Vibration syndrome

["Bob Hackett" <kinfolk@zzzzzzz>]

FWIW, I speak from experience when I tell you this problem WILL NOT go away.
One of the worst experiences of my life was going to Boston and having one
of the top 5 upper extremity surgeons in the US tell me "Your days of making
a living with your hands are over". 5 surgical proceedures followed and I am
now on pain management meds for life. This is not something to fool with or
make assumptions about.

What I will tell you is that long term use of vibratory pneumatic tools
cripples thousands every year and can lead to chronic pain and disability.
There are ways to minimize the damage but once it becomes nerve damage(and
it will) there's no coming back from it. Wander down to the local shipyards
or wherever else you can find folks who have been using these tools day in
and day out for 20+ years and shake thier claws as you introduce yourself if
you doubt me. They'll be more than happy to play show and tell if it'll help
stop others from making the same mistakes.

I have printed info given to me by my surgeon, numerous physical therapists,
and my own research and experience to share with anyone if they will contact
me outside the group at kinfolk@gwi. net.

This is something I'm passionate about as it has kept me from the things I
once loved to do and effected ALL aspects of my life post injury. Don't bury
your head in the sand and think it will get better or you can "Tough it
out". This type of thinking leads to a life of chronic pain and narcotics,
surgery, therapy, never getting more than 3 hours of uniterrupted sleep at
one time, etc.

I trust you're getting the picture.

Contact me if this scares you, and I hope it does. I wish someone had said
this to me 5+ years ago.

Bob