Using the computer

[Faith]

I am one of those who can't lie on my back (due to sacral pain). Others in this boat...how do you use the computer? I have been lying on my side with my computer on my hip, but I'm all contorted (if that's a word) and I know it's not good biomechanics. I just can't figure out what else to do. I can't lie on my stomach and type much because it puts to much pressure on my neck. I do some writing so I'm the computer a good bit. I don't think I would be able to tolerate a kneeling chair very well as I have knee pain and it puts a lot of pressure on your knees. And standing in one position isn't an option due to feet pain. There's probably not much else that can be done, but just thought I'd take a poll.

[helenlegs 11]

I often lie on my side with my lap top, but my chairs and sofa's are very deep so I can usually get very comfy but my elbow needs to prop me up so typing is as bit one handed, no speed typist anyway. I wondered, if you had a long low couch, padded bench or pouffe, you could possibly lie on that with your computer on the floor, then you would be 'hands free' to. I used to lie that way on holiday, reading a book when my back needed a tan, hanging off the edge of the lounger.doing it now and it works, just need the pina colada now, well some sunshine would be good as well

[Amanda]

Its a hard balance between being comfortable on the rear end and the arms and shoulders, I lie on my left side on my couch propped up with two V pillows and use a swivel table that takes my laptop to a good level so that I can type two handed without too much contortion of the rest of my body.
Its all about adaption, i cannot hold my laptop on my tummy as I have a Stimulator and there would be an interaction between both devices; apart from which lying on my back is not comfortable at all for me.

[HerMajesty]

I get the same neck pressure lying on my stomach, but find I can prevent it by scrunching a pillow up under my chest area, right behind my arms. It straightens out my upper body so that my weight is not on my elbows and my upper back/ neck are not arched upwards.

[Amanda]

I also used to prefer to lie on a bed on my front, with my back arched and had pillows to support my chest raising me up so that my neck didnt take too much strain.....however now that I have a Stimulator I am forbidden to lie on my tummy so hence the adaptation to my side on the couch.

[Faith]

Amanda, what is a v pillow?

[Amanda]

A V pillow is shaped like a V....fantastic invention...as it supports lots of areas. They were designed for breast feeding originally.

[polarbear]

Hi Faith,

Just three weeks ago I purchased an iPad 2. I think I am in love. I have not been able to use a computer in 5 years.

I lay on my side on the couch, and have a small table, same height as the couch in front of me . Because I am leaning on my right arm I can only use left hand for typing. A bit slow, but easy due to touch screen. On the table I have a stand that keeps my iPad in an upright position . After 5 years I am finally connected to the world and found this supportive site.

Gail

[Faith]

Thanks Gail for sharing your experience. I would love to have an Ipad. Maybe one day we'll come up with the funds. My in-laws got us an ipod touch for christmas last year and i use it a lot while laying down. But it's hard to do any major typing on it. So happy this has been such a help for you! It really helps to be connected to the outside world, doesn't it?!

[david s.]

I have used a Stance chair; zero gravity chair; cushion with middle cut out. Frontal chairs are also made , with a cutout for your head, and your laptop or book positioned below. I use an EasyChair Workstation, which has a swinging arm that holds my keyboard and monitor. with my zero gravity chair.