I hate shaking hands! | Arthritis Information

 

After RA, I really don't like shaking people's hands.  Recently some guy crushed my hand, and I yelled out.  How do I avoid it, when someone extends his/her hand to me?  I don't want to say, "I've got RA, so I have painful fingers and shaking hands hurts me."  But that is the truth.  I have a job and sometimes I feel there's no way out of it.

Actually, I just don't shake hands and it's not because of Ra, it's due to the cold and flu season.  If I have to shake hands I use an antibiotic wipe.  Since it hurts your hands just offer your finger tips.  Sometimes no matter what you do, you lose, so I guess that's just part of the deal, some pain with a handshake.  LindyI have noice that people are getting better about it.  It used to be a nice firm hand shake as they called it, now most people around here and at church, they don't press on your hand....maybe I'm just getting old so they take it easy on me...lol  WRIST BRACES! If people SEE the hurt, they're gentle. I tell them it's flu season and I'm keeping whatever germs I have to myself. No one has ever been put off by that.Hi, But I must say, that I'd rather have a firm handshake than one of those limp noodle shakes that sends a condescending message. That's my take on it.

Limp noodle shake,  LOL  I like that.....But whem your hands hurt, the noodle shake is better.

Try this:

ttp://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20192ooops - the "h" was left off the http://

if link doesn't work look for Dr. Schiels patented handshakeWhen my hands flare, I just say something like..."oh, can we skip the hand shake, my hand is sore today"......people always accomodate, no one has ever seemed offended. And really, how could someone be offended by that?  No one wants to hurt ya. Love the link for the patented handshake! Extending the palm down forces the other person to be more gentle.  If I'm feeling particularly sore, I will just try to be enthusiastic about meeting someone with my words and body language, so they won't think too much about having missed out on getting up close and personal with me through a handshake! Nori, here is what to do:  When presented a hand to shake, hold up the left hand in a 'Wait a sec motion'.  Then, get that funny look on your face that says 'I'm gonna sneeze'.  Now, fake sneeze into your right hand.  Should be no problem after this, but if the hand is presented again, just look  Ha ha.  That is funny. Nice visual. Do a Howie Mandell--he is a germ--a-phobic--he  hand any hand crushers does the knuckle thing.  Donald Trump says he doesn't like to shake hands either.  I hate it too.  As soon as that person is out of site, I either use a hand sanitizer or go wash my hands.  I just feel creepy!  Lately I haven't had any hand crushers--but I know what you mean.  I bet with most people, it is a habit.  Our mission is to break their habit.  I think a fake cough right before they offer theirs should turn them off--I hope.

I agree.  People need to get the message that you can't assume a firm handshake is always appropriate.

I think the cultures that bow instead of a handshake have got it right.  No clammy hands, no passing of germs, no crossing boundaries, and no potential pain for either party.
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