I was not able to finish my phd at USC (University of Southern California) computer science due to RSI(Repetitive Strain Injury)

I was not able to finish my phd at USC (University of Southern California) computer science due to RSI(Repetitive Strain Injury).I was suffering from heavy RSI(Repetitive Stress Injury. I spent most of my time trying so many treatments ,just to get a normal life and finish.I was so depressed (I still am sometimes).

The main reason is time limit issues. I did not know I needed to see someone who is RSI specialist for this,as no one suggested in my multiple doctor visits.I also don't know if there was anyone near by and its covered by insurance.

I was born with cataract in both my eyes ,so was sitting in very awkward positions as the font was too small for my eyes.The monitor sizes were too small for my eyes.As both my eyes do not have perfect vision my left eye is worse than my right eye.The stress,I tried real hard to finish ,but I kept seeing failure in everything I did. I used to have frequent back pain ,I used to think it was due to sitting on the computer for long hours and was normal. I was not aware of ergonomics or RSI till around 2008 beginning. Around December 2007 I was standing in line at the library when I had a sharp pain in my legs. It was around finals time, I thought a vacation would solve it. But things got worse one morning march 2008 I had tremendous pain had trouble walking had to take a mid semester break from my TA duties so that I could take physical therapy. I was prescribed muscle relaxants and pain killers. I had trouble even sleeping and doing my normal activities. I had to request friends for helping me out. Months of physical therapy did not help much. I also tried exercising regularly. Then I tried visiting both physical therapist and a chiropractor twice a week. I also tried counseling twice a week at USC. I had trouble doing my daily activities and even my TA work. Most of my time was spent try to get back a normal life. I even tried sleeping with a hard board on my leg to sleep for a few hours at night without getting up with pain in the morning.


 In 2009 after meeting a ergonomist I discovered it was my poor posture for so many caused these issues. As normal monitors ,tables and chairs are not suited for eye sight. I had to keep monitors very close to my eyes and poor postures over the years caused me so much harm. I needed a big monitor 28 inches with large fonts. I also needed a ergonomic chair I was going to take my qualification exam in fall 2009, when I was at the worst of my pain. I hardly could sit for even for a few hours ,I had developed a huge fear of computers and keyboard.Also peer pressure was a factor. I had tried my best to take my qualification exam in fall 2009,by sleeping every 4 to 5 hours ,taking pain killers and muscle relaxants .I also tried using ointments for my pain. My shoulders ,neck ,hands and back were in continuous pain.Even though with my best efforts I could not get my qualification proposal in time .I could not even create a powerpoint slide.


I had to take a leave a absence from USC and return to India.When I left I could not even cut a onion or hold a scissor.I had seen quite a few doctors who practice allopathic medicine, which included MRI scans ,they could not diagnose the exact problem except that over computer usage. I met my fathers friend who had suffered from similar and more painful issues and suggested ayurvedic treatment ,after which he was completely cured. I had been admitted in the ayurvedic hospital from jan  to feb 2010.After that I had to take 2 months of rest. I started working to improve on my qualifier proposal. It took a lot of effort both physically and mentally to regain my confidence and health. I had started taking regular breaks and exercise and diet. I have lost a lot of weight. I feel devastated that i let down my parents and myself.I haven't been sleeping or eating properly.I hardly talk to anyone as I even I hear anyone saying the words phd ,thesis,USC or even Los angeles reminds me of how I failed. I am trying to get a grip of things.

My Suggestions: My suggestionss would be get help asap.I had a problem with was cataracts which even worsened the problem.For people using computers.

1.Got a large monitor and keep your font big enough so that forced me to look back.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254052

2.Got a good ergonomic mouse (suited for my hand size and keyboard. Microsoft 4000 keyboard Logitech performance mouse

3.Got a flexible Desk Clamp Arm Rest available and it should help
http://www.amazon.com/Desk-Clamp-Rest-Mousepad-Silver/dp/B000IZCUDM/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1336891937&sr=8-26 

4.Got a break software . www.workpace.com or the free one www.workrave.com

5.Get a decent desk and good chair with lumbar support.There are bunch of diagrams on the web for workstation setups.

http://www.staples.com/Tempur-Pedic-TP4000-Ergonomic-Fabric-Mid-Back-Task-Chair-Black/product-nr_324022

http://www.staples.com/Staples-Acadia-Ergonomic-Mesh-Task-Mid-Back-Chair-Black/product_570621

6.Ayurvedic Treatment http://www.avpayurveda.com/ Best would be to consult doctors and a good ergonomist.

7.RSI Links:
MIT http://web.mit.edu/atic/www/rsi/needtoknow.html

Understanding Repetitive Strain Injuries


http://www.gradshare.com/advice.html?id=2543

Dangerous Work - Repetitive Strain Injury at MIT
http://tech.mit.edu/V116/N24/rsi.24n.html

Your wrists hurt, you must be a programmer
http://gmarceau.qc.ca/articles/your-wrists-hurt-you-must-be-a-programmer.html

My experience with RSI
http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~arora/RSI.html

Repetitive Strain Injury
http://web.eecs.umich.edu/~cscott/rsi.html

My Biggest Challenge in Graduate School
http://www.gradshare.com/blog/grad_currents/2011/06/05/1307317906087.html 



The RSI case of Sanjeev Sabhlok: description of the problem and its treatment.
http://rsicure.sabhlokcity.com/cause.html




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