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

gave up transcription - ex-MT

Posted: Jan 23, 2010

Had to give it up after almost 17 years. My wrists are shot (CTS) (surgery failed to help) and have cervical radiculopathy (numbness and tingling in arms and hands constantly and shooting pains up forearms). Went on Work comp then SSD. Get out before you ruin your health. It's not worth it.

Sounds like my situation...name says it all. - Arms fell off

[ In Reply To ..]
Still working though and dropping things, arms shaking constantly any time I try to carry anything.

Not everyone in this work has the same issues - Can give examples

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I now have over 30+ years in this type of work, never had the issues with the wrists like you. I have a DIL who is a teacher, 20 something years my junior and also my daughter 30 something my junior and she does accountant. Both of them have (do) suffer from what you have and neither one uses their hands like you or I in the same repetative manner all the time. Not everyone suffers the same entities as others.

Did you do more than 40 hours per week? - cindyoh

[ In Reply To ..]
I've done this about 33 years and find it's only when I do more than 8 hours per day steady that my wrists and upper back ache, so I refuse to do more than that per day. That or when I'm particularly stressed out mentally about something. I'm required now to do mandatory OT but decided to do it on a day off. You're very right, this job is not worth that kind of strain. I'm 55 and decided my daily goal is to live as frugally as I can. My house is up for sale and I'm living very cheaply in decent housing, the heck with paying on a mortgage anymore. Then I'll have no debt. I'm without hubby or kids but very unenthused about going back to school since I don't have a clue what I'd like to start at my age anyway and don't even want to compete with people half my age. I'm beginning to think I would be a whole lot more content and could make ends meet by working at the one of the many local thrift stores and/or dollar stores around where I live, ha-ha. I don't hate transcription, just hate how things have deteriorated for so many of us on our jobs, and I'm so tired of feeling the way I do.

same here - sh

[ In Reply To ..]
It is too bad because I used to love transcription too...when I got paid for it. I have been doing this for 25 years and am lucky that I don't have the wrist and back problems that people normally get. However, now that it is VR, my eyes are always burning and I have severe eye strain from reading so many notes. I had to get out of the field. Burning, strained eyes...no pay...not worth it anymore.

I had no problems with wrists until VR. sm - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
How odd is that? Straight transcription for 32 years never caused a bit of problem. It's been downhill ever since I started VR...fingers/hands numb or burning, I wake up at night with burning pain if my hands are in the wrong positions. I have to lie flat with palms down to alleviate the fire. The skin over my hands feels like it has a constant sunbun. Weird.

I agree with you, you have a very logic approach and attitude toward this all..nm - .

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nm

more than 40 hours per week - Medjan

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Cindyoh: I feel for you. I work 64 hours week with my PT MQ job and my FT job at the hospital. I live in OH and the economy is very bad here - I took on the PT job because I might not have a job at the hospital very soon, however, its almost been a year since I have been doing this. I have already had rotator cuff surgery and now my other shoulder is going out. I am 56 and would just love it if MQ would reduce their PT hours a week down to 20 but they refuse. Guess I may be looking for other PT work - I feel they are way too rigid here in their scheduling, but I have not had too many other complaints besides that - Hope you find what you want to do.

Wow, 64 hours per week... - cindyoh

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't know how you do it. Well, I take that back - I know when you have bills and/or folks depending on you, you find a way. I truly have no business complaining at all since I do have work and no dependents. I am grateful. What I need is stronger motivation to learn some new tricks or get passionate about something (at my age, ha-ha) that'll pay the bills. I figure part of the secret might be getting my lifestyle down to the lowest minimum I can stand and just enjoy my daily life more. Working at home has changed my total outlook anyway these past 15 years from the years I worked in the hospital. The older I get the less I actually want anyway. I found I can do without a car and enjoy what's local with no problems. Where in Ohio are you? (I'm in Dayton, by the way).

gave up transcription - ex-MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I did sometimes work over 40 hours a week (had to to make my lines). BTW, never got paid for it. My hands still get numb and I drop things. Also, I cannot even vacuum the floor or sweep, things like that. It has affected my way of life. I am almost 60 years old. According to Social Security Admin and Work. Comp, I am too old to be trained for a new field. Fine with me, I wanted to retire early anyway. Just wish I could do the things I wanted to do.

This helped me tremendously! - Cindy

[ In Reply To ..]
I have been transcribing since 1980. But I almost had to retire from MT work until I found yoga. Never dreamed this would be my salvation, but it was, and sitll is. It really works if you do it daily. Does not take much time either. Start with a simple DVD or VHS, Denise Austin Essential Yoga. This is a fantastic program in which she goes through many yoga moves. Practice every day and in a week or two you will not need to watch the DVD any longer. Believe me, if it were not for yoga exercise, I would not still be transcribing. Hope this helps!

Pilates for Me - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
It beautifully works out the kinks in this old bod. Love it! May try yoga too.

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