Repetitive Strain Injury To Upper Extremities From Work

I began experiencing symptoms of repetitive strain injury (pain, fatigue) in my wrists and hands while I was employed as a medical transcriptionist in 1998. I saw several different physicians who said it was "probably tendinitis of the wrists" and prescribed anti-inflammatories.

The medication helped at first and I continued typing, as the physicians never told me my pain was related to my job. The pain increased over time and spread to my elbows, shoulders, neck and upper back. By this time I was in extreme pain and I could no longer perform my job duties. I was also very limited with household duties, such as cleaning, washing dishes, doing laundry, lifting, etc. In 2000, I went to the ER in severe pain, and as a result, quit my job. By this time I did some research and realized what I had was related to my job. By this time I had been to several other doctors, but none of them came up with a diagnosis other than osteoarthritis of both wrists.

I finally found a doctor who specialized in repetitive strain injuries and she told me to file for worker's compensation. I was denied and am currently waiting for a final pre-trial. My doctor then said that she felt that my problem was from "unknown origin" as my symptoms did not subside after not typing for a few months. I then began seeing a chiropractor who correctly diagnosed me with repetitive strain injury due to my job as a medical transcriptionist.

I began treatment in Dec. 2000 but my private insurance discontinued paying for treatment as I was not improving significantly. My pain increased to the point that my chiropractor referred me to a physician who specialized in pain treatment. I was also diagnosed with early stage reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the left upper extremity. The pain was constant and burning in nature, and I was prescribed several different medications which provided slight relief.

I have had trigger point injections with no results, massage therapy, and have been doing yoga and stretching exercises to help reduce the pain.

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