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  1. #1
    DavidG Guest

    Unhappy Now what????????

    Help. I am grounded from my VL300 and have been since Feb.

    After 20 yrs of driving a computer kbd I have carpel tunnel in both wrists. (programmer)

    Got the left one cut today, will get the right one cut in 6 to 8 weeks time.

    Looks like I will be grounded, and off work, until mid July.
    I have looked at a lot of the entries under the post "Help I am going nuts"
    I have read all the entries in the Darwin awards including the slush and reject lists.
    I am sick of Bored.com.
    I am working through Urban myths
    I have read just about every entry on this BB.
    I have re-read every book I have.

    Now what. I still have 12+ weeks to go and only one hand to use.
    Any Ideas. Wife wont let me go tool browsing..............

    :confused:

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Western Australia
    Age
    78
    Posts
    122

    Default

    Hi Dave,commisserations on your plight,but you still have the right hand available for Scrolling thru all the plans/tools/CAD operations.
    I would'nt have thought bored came into it.
    Then there are all the books/videos that may be available from your library (if handy) that you can bone up on in your convalescence.
    I was in a similar situation to you last year after a foot operation kept me house-bound for some months...however it did'nt stop me from staying in touch with what I love to do when able to.

    The time off gave me a chance to catch up with catalogueing of gear/plans/books/videos etc for insurance and personal means a task long overdue.
    Heaven forbid 'Er Indoors was only to happy to let me loose if only to get out from under her feet ....there's a moral in there moreover when the Visa's required.
    Just some thoughts...I had a mate of mine couple of years ago had both his wrists done at the same time much to his wife's dismay and against his doctors advice...she spent a lot of her time looking after and attending all his needs in all facets of home life ...not pleasant I can tell you...pushed their relationship to the edge.
    Cheers
    Johnno

    Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.

  3. #3
    DavidG Guest

    Default

    Doorstop
    a. Yep I still have one hand but have not learnt how to hold a bowl gouge in the right hand and teeth, yet.

    b. She bought me the VL300. I will keep what I have thanks.

    c. I am lousy at painting anything smaller than a wall.

    John
    Yes there are probably lots of things I could do but I am not supposed to use the kbd and being right handed, will not be able to use the mouse after the next cut job.
    Thought about getting both done at the same time but felt there could be a problem with the little room.

    It is hard trying to type with one hand when you are used to using two.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Between a rock & a hard place (vic)
    Posts
    367

    Default

    You mentioned work. Unless you are a sole trader or self employed your company has obligations towards keeping you active and metally fit. Look at the WorkSafe websites (i.e. www.worksafe.vic.gov.au) at areas of workers - specifically at return to work info. //just because you can't use both hands does not mean that you have to stay at home. If not then the obligation is on you and it seems your on a good line with trying to keep active and avoid boredom.

    I've seen others in similar circumstances take on new training/education courses (not all training/eduction requires computers and pages of note taking).

    If all else fails you still have one hand to entertain yourself with

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2

    Default

    I know it's not for everyone but have you tried meditating ?
    Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Thats all. Good luck with your plight.
    How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

  6. #6
    DavidG Guest

    Default

    Eastie
    I am a contractor so I do not have an employer.

    I don't have a contract at this point in time and I don't think I would get one with one hand.

    Too close to retirement to start learning a new skill.
    Think I will do some relaxing, (fishing etc) until I get both hands back in shape.
    Only need one hand to cast a line in and to the hold the "bait"

  7. #7
    DavidG Guest

    Default

    It has been 4 weeks now. The hand has healed nicely.

    I know the doc said not to but I fired up the lathe and finished a few bowls. Oh it feels good.

    By the way, I would not have believed the difference in my hand. The left hand makes the right feel like it is in a glove.

    I can feel fine detail with the left hand but everything feels dull to the right hand. (Like out of focus).

    Few more weeks and I will have the right hand cut. That will put paid to the mischief.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Western Australia
    Age
    78
    Posts
    122

    Default

    Good luck with the convalescence and coping with the limitations.
    Cheers
    Johnno

    Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Location
    Drop Bear Capital of Gippsland (Lang Lang) Vic Australia
    Age
    74
    Posts
    2,238

    Default

    You could try fishing in Victoria with the one good hand, the plus side is there will be no stress as you know you won't catch anything
    Stupidity kills. Absolute stupidity kills absolutely.

  10. #10
    DavidG Guest

    Default

    Here we go again. Tomorrow (Thur 29/may/03) I am going in to hospital to have the right wrist cut.

    Looks like I will really be grounded with this one, being right handed. Probably wont even be able to use the computer as I have great difficulty using the mouse in the left hand.
    At least we are now down to only 6 weeks left to me being fully fit again.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2001
    Location
    Parkside - South Australia
    Age
    46
    Posts
    479

    Default

    Good luck ... I hope it goes well.

    Stinky
    Now proudly sponsored by Binford Tools. Be sure to check out the Binford 6100 - available now at any good tool retailer.

  12. #12
    DavidG Guest

    Default

    Here I am. Alive and well after the operation.
    Right hand out of action.
    Hard to use mouse with left hand but do get the clicks in the correct places some of the time.

    Got to watch them do it this time. Local only.
    Interesting to watch them cut the way in and to then use a small pair of bent snips to cut through the tendon and gristle.
    Did not feel a thing, but the local has not worn off yet.
    On the final path to recovery now. not long to go.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Western Australia
    Age
    78
    Posts
    122

    Default

    Dave, Know a guy who lost his arm above the elbow in a railcar accident when he was only eighteen...motorbike slipped out from under him when he was racing the train to the crossing with the ensuing loss of his upper arm....bloody amazing what that fella does with one arm these days some 40 yrs down the track.

    Should see him use a hammer and nail..wake a lot of us up...those of us with two arms that is!

    Cheers hope your convalescence is short and that you're back arm wrestlin' the tools soon.
    Johnno

    Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.

  14. #14
    DavidG Guest

    Default

    Back on deck.
    Both hands are fine now.

    Back turning wood and contemplating my future.

    Thanks to all who listened to me whinging.

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