You are Here: Carpal | Introduction

Introduction

Why do a TPW Supervised Writing Project on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Repetitive Stress Injuries (CTS/RSI)?

A typical RSI sufferer’s complaint about medical doctors and RSI medical literature is that “They don’t know what they're talking about. I know what it is like to be in constant, chronic pain, to frequently drop things, and to lose substantial manual dexterity and grip control. Since they do not have RSIs, how can they relate to what I have to endure everyday? They can not feel what I feel all the time.”

This Project is written and prepared from an RSI sufferer’s point of view. I’ve had RSI for over a decade. Thus, I am unfortunately intimately familiar with RSIs. I submit that my personal perspective has guided me to write and produce an RSI project that is of practical and vital interest to RSI sufferers and others alike. Yes, I do feel your pain and have written this Project accordingly.

You, the reader, will be armed with the knowledge gained literally through a school of hard knocks so that you may minimize the chances of also developing RSI. Or, if you do have RSIs, at least you’ll learn and understand what they are and what your major options are. But, no express or implied warranties here!

Thus, this Project’s purpose is:

To provide you, the reader, with a cogent, introductory analysis of:

(1) RSIs, including, but not limited to, CTS, and other RSIs,

(2) introduction to your legal rights as an RSI injured worker (with a work-related injury),

(3) introduction to proper computer ergonomics, and

(4) a select list of RSI references, resources and links for your ongoing perusal.

The subjects covered in this CD-ROM/web site are simply too complex and varied for an encyclopedia-like analysis and discussion that is all things for all people. Use this CD-ROM/web site to learn about RSI and its many ramifications. Then, build on the knowledge base by using the references, resources and links to learn more about RSI and what your options are if you develop RSI.

Finally, discuss what you've learned about RSIs with your doctors, other healthcare professionals and providers, workers’ compensation attorney [if your RSIs are work-related and you were a full-time employee at the time the injuries occurred], friends, mentors, etc.

As consumer advocate David Horowitz used to say, “Be aware and informed.” You, not your doctor, are primarily responsible for your health.

Make your decisions based on as solid and broad a foundation of knowledge as possible. Get more than one medical opinion of your RSI injuries. Although RSIs can literally cramp more than just your writing style and lifestyle, you should take an active and enlightened approach to healing your body, mind, and soul.

No one else will do it for you.

Your future is, literally and figuratively, in your hands.

Back