Computer work an LE

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alcb70
alcb70 Member Posts: 166
edited July 2014 in Lymphedema

I got the diagnosis of lymphedema last week. It's "compartmental". VERY uncomfortable! My question is-how do you manage working on a computer? Without dragging a pillow everywhere...I don't know how to keep my arm from leaning against the desk wrong. Also, it seems like using the mouse causes more pain. Anyone else have this issue or a way to manage? I'm on my computer all day.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2014

    Hi, alcb,

    Really sorry you've joined our "swell" group, but glad you found us.

    I use a one-hand-only key pad, called a Frog Pad:

    http://www.frogpad2.com

    And I keep my mouse on the left and use my left hand for that as well. It takes some getting used to--sort of back to Keyboarding 101 for a couple of weeks until you get it down--but well worth the effort. It was hard to decide to make the switch, but since lymphedema is not a short-term problem it made sense to find a long-term solution.

    Hope others will be along soon with their suggestions. Hugs,
    Binney

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  • alcb70
    alcb70 Member Posts: 166
    edited July 2014

    Thanks for the suggestions & pm! Going to PT for manual drainage has helped.

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited July 2014

    Wow, Binney, that Frogpad is pretty cool. 

    alcb,, I work on the computer for 8 hours a day. Are you at home or in an office?  Is it possible for you to get an sit/stand desk? I find changing positions helps a lot. Stopping and doing some stretches.  Is there an ergonomic person that you can consult with?  Big companies often have one of those, or perhaps you can ask your PT for some advice. It's possible that if you lower the keyboard or somehow shift positions a little, that it might take the pressure off your arm.

    And my LE therapist told me to wear my sleeve when I work, as she has had other patients where long hours of keyboarding have triggered or worsened their LE.  

    Best of luck. Keep us posted.

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  • bethq
    bethq Member Posts: 311
    edited July 2014


    Wow had not thought of this. Does anyone think using a computer for work can CAUSE LE? I am on it about five to six hours and will be going back to work in two weeks...SLN removed on the right.

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited July 2014

    My LE therapist thinks it can be a trigger. She has had patients where that seemed to be the only trigger for them.  And i can't say what triggered mine.  I had started an exercise routine a few weeks earlier. Did I advance the weights too quickly? Was it due to my computer work?  It's hard to say.  I would ask your MD or LE therapist, beth, and possibly consider wearing a sleeve when working and taking frequent breaks.

    Apparently computer work is not really well known as a trigger cuz when I mentioned it to someone else, they were quite surprised by that.

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