What help can I get

133

Hi I'm 58 and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis 8 years ago , I've been finding it harder to do everyday tasks and would like to know if there is help out there to make life a little easier with things like opening a bottle etc .I am finding that I'm taking more pain killers to get me through the day.

Tom

A warm welcome to the forum, @133 . 

I see that you were given a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arhtritis some 8 years ago. You are now finding everyday tasks more difficult and painful and seek help and advice. 

There follow some links to our website that I hope will help: 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/april/everyday-tips-for-living-with-arthritis/ 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/ 

You do not mention what treatment you are receiving. If it is no longer working, then contact your Rheumatology department. 

Now that your post has been moderated and moved to the open forum, I am sure that other members will post with comment and advice. 

Good luck and keep posting to let us know how you are getting on. 

Tom, 

Moderator. 

CCM

Hi @133

I have a few tips. A damp dishcloth is an easy no cost way to deal with bottles and jars - just grip round the top. If I'm carrying a heavy bag, I loop a belt through the handles then adjsut the length so that the belt rests in the crrok of my elbow with the bag clear of the ground. No strain on the hand or wrist. Don't forget that a long handled shoe horn works in reverse - slide into the back of the shoe and push - no more standing on heals. And as gor those pesky stuck onto yoghurts and ready meals - keep a small pair of pliers handy in the kitchen.

There are others souces of these items of course, but I stumbled on this website recently: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/daily-living-aids

Best of luck.

CCM

MarkInSussex

One of the things i enjoy doing is coming up with devices and solutions for my problems, keeps the grey cells active and gives me something to do, i came up with the idea of a helping stick a little while ago more here on this thread including pictures of the stick i came up with https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/705749#Comment_705749 , for things like jars and the like i use a set of soft grip oil filter spanners, they offer a good grip on the jar and the handle i find is long enough to give that extra oomph you might need, for real hard tight fitting lids, put one on the lid and one on the jar and twist in opposite directions, its amazing how effective they are and they, more here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-43863-2-Piece-Soft-Grip-Wrench/dp/B00122ZJ9C/ref=sr_1_12?c=ts&keywords=Oil+Filter+Wrenches&qid=1680779129&s=automotive&sr=1-12&ts_id=5136339031