Painful hands - appliances to help.

SaitenMar

Hello,

So the past few weeks I've been suffering some pains in both my hands, the pain vary but as on occasion been severe. The pain is based mainly in my fingers. They ache in the morning but they haven't swollen which I take as a good sign. But they are becoming a real problem, and having rheumatoid arthritis in both knees, ankles and an elbow any sign of problems puts me on alert. So should I be concerned? I have a real good rheumatologist (and I know I'm lucky to have one) who took a look at my hands at my last appointment a few months back. He didn't see any signs of arthritis which was a weight off my shoulders. But he's a busy man and treats a considerable amount of patients, so I don't want to waste his time by going to see him again.

On a separate note, I'm looking for appliance that might help me write with a pen or pencil. I can't write for more then a minute with say a Bic pen as it simply becomes to painful and my hand locks up. So are there any appliances that might be able to help. I've done some searching but wanted some actual recommendations from those that have used such devices.

Thank you very much.
Joseph.

jillyb1

Hi , Joseph , I use the easy grip pen but can't write for too long at a time even with that . Suggest you look on eb*y and key in - arthritis pens - there are a few to choose from and you may see one that will suit you . Best of luck with your search . Jillyb

elnafinn

Hi Joseph

I did a search on this forum and found two threads which may be helpful to you. One is called Pens and the other Writing + Weak Hands.

Elna x

dreamdaisy

I swear by my Yoropens. I have at least one in every room, I love 'em. It's very much a case of each to their own, I think you will have to try all kinds until you find what works for you. Specialist pen shops do exist and are well worth a real-life browse, if there is one in your area. DD

need me bed

Hi Joseph, I have RA in my fingers and wrists, but i also get considerable numbing... nightmare... I work in a call centre so always have to have pen to hand and yes i have a bad time with pens too... bic pens are really hard to keep a good grip on... I usually look for a chunky, fat pen or possibly something ergonomic.. i found a really good one in tesco tho other week and it was on offer.... but it only lasted a week and then needed a refill so i shan't be buying one of those again.... i'm thinking of going to a good local stationer this week and seeing what they have so i may report back if it's been a worth while trip.

hope you find something soon that helps

NMB
x

madwestie

Joseph,
I find that fountain pens work better for me as you don't have to put too much pressure on them to write.

Tracey

SaitenMar

Thanks for the quick replies. I've done a bit more researching and will see about trying a few out.

Thanks very much.

Pherstun

Hi NMB (love the name!)

I can't use standard pens either, can't keep hold of bics and the like, too skinny and lightweight. I use a fountain pen mainly or a good quality ball point for things that the ink won't dry well on like sticky notes.

I would also suggest going to a specialist pen shop, WH Smiths and some big department stores sell some these days too.

I would personally recommend one manufacturer called Lamy that have very smooth writing ink in their pens, I have one of their ball pens and they also do the liquid ink type that will flow easier.

Whichever shop you go to should be very patient and let you try out different pens, because they are obviously more expensive than a bic pen!

Debbie

need me bed

Thanks Debbie,

I shall potter off to WHS this week then and have a look... It's my week off so have plenty of time to have a good look... thanks for the advice much appreciated.

NMB
xx