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Post by xmyster on Apr 29, 2016 7:14:28 GMT -7
Hey guys,
Brand new here, and today is my 3 year anniversary of my double joint amputation.
To clarify, I'm missing the phalanx (end) joints of both my index and middle on my right hand.
I've adjusted well, even being right handed. My hand writing is exactly where it was before the accident.
The problem occurred to me today as I was playing a typing game. I realized I adjusted to typing with my ring and pinky fingers, as the other two are too short to be of use. this, however, also pushes my thumb out of the way. so relying primarily on the ring finger, I seem to have developed a form of 'hunt and peck' on my right hand, and type more traditionally with my left. While there's no reason anyone can't type faster, it feels like a serious disadvantage, especially when a game relies on typing words fast. I also notice my ring finger cramping slightly.
I did consider prosthetic fingers, but only to the degree I can make myself.
so I'm wondering what solutions you guys suggest to get back up to speed.
I'm going to try folding my ring and pinky in to see if typing with my stubs can improve anything, I'm also looking into dvorak.
Thanks folks
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Post by snowyh on Apr 29, 2016 8:41:25 GMT -7
Hey there, xmyster, Helen here. You play a different type of game than I do! As an arm amp, I've found that competitive games utilizing a mouse for input place me on a more even playing field with the 2-handers. Wow... it sounds to me like you've already hit on the solution I would have recommended, which is to adapt to typing with the remaining full-sized fingers you have on your right hand. I'm pretty darn fast just typing with one hand, though I'll never be as fast as a 2-handed touch typist. I do have to look at the keyboard as I type, though I am definitely NOT hunting & pecking--I fly! Do you look at the keyboard as you type?
I wouldn't recommend the use of prosthetic fingers for any purpose other than cosmetic. Because they have no sensation, I doubt they'd help you type faster. I could be wrong, of course...
Nor would I recommend switching from QWERTY to Dvorak keyboards, for this reason: any time you need to use a different computer than your own, you'll be hunting & pecking because the rest of the world still uses QWERTY. Years ago I purchased a left-handed keyboard for home use, and my employer provided another one for me to use at work. Big mistake! I was at an absolute loss whenever I had to use any other computer, which happened surprisingly often. I found the same to be true with other products designed for left-handed use (scissors, corkscrews, etc.). The next time you're not at home you'll have a heck of a time using items designed for right-handed use. My advice: Stick to conventional products--your brain will adapt!
Helen
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aj
New Member
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Post by aj on May 5, 2016 15:00:53 GMT -7
Hey there, xmyster, Helen here. You play a different type of game than I do! As an arm amp, I've found that competitive games utilizing a mouse for input place me on a more even playing field with the 2-handers. Wow... it sounds to me like you've already hit on the solution I would have recommended, which is to adapt to typing with the remaining full-sized fingers you have on your right hand. I'm pretty darn fast just typing with one hand, though I'll never be as fast as a 2-handed touch typist. I do have to look at the keyboard as I type, though I am definitely NOT hunting & pecking--I fly! Do you look at the keyboard as you type? I wouldn't recommend the use of prosthetic fingers for any purpose other than cosmetic. Because they have no sensation, I doubt they'd help you type faster. I could be wrong, of course... Nor would I recommend switching from QWERTY to Dvorak keyboards, for this reason: any time you need to use a different computer than your own, you'll be hunting & pecking because the rest of the world still uses QWERTY. Years ago I purchased a left-handed keyboard for home use, and my employer provided another one for me to use at work. Big mistake! I was at an absolute loss whenever I had to use any other computer, which happened surprisingly often. I found the same to be true with other products designed for left-handed use (scissors, corkscrews, etc.). The next time you're not at home you'll have a heck of a time using items designed for right-handed use. My advice: Stick to conventional products--your brain will adapt! Helen |
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Post by erichackleman on Jun 7, 2016 11:54:58 GMT -7
Hi there!
I have had success developing new motor skills with my remaining full-size fingers, and also using a dictation program whose name I won't mention for fear of being labeled a spammer! There are many out there, and they're all pretty good from my experience... it's also nice when you need to hammer something out, but want a break from the office chair: stand up and dictate to your personal "scribe" lol.
Hope this helps!
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Post by stonecutter on Jun 7, 2016 14:50:32 GMT -7
By the way... We wouldn't label you a spammer for that!
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Post by erichackleman on Jul 28, 2016 10:59:23 GMT -7
Oh thank you stonecutter! In that case, the one I used was called Dragon dictate, but it's only for Mac! Best of luck, and do keep us in the loop on your progress  |
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Post by stonecutter on Jul 28, 2016 15:38:20 GMT -7
Cool. So... just the way you describe your amputations and the work "accident" makes me think this was a work accident. Am I right?
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