Computer programmer blues.

[TursiopsAmicus]

Well, it's official, I am now an initiated computer programmer.  I now wear a
wrist brace on my right arm whenever I am using the computer (even just for
short usage).  This is to stop and hopefully revert the condition in my
wrist.  Recently, I have been experiencing a fair amount of pain in my right
wrist.  This after only 8 months at this programming job, though I have been
working all but the last 2 weeks with a non-ergonomic keyboard, and a plain,
ordinary mouse, on a less than ideal workstation (if you can call it a
workstation).  The headaches I used to get are gone, and I am not losing my
vision (as I feared I might), but this wrist issue is not good.  My wrists
are not exactly normal as it is... the ligaments and/or tendons are not as
tight as they should be because I can move my wrist into and out of position
with respects to the bones in my forearms.  This is a freaky party trick, but
leads to serious problems when long term working conditions are not
ergonomic.  I like the wrist brace, but trying to use a normal mouse with it
caused my forearm to cramp up after work.  Aside from using a trackball
instead of a mouse, what might those of you who have had experience with such
things recommend to help my wrist?  I know I should go to a doctor about
this, but can't really afford that right now.  I will go as soon as I can
afford it, but until I can, I would appreciate any helpful suggestions anyone
might have.

Thanks,

Michael Harney
[EMAIL PROTECTED]