Well, I got through the first two weeks of my new job and although it was exhausting, I think it was a good move. The people are nice and my room is great. The one problem I have is that I have to constantly use a key to open heavy double bolt locks on the door to my class and to the teachers' restrooms. Since I'm always in and out of class and have to use the restroom hourly, my hands are really suffering. My thumb is swollen and painful and doesn't bend.. It sometimes locks in position. I'm compensating by using the students' restroom and using other fingers to use the key but I'm afraid I'm doing damage. I know there are some assistive devices for keys but don't know which kid would help. Any suggestions ?
Linda ask the dr for a script for thumb splints, you don't hve to wear them all the time but they do help with the swelling of the tissue around your thumb, also ask for liborderm patches, you wear them 12 hrs on 12 hrs off, the pain medication goes directly into the soft tissue and helps the swelling go down and makes the pain go away. Ask the rd as to what he might have that can help you with the key, my dr has a lot of helpful devices in the office that he gives out for free from the reps. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. xoxoxo meme
Actually, you should have the right to ask for a different kind of lock on the door that you could use. That is called accomodation and it shouldn't be an expensive one for them to make.
Try this site: http://store.wrightstuff.biz/keyturners.html.
You may find something at a medical supply store.
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I know I can always come here and ask the real experts who've been there, done that.LindaK - if you have trouble finding a proper key truner, I've read about someone who uses a nail scrubbing brush, she leaves it by the door. I just went out and tried it, it worked on my front door key even though not very elegant. It needs to be one with a handle. You slip the space between the brush and the handle over the key and turn. Depends on the size and type of key, I guess.Hey Linda, hope you find the tools you need! Glad to hear that things are going well otherwise for you.
Looks dumb but use a vice grip (locking) pliers to hold the key and turn it. - It'll use your whole hand with a lever instead of poor little thumb and finger with no lever.