[AfterMyNap]

Like many others, whether just in an exacerbation or full-time, I have profound difficulty using my fingers. I want to share some tools that help me immensely in daily living and spare me a lot of humiliation, frustration and meltdowns.

First, the Pocket Dresser for buttons, zippers, laces, etc.:http://www.pocketdresser.com/servlet/StoreFront
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Next, the Maddox knife which has made dining out doable for me again:http://www.pocketdresser.com/servlet...edKnife/Detail
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And the Knork, not quite knife, not quite fork:http://www.knork.net/store.asp

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All of these tools have made life a little better for me and I recommend them to anyone who clings to independence with the same determination.

Please feel free to offer other useful tools to the list!

[Bearygood]

Great topic! I recently saw someone asking about a phone for their father, whose hands are disabled. If anyone knows about this kind of tool, I'm sure he'd really appreciate the info.

[momXseven]

Very cool tools!

[braingonebad]

Big fat pens.

Rubber bands - wrap them around anything you have trouble keeping a grip on, toothbrush, razor, water bottle. Makes little stuff bigger around, gives everything a rubbery grip. And I get mine free off the newspaper.

(Plus, I can tell my water bottle from everyone else's, lol cogfog)

And sippy cups for big people. Plastic (not breaky) and good if you tend to have bad walking days too.

[greta]

AMN-
Never told you but I bought my mom a maddox knife on your recommendation. I was afraid she'd put it in a drawer and never use it. She surprised me, not only does she love it, but everyone at her table too. Very cool tool. My mom has very, very little dexterity and less strength - if she can use it, I bet most people would find it helpful!

[SandyC]

Cool thread Cindy! Jim uses the Rocking T knife and loves it. Very easy for him to use. Rocking T Knife

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[Dejibo]

WOW, I have to get me one of those!

I had a double mastectomy years ago. Since then I have a great deal of trouble cutting my meat. My Hubby and I are always making a joke out of it in restaurants when I slide my plate to him and he cuts my meat, or when at a neighbors. My mom thinks I am truly spoiled since I found a man who will cut my meat for me. i think it would be great to cut my own!

i will have to look into this.

One tool I found was a sippie type cup that has a lip on the inside part. For those that have trouble swallowing pills. you put the pill on the lip, and as you tip it back to drink, the pills fall into your mouth just as you are swallowing! its wild how quickly it works.

[sherylp]

I've been constantly nicking my fingers while trying to peel fruits and vegetables, I found a wonderful peeler at Target (not sure if it's anywhere else). It fits on your finger and is square w/the blade in the center so pretty hard to make contact with the hand your holding the veggie/fruit with.

Chef'n Vibe Palm Peeler

[momXseven]

Originally Posted by Dejibo

One tool I found was a sippie type cup that has a lip on the inside part. For those that have trouble swallowing pills. you put the pill on the lip, and as you tip it back to drink, the pills fall into your mouth just as you are swallowing! its wild how quickly it works.

Wow, if you have a pic or link to this I'd love to see it.

[SandyC]

Jim has this handy cup holder for his wheelchair. We bought it at a Harley Store last summer. You can find this on Ebay or many bike stores. There are several varieties but we found this one was great for low or tall bottles and cups. The best part is it does not stick out or get hung on things and it's adjustable for varying styles of wheelchairs. It attaches with heavy duty snaps, no screws to deal with! To do a search just type in leather cup holder.

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