I just wanted to get a new thread started on this topic since it is cropping up in other places. I suspect over time it might deserve it's own thread. Admin can decide whether to move some of the messages over here that pertain and leave a link where they once were (???). Then we can continue this conversation here.

MHB, great topic! Unfortunately, with this forum software, we can only copy entire threads and not specific replies into this thread. So we'll just have to make our own discussion.

I have been struggling with varying degrees of carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome for years. I have invested over 25 years of my life in computer programming, but like any aging athlete or performer, I see the writing on the wall and realize the end is near. I'm just trying to postpone my retirement as long as possible.

I guess the big question is, when do I quit? I don't want to become permanently disabled, but I also have a few other important things I want to accomplish in my current career. I've worked too hard to simply walk away now. I guess life wouldn't be interesting if it wasn't a constant struggle.

Aging and injury will often bring an abrupt end to a career. But that doesn't mean we have to go willingly! I plan to fight until the end, though I realize I cannot go on like this forever.

You two are a lot braver than I am. I guess I have already given up so much, that I can't picture running my arms into the ground and what my life would be like then. I already can't cook like I did, can't do desk work like I did, can't canoe or kayak like I did, can't work out my upper body like I did, can't garden like I did... I can't imagine how pathetic I would be if I couldn't even sit and hold a book, and I am close to that!

I invested the last five years growing my business and making it successful. I took a lot of pride in doing things in an ethical way for clients and earned a lot of people's trust. I have a lot of knowledge in my field, way more than many others, and I hate to just see it all go. But I will say that as I've backed off and made this decision to let it go, I find myself so much more relaxed and able to enjoy the moment. I think our arms are just the most obvious symptom, but if you spend many long hours doing desk work, not getting enough exercise, drinking caffeine, not eating right, and not having supportive posture (or any combination of the above), then the whole body is undergoing an enormous amount of stress. I am factoring this into the equation as well. Perhaps it helps me make my decision that I've been focused on long-term care for the past five years so I am acutely aware of how our lifestyles in our middle years negatively affect our later years.

I'll have to live very simply while I navigate the next several years, more simply than I already do. I will be helping my husband with his business because I'll be able to control my involvement and contribute without any time pressure. Hopefully this will give my body time to unwind and restructure. I can always reassess taking up my work again down the road, but I think it will be a long time of therapy before my arms could handle it if they ever can. It took many years to get to this point, so I don't think I can put myself back together very quickly even giving the healing process a lot more focus.

Hopefully we can brainstorm for one another careers that don't involve repetitive use of the arms. This could at least help us all feel that we have options whether we choose to use them or not.

MHB, thanks, but you give me too much credit! I don't think I would use the word "brave." Perhaps "foolish" or "misguided" are more accurate.

Someday I'll probably regret having pushed myself so long and hard on the computer, but I see the writing on the wall, and want to make the most of the last bit of my career while I can.

Even so, I may bite the bullet and get cubital surgery on my right arm this summer. I'll have to see how busy I am though. There never seems to be a good time to take a month or two off from work!

It is very amazing how many of us used to be in business for ourselves. I too had to quit all the office work, phone work, fishing, (almost even reading a book) even after surgery now, it is hard to wash my face, my hair, put on my own makeup and MANY other things. I had to give my business up TOO and trust me, I had a very hard time doing so. Finally though, I can start to heal and look forward to the future of not so much chaos. I fought to let go but in the end, had no choice other than to become totally handicapped from Cubital tunnel syndrome. We ALL deserve to have bright futures and find other means that we can prosper and not KILL ourselves and our limbs in the process.

Love ya'll
Best of luck to all of us~!!!!~