There are products - like an electric pot scrubber - sounds like a relief, doesn't it?
I checked further into the electric pot scrubber; it runs on AA batteries, and apparently there isn't all that much "juice". We recently bought a "Scum buster" by Black and Decker which we're now using on the dishes. Much better, but would like to find attachments that could get us better into glasses, etc.
I have no association with the site, but thought I would pass it along for others who might find the ideas useful. How about a washing machine that dries as well? Would be nice if I could afford it!
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey - thanks - I'm going to check into it. I am R handed and my arthritis is very disabling. I only have it in my R hand, of course.
I have a little rubber whirligig that slips onto a light switch, also a curvy handled ballpoint pen.
Posts: 459 | From Connecticut - just across the river from the Lymes (Old Lyme, Hadlyme, East Lyme, South Lyme & Lyme) | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
THANKS!
Posts: 208 | From Santa Fe | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
As a result of a post on another forum, plus my recent foray into the wonderful world of electric scrubbers for dishes and bathrooms...I put the two together and realized the reason that I've lapsed brushing / flossing my teeth as much as I would otherwise (I used to be an everynight flosser, twice a day brusher) is because of the repetitive movements, and how small movements cause me stiffness and discomfort.
I did some research on the internet, and came up with this:
"The new Oral-B Triumph gets your teeth cleaner and gums healthier than you ever thought possible. This rechargeable toothbrush removes twice as much plaque as a manual toothbrush. The new FlossAction Brushead with MicroPulse Bristles cleans as effectively as brushing with a manual brush and flossing. Smart Technology displays actual brushing time, tracks charge... More level, and advises when brush head has passed optimal-cleaning performance."
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks for posting. I have lots of hand issues and loss of strenght in my hands.
I have some of the products listed on the website but am interested in anything that makes my life easier.
-------------------- **Eat Chocolate** Posts: 942 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
For those with hand issues. I was misdiagnosed with tendinitis before Lyme. My hand pain was actually caused by swollen muscles in my shoulders, neck and upper back.
What helped was a combination of Flexeril (a muscle relaxer) and physical therapy that included myofascial trigger point release, stretching, and strengthening. Neither would have worked alone.
Just putting this out there. I lost the use of my hands for a year because I was put in wrist braces and my hands were so weakened.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I wish my home health nurse would've reccomended one of those battery t.brushes when I was so ill.
Now I have one and will never go without. Great gift for a loved one who may be having trouble.
Posts: 7 | From North East Pa | Registered: Jan 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks for the links. I have found that using the "Today's active topics" option at the top of the Flash Discussion page saves my hands from so much clicking. I get a preview of all the posts that way and it saves opening threads that have just a few words.
-------------------- "Help Or Be Helpless" Please visit "Activism" board daily. See the threads regarding the IDSA Guidelines crisis and the threads about Dr. Charles Ray Jones and decide how best to help today! Posts: 1265 | From does not list | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged |
canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
That's awesome, FightFireWithWater! Thanks so much
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
I had trouble with my right hand (I'm RHanded) for the past year and found the following useful. some of this stuff is expensive:
voice recognition software (Dragon Naturally Speaking- expensive but SO worth it for me)
trackball mouse (I use a Logitech, the model with the ball on top, so you can use it with either right or left hand, and don't have to use a thumb to track with). Costs about the same as a regular mouse, I thikn I got it Best Buy but TigerDirect (online retailer) probably has it cheaper.
electric toothbrush (which incidentally is REALLY good for your teeth and gums). I tried the OralB "cheap" one ($40 at drug store)- the type with a rotating head- and didn't like it, and got the more expensive Sonicare ($75 on eBay), which has a vibrating/oscillating head
flossing with those plastic floss holders is easier than using my aching thumb to grip the string floss
Those OXO jar openers on the disabled hands website are a godsend (not the electric kind but the regular 'grip with a handle' thing that's in Target/supermarkets housewares section)
I'm really grateful I had a food processor already- grating things was impossible for me. It was easier to wash a food processor than to deal with gripping little bits of food or gripping a knife for chopping vegetables.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
I also used a copyholder from an office supply store for holding my books open so I didn't have to use my thumb (there's a neater gadget at the disabled hands website- a little plastic piece that fits over your thumb so you don't have to grip the book open). the copyholder can also help you keep the book at a good height for reading so you don't strain your neck looking down, if you have neck pain that causes this to be a problem.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
Should this one get moved over to 'general support'? It seems like a good topic, and if it's over there it won't be buried many pages back like it'll get if it stays in medical.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
I think that's a very good idea; do you know how we contact the moderator?
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'd like to see it on both boards. More people read the medical questions board, but you are also right that it is easier to keep it in view on General.
-------------------- "Help Or Be Helpless" Please visit "Activism" board daily. See the threads regarding the IDSA Guidelines crisis and the threads about Dr. Charles Ray Jones and decide how best to help today! Posts: 1265 | From does not list | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
More on voice recognition software: I also tried a bunch of different headsets for the Dragon 9, and found that the exact headset and microphone makes a huge difference in how accurately it recognizes my voice. The original cheapo it comes with works perfectly, but I broke two of them, partially because I was traveling a great amount during my injury. I eventually got a vinyl pouch to put the headset into to protect it in my computer bag.
which happens to have a little 'mic mute' button on the cord- that button is kinda hard to operate if your hands can't do fine motor control but the software has a voice command for mute so it's fine even if you can't use the physical button. The headset is clunky and big but the mic is better than most of the others I tried. It's usually $40 at Best Buy so the Amazon price seems outstanding.
I have tried three different versions of Dragon at this point and it NEVER works fully outside of it's own text editor. It works OK for navigating around web pages (meaning you tell it to move your mouse around the page so you don't have to do it by hand) but some of the bugs I've seen when typing out side of DragonPad have been: -correction menu doesn't work right -doesn't capitalise first letter of a sentence automatically.
THese are fairly minor problems and the fix is to use the text editor that comes with Dragon and then tell it to copy-and-paste to the other program (ie Internet Exploder, email, word processor, or whatnot) that you're working in.
You do need a relatively fast computer or it slows everything down a lot, but it'll still work even on a slow machine, you're probably not typing fast if you have a hand injury anyway.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
posted
someone asked about contacting the moderator, at the top of EACH FORUM is a post by jenifer, our moderator who has taken over for lou bachman since his bad heart attack.
she prefers email vs. PMs as she keeps track of how many notes she gets in her outlook express.
IP: Logged |
canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
I'd contacted her a few days ago, and believe she moved it over to the other board as well
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
| IP: Logged |
canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
Here is my latest research; if anyone can remember the name of the thread where we talked about dental hygiene, please let me know and I will repeat the post.
Well the best part is it makes flossing a lot easier, especially for those of us with repetitive hand movement problems. It's also a lot more fun? Yes. Surprizingly, it actually gives a better floss than when I do it the old fashioned way.
So between that and my new electric toothbrush (see earlier in this thread), everyday I feel victory against those bugs who would have it I lost my teeth (to go along with the low body temp, and whatever else they seem to prefer). If I can use those two things, I actually am experiencing better oral hygiene than before I got sick - ah yes, when I eschewed all things power for the unpretentious Luddite. I stand corrected.
You will see a study conducted on mouthwash containing 4 specific essential oils. The study suggests it's as good as flossing; we all know that's not true, but it means this mouthwash must "help" on those days when brushing our teeth is equivalent to an Everestian effort.
So, I contacted someone involved with the study, and this is what she said:
"All of the Listerine Antiseptic mouthrinses (original, cool mint, freshburst, advanced, natural citrus and vanilla mint-the latter two having a less intense flavor profile) contain active components of 4 essential oils, namely menthol (peppermint oil), thymol (thyme oil), methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) and eugenol (clove oil). Also there are many generic brands containing these as well but have not seen any clinical data on these formulations.
"Oral irrigation may be helpful, as well or using floss holders to aid in interdental cleaning.
"Essential Care toothpaste with the same 4 essential oil ingredients as Listerine is another option for you."
Now, for those of you (such as myself) who are staying away from as many artificial products as possible:
"Since you requested information on essential oil products I am also offering the information below as this is another area of interest for me. Another powerful essential oil rinse besides the Listerines is shown below as well as essential oil containing toothpaste. You can also access this info at:
"Thieves� Fresh Essence Plus� Mouthwash contains a special formulation of essential oils that gives you incredibly fresh breath. The unique liposome technology (using soy-derived lecithin) binds the essential oils to the mucous membrane inside the mouth for longer-lasting effects on teeth and gums.
"How to use: Rinse mouth with one tablespoon or capful of Fresh Essence Plus� Mouthwash for 30 - 60 seconds or as needed. Store at room temperature.
"New Thieves� Dentarome Ultra� Toothpaste is an advanced formula of all-natural ingredients that gently clean your teeth and freshen your breath while harnessing the powerful action of pure, therapeutic-grade Thieves� essential oil for fresh breath.
"How to use: Brush teeth and gums thoroughly morning and night.
"Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, essential oil concentrate containing peppermint essential oil, Thieves� essential oil blend (a powerful blend of clove�, cinammon bark�, lemon�, Eucalyptus radiata�, and rosemary�, zinc oxide, deionized water with papain, xylitol, vegetable glycerine, essential oil base (thymol from Thymus vulgaris), Eucalyptus globulus�, and methyl salycilate from wintergreen�, xanthum gum, zinc citrate, and stevioside."
I should mention that in my travels I also came across a study which suggests Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (good old SLS), can actually promote gum disease! SLS is in many commercial toothpastes, and it's also in Tom's!
"Irritation from SLS may play a role in bad breath, canker sores and gum disease. SLS free toothpaste is gentle for sensitive teeth."
"Unfortunately it also aggravates the gums causing irritation. A University of Oslo (Norway) report states that individuals with gum disease had their symptoms cleared 40 times faster when non-SLS toothpaste was used."
Best,
canbravelyme.
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic