How to get help for RSI? Doctors and uni are fobbing me off.

I understand that it's probably not technically a disability because I've probably done it to myself

No idea about the main issue, but self-infliction doesn't mean it's not a disability.

If your doctor will write a letter stating you have RSI and identify how it affects you, then you should have grounds to apply for DSA. Throw away and wrist rests and ensure your keyboard is flat- don't use the legs on it. Keep to the edge of the desk so your wrists don't touch the desk and see if this improves matters.

No idea about the main issue, but self-infliction doesn't mean it's not a disability.

I can imagine you would need to bring this to the attention of your school's office so they can arrange breaks for you during exams so i'd definitely go to another doctor if I were you.

Yeah. Because something is self-inflicted, it doesn't mean it isn't a disability. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially restricts normal day-to-day activities and is long-term/chronic (expected to last, or has lasted, at least 12 months). No where are self-inflicted conditions exempt from this definition. It can be something your born with, a natural condition you develop, or "self-inflicted". You get in very subjective and dangerous territory if you start thinking of "self-inflicted" conditions and exempt those from any definition of disability. It's like drawing a distinction between deserving and undeserving disabled, almost....

I can't really suggest much beyond what's been mentioned as I have no experience of RSI. I can see where the university are coming from. As mentioned, the condition needs to last or expect to last, at least 12 months. But if you can get a GP's letter, which states your difficulties then that's a good start. Particularly if he's willing to state that the condition is unlikely to improve in the next 12 months.

I understand that it's probably not technically a disability because I've probably done it to myself but now that it's done there's little chance I'm going to get rid of it.

Anyway, I've been to the doctor who diagnosed me with RSI and basically told me there's nothing they can do and to take breaks etc. I've been doing that and it's not be helping, just delaying the pain really.

The pain is especially bad at night and first thing in the morning. Presently, after 20 minutes of typing (on a essay-based film course, and work in an office) the pain gets as bad as it does at night, which didn't happen when I got diagnosed; I could go for much longer.

Currently I'm wearing a brace when typing and use ibruprofen gel as and when needed but I'm worried because I want to go into 3D modelling which would involve much more computer use.

I've not had much help from the doctor and I'm worried about going back as I may just get fobbed off again (although the pain is coming quicker now) and I've looked at the university and they won't acknowledge it unless I've had it for 12 months, so I'm worried I won't get any help from them.

Currently it's in my right hand, but when I type my left hand pinky is starting to go numb so I'm worried it'll eventually effect my other arm.

Any advice? I hope this is in the right forum.

Thanks.

Hey, I have RSI and am in pretty much constant pain nowadays, it can get quite depressing to be honest, but you need to just work through it and look away round it by dealing with it. I use ibuprofen gel occasionally too and a strap band thing. I was reffered to a consultant about mine and he didn't really do a lot if i go back to my GP and through the refereall process one day they might consider surgery though possibly. It could effect your other arm I get it mainly in my right but occasionally my left now too.

EDIT: Oh I also did physio for ages really didn't help that much it was temporary relief I still do the exercises and still am in loads of pain.

Try again with the GP. Perhaps he can refer you for some physio advise.
Probably not what you want to hear but if it doesn't resolve over the summer, you might want to consider deferring your next yr of uni for 12months in order to properly allow rest and recovery (I know a musician who had to do this). Though deferring will probably raise the problem of higher fees.
Good luck.

I have trapped nerves in both hands and elbows and have had three surgeries so far. I qualified for DSA because of it and the help has been fantastic, from a special stand up mouse and split keyboard to wrist rests and funky rubber things that go on my pens to make the grip easier.

so keep pushing for help, it is out there. goodl uck

Thank you. I've had a response from DSA to say they've rejected my application (£40 well spent!) but I can now get a letter from my physiotherapist which they should accept; it's just waiting for it now...

Sorry to hear about your nerves by the way. Hope those surgeries have made it a little easier for you.

I know that you posted this a while back, but I guess advice at any stage when you have RSI is probably welcome. My doctor thought I might have RSI, but he didn't do much about it until he agreed to refer me to a physio. The physio immediately noticed that I had bad posture, a curved spine and an unstable scapula (part of my shoulder that was unstable). This all puts more strain on my arm when I write and makes it more painful. Doing exercises working more on my shoulder than my arm has helped a bit. It might be something to look into. Try paying attention to your posture when you're on your computer or if you think there could be a deeper problem, trying talking to your doctor. You might have already looked into it, but I think this was something that was seriously looked over by my GP and most RSI sites.

Also, my GP gave me some strong painkillers called diclofenac sodium (I think that's what they're called) to take when I'm in exams and have to write for long periods of time. They might help if you have to work for very long periods of time.