(The following copyrighted material is reproduced with permission from:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: How to Relieve & Prevent Wrist "Burnout!"
 by Rosemarie Atencio Copyright*1993 Rosemarie Atencio pp. 49-51
 HWD Publishing, PO Box 220 XA, Veneta, OR 97487. (503)935-1608 
 FAX (503)935-0705 $13.95 + $2.50 s/h)

                       IF YOU NEED TO SEE A PROFESSIONAL:

1) On a piece of paper, write a list of your symptoms. Here are questions for 
   you to consider:
                      
  * What are the sensations?                      
  * Where are these sensations?                      
  * What time of day do the symptoms occur?                      
  * What are you doing at the time that you have symptoms (asleep, 
     specific movement at work..) ?
  * What makes you feel better?
  * What makes you feel worse?
  * What treatment(s) (drugs, splinting, etc) have
      you tried that did not work?
  * How long did you stay on the treatment?
  * How long have you had the problem?
                      
     (In addition to the specific symptoms, you need to be
      prepared to briefly describe any traumas or accidents
      that you may have had to the neck, shoulders, arms and hands.)

2) On the same piece of paper, write down the information about your lifestyle 
   and job.

  * What physical actions are required on your job?
  * What are your hobbies?
  * What kind of physical activities do you do regularly? 
  * Do you participate in any sports?
  * Do you sleep well?
  * Do you eat well?
  * Do you take any drugs or supplements?
                                
3) Finally, list the questions that you have about the professional people and 
   the course of treatment that recommended. ( Be bold! You are the consumer.)
                                 
  * How long have they worked with cumulative trauma or repetitive motion 
     disorders?
  * What is the course of treatment that they recommend for such disorders? 
  * How do they feel about second opinions?
  * How do they feel about cooperating with other professionals (physical 
     therapists, acupuncturists, osteopaths, for example)?
  * What results would they consider satisfactory? 
  * How long would they continue a specific course of treatment? 
  * If surgery is required, what arrangements do they have for after-care?
                            
  Copyright*1993 Rosemarie Atencio