A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

MT career may be over! Blessing or tragedy? - Confusedonhowtofeel

Posted: Dec 12, 2011

Well the day could be drawing near that my MT career is over. I have an injury that will more than likely need to be surgically corrected (can't see surgeon until end of month), and there is a good chance that even after correction, I will not retain full function to be able to transcribe. After 23 years of working hard to take care of my body in this profession, it's finally broken down. Part of me says it is a blessing in disguise, but the other part of me is scared to death, as it is the only profession I know. I have tons of knowledge other than "typing" that will be useful in another career, and I should be able to type, just not pound the keyboard for 4-8 hours continuously. I have cried and cried for days not knowing what to think or how to handle this!!! Part of me just wants to continue on and ignore my problem, but eventually I would lose the use of some of the digits of both my hands, and the chance of ever regaining total function of these digits later when deciding to surgically correct the problem. Any advice would be so appreciated!!!

Blessing and opportunities - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I can understand the fear that is coming with your situation. It truly could be a blessing though and this could be your chance to explore other opportunities. I would take it head on and see where it leads.

Either way, I hope your surgery goes smoothly and you have a speedy recovery. I truly wish you the best.

Blessing in disguise - Musing

[ In Reply To ..]
I have been making less and less over the years, and finding this work more and more frustrating. To top things off, I was just "sold" to the Q and having had the experience of working for them before I know I won't be able to survive; now, like you, I am also wondering if this is really a blessing in disguise, the kick I have been needing to find something else to do. I'm so sorry about your physical problems, and I don't want to trivialize your suffering, but emotionally I think I am not too far away from what you are feeling. I am wondering if something drastic that rapidly accelerates our downhill course might be the very best thing that could happen to us at this juncture, the hand of God shaking us awake to tell us that we really can't go on like this much longer, that indeed we do have some brains and skills, use them wisely and leave this field until it straightens itself out.

So Chin Up, tomorrow is another day and in it we will find a solution, and if not tomorrow, soon!

When God closes a door.... Sm - Old Woman

[ In Reply To ..]
He opens a window.

I would place this at the foot of the cross and leave it there. Don't pick it up and wrestle with it on your own. Just let God work this out for you and concentrate on getting better yourself. I hope all the best for you. God bless.

ErgoRest - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I too was in the same position some 15+ years ago. Then I got turned onto ErgoRest wrist supports. They are 360 degree articulating "arms" that attach to your desk that you rest your arms in to give you support while you transcribe. After physical therapy and using these, my career was saved. I have used them now for at least 15 years and still am going strong. I have no tingling, numbness or "lightening strikes" up and down my arms. Do a Google search for ErgoRest and you will see them. They are expensive, but worth it. I have a set at home and a set for work. My physical therapist wrote me a prescription for a pair for work and the insurance company paid for it. I urge you to get these. You won't be sorry. You might even be able to avoid the surgery. Best of luck to you.

Thanks to ALL of you! - Appreciated

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for all the advice and words of wisdom. The damage is pretty severe and the unknown is what frightens me. I do believe this is somehow a blessing in disguise with the way our profession is today, as well as some other physical illnesses I am dealing with in my life.

Again, thanks to all of you. May God bless you during the holidays and your careers.

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