So...I'm selling up and having a break from playing because....

[bagsieblue]

.....I've got an office job, and on a computer all day (emails / spreadsheets - living the dream) I've got tendonitious in both wrists.

Family to support, so bass playing takes a back seat.

Warwick's and rig for sale soon in the For Sale Section.

[ambient]

Haven't you put hours and hours into learning to read etc ?

Seems a bit of a waste 😒

[Clarky]

Man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Just from my experience, I went 20 years without playing bass properly (arguably I still can't!) through work/kids etc but always had one stowed under the bed for when I fancied picking out a nice bass line or two. My advice would be to keep one bass secreted away just in case .... Best of luck whatever you choose to do

Edited October 9, 2014 by Clarky

[xilddx]

You and your employer are probably doing something wrong, and you need to sort it out quick. No reason you should be getting upper limb disorders from DSE work.

Tell me how your computers are set up and on what, what you do on them, and how many breaks you take.

Have you had a medical diagnosis?

Edited October 9, 2014 by xilddx

[3below]

You may get lucky with the tendonitis, I thought I was going to have to give in - could not play for more than 30 mins without agony and more wrists swelling. Stopped playing for probably 10 years. Came back and no problems, Go figure. Your blue Warwick is very tempting - need to get rid of some kit first as always.

Edit: having just read above posts - if you are getting tendonitis from keyboarding is Health / Safety issue in the workplace as mentioned above. Occupational health if a large business?

Edited October 9, 2014 by 3below

[bagsieblue]

All correct fella's - I''m using a laptop ALL my working day (with current employers for almost 12 months).

Went to the Doctors yesterday.
Honestly speaking - I've been ignoring / managing the symptoms for at least a couple of years.
As a male - going to the Doctors is an achievement - I really had to convince him that I've been living with this for a couple of years and self managing the symptoms, and it's not that I woke up earlier this week thinking "my wrists are a bit sore".

I've ordered a separate keyboard to be able to sit in a more neutral position.

Edited October 10, 2014 by bagsieblue

[ead]

[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1412887671' post='2573103']
.... My advice would be to keep one bass secreted away just in case .... Best of luck whatever you choose to do
[/quote]

Sad to hear. Of all the lovely basses you have, you have to keep the Dolphin.

[bagsieblue]

[quote name='3below' timestamp='1412887798' post='2573106']
You may get lucky with the tendonitis, I thought I was going to have to give in - could not play for more than 30 mins without agony and more wrists swelling. Stopped playing for probably 10 years. Came back and no problems, Go figure. Your blue Warwick is very tempting - need to get rid of some kit first as always.

Edit: having just read above posts - if you are getting tendonitis from keyboarding is Health / Safety issue in the workplace as mentioned above. Occupational health if a large business?
[/quote]

Thanks for that - Not a large business...

A small, fast moving, dynamic organisation.
Basically - I need to do what I need to do - and I do avoid the PC at night as much as possible, both for work and home life.

My Bass Playing technique is, I think, fairly good - and does not irritate symptoms.
I do keep my hands loose and neutral.

I am dealing with emails /spreadsheets all day...will take heed of the advice given.

Edited October 10, 2014 by bagsieblue

[bagsieblue]

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1412888133' post='2573112']
Sad to hear. Of all the lovely basses you have, you have to keep the Dolphin.
[/quote]

Yep - absolutely right - don't tell vmaxblues though !!
But, no band, need to rest / repair the wrists a little means it it sensible to move stuff along.

Edited October 9, 2014 by bagsieblue

[3below]

[quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1412888129' post='2573111']
I've ordered a separate keyboard to be able to sit in a more neutral position.
[/quote]

I am presuming that you have full size mouse as well? Adjustable chair and footrest should also be provided as part of working environment.

[xilddx]

[quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1412888129' post='2573111']
All correct fella's - I''m using a laptop ALL my working day (with current employers for almost 12 months).

Went to the Doctors yesterday.
Honestly speaking - I've been ignoring / managing the symptoms for at least a couple of years.
As a male - going to the Doctors is an achievement - I really had to convince him that I've been living with this for a couple of years and self managing the symptoms, it's not that I woke up earlier this week thinking "my wrists are a bit sore".

I've ordered a separate keyboard to be able to sit in a more neutral position.
[/quote]

Ok, using a laptop all day will f*** you up. You need a full-size mouse, monitor or laptop raiser, keyboard, a desk at the right height and an adjustable office chair that is set up so your thighs and forearms are parallel with the floor. Keep a neutral wrist position, keyboard and mouse should be close to the edge of the desk, top of monitor level with your eyes.

No perfect seated posture is any use unless you take regular breaks. 1 min every twenty out of your seat to get your circulation going, 5 mins every hour.

Your employer should be telling you this, not me.

[url="http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/"]http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/[/url]

Edited October 9, 2014 by xilddx

[xilddx]

[quote name='3below' timestamp='1412888496' post='2573119']
I am presuming that you have full size mouse as well? Adjustable chair and footrest should also be provided as part of working environment.
[/quote]

Footrest is not a requirement unless the floor is too far away with everything else correctly adjusted. But yes, the employer must provide correct equipment and some instruction.

[SimonEdward]

[quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1412887369' post='2573100']
.....I've got an office job, and on a computer all day (emails / spreadsheets - living the dream) I've got tendonitious in both wrists.

Family to support, so bass playing takes a back seat.

Warwick's and rig for sale soon in the For Sale Section.
[/quote]

... So sad to hear, But... If you don't NEED to sell your gear.. then DON'T!!

Take a break (for however long is necessary - even If it's 2/5/10 years) ... sort the work stuff/DSE and ease yourself back in..

Your know it makes sense.

[bagsieblue]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1412888519' post='2573121']
Ok, using a laptop all day will f*** you up. You need a full-size mouse, monitor, keyboard, a desk at the right height and an adjustable office chair that is set up so your thighs and forearms are parallel with the floor. Keep a neutral wrist position, keyboard and mouse should be close to the edge of the desk, top of monitor level with your eyes.

No perfect seated posture is any use unless to take regular breaks. 1 min every twenty out of your seat to get your circulation going, 5 mins every hour.

Your employer should be telling you this, not me.

[url="http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/"]http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/[/url]
[/quote]

Thank you -much appreciated.

I've done a lot of this - mainly as common sense, needing to do it - rather than reading about it etc.
For example, my children have said to me, "Dad why are you always stretching and bending your fingers"...I didn't realise I was, consciously, doing it - I suppose to just felt like it needed doing.

I've, admittedly recently, started these discussions with my employer, but they are not overly sympathetic......

[3below]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1412888620' post='2573124']
Footrest is not a requirement unless the floor is too far away with everything else correctly adjusted. But yes, the employer must provide correct equipment and some instruction.
[/quote]

I have the 5'3" perspective - hence the footrest comment

Edited October 9, 2014 by 3below

[bagsieblue]

[quote name='SimonEdward' timestamp='1412888861' post='2573128']
... So sad to hear, But... If you don't NEED to sell your gear.. then DON'T!!

Take a break (for however long is necessary - even If it's 2/5/10 years) ... sort the work stuff/DSE and ease yourself back in..

Your know it makes sense.
[/quote]

I agree - you are right.
That said, I probably have too much gear for a non gigging 'hobbyist' bass player.

[xilddx]

[quote name='3below' timestamp='1412888931' post='2573131']
I have the 5'3" perspective - hence the footrest comment
[/quote]

A lowered desk is a better solution if its possible mate.

[xilddx]

[quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1412888885' post='2573130']
Thank you -much appreciated.

I've done a lot of this - mainly as common sense, needing to do it - rather than reading about it etc.
For example, my children have said to me, "Dad why are you always stretching and bending your fingers"...I didn't realise I was, consciously, doing it - I suppose to just felt like it needed doing.

I've, admittedly recently, started these discussions with my employer, but they are not overly sympathetic......
[/quote]

It's not common sense man, it's specialised knowledge.

Your employer is in breach of their statutory duties and you have a legal duty to report any work-related ill health. There's a good reason for that. Get it sorted.

[3below]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1412889033' post='2573136']
A lowered desk is a better solution if its possible mate.
[/quote]

Totally agree, luckily these days I am not chained to the desk anymore.

[xilddx]

[quote name='3below' timestamp='1412889372' post='2573142']
Totally agree, luckily these days I am not chained to the desk anymore.
[/quote]

[flyfisher]

It's all been said, but I'll second it anyway. Laptops are good for keeping in touch while travelling and for the occasional bit of serious work but they are not good for constant computer work. A proper keyboard and mouse are the minimum requirements. If your employers won't buy them, which they should, spend the £25 yourself.

As for your bass gear, your choice of course, but I wouldn't be selling unless I needed the money. I used to work long hours but loved to be able to wind down occasionally jamming to some CDs. I also kept a drum kit for the same reason. Supporting your family must, of course, come first but keeping yourself physically and mentally fit is a big part of being able to do that..

[bagsieblue]

Guys - much appreciated - great, informed input as always, and a busy thead, c20 replies or so in an hour.

[3below]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1412889229' post='2573139']
.....

Your employer is in breach of their statutory duties and you have a legal duty to report any work-related ill health. There's a good reason for that. Get it sorted.
[/quote]

Xilddx is bang on the money. No point damaging health, bass playing etc. for employer. They will not be able to fix the damage when it is done.

[bagsieblue]

[quote name='3below' timestamp='1412889853' post='2573148']
Xilddx is bang on the money.
[/quote]

He usually is!!!!..

[xilddx]

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1412889495' post='2573144']
Supporting your family must, of course, come first but keeping yourself physically and mentally fit is a big part of being able to do that..
[/quote]

Spot on.

A friend of mine's family nearly fell apart through his DSE related tennis elbow. Couldn't play with the kids, wash up, drive, ride a bike, clean the house, mow the lawn ...