Getting Treatment for Carpal Tunnel?

DeathGripOnMouse asks: "Let me set to stage. I am a 30 something network analyst. I have been electronics / computer industry for the better part of twenty years, most of that time spent behind a keyboard. Like my peers, I am concerned about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other injuries that seem to afflict IT professionals. Recently, I began to notice some tenderness in my mouse hand. Deciding that it was time to see a doctor, I asked around the office for a good doctor, as my primary doctor no longer accepts my insurance. At the recommendation of several of my co-workers I called the office of a doctor the next town over. I explained my problem and was told that because this "could" be a work related injury, I was not able to see the doctor until I completed the following. First, I needed permission from my supervisor to seek treatment for my problem, in writing no less! Second, I was told that my medical insurance may not cover the doctor's expenses and I needed permission from my employers HR department to start a workman's compensation claim. All this without even seeing me! I do not want to file a claim due to the stigma that it carries, and I feel that it may hinder my chances at landing another job. I haven't approached my HR department, but what if they refuse to allow me to file a claim? This whole situation just angers me to no end. Anyway, has anyone sought treatment for CTS or some other repeated stress injury? If so, what were your experiences?"

Get some alternate exercise

[titaniam]

IANAD, but I suggest that you take up some hobbies that involve using your hands. Ride a bike, play some tennis, throw a frisbee, surf for pron. Do anything you can to stimulate your muscles in a way that doesn't involve clicking a mouse. While you're at it, get a laptop or some type of trackball or touchpad, so you can work half the time with a non-mouse pointer. I feel variety is the key to avoiding these types of maladies and I wish you luck. Take care of this problem using common-sense techniques like mentioned above, as going to the doctor for carpal-tunnel will likely not help at all. Dealing with HR and irrationalhealth care requirements will only lead you to a need for psyciatric treatment, it seems, and how will that look on your job application.

Health Insurance Sucks

[mcelrath]

This is why health "insurance" is a joke. In the normal operation of the system, the natural drives are for the insurance company (employer, workman's comp insurer, etc) to give as few benefits as possible, while collecting as much money as possible.

The system is not designed to give you easy access to health care. On the contrary, it is designed to make it as difficult as possible.

-- Bob

Re:Wierd...

[zsmooth]

It was almost definitely a steroid, such as cortisone.

See a doctor

[mcb123]

First things first, find a doctor that accepts your insurance and make an appointment. Worst comes to worst, you can always worry about the HR aspects of it later.