Home Better Living Advice Archives

Advice for Better Living Archives

I ha</a>ve 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 s</a>truggling 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

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

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

how are people dealing with depression and the work place, especially when having an anxiety attack. how much do you tell you coworkers and supervisor? this is all so new for me.

Well, I have a lot to say on this matter but, for now, I will try to be brief. I have always tried to deal with my RA problems with dignity and grace as much as possible. It was hard for me to ask for help or accept it easily when someone offered however, I learned to honor the kindness of those few who sincerely and generously offered it to me. I did not expect it or take it for granted. I found that there are many different attitudes out there in the work world. Most people have NO CLUE what arthritis is and the intense pain and limited ability it can cause, not to mention the depression, fatigue, and anxiety that can sometimes stem from this difficult, chronic disease. Depending on your coworkers attitudes, your closeness to them as friends, and your work environment, I think it is best to try to deal with any of your difficulties with grace and dignity. You should explain to your boss briefly some of the concerns/problems you encounter. Think in advance what you will say and perhaps, offer some suggestions on dealing with them together. Some bosses would like to help but, don't know what to do or don't want to bring it up. I have found very helpful friends in the workplace who would be glad to help a bit because they could see the difficulty or they were glad they didn't have such a problem, or just because they were a wonderful person. There were also those in the workplace who did not want to understand the disease. They were "jealous" thinking I was faking it or just lazy. These type of people are simply ignorant and don't really get it. You can ignore them or gracefully, briefly help them understand or, tell them if necessary to stop if they are harassing you - which sadly, does happen in the workplace. Be brave and know that there is a world of understanding people here at the arthritisinsight family that understand and silently stand with you during your anxiety attacks...remember, they are just a passing event...you will be ok, and breathe slowly, smile, relax, everything will be ok...one minute at a time. -Maureen

Ugh! Tough question. Any experienced folks out there?

Advisors, Partners, Contributors, Community Members
Page last updated on February 13, 2002