Shaking hands

scozzie
scozzie Member Posts: 333
edited 10. Oct 2012, 14:42 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all

As a guy I was brought up to offer a firm hand when shaking hands and that a damp squib of a hand wasn't really acceptable from a man.

Nowadays, with OA in my hands, I'm starting to dread even the thought of shaking hands, but I still shake hands - I just hope they're not too firm, especially knuckle crunchers.

How do you other guys cope with arthritis and shaking hands?

Scozzie

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Scozzie

    Just bumped up an old thread entitled Introductions ie shaking hands.

    Sorry, the replies are from females but you may get some ideas. :wink:

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • scozzie
    scozzie Member Posts: 333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Elna
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I must say I am no doc. Have you had sugar levels checked, thyroid??

    Are you on pred or any other meds ?? Anti depressants or anxiety meds??

    Otheriwse arfur can affect the nerves in your hands and wrists, seee your gp for advice
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I just smile, put my hands up, palms facing outwards and say 'bad hands.' Nobody seems to mind.
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Scozzie

    It is awful when you need to shake hands for fear of them crushing you, I always grab their hand with both of mine and with my touch they realize that they shouldn't squeeze but the affection is still there.

    I know its different cause I am a woman but you could perhaps do the same and make light of your soft hand shake.

    juliepf x
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My orthopaedic surgeon always presents me with a flat hand and leaves it up to me to grasp his. Last visit he had a nurse with him and asked her "Do you know how to shake hands with someone who has rheumatoid arthritis?" She said no so he showed her. Great guy.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • BikerAngel
    BikerAngel Member Posts: 122
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I dread the hand shaking too as I meet lots of folk when we do fundraising in our bike club and now I have actually stopped holding my hand out as most of them do grip too hard and leave you wincing in pain so I am off to read that thread see if I can find any tips.
    Tracey
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Bumped up for SorePaw

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Elna- like the idea of flat hand up, think I'll be giving it a try.
    Deb x

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