Products I recommend | Arthritis Information

 

Hi Everyone,

I recently moved to Boston, and it has been very tough.  The cold weather and stress has done a number on me and I have developed Raynaud's phenomenum (sp?).  yuck!  A complication from RA I had never heard of.  Here I am trying to do something to improve my life and participate in society and I end up adding more complications!

I do, however, have some GREAT products to recommend based on my recent experience living on my own for the first time since RA:

1.  Ergorapido by Electrolux.  It's the cutest vacuum cleaner ever that really works!  I got it at Costco for about .  I have hardwood floors and it is actually fun to vacuum.  I just bought some rugs, so I will find out how it does on carpeted surfaces.  So much easier than big clunky ones.  I love this product!!!

2.  Corningware's Simply Lite glass bakeware.  I bought this at Target.  I saw this advertised on tv and I was amazed at how light it is when you pick it up.  I'm baking brownies right now.  They have all sorts of sizes.

3.  "Jar Pop" by Spring Mill.  This was purchased at Ace Hardware for .  I can't tell you how much this helps when opening all sorts of jars.  Even people w/out problem joints should use this to protect their hands.

4.  I just got Paula Deen's signature Twin Pack 9" and 11" skillets at Target.  I've only used one once, but I like how light it is compared to others I picked up.  It also seemed easy to clean and is nice looking.  I got the grey and black.  Red and black was an option too.

5.  Also at Target, I bought by OXO oven mittens that are black that fit over my entire hand and down part of my arm.  It is very soft inside with sort of a mitten design.  It has a grip on the inside of the hand that is a series of rubber grey skid type marks.  I bought 2 at a piece, but well worth it.  They feel good on my hands and I don't have to worry about burns at all.  I like that I slip it on and I don't have to use any energy holding onto a potholder.  I can relax and grab what I need out of the oven 

thanks for these ideas, nori ...... best to you in your new adventure....Thank you! This is a good thread and very helpful. Nice to meet you Nori, I live in Ma as well. Yes, this weather is terrible on the joints. I feel for ya. I make so many mistakes typing due to my clumsy hands. I have a 3" memory foam mattress topper, wrapped in an allergen barrier padded memory foam/featherbed cover.  It sits atop my deluxe Aerobed mattress.  OMG it is heaven on earth.  I began using the Aerobed as a temporary solution to my insomnia (husband snores loudly; impossible to sleep next to).  I was going to buy a regular mattress/box spring, but after spending a couple weeks on the aerobed I realized I was sleeping much better than I had in a while.  I decided to get the memory foam topper due to a few hip/shoulder issues, and all I can say is OMG OMG OMG.  I've never slept in a more comfortable bed.  Ever. Jas..... Ihave an air bed.. select comfort.  I agree it is the BEST.  Glad you found a solution.  I have an aerobed blow up that I should use when DH drives me from the bed!!! Jasmine, kweenb2009-03-24 14:22:55

I'm glad this is helpful to some.  Of course, many times we just stumble upon a good product that is helpful.  It may not have even been designed for people who need extra help!  I'm trying to look for anything that makes life easier, but I'm not always successful.

Nori

[QUOTE=kweenb]Jasmine, I have a number of the OXO products.  The icecream scoop is my favorite.  I have a horrible time with scooping-normally just go without.  This scoop combined with soft icecream allow me an occasional treat.Hi Nori! I love all the OXO kitchen gadgets.  They have such a great grip on them, my favourite is the vegetable peeler. Nori, thanks for a very informative thread!Bartender's shelf liner is an essential in my kitchen (it is the waffle weave liners that are used in lieu of terry bar towels on which to tip glasses to dry and keeps barware from slippin' and slidin'). We cut it is a variety of sizes to use to open bottles and jars; squares of it keep bowls from skittering across the counter when I am trying to whisk ingredients. I use pieces of it to grasp dishes, cups, and glasses as I load and unload the dishwasher (plates especially have a way of slipping out of my grip and a dropped glass smacking our concrete floor is akin to a hand grenade).

Oversized kitchen sponges and dishwashing clothes are another must for me.

Long handled combs and brushes help with hair care: a toothbrush and a water pick with big handles makes that chore easier; and like Pammy, shower dispensers are indispensable. RBT bought me a lovely foot scrubber that attaches to the shower floor that has brushes and a pumice stone. A shower chair is super and a long handled razor allows me to shave both legs and underarms. Instead of trying to towel dry, I have a couple heavy terry cloth robes that I wrap in. And, of course, no-slip strips not only in the shower but in front of the sink and commode prevent more than a few opps! Grab bars with LARGE cushioned hand grips are spaced around the bathroom to provide support, stability, and insurance against other opps. A raised toilet seat and the sink cabinet raised to 368 inches have made the b'room more user friendly.

All the door handles in our home have been changed from the more-or-less regulation round type to lever type and the gates are in the process of being converted.

A great thread. Thanks, Shug

Edited to eliminate an extraneous e
Spelunker2009-05-03 09:40:02oh spelunker!  good points on the hand grips! We had all taller toilets installed (only more than regular) and I have an extra tall pedastal in the powder room...My vanities are all normal height but I have a small stool that I can sit on to dry hair/curl/apply make up, etc. Dh just bought a great can opener by Hamilton Beach.  It has smooth opening of tin cans, a rubber grip for jars and a great gadget for opening crimped tops (like beer bottles) twist off (like soda) and tins with the ring pulls (like sardines).  Handy! Hi Everyone, Nori, good luck to you in your new home. Hey Shug... did you say you wash clothes in the dishwasher?  [QUOTE=CathyMarie]Hey Shug... did you say you wash clothes in the dishwasher?  [/QUOTE]