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What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

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Re: What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

#121

Post by Insanity »

bluedino wrote: post #100
csallen wrote: post #25

This story resonates. A few years back I was dealing with mild pain while coding. I stupidly ignored it for months as it got significantly worse, to the point where it became impossible to type for extended periods. I tried lots of things. My doctor did a nerve conduction study, which apparently ruled out carpal tunnel syndrome, but he wasn't much help beyond that. He gave me some straps that I slept in and wore arou…

I don't have pain in my hands, but I get severe back pain from time to time. It's difficult to sit or stand (or be in any position, really) for a few days at a time. I can do some things just fine, like type, but I certainly can't concentrate long enough to do any programming tasks because the pain is so distracting.

Going to add more anecdata to the thread. Going to the gym and swimming both helped with my neck and back pain.

When not going for some weeks (like when traveling) I can tell it becomes worse.

Plus you get in shape which is neat. I started out for health benefits but would be lying if I said I did not enjoy the visual benefits. :P

Re: What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

#122

Post by simonsaidit »

tcoff91 wrote: post #28
csallen wrote: post #25

This story resonates. A few years back I was dealing with mild pain while coding. I stupidly ignored it for months as it got significantly worse, to the point where it became impossible to type for extended periods. I tried lots of things. My doctor did a nerve conduction study, which apparently ruled out carpal tunnel syndrome, but he wasn't much help beyond that. He gave me some straps that I slept in and wore arou…

Try doing some rock climbing either outdoors or at the rock gym. Fixed my hand pain real quick.

Same

Re: What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

#123

Post by bluedino »

spydum wrote: post #103
bluedino wrote: post #100

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't have pain in my hands, but I get severe back pain from time to time. It's difficult to sit or stand (or be in any position, really) for a few days at a time. I can do some things just fine, like type, but I certainly can't concentrate long enough to do any programming tasks because the pain is so distracting.

same here, and I will repeat csallen's solution: going to the gym and lifting heavy things (squat/deadlifts/etc with good form and comfortable pace) has turned my decades long back pain around completely. It took about 6 months to really be sure it had improved, but it's been amazing, plus there have been significant cognitive benefits. Couple the gym with less sitting, and more standing -- couldnt be happier, wish I…

I can regularly workout and deadlift 500lbs - it has certainly helped but hasn’t eliminated the pain.

Re: What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

#124

Post by tomc1985 »

Stratoscope wrote: post #105

This won't help anyone who has lost the use of their hands, but I have some advice for touch typists who use a standard keyboard like a laptop or typical desktop keyboard: don't bend your wrists. Of course most people know about the ergonomic advice to have your keyboard at the right height so your wrists don't have to bend up or down. But I often see people typing with a horizontal bend in their wrists so that their…

Ergonomic keyboards with a split down the middle may help with this greatly.

Re: What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

#125

Post by aftbit »

>It is easy to respond to anyone who has overcome adversity with one of two reactions: “It can’t be that hard,” or “I could never do that”. Move past both reactions. It is that hard. You can do it.

What a lovely way to look at the world. Thank you for this!

Re: What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

#128

Post by tofof »

gwbas1c wrote: post #104
GordonS wrote: post #91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm sorry, but at least in the UK and on the NHS, fibromyalgia is very much a diagnosis of "go away". I had to battle with my neurologist to get a skin biopsy, despite very clear symptoms of neuropathy, and a very clear trigger. He eventually ordered it, very reluctantly. It came back normal, which for him for conclusive proof that I had fibromyalgia. When I asked him about fibromyalgia, it was immediately clear that…

> and you will absolutely not be left without any pain meds Based on what I've learned, over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol and Advil, is most effective for pain. It's also cheaper, doesn't require a prescription, and isn't addictive. You should consult with a doctor for high doses and long-term usage. When I had opioids after surgery, I could not concentrate. Specifically, I could not concentrate to re…

It's unsurprising that Advil (Ibuprofen), an anti-inflammatory painkiller, would work better for pain than Valium (Diazepam), an anti-anxiety medication with no pain relieving properties of any kind, and certainly not an opiate. Perhaps you meant Vicodin? In either case you undercut your position to give advice about choice of painkiller.

Re: What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

#129

Post by Cpoll »

1e-9 wrote: post #97
tcoff91 wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Try doing some rock climbing either outdoors or at the rock gym. Fixed my hand pain real quick.

An alternative grip exercise that can be done anywhere and avoids the injury risk of climbing, is to alternately make a fist and then open your hands as far as possible while spreading your fingers apart. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed and repetitions. Be sure to have at least one rest day between sessions (I actually think two rest days is better). After a couple of weeks, you should be able to do it…

Do you know what this exercise is called?

Re: What Does a Coder Do If They Can't Type?

#130

Post by dybber »

I had a similar experience with RSI, starting in 2012 right before my CS PhD. I somehow got through the PhD. Afterwards I’ve redirected my career towards education, so currently not coding as much.

My advice: slow wrist curls with heavy weights (5 seconds up/down, 5kg) keeps it away for me, it seems that this knowledge only just arrived at physical therapists a few years ago, but is still not common knowledge for ordinary physicians. Don’t do rubber and exercises or other exercises with low weight. Whenever I stop my training (e.g. on vacations), the pain quickly returns.

Also, I always use ergonomic keyboards - my preference is those from Microsoft. I always have a Microsoft Sculpt in my backpack when out of office.

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