Dave, Our best wishes on the surgery. While I have not had to undergo surgery, I had a serious case of carpal tunnel syndrome for a while (an occupational hazard in my trade), and those splints are no fun at all when trying to type. Actually, I developed a fear of carpool lanes in highway tunnels as a result, which is called "Carpool Tunnel Syndrome"... (groan). On the advice of my Elmer, I learned to send CW with my left hand (I'm right-handed) from the beginning. It's a terrific advantage to lift you foot off the footswitch and have a pencil already in your writing hand and the pad of paper or your logbook in the correct position for writing. Along the way, I also learned to use the computer's mouse with either hand (without reversing the buttons) so I can avoid all the repetitive motion problems that cause carpal tunnel syndrome. I like to think of the ability as being "ambimoustrous" (groan again... but not too loudly as that only encourages me). Seriously, best wishes and I'm sure the staffers there will take good care of you when you return to the office. 73, Andy Oppel, N6AJO At 01:31 PM 10/21/2004, you wrote:
While tomorrow is listed in the IN Newsletter as a vacation day for me, in fact I will be undergoing outpatient surgery on my left hand tomorrow morning. I have a hereditary condition called Dupuytren's Contracture, which if untreated will result in my fingers eventually curling into my palm (two of them are about halfway there already).
My hand will be in a cast for a while, after which I'll have to wear a splint and do physical therapy. Keyboarding will be problematic for a while.
Fortunately, while I'm left-handed, I send CW with my right hand.
Dave K1ZZ