Concord, MA

Anita H. is a professional ultrasonographer whose medical career was interrupted by a severe Repetitive Strain Injury in 2000.

Her story is presented in the form of ongoing installments, the first two of which appear below.

• The first installment of her story is told in the form of her reflections upon the beginning stages of the her shoulder and arm problems as she struggled to work through it.

"It all began with my shoulder hurting, kind of like an ache. It would hurt in the evening when I was at home. It hurt in the car while driving. At first I ignored it, until it started really hurting to the point that I could no longer ignore it."

• The second installment of her story is told in the form of a letter sent to her supportive Primary Care Physician. She had left her job to try doing ultrasound again in a hospital setting.

"Dear Doctor E. "I am still struggling with my arm and shoulder problem. I have not been able to get relief of the numbness and pain in my arm and shoulder for nearly two weeks now and the sleep depravation is very difficult. "