It all began with a new bit of lawn. For the last two years my index and middle fingers had became numb for an hour or two after using the grass trimmer. I attributed this to vibration. However, earlier last year I trimmed all the lawn edges in one go, and by the end of the job the middle and index finger of my right hand were completely numb. On this occasion it didn’t resolve and I confirmed that vibration was indeed a recognised trigger for carpal tunnel syndrome.¹ I hoped it would get better during the following few weeks’ holiday on Lord Howe Island, an idyllic spot for walking and snorkelling. In fact the island was memorable for the very strenuous guided walk I had done some years previously. On that occasion I had been severely embarrassed to be the last up (and last down) Mount Gower. At the end of that day I had reached a point of complete exhaustion, not even being able to climb out of the bath. But then I have never been known for my athletic prowess!

I had reached a point of complete exhaustion, not even being able to climb out of the bath. But then I have never been known for my athletic prowess!

On my return from the island …