Advice for Better Living Archives

I have found recently that I can't turn the ignition on a certain make and model of car. I discovered this recently when renting a car. My colleague had to turn the ignition for me from the passenger seat (which was embarassing)! I don't have this problem with other cars I drive. I've suspected for some time that my grip strength is weakening. Has anybody else had trouble turning the ignition on specific cars?

i know what you mean. in my fathers van i have a difficult time turning  the ignition....with that one i have to turn it part way and then readjust my hand to turn it the rest of the way...may that will help you out. -zomby

I had a locksmith put a big head on my car key for better grip. It's wide enough to put more fingers in it.- Nanasu

you might find these key turners useful:
http://www.beabletodo.com/Detail.bok?category=
Household&start=1&total=31&no=125

http://www.maddak.com/hpfeat/hparth/onekey.htm
-carols

I'm struggling at work with my RA.  My PCP let me go 9 months without ever diagnosing me.  I've had shots, Celebrex,  you name it before I was referred to a rheumotologist.  Six months later, even with Remicade (study), methotrexate, and prednizone, I'm still no better off. The only difference I see is that I'm not as stiff in the mornings. I drop things constantly, need help even dressing in the mornings, and really struggle at work.  My employer has given me the paperwork for disability and FMLA without me asking.  Until the last 6 months, I've had outstanding evals at work.  Now I'm seeing a paper trail started to get rid of me.  My Jan 2002 eval was the lowest I've ever had.  I've asked my doctor for a letter of accommodation several times.  I've kept a daily log of how I feel and how I'm coping and submitted it to the research coordinator.  I've talked about using my private disability insurance until I felt better.  His response is that I'd be cheating the disability company.  I don't understand.  I'm miserable and it shows.  I'm seeing a therapist for depression too.  Is anyone else struggling at work? (I am being referred to another doctor but it will be 3 months before I can get in.  I could be fired by then.  If I lose my job, I lose medical and disability.) HELP! -Brit

First I would start documenting all the crap that your employer is giving you so you have dates and exact quotes. After a while it all gets jumbled up in your head. Write down all the negatives that they are now giving you.

Second I would enlist the aid of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Not that you need a new job, you could put down that you want help getting working accommodations from your employer. I would also peruse the EEOC web sight so that you can see if there are any cases that mimic yours. Handy to have they also have a long list of potential accommodations for people with arthritis if you poke around there long enough..

You are not alone. My corp. gave me some modifications a while back. My supervisor (new) decided that she wasn't going to abide with them. so we are in the process AGAIN. I know what you are going through. Hang tough. You probably like most people with hidden disabilities are an exemplary employee. But, you have to be willing to fight for your rights.

Depressed, well who of us living with a chronic disease like arthritis gets up and say OH wonderful I have arthritis. Well, get yourself anywhere even the emergency room if you feel you need some anti-depressants, they can improve your sleep and that is good. Your workplace situation again makes one feel worthless, I think there should be a law against damaging one's self respect/ self esteem. Which is probably a significant factor in your depression. I would make sure that I got help immediately. You can go to the ER with depression. 

I am wishing you the best and know that you will need to be strong to do this. But, with this disease it makes us tougher than able bodied people. Take care of yourself. toni

Dear Brit,

I have a lot of experience in this matter so, you can email me personally if you want to. 

Find out (if you do not already know) what your disabililty policy is at work. If you are entitled to take a disability leave and get paid, do it! When you are very sick like this, you need to rest, go to doc apptmts, take your meds, and you have every right if your doctor supports it, to take time off to try to get well. I did it several times and I got better each time when everyone at work told me I would not! If necessary, go right to personnel and find out your disability policy. If you do not have a policy that allows you to take off sick with pay then, consider the FMLA.

You must believe that you will get better and do everything you can to achieve it. there were many times I thought, this is it, and I struggled to go to work but, when you really can't do it, you will know.
AUSWEEN@AOL.COM 

Does Anyone Else Have Any Advice for Brit?

Please tell me what you know about the medication (Arava) any and all info from experience, or word of mouth.

Sincerely, Mel

I have been taking Arava for psoriatic arthritis for about two months.  The only side effect I seem to have is hair loss.  It isn't drastic enough for others to notice but I notice it when I'm washing my hair, brushing it or even pulling it back for a clip. -sylvia

Anybody got a tip on how to press that red safety button on a childs car seat that releases the straps? I'm really deforming my thumb!!

Try using one of those wooden sticks that come with meat grinders to push down the meat. The end usually has a large knob which you can wrap your palm around.- Para

I cut a short piece of a big dowel rod & placed rubber chair leg protectors on each end. I pushed the red button with my palm on the other end of the stick. After he turned 3 my little one learned to push it himself. -Nanasu

I used a metal tire pressure gauge (shaped like a pen with a flat bottom and rounded bottom) to press on the red button and release it.  I kept it in my car in the pocket on the back of the front seat so, it was handy for me.  This worked wonders for saving my fingers!  You can buy one in any autoshop or, use someting similar which is strong enough and round/big enough for you to grab/use.  maybe a fat highlighter pen or a miniflashlite which does double duty!  -MAUREEN

I am looking for an arthritis bra for my mother, but it has to be longline for back support and hook in the front. Her hands are severely arthritic so she cannot manage the many hooks on the traditional longline, Leading Lady brand arthritis bra does not come in the long line style. Do you know where I can get a catalog with options? Also lumbar support belts all seem to hook in the front. That would be an option for her back, but is there one with an easier closure.

Any info would be greatly appreciated

I think J.C. Penney has a catalog of clothes that don't require buttoning and front closure bras etc. You might try there.
Good Luck,
-Bettty

There is a catalog called InteliHealthCatalog which offers a longline posture bra with closures in the front. But, it does have lots of hooks. Maybe a good taylor could replace them with velcro or something which would be easier on your Mom's fingers. Sometimes velcro is hard to grab and pull off so, if this is the case, make sure to add a piece of cloth she can grab to pull off! -MAUREEN

Hello! Velcro works wonderful!  My friend replaced all the hook and eyes with the velcro..and it's so much easier and less stressful! Hope this helps..Look for someone to replace the hooks!  Love Nance