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I have switched to using the mouse with my left hand

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fs5

Lifer
Considering I probably spend 12 hours a day in front of a computer, I think it's a good idea. I plan on switching back and forth every week. Anybody else ambidextrous with their mouse usage?
 
Originally posted by: Hossenfeffer
Could also try a trackball.

Also, take lots of breaks, get up, move around, stretch your forearms, etc. etc.
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isn't a trackball worse since you're only using your thumb? your fingers/hands weren't designed for such minute movements. That's why the scroll wheel is so bad.

I used to use on of these at my last job http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de...00007L6I5/103-0027065-3364653?v=glance
Since you move your entire arm (versus rotating at the wrist), it's supposed to better for you.
Never got used to it.
 
Yes, i use two comps at work and it's just easier using one left handed and one right handed.

other than that (and typing), my left hand is completely useless (ever try to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand?)
 
Of all the studies done to date, none have reported any connection between typical computer usage and carpel tunnel syndrome. If I recall correctly, the mildest link was made for people who do the exact same thing for 8 hours a day on the computer for many years (like use the number pad typing in data). But if you switch from keyboard, to mouse, to other computer related tasks (like a typical office worker would do), then there isn't enough repetition and there are plenty of movements that break it up that there is no proof of CTS.
 
I've been using a mouse with my right hand since the age of 6. Of course, the usage wasn't as heavy until I started using Windows in 1992, but again, that's 21 years total, and 13 years of fairly heavy mouse usage with the same hand and no CTS.
 
i fear i have an early case of CTS. i'm 26, and whenever i play FPS games, i would only move the mouse using my wrist. after about 30-45 minutes, my wrist starts to feel funny. it doesn't hurt yet, but has a strange sensation. but strangely enough, it doesn't happen at work where i use the mouse 80-90% of the day on autocad. my wrist only acts up when i play games...
 
Originally posted by: zaku
i fear i have an early case of CTS. i'm 26, and whenever i play FPS games, i would only move the mouse using my wrist. after about 30-45 minutes, my wrist starts to feel funny. it doesn't hurt yet, but has a strange sensation. but strangely enough, it doesn't happen at work where i use the mouse 80-90% of the day on autocad. my wrist only acts up when i play games...
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more rapid small movements when playing fps. try putting your palm against the edge of your table and push. it stretches out the muscles.
 
I use my left-hand for the mouse when I'm at work. I broke my right wrist doing stupid human tricks as a teenager so it gets tight and starts hurting if I'm using it on a mouse all day long.
 
Originally posted by: Ornery
Consider an 'L' shaped desk for easier mouse use. These "work stations" are optimized for mousing. I've GOT to have my elbow supported or I ain't happy!If you keep your elbow supported, CTS won't be a problem IMO.
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interesting thought, but chairs with arms would also be a good idea. I see that your chair has no said arms. when you type isn't your left arm unsupported?
 
I've got the arms in storage, and could attach one or the other if I wanted, but I don't. My son attached the left arm to his, but removed it two days later. I'm a two finger typist, and actually don't type that much, or I would address that issue. My son does type correctly, but doesn't seem to have a problem with it.

The thing that makes the difference, is having the mouse at the keyboard height. That's actually only 24" or so, above the floor. You also need a chair that can recline, and still not bump your knees under the keyboard area. Mouse and keyboard at the same 24" height in an L-shaped configuration, reclining chair, and a footrest... ahhhhhhh, life is good! 😀
 
cshyde.com also has some nice teflon tape thingies to make the mouse slide much better. that and their pad.
 
Why would you even bother? lol

It's like writing with your left hand. Funny at first, but you'd never actually try to write anything serious like that.. lol
 
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