'Tricks of the trade' gratefully recieved

Hannahb2b
Hannahb2b Member Posts: 12
edited 4. Nov 2012, 12:26 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi, I was diagnosed with OA on Tuesday altough I've had problems for 4-5 years and am hoping to get some advice on coping with everyday tasks. I've been advised by my GP to take Glucosamine which would be fine if I could get the top off the bottle!! Its been a bad few days recently, what with the cold damp weather, and my hands wont do as they are told so even simple things like making a cuppa is an effort. Any tips or tricks would be really helpful. Thanks guys, Hannah x :D

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, it's nice to meet you and I hope we can help with information, ideas and support. I have an auto-immune arthritis and that has led to OA in my knees and ankles but I am also struggling with my hands due to carpal tunnel syndrome. I now routinely decant all my meds into containers that I can open - whether I should or not is another thing but if I can't get at 'em how am I going to take 'em? :wink: As time goes on you will find your own ways to cope but there is a very useful tips and hints thread at the top of this forum, there may be some ideas in there for you.

    As for the tea making etc keep everything you need within easy reach, don't overfill the kettle and maybe a kettle tipper could help? There is a range of jar opening gizmos on the market plus cutlery and flatware with fatter handles. Soaking your hands in warm or hot water can help ease any stiffness and flexing your fingers in that heat can help to get them moving. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Hannahb2b
    Hannahb2b Member Posts: 12
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for taking the time to answer DD, it's lovely to find people who know how I feel. I hadn't thought about decanting meds and it seems such a simple idea, I've been in a bit of a daze since I found out and simple solutions are passing me by :? I've never heard of a kettle tipper but think I'd better start finding out about these kinds of things sooner rather than later so I'll look through the thread you've suggested. Thanks again for being so helpful, wishing you a good day x
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    H Hannah
    Its lovey to meet you
    We have a thread at the top of the LWA called things to make life easier..or something like that..I have found it to be very helpful,there are so many things out there , I have a drawer full of contraptions for jars...putting sock on, carrying...the one thing I always do is take a carrier bag upstairs to bring down washing,and rubbish,
    I do hope you stay with us,it is such a good forum for support and ideas.xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Hannah

    Welcome and nice to meet you, I have OA in my hands and a neurological disease as well, I have a great gadget for opening jars bottles etc and as DD says don't overfill the kettle I can manage to lift two handedly, I got a tip on here not long ago about changing duvet, put duvet in cover and clothes peg the the two top bits till you get the bottom bit in peg them and shake(gently), I also iron the cover on the bed on one side no one sees the other side(easier than on an ironing board) if need take an extenion cable in to reach, can't think of anything else at the moment but am sure there will be more troopers along to give advice soon....tc..............Marie xx
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles
  • ShulaArcher
    ShulaArcher Member Posts: 174
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Hannah

    Hello from me and welcome. I've also got OA, particularly badly in my hands. I'm using voice recognition software, which I would recommend if you find it particularly painful to use a computer keyboard. Please ask me if you need any more advice about that.

    Shula
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    welcome make sure you keep hands and feet warm silly i know but does help a lot i use shoulder bag for shopping as can not carry with hands val
    val
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The gadgets for opening jars etc can be easily found on Ebay; I got a set of three. A boon even if you don't have arthritis in your hands; great invention!
  • Airwave!
    Airwave! Member Posts: 2,471
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    To open things I:-
    1/ Use a locking penknife (yes I know they are illegal).
    2/ Saw bottles in half and put them in another container.
    3. Use pliers, screwdrivers, any handy tools.
    4. Get OH to open them.
    5. Buy something else.
    6. I have a handle with an rubber strap attached to wrap round the lid, they come in various sizes.
    7. Cut the tops off.

    The worst offenders are plastic wrapping, even my knives need re sharpening frequently, pushing a screwdriver through a bottle and gaining leverage is handy. I type with my knuckles when my finger tips are bad. Try a gently heated (microwave and eggcup of water)wheat bag, they can be made in all sizes and shapes, wheat is about £7 for a 28lb bag from a pet shop.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Welcome to the forum.....I have OA but not much in my hands......in hips, lower spine ankle neck etc
    That thread that is cose to the top is very helpful......read through it all....its surprising what you will find LOL
    Love
    Hileena
  • Hannahb2b
    Hannahb2b Member Posts: 12
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks everyone, lots of great tip. The kettle has been half full and so much easier to manage, pills decanted into an easier pot, I've cut the fingers off some old gloves to use round the house, I've dug out a knife for opening packets and can now open ringpulls with a teaspoon. Thanks to all your tips I managed to make a pretty impressive spread for our bonfire party last night without relying to much on Mr B. I went out to watch the fireworks with gloves straight out of the tumble dryer, mmmm toastie warm, and Arthur behaved well all evening, thanks again :D
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Smashing - well done to you! I bought my mother a ring-pull puller for 99p from a cheap-as-chips store around here, they are worth looking out for and she finds it very good. I also bought her a key turner for the same price but I've lost it. :oops: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done you.....you are getting the hang of finding different ways to do things :lol:

    Love
    Hileena
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's great Hannah you will be so glad you joined this wonderful forum I know I am, pleased you had a lovely family evening and Arthur behaved himself, look forward to seeing you around ..........Marie xx
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles
  • Hannahb2b
    Hannahb2b Member Posts: 12
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Im really proud of myself too (she types whilst blowing her own trumpet) and have decided to celebrate the small victories and do my best to stay positive. I completely agree about the forum, everyone is so lovely and supportive, and I cant thank you enough. I've spent some time reading through and my symptoms dont seem anywhere near as bad as some, and yet everyone else seems much more positive than me so it's bye bye to feeling sorry for myself and hello PMA. Although expect a moan occasionally, after all I'm not claiming to be perfect. :P

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