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Comment by wallflower | Hacker News Reader

Re: Health Issues

Assuming they are RSI related:

I highly recommend "Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries" by Sharon Butler

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572240393

RSI cannot be cured but it can be managed. For those of you who are fortunate to be able to take keyboard input for granted, please be wary of any soreness or minor pain. Over time, pain and soreness can become chronic. The bright side is dealing with RSI forces you to realize that you cannot take your career for granted; it gives you perspective.

Good luck! Be wary of magic solutions, something may not work for you.

Changing careers is not as black and white as most careers require significant computer work. You cannot escape computers in this modern age. Get the best help that you can, surgery is not a magic cure

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OP here - my noprocast settings wouldn't have allowed me to post until tomorrow.

I have a little RSI but I have taken steps so that it doesn't bother me anymore (switching to Dvorak layout was probably the best move).

Actually, my health problems are with my skin. When I'm sitting at a computer, my skin seems to get itchy - maybe there isn't enough blood circulating or my posture is too stressful.

A couple other people mentioned standing desks. I tried a make-shift one for a couple days but didn't really like it. I might give it another try though.

You might want to get your vision checked, adjust your screen resolution, color balance your monitor, and try and find a healthy relaxed posture.

Mine is feet resting on my lower desk frame taking the weight of the back of my thighs, with my back supported by the chair, i.e. not unsupported.

This is a big change in posture from how I used to be, and much less stressful.

I'm getting into my mid-40's and I'm still pulling 4 hour programming sessions at night with not much but some stiff legs and tiredness to show.

Also, if you have dry itchy skin, get a RadioShack temperature and humidity device and if the air's too dry, try a humidifier.

My assumption is that you haven't consult any doctor yet for your problem. And if i am right, please go ahead and consult any good skin doctor and identify the root cause of your skin itching before thinking of switching the career.

I have been to doctors and a lot of them have told me "We don't know the cause" and "There is no cure for it". It leaves me a little disenfranchised at the medical system. But the keyword "good" skin doctor may be what I need to find. Thanks.

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