Hand arthritis

PaulaJ
PaulaJ Member Posts: 15
edited 23. Oct 2024, 12:14 in Living with arthritis

Has anyone had experience of computer/mouse work with moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their hand? I have two jobs and they both involve mouse and keyboard use every day. Am I realistically going to be able to carry on working? I am only 54 so I have a lot of working years ahead of me. Its starting to stress me out as office/computer work is all I know 🙁

Comments

  • Hello, that sounds really tough. Has anyone talked to you about Access to Work or talk to text software? I have Dragon software through Access to Work which means I can speak into the computer microphone and it writes what I've said. It isn't perfect and can need some proof-reading but it does cut down mouse and keyboard time significantly. It also works within the database we use at work, and emails. I think there are also adapted keyboards and mouse which might help. Do you have an Occupational Health department?

  • Gadgetgirl
    Gadgetgirl Member Posts: 52
    edited 15. Oct 2024, 17:01

    Hi @PaulaJ While I don't have osteo. I had severe tendonitis in my wrist due to RA. I now use a Logi Ergonomic Wireless mouse that my company got for me through OH. It is so much better than the standard mouse as it makes your wrist sit the correct way. I also have Dragon Software which you talk and it types, very clever. Hope that helps and good luck.

    [shop name deleted as advertising contravenes guidelines. Anna]

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,084

    Hi @PaulaJ and @Gadgetgirl ,

    I agree with @Gadgetgirl - an ergonomic mouse has been really helpful and allowed me to continue to use my computer without pain.

    Anna ( Moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • PaulaJ
    PaulaJ Member Posts: 15

    Hiya, I dont have an Occupational Health Department as I work for a very small company. I have contacted Ability.Net and now have a new ergonomic keyboard and vertical mouse which is helping. Dragon software wouldn't work for me in either of my jobs really. Its getting me down as I really don't know how long I will be able to carry on working for.

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 155

    Hello @PaulaJ

    Good to hear that you have some new equipment that is helping. I also have hand arthritis and it has impacted my working life. I'm now working on alternate days so that I can rest and regroup in-between work days. It has, of course, impacted me financially however the plus side is that I feel I can continue to work. Is it an option for you to think about the number of hours a day/days a week that would work better for you?

    Best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 711
    edited 17. Oct 2024, 17:08

    Hi

    I worked foe five years prior to having g my trapeziectomyin 2020 and back as a PA six weeks later.

    Have you got a keyboard with legs or does it lie flat? I got a keyboard stand that was triangular in shape which made typing easier. More like using an old fashioned manual typewriter. Used in conjunction with a gel wrist rest Ali g the bottom and a gel mouse mat with shaped wrist rest gave me the perfect set up.

    Keep your hands warm. Get some hot hands, or something similar to slip inside fingerless gloves. You can use these all day with no keyboard problems.

    Exercise balls that are like little eggs and therapy putty are a must. Use the putty like play doh, pulling, stretching, kneading rolling etc. You can do this while taking five mi utes at work or sat watching TV.

    Don't stop using your hands thinking you're protecting them. You're not.

    If you run a search on my name you'll find lots of posts and advice from me on hands. Please shout if you need anything.

    Trish xx

  • PaulaJ
    PaulaJ Member Posts: 15

    Thank you so much @Trish9556 . I'm using a vertical mouse which is helping. I also purchased a new ergonomic keyboard which was amazing but now it has decided not to work. I have contacted our IT department and they can't get it to connect to my PC now. I am so upset and I really liked this keyboard so now I have to look for another one 😓. I think I am of the mindset that if I use my hand I will cause more damage which is not helping. I will look at the therapy putty and order some today. I am feeling really down today as I'm in pain today. I just want it all to go away xx

  • PaulaJ
    PaulaJ Member Posts: 15

    @PJoanne Reducing my hours and days is not an option at the moment. I could give up my second evening job, but as my husband says the job is so good for my mental health as I absolutely love it (working in a theatre in the evening where I meet people and its just lovely). I initially thought about giving it up but I was sobbing at the thought of it. Its so hard to know what to do xx

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 711

    Hi

    Your it department should be able to provide with with a keyboard that's suits your arthritis. It shouldn't be up to you to purchase one! If they say no, speak with your health and, safety team!

    Trish xx

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 155

    HI @PaulaJ

    The evening job sounds just right, its good that you have a working position that is positive. I struggled for a while to get my situation into a place that works for me and tried various options. It was stressful. Hope you are having a better day today. x

    Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm