Getting Treatment for Carpal Tunnel?

DeathGripOnMouse asks: "Let me set to stage. I am a 30 something network analyst. I have been electronics / computer industry for the better part of twenty years, most of that time spent behind a keyboard. Like my peers, I am concerned about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other injuries that seem to afflict IT professionals. Recently, I began to notice some tenderness in my mouse hand. Deciding that it was time to see a doctor, I asked around the office for a good doctor, as my primary doctor no longer accepts my insurance. At the recommendation of several of my co-workers I called the office of a doctor the next town over. I explained my problem and was told that because this "could" be a work related injury, I was not able to see the doctor until I completed the following. First, I needed permission from my supervisor to seek treatment for my problem, in writing no less! Second, I was told that my medical insurance may not cover the doctor's expenses and I needed permission from my employers HR department to start a workman's compensation claim. All this without even seeing me! I do not want to file a claim due to the stigma that it carries, and I feel that it may hinder my chances at landing another job. I haven't approached my HR department, but what if they refuse to allow me to file a claim? This whole situation just angers me to no end. Anyway, has anyone sought treatment for CTS or some other repeated stress injury? If so, what were your experiences?"

Comments

Speaking as a professional...

[DynaSoar]

...and make no mistake, I not only work in a health care setting, and have a master's in healtcare administration, and also have more than one disability myself...

"I do not want to file a claim due to the stigma that it carries"

FUCK stigma, FUCK any whining from HR, FUCK any future possible employers who might look disfavorably, FUCK any insurance company that tries to disallow a charge.

Take care of YOURSELF. Get yourself evaluated and treated. By allowing yourself to be bullied by adminimonsters you only increase your chances of ending up with something worse than you have now and letting them off the hook.

Shit rolls down hill. If at any point someone tries to cause you grief, start a few steps above them in the food chain and file a complaint that's tough enough to make their boss's boss cringe, such as an ADA (Americans With Disabilities) suit, and make sure it's publicised. Discrimination of this sort is illegal. That means (1) they'll try to get away with it only if you let them think they can and (2) it can cost them far more money and other problems if you stick it to them for trying to stick it to you. Make them aware you're aware of these things.

The best defense is the BEST offense. If you don't do it, nobody is going to do it for you. They'll be more than happy to rip off your health instead.

It's your HANDS, man. Even if they all got away with their BS, it's not worth your hands.

That being said, consider a thumbwheel mouse. I have a maximal case of carpal because the bones of my right wrist have been replaced with a bar of titanium, and the surgeries really screwed up the tendons etc. I replaced my mouse with a thumbwheel and have had no problems since. Well, none attributable to repetative stress.