Posted by brenda woollam on February 12, 1999 at 12:18:57:
I was a Typing Pool Audio Typist for 6 years when my hands by base of both thumbs began to hurt. One year later I could not pick up a cup. I was off work for three months and went to see Bank Doctor who said I had RSI and needed rest. I went back to work but could not do the same job. I went through Union to obtain compensation. The Union sent me to their Specialist Doctor who examined me and said that I did not have it. As I was near 50 it was 'age related' arthritis at base of thumbs. I know that if I do not type my hands get better. I do not suffer any pain only after typing for a length of time. I have since left the Bank. I am a 'temp' and work as a typist as this is all I can do. Also, I do not work half as hard as I did in the Audio Pool and conseqently, I do not suffer. At the moment, the base of my left thumb is starting to swell. There is no pain there only a funny feeling like the other thumb. ALL THIS HYPE ON RSI MAKES ME FEEL ANGRY AS THERE IS NO COMPENSATION FOR IT AND IT IS NOT RECOGNISED. BUT, WE TYPISTS, KNOW WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHEN WE HAVE RSI.