Computer desk/usage

Here we can discuss difficulties with comfort in sitting and normal living - cushions, bicycle seats, car seats, work stations etc.
Faith
Posts: 697
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:15 pm

Computer desk/usage

Post by Faith »

I am new here and am trying to figure how to live without losing my mind if I do indeed have PN. So how do you all type on the computer if you can't sit? I try to type lying down (because I don't have a cushion at all that works even for 5 minutes), but it really bothers my neck. Does anyone use a special bed desk or anything?
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
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Amanda
Posts: 450
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2010 2:33 pm
Location: Dublin, Ireland
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Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by Amanda »

Faith

Many people have different cushions so maybe you need to try a different one.
As for desks we also have many solutions - some that rise up and down to allow you to stand or sit and even ones that let you lie down to type.
I know of some people who work lying on a bed all day long. I lie on my couch with pillows and ice, and I use a swivel laptop stand which allows me to have good posture in my back and neck but allows me less pressure on my Pn regions.

As for sleeping, i used to use several pillows under me but now I have got a Memory Foam Matress and also a Memory Foam Matress Topper so it feels like im floating when Im in bed which is lovely...I would recommend one to everyone with PN.

Take care
PNE started 2003 following Vaginal Hysterectomy, pelvic floor repair and right oophorectomy; eventually after many tests had BilateralTG surgery Nantes 2004; following this tried many other treatments including 7 day epidural, ketamin infusions to no avail; Trialed and was implanted with a Neurostimulator in 2007- Dr Van Buyten Belgium, this has enabled me to manage my pain much better.
HerMajesty
Posts: 1134
Joined: Sat Sep 18, 2010 12:41 am
Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada

Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by HerMajesty »

I can lie on my stomach while typing on a laptop in bed, without bothering my neck if I prop a double layer of pillows under my my chest area.
pelvic pain started 1985 age 14 interstitial cystitis. Refused medical care from age 17, did GREAT with self care for years.
2004 PN started gradually, disabled by 2009. Underlying cause SIJD & Tarlov cysts
improved with PT & meds: neurontin, valium, nortriptyline, propanolol. (off nortriptyline & propanolol now, yay!)
Tarlov cyst surgery with Dr. Frank Feigenbaum March 20, 2012.
Results have been excellent so far; but I won't know my final functional level for a couple of years.
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Violet M
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Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2010 6:04 am
Location: United States
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Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by Violet M »

I have a set up that I can easily go from lying to sitting to standing. I've discovered that you have to change positions often with this illness. Here's an explanation of it -- hope it's not too complicated.

I have a lounger that's like a low bed.

Over the lounger I have an airdesk that I put my keyboard on so I can easily adjust it to the right height.

http://airdesks.com/
acrylicLookMed.jpg
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My keyboard is hooked up to a laptop that is on another cart that's at an angle over the lounger so I can lie down and just look up at the laptop screen but the airdesk is in front of it with the keyboard on it so my neck doesn't get sore.
bizchair1_2126_15543525064.jpg
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For sitting/standing I have one of these from bizchair.com right next to my lounger.

Height Adjustable Mobile Laptop Computer Desk, NAN-JN-2792-GG by Flash Furniture
bizchair1_2126_14794067067.jpg
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On this table I have a flat screen monitor (hooked up to my laptop) and I can easily move my keyboard from the airdesk over to this table.
PNE since 2002. Started from weightlifting. PNE surgery from Dr. Bautrant, Oct 2004. Pain now is usually a 0 and I can sit for hours on certain chairs. No longer take medication for PNE. Can work full time and do "The Firm" exercise program. 99% cured from PGAD. PNE surgery was right for me but it might not be for you. Do your research.
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Violet M
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Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2010 6:04 am
Location: United States
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Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by Violet M »

You can find lots of loungers online. I cant' find my exact one but this is similar except I have mine flat:
MP10002153960_P255045_180X180.jpg
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I think you can get all of this stuff for under $500. I know that sounds like a lot but it's worth it.
PNE since 2002. Started from weightlifting. PNE surgery from Dr. Bautrant, Oct 2004. Pain now is usually a 0 and I can sit for hours on certain chairs. No longer take medication for PNE. Can work full time and do "The Firm" exercise program. 99% cured from PGAD. PNE surgery was right for me but it might not be for you. Do your research.
Faith
Posts: 697
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:15 pm

Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by Faith »

Thanks for the helpful suggestions. Does anyone have a "travel lounger" or something they take places when they go say to a friend's house or to a family gathering?
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
marieyj
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:59 am
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Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by marieyj »

Faith wrote:Thanks for the helpful suggestions. Does anyone have a "travel lounger" or something they take places when they go say to a friend's house or to a family gathering?
Yes i have many ideas if you need now??
Faith
Posts: 697
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:15 pm

Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by Faith »

sure marieyj. Would love to hear your suggestions
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
Laura
Posts: 110
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2011 9:19 pm
Location: Astoria, Oregon

Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by Laura »

. I use my Vizio tablet :D. I got it at Costco for $289, but the prices have come down since. I can lie on my back or side, no need to sit at my pc. I love it! :D
Julia
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2011 11:54 pm
Location: near Toronto, Canada

Re: Computer desk/usage

Post by Julia »

HerMajesty wrote:I can lie on my stomach while typing on a laptop in bed, without bothering my neck if I prop a double layer of pillows under my my chest area.
This is exactly what I do! My couch at home is now my "office". I lie on my stomach with my laptop at the end of the couch and pillows under my chest. I had to build up to this posture as my arms would get tired at first. I started with just 20 minutes at a time, now I can be on the computer this way for hours at a time. My physiotherapist has warned me that this can pinch the lower back muscles a bit so she suggested taking a break from this posture at least every hour, even if I have no back pain. As Violet said, changing postures is the key to living with this condition. During my "breaks" I bring my laptop over to the kitchen counter and stand with one foot up on a stool (for some reason I have more pain with both feet flat on the ground). Another good tip from my phyio to help my back muscles from getting too tight is to lie on my back on the bed and hang my upper body off of the bed to give it the reverse stretch from when I am on my stomach on the couch. Hope this helps, it is a cheap solution until you can upgrade to something better!
Julia (Toronto) 31, female
Chronic pain since '09. Current symptoms: burning pain at left ischium when sitting, pelvic floor heaviness/tightness, cannot sleep on left side, pressure on bladder, pain worse with sitting/lifting anything heavy/pulling open doors, unable to wear tight pants, pain is intermittent; sometimes a dull ache, other times burning/pulling/pinching. Amitriptyline and ice helps. Diagnosed with labral hip tear 2014, considering surgery.
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