It appears I have no choice but to retire.

I'm having trouble with my hands. Between carpal tunnel in one as well as arthritis in both I physically am struggling to do my job to the best of my ability. I feel I can no longer produce as quality of work as I have in the past. I need a steady hand and it's no longer remaining steady. I need hands that won't go numb, ache,lock and cramp up.

I plan on finishing with what I have started and then bowing out. I don't really wish to do that but it's unfair to current and future clients to continue.

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twiigss · M

If you got carpal tunnel while you were doing work at the job site, that's cause for workers comp. Back in 2014 I was at work, lifting what was probably a 50lb mail bag full of packages. As I lifted it, felt a sharp pain in my left elbow. I reported it and was immediately led to the office where I was filling out paperwork for workers comp.

I had an MRI, and an operation for tennis elbow, the workers comp paid me for my time off work, and after I was cleared, I went back to work, and didn't spend a single cent of my money on any of it, because it was a work related injury.

So, if you legitimately get injured while on the clock, report it. Otherwise it'll be out of pocket, and no one can afford an operation these days, they're too much!

deepblacknothingness · 56-60, M

@twiigss I'm not entirely sure if it was caused at work or at home.

twiigss · M

@deepblacknothingness It's probably a mix of both to be honest. But if the injury happens at work, say you notice pain from doing a certain job, at that specific moment it's workers comp regardless of if you did activities at home that might have contributed to the injury.

PrivateHell · M

Sorry to hear that. I was medically forced into retirement a few years ago.

ScottR · 56-60, M

I had carpal tunnel surgery about 20 years ago and then a second one about five months ago. i’ve seen a great improvement in my handwriting and ability to do outdoor work.

deepblacknothingness · 56-60, M

@ScottR What was the healing time like?

ScottR · 56-60, M

@deepblacknothingness it was very quick the first time because I was young. I was back to chopping firewood within about 3 to 4 weeks. The second time took about 3 to 4 months.