New member.

Domino2020

Hello all & A Happy New Year.

Having just joined, Versus Arthritis, I'm hopeful that I can get help & advice from the community.

I have severe Arthritis in my back and hands which is hindering the things I want to do so any help would be great.

My main concern at the moment is my hands. I like to ' potter' in the garden but I'm struggling with the secateurs. I've seen the battery ones that seem good, but knowing which ones are best is a mind field. I have only small hands with not much strength in them. I would appreciate any advice.

Thanking you... Carol

P.S I'm not computer savvy and we are not on any social medium.

Naomi33

Hello @Domino2020 and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns and that you are struggling with hands at the moment.

I found the following programs and exercises very useful.....

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

Obviously I did the above at home on computer but I also went into the community on the following courses......

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/january/moving-more-with-the-escape-pain-programme/

https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/about-us/our-impact/healthy-life/joint-pain-programme

Hope the above helps but if not keep posting as I am sure other people will support you on the site.

Also I find little but often helps too🤞😘

Best wishes @Naomi33

Mollbhan

Hello Domino, I can sympathise with your sore hands, I have the same problem with RA. I have no experience of battery secateurs but have used some very efficient geared ones in the past, though they are a bit fiddly to use. For slightly heavier work like branches from half inch to about three inches I bought a battery operated mini chain saw which is very effective, under £50.00 a good buy. Some days my hands are simply too painful to work, just have to take it from day to day, I find a good soak in hot water more effective than anything. Keep at it, all the best with your gardening.

Domino2020

Hello Naomi33,

Thank you for your concern & helpful suggestions for me to try. I do have exercises to do, I also have Craniosacral therapy which seems to benefit me. Its things to do the practical jobs with that I'm wanting help with, i.e.: secateurs.

Ta @Domino2020