First let me say that carpal tunnel syndrome is one of those topics I have always diligently ignored.  Not because I doubt it's existence; I know it is real, the same way Attention Deficit Disorder is real.  But I feel it is overused, the same way ADD is: "Kid won't sit still for storytime?  Must be ADD!"  "Got wrist pain?  Must be CTS!"  It seems to me in danger of becoming a buzzword.

So it's probably no surprise to learn that I have it.  It's a halfway expected outcome of my situation: violinist, home seamstress, typed on an old manual typewriter for many years, more hours spent on a computer these days than I care to disclose.  Even a family history of the disease.

So.  I'm hardly pleased about it, but in the grand scheme things could be a lot worse.  Still, my doctor reminded me in no uncertain terms yesterday that I am not to take this lightly.  It's not something to be ignored, and if I fail to take it seriously the problems, which are now painful and annoying but not utterly debilitating, can turn to permanent damage.

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!

So what now?  Well, I am certainly not failing to take this seriously.  My husband would probably tell you I'm taking it too seriously, but I would just shake my head.  As you can likely guess, I highly value the free and painless use of my hands.  There's no such thing as too seriously.

I have about three wrist braces here, in varying degrees of support, for day and night use.  They range from "Ace bandage" to "practically a cast".  Last night was the first night sleeping in them, and though it was difficult getting to sleep in them, I only woke up once with numb, tingling hands.  I have a brand new Microsoft Natural keyboard, and a Logitech trackball. 

And I'm learning Dvorak keyboard.  Oh, yeah.  Did I mention how incredibly frustrating that is?  I type something like 12 WPM now.    But I'm slowly getting better.  I didn't start this thinking it would be an overnight change, just that it would be worth it in the end.  And I still believe that.

But keep reminding me, because I'm liable to forget.

Ah, the pain of writing as a carpal tunnel survivor, I found that besides the braces, the hot wax machines for hands and feet (you put the plastic bags on) actually helps a lot to release the nerves in the carpal tunnel ... a fellow writer

By the way, cute site!

So sorry to hear about the CTS. I, too, believe it is overdiagnosed. As a Massage Therapist, I've seen a few with CTS. Another thing that can add to the discomfort is tension at the neck & shoulders (from leaning over paper, desk, computer). If the tension adds up too much it the muscles can start to impinge on the nerve supply for the arm-hand that is near the shoulder. You might want to find a good therapist and see if this eases your discomfort any. It's well worth it & can be a way to slow down the 'disorder'.