I was/am in the same boat as you. I never really was a computer user until Winter 2001. I went from 0 computer skills/use to working 20 hrs a week at a helpdesk along with hours of late night programming while in college. Carpal Tunnel hit me hard and fast in both wrists along with Ulnar Tunnel syndrome in both elbows. i didnt have the surgery, but I did go to physical therapy. The therapy sorta helped but not really. What found to help the pain initially was wearing the braces while i slept. Its takes some getting used to, and if bad enough you make wake up with numbess, but it allows the area to be immobilized and reduce inflamation. I now work full time on the computer and I too do not want surgery. I have found that being ergonomic helps a lot. In my case I keep the keyboard flat and streched out in front as far as possible. i also use a lazer mouse with no mousepad, which reduces the need to "jimmy" the mouse back and forth to get the mouse lined up. And the biggest thing for me is over all excersise of my arms, i have found that when i get flare ups, some basic weight lifting/arm strenghtning relieves the pain within a couple days.
I hope this helps you or least lets you know you're not alone. I'm only 27 and sometimes the aches and pains I feel in my wrists/arms makes me feel like i'm 87. Good Luck!
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