in handling the printing, copying and mailing of hardcopy issues,
  please send email to:
    [e-mail]
    Ric Ford 72511,44 via ZiffNet/Compuserve

  The hardcopy good news is that Craig O'Donnell has offered to
  make sure that The RSI Newsletter's first ten or eleven issues get
  included in the Fall 1993 BMUG Newsletter. The Fall Newsletter
  debuts at the August MacWorld Expo.

  On a related note, I'd like to emphasize that the requested
  donation (hardcopy Newsletter) is $2 or more. If you tell someone
  else about it, please remember to add the "or more." It's meant to
  be a sort of sliding scale. I'm thrilled not to have run out of
  money yet, because I certainly don't have a renewal mechanism
  (other than to ask in general for more money). Also, checks need
  to be made out to me, not "RSI Network" or "RSI Newsletter."
  Remember, the money goes purely toward supplies; no one pockets
  any of it.


Letters From Members
--------------------
  Please send in your letters or questions; other readers can reply
  to you via this newsletter or directly (don't forget to indicate
  which you prefer). Please take the time to reply if you can help
  someone out.

Success with Osteopaths?
From Jeanette P. Evans of Highland Heights OH:
  My question to your readers has to do with whether any one has had
  good results solving their problems by working with an osteopath.
  I had tendinitis in both forearms. I went to an orthopedist. Who
  told me to use night splints, then come back if I feel I would
  like to try electrotherapy or surgery. I went to an osteopath and
  within one week of the treatment, all my pain in my forearms was
  gone. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

East Coast Support Groups?
From Erica Ginsburg of Philadelphia PA:
  I'm looking for a CTS support group. Do any readers know of one in
  my area of the country, Philadelphia PA? I'd appreciate any leads.
  (This is a common question. If anyone knows of any East Coast RSI
  support groups, please let me know. - Ed.)

Hormones (For Women Only)
From Joyce L. Hedges of Oakland CA:
  In a past issue there was mention of hormones and RSI. I don't
  know of any research, but I would like to know if other women with
  RSI have found that they flare up every month around their period.
  I find this is usually the worst time of the month and wonder if
  anyone shares this symptom or has found any unique ways to deal
  with it.


Robin's Story
-------------
  This story comes to us from Robin Coutellier. You can reach Robin
  at the Internet address NTMTV![e-mail] or call her
  at work at [phone]. Please send in your own story or helpful
  tips for other RSI sufferers.

  My diagnosis is tendinitis affecting the ulnar tendon (which goes
  through a narrow point known as "guyon's canal," similar to the
  carpal tunnel). The chronic inflammation led to a subsequent
  diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. I had a third problem of a
  compressed nerve affecting the carpal ulneris flexor tendon (baby
  finger).

  I had surgery on my left wrist and elbow on 11/25/91 (performed by
  Dr. Robert Markison of San Francisco). The wrist surgery was a
  carpal tunnel release and a "guyon's canal" release. The elbow
  surgery was a "cubital tunnel release," which freed the compressed
  nerve that was impairing the use of my baby finger. I had a local
  anesthetic and was awake (although sedated) during the surgery. I
  was sent home the same day as soon as I felt up to making the
  trip.

  I have a sensitivity to narcotic pain relievers such as codeine,
  so I was only able to take ibuprofen for the pain. The ibuprofen
  was very effective, although I did take about 800 mgs every 3
  hours, including in the middle of the night, being very careful to
  eat something first. Until the "soft cast" was removed a week
  later, I needed someone to cook for me and help me bathe, but I
  was able to dress myself (very loose clothing). I rested my arm
  and wrists on a large pillow almost continuously, keeping them
  above heart level whenever possible, on the doctor's advice.

  My right wrist improved amazingly during the 10 weeks I was off
  work. I went back to work 1/2 days for a month, then increased to
  5 hrs per day. My right hand became increasingly more painful to
  use and was soon back to where it was before my disability leave.
  So much for a long rest! I very gradually built back up to 8 hours
  a day. My first 8-hour day was 12/24/92, a year after the surgery.

  I still experience pain in my left wrist and hands, although it's
  not usually as sharp as it was before the surgery. I haven't
  progressed as well as other people who have had surgery, partly
  because I've returned to the same type of work, although it's much
  more varied and "adjusted" than when I was first injured. I'm not
  satisfied enough with the surgery on my left wrist to have it done
  on the right one yet. The doctor says he doesn't consider a
  patient stable until two years after surgery.

  Along these lines, I spoke with a woman who had had the same
  problem, and it took 5 surgeries (3 on one, 2 on the other) over a
  period of 5 years to recover. That sounds like a life sentence to
  someone who is just now beginning to feel the effects of RSI, but
  after 2 1/2 years, it sounds more to me like there might be some
  light at the end of the tunnel.

  Some of the things I've done to help me cope and get things done
  since I've been injured are:

  -  Most books, even paperbacks, have been too heavy to hold or too
  hard to hold open for very long. What I do now is break the book
  into sections of 50-100 pages each, then use a large "chip-clip"
  to hold it open. I have to be careful not to use too much pressure
  when squeezing the clip open, sometimes using the weight of my
  hand rather than my fingers to squeeze it open.

  -  Consider buying a hands-free phone and/or a headset so you
  don't have to hold the receiver any more than necessary (if
  possible, ask your employer for these at work). I ordered a spiffy
  phone from the DAK catalog. It has a stupid name, "Bestest" Best
  Ever Phone, but has a lot of great features and costs only $80. It
  has a hands-free (speakerphone) feature, and you can program up to
  200 names and numbers on it via a small keyboard and number pad.

  It has a clock and timer, 2 lines, and 3 emergency keys for fire,
  medical, or police. It has a redial function, and it also will
  continue to try a busy number once a minute until it gets through.
  I use the hands-free mode almost exclusively (you can always pick
  up the receiver at any time instead), and haven't received any
  complaints from whoever's on the other side, although some have
  told me that when I hesitate, it tends to chop off the beginnings
  of words. To get a catalog, call 1-800-888-7808.

  -  I saw a mechanical scrubber on a late-night infomercial and
  ordered it (about $100). It's lightweight and cleans, polishes,
  etc., just about anything, with a lot of attachments, even one to
  clean computer keyboards. I ordered it but have not really put it
  to use yet, in part because removing the attachments is difficult
  and, in the case of the bottlebrush, nearly impossible.

  -  I bought a very lightweight (~8 lbs.) vacuum cleaner by
  Panasonic with easy to use attachments (though I do find the
  attachments hard to remove!). It's not self-propelled (which would
  make the vacuum heavier), but it pulls itself forward and back
  with only minor effort from me. It's called the Panasonic Jet-Flo,
  and the model number is MC-5107. It costs about $200.

  -  I use plastic utensils and paper plates, bowls, and cups, and a
  lightweight "camping" mug for hot drinks. They're much easier to
  deal with not only by weight, but since I throw them away, there
  are few, if any, dishes to wash (though I've discovered that
  washing dishes, if done in moderation, actually makes the wrists
  feel better, getting the circulation going and improving the range
  of motion). These items can be bought in bulk for a very low price
  at Price Club or Costco.

  -  I've been making good use of the salad bars at Safeway and
  other supermarkets. The veggies are usually very fresh, and I
  don't have to chop anything. The salad bars are also good for
  obtaining pre-cut stir-fry ingredients.

  -  I finally convinced my landlord to allow me to have a garage
  door opener installed (at my expense). While I wrote him a very
  impressive letter including newspaper articles, a letter from my
  doctor, citing what a good tenant I am, etc., I think the key
  persuasion factor was letting him know the garage door had blown
  shut (literally on me and/or on my car) on more than one occasion.

  -  I have a shoemaker put Velcro on my shoes (at a cost of
  $10-$15) so I don't have to tie the laces; this is imperative if
  you're going to have hand/wrist surgery. Also, If you're going to
  have surgery, get some pull-on pants with an elastic waist so you
  don't have to deal with a zipper.

  -  I was unable to drive for 6 weeks after my surgery and took the
  bus everywhere. I was able to buy a "disabled/senior" monthly bus
  pass for $5, as opposed to about $30-$35 for the normal adult
  monthly bus pass. I bought them at Lucky via the normal checkout
  counter.

  -  Most physical therapists will have someone with an RSI start
  exercising with small weights (1/2, 1, 2 lb.) . At sporting goods
  stores, these can be somewhat expensive. I've bought fishing
  weights at Payless for 39 cents to $1 depending on the weight. Not
  only is it extremely cheap, but you can get very precise that way,
  buying by the ounce, i.e., 4 oz., 6 oz., 8 oz., etc., along with 1
  or 2 lb weights. (Adding only 4, 6, or 8, oz. at a time between
  pounds can make the transition much easier and is less likely to
  put too much strain on the joints.)

  -  Using a very lightweight blow dryer - or getting a perm - is
  much easier on the hands/wrists.

  -  Hot and cold contrast baths are very good for increasing
  circulation. My hand therapist advised me to always do this just
  before exercising. If you have a dual sink, fill one side with
  warm-hot water, and the other with cold water. Use dishpans or
  other containers if you have a single sink. Start out putting
  hand(s) in warm water for 1 minute, then switch to cold for 1
  minute, etc. for 10 minutes, ending on the cold cycle. Move hands
  gently in the warm water, but keep them relatively still in the
  cold water. I have a book on the windowsill in front of me and
  read, which is a great distraction. I use my nearby microwave with
  3-stage cooking (a beep a minute for 3 minutes) to tell me when
  each minute is up. Sometimes I put baby oil in the water.


Quote of the Month
------------------
  "Denial is not just a river in Egypt. If your hands are getting
  sore, don't ignore it till it's too late. Don't sacrifice your
  future productivity and ability to enjoy life for a few keystrokes
  today."  - Peter Hughes, RSI Network member


RSI Support Groups (California)
-------------------------------
San Francisco:
  Judy Doane, [phone], or Yari Leski, [phone].
  Alternate Mondays, 7:30 PM, at the California Pacific Medical
  Center (3773 Sacramento St., at Maple, SF), rooms G and H.

East Bay:
  Joan Lichterman, [phone].
  Meets monthly, 7 to 9 PM, usually on the second Wednesday, at
  CalARM 400 29th Street, #105 (at summit), Oakland.

North Bay:
  Stephanie Barnes, [phone].
  Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 9 PM, at Santa Rosa Plaza, in the
  Community Room.

South Bay:
Pat Roggy, [phone], or Petzoldt Hand Center, [phone].

Los Angeles area
Samantha Greenberg, [phone].
A "computer injury network".


RSI Support Groups (Elsewhere)
------------------------------
  We need information on support groups in places other than
  California. Send Email!


Submissions
-----------
  This newsletter relies on contributions from its readers: please
  contribute your questions, stories, and any information that may
  be of interest to people with RSI.

  Where possible please submit contributions on diskette or via
  Email. Xeroxes of interesting articles from anywhere are always
  welcome. Mail disks or xeroxes to:
    Caroline Rose, 970 Paradise Way, Palo Alto CA 94306

  To contact Caroline Rose via Internet, send your mail to:
    [e-mail]


Subscription Information/Back Issues
------------------------------------
  The newsletter is available electronically. Currently, I can send
  it directly only to people who are willing to distribute it to a
  larger group (such as putting it up on another network). However,
  the newsletter is finding its way to more and more places in the
  online universe.

  Craig O'Donnell is setting up The RSI Network Newsletter for
  electronic distribution in "setext" format. (A setext document is
  really a plain ASCII text file that any text editor can open).

  He has adopted these file naming conventions. For Macintoshes:

    "RSInetwork.SEA" for the back issues archive file, compacted;
    "RSI10.SIT" for individual new issues, compacted.

  For all platforms:
    "RSI10.ETX" for individual new issues in setext format.

  Craig asks BBS sysops to please use the same filenames, if it is
  possible, for consistency throught the "universe".

"RSINET" on ZiffNet
  The newsletter is available through ZiffNet/Mac and CompuServe
  in the "Reference" file library at location ZMC:DOWNTECH.

  Back issues have been gathered in one self-extracting archive in
  the "Reference" file library at location ZMC:DOWNTECH. The file,
  RSINET.SEA, is compressed with Compact Pro (so those without
  Macintoshes should seek an alternate source). Any setext document
  is really a  plain ASCII text file that any text editor can open.

  The latest Newsletter is in the same library. These are individual,
  compressed setext files (for example, Newsletter 10 is called
  "RSI10.SIT"). Use the keyword "RSI" to locate the archives
  and single issues from 10 on. Message Craig O'Donnell, MacWEEK
  Assistant Sysop; Gregory Wasson, Downloads Forum Sysop; or
  Ric Ford, MacWEEK Sysop if you have logged onto ZiffNet and need
  assistance.

  To index, browse, and copy from collected setext documents, use
  Easy View, in the "Applications" library at location ZMC:DOWNTECH
  under filename EASYVW.SEA. TidBITS readers probably use EasyView
  already.

Info-Mac & ftp for Macintosh Users
  Craig is placing the full back issues archive file on the
  Info-Mac internet site. He will post a setext version of Issue
  10 and later issues and keep this site updated.

  Craig is working on a second site open to anonymous ftp. Naturally
  these Internet files are binaries that have been converted to
  .hqx files. If you don't understand that last sentence, obtain the
  Newsletter files from a BBS or commercial online service.

  Filenames are:
    rsinetwork.sea.hqx (all issues to date, so it includes
      Issues 1 to 10).
    rsinetwork.10.sit.hqx (out now)
    rsinetwork.11.sit.hqx (out sometime in April or May)
  (etc). No caps due to UNIX conventions.

More later on both these distribution sites.

ftp for Others
  Craig is working on placing ASCII, setext formatted files
  on an ftp site for those using computers other than the
  Macintosh. Of course, anyone without a Macintosh can simply
  subscribe to the Internet mailing list to receive future
  Newsletter issues by Email.

Planet BMUG BBS and BMUG Boston BBS
  BMUG, Inc. (formerly known as Berkeley Macintosh Users' Group) has
  a bicoastal Bulletin Board with sites in Berkeley and Boston. The
  BBS runs the "First Class" graphical interface software - it looks
  like the Macintosh Finder. Anyone with terminal software can
  connect and use the built-in line editor to download the First
  Class Client application (about 200K in size) and the Planet, or
  Boston, BBS auto log on user document (about 50K in size).

  Once logged in, leave a message for Sysop to find the exact
  location of the RSInetwork.SEA files. BMUG Boston has a
  conference area, AccessABLE, devoted to disabled users of all
  types.

  BMUG Boston can be reached at 617-721-5840 (2400 to 14,400) and
  has five high speed modems. RSINetwork.SEA files are in the Public
  Files folder.

  Planet BMUG can be reached at 510-849-2684 (2400 to 14,400) and
  has 16 high-speed lines.

  Both boards encourage guest callers, but because of the high
  volume of calls and a per-user licensing agreement with SoftArc,
  creators of the First Class system, guest accounts are limited to
  two weeks' duration. After that, BMUG asks that you join, or open
  an new guest account next time you call.

GEnie
  Newsletter issue #10 is available as a plain text file in GEnie's
  disABILITIES roundtable thanks to Richard Brosnahan. To get there:

    Once logged onto GEnie type "ABLE" at any "<H>elp ?" prompt.
    Once in the roundtable, type 3 to get to the libraries.
    Type 8 to set the software library.
    Type 7 for Newsletters and Articles.
    The RSI Network Newsletter #10 is file number 649, titled
    "RSINETWORK.TXT".


Prior Contents
--------------
The RSI Network Newsletter has covered:

  Issue 1, 6/91:
    Hardware and software of interest; books of interest (2 pp)
  Issue 2, 8/91:
    The TONY! keyboard; Stanford Pain Clinic's psychologist;
    long-term disability (2 pp)
  Issue 3, 10/91:
    SF Bay Area doctors; Special Technology Center; ergonomic/
    employment resources (4 pp)
  Issue 4, 12/91:
    Software; ergonomic resources; publications; more on long-
    term disability (4 pp)
  Issue 5, 4/92:
    Voice-activated text input; practitioners; forearm supports;
    hints and tips (4 pp)
  Issue 6, 6/92:
    Statistics; voice recognition and word prediction; legislation;
    publications; organizations (6 pp)
  Issue 7, 8/92:
    CTS survey; iontophoresis; SF Bay Area ergonomics showroom;
    pain relief; reading hands-free; mouse relief;
    publications; legislation (6 pp)
  Issue 8, 10/92:
    TONY! keyboard update; other alternative input devices;
    ACTSA and other associations; CTDNEWS newsletter; advice
    for swimmers (6 pp)
  Issue 9, 12/92:
    Video of RSI TV special; input devices (esp. DataHand);
    software; practitioners; job accommodation (6 pp).






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