Arthritis Off topic

[pampam]

A dear friend has RA. She is going through a bad spell and needs ideas how to cope. Her Dr. suggested getting tongue depressors to put toilet paper on to help her reach herself and clean herself. Popsicle sticks were too short. I suggested maybe a long handled back scratcher that she could clean with bleach might help her reach. At this point she can't do up her bra or even put her socks on. I thought maybe some of my friends here on the Dis might have some coping suggestions. Any ideas?

 

[KPeveler]

I am going to move this to the disability communities board, since it is not Disney related.

There are a lot of daily living aids out there, especially ones that help with dressing... check out this site:

http://www.activeforever.com/s-27-dressing-aids.aspx

I have not tried them, so I cannot recommend specific ones, but some of these might be helpful.

Here are a whole lot of toileting aids too

http://www.activeforever.com/s-73-toilet-aids.aspx

I suggest checking out the whole site - lots of great independent living aids.

Also check out Allegro Medical - these two sites often have big discounts and free shipping...

 

[ratlenhum]

Tell her to call her rheumatologist and demand a medrol pack. She'll be back to her old self in a day!

That's what I do whenever I get that bad with my RA.

 

[KPeveler]

there comes a point when a medrol dose pack doesn't cut it anymore. and not everyone can have steroids. Diseases affect everyone differently - I required 6 weeks of steroids to regain any functionality, and several of my friends with RA are on prednisone permanently (plus MTX and infusion meds).

If her doctor did not give her meds but is suggesting ways to cope with the disease, it may be there is nothing else to be done...

 

[peemagg]

Another company out there is Wrightstuff.com. They have all those type things that she needs.

Is there a medical supply store close by? They should have things there to help her.

 

[Piper]

Medrol doesn't always do the trick. If it does for you, that's great.

I can offer help with the bra. Either: 1. put the band in front, hook it, turn it around and put your arms through (this last part is really tough sometimes) or 2. get a front-hook bra (those have been a lifesaver at times)

Others have given good suggestions for the toileting issues.