Arthritis in Hands and especially Fingers

llyffant

Hello - this is my first posting - on my 82 year old Mother's behalf.

She has arthritis and has been diagnosed as diabetic in the last twelve months. She manages pretty well but her hands are proving to be quite a problem and seem to be getting worse rather quickly.

We've been assured by her GP that the problem with her hands isn't related to the diabetes but is the arthritis.

Having never been one for taking tablets, etc. unless she really really has to she's now reliant on co-codamol and is using Transvasin rub several times a day.

What I'd like to ask is if there is anything in particular we can do to help with her hands and whether there are any gadgets, etc. that might help her. She gets very frustrated - having always been very active. she finds she has days where her fingers just won't grip anything properly so she's dropping and breaking things - breaking things doesn't matter but she just gets so frustrated. We've bought some "plastic" plates and things for bad days. I'm also worried that she might burn herself.

She has a supply of gloves for when her hands feel really cold.

I would be very grateful for any suggestions and anyone else's experiences in a similar situation.

Many thanks and I hope my posting isn't too long.

jenzie06

Hiya
Has your mum been assessed by an occupational therapist at the hospital? They have so many ideas and gadgets that can help, for example, a kettle stand so you don't have to lift and tip it (I've burnt myself a lot and now banned from making myself hot water bottles!).
I'm not sure if its the OT's or another dept but they can come out to your mum's home and give her an assessment to see what she struggles with.

Tell your mum to keep her pecker up and most importantly on the bad days to laugh. Difficult but it makes you feel better.
Hope this helps.
Jen

colinone

Hi llyffant, thats good advice from Jen, talk to the GP or Rheumy if you have one and get her to see OH department they done lots for me i suffer really bad with my hands. Problem is when your hands are bad it effects so much of your everyday life. your poor mum must be really frustrated. Give her my regards and tell her i hope she is feeling better soon
Colin

valval

hi hope u get her to read replies it does help to know you not the only one the exercises do help keep strenth in hands. i got one of those new tin openers just press button and it does all the work also it does not leave sharp edges so worth having i am only 48 and drop things all the time we have cheap glasses and loads of plates as always dropping or knocking things over. also walk into door handles ect. so please tell her take the meds they do help and talk to gp there lots of help out there but you do have to ask for it good luck and tell her sorry she joined the arther club

minky67

Hi,Im just waiting for an appointment with Ot. I asked my rhymy at the hospital for a referal. This can also be done through your local social services.
They can provide you with all sorts to help your mum.
I got an extra stair rail & bath rails from social services.
Ive gone through the hospital as Housing association have told me to do this as i need a downstairs toilet & it has to be built. Plus i now need more help & think the hospital OH dept is a better place for me as ive been refered by my rhymy.
Her GP can also do the referal.
All the best & i really hope your mum can get some help.
This is a great site for help & advice, so just pop in anytime & someone will be along to answer your queries.
debs