I have Neuropathy in my hands now too. When I am in Church or at work I have to greet people. How do you politly not shake hands with people without seeming rude or having to explain to everyone you meet that you have a problem? Especially because it is both hands, not just one. Does anyone have any ideas? It hurts so bad especailly when they give you a really firm handshake or pat your hand while shaking it.

In my mind, that's a toughy! I can't see any way around it without a simple explanation of why you can't shake hands. All you need say though, is that you have arthritis, you do not have to go into an extensive explanation of neuropathy. With no explanation, you may seem rude.

You can try this:

Buy one of those carpal tunnel braces and put it on your right hand.
When someone wants to shake with you just hold it up and wince.
Then reach out with the left and make a tiny forearm touch instead.
(this type of touch I use all the time and it calms people. It is very small, light
and non-invasive)

Do like Howie Mandell on "Deal or No Deal" - instead of shaking hands gently touch the other person's fists with yours. This is catching on and I'm seeing lots of people doing it now. Bet this really helps those with sore hands.

See if you can hand out the 'bulletins' or seat people....

if not the wrist brace is a good idea

or the updated hand fistshake should work...except for the old folks, who might not get it. (You may find yourself explaining even more).

They make a urethane glove or gel glove for cyclists..but you need the winter kind with full fingers....that could soften the crunch. No one has to bust your knuckles while shaking hands. Go to your local bike store explain you need winterized gel gloves....they should understand what you are asking for. These are similar to what wetsuits are made of...kind of spongey, yet some have gel to pad the cyclists hands.

I have plastic molded splints that make me look like a robot (for night use only and even then only one at a time...you can't take two at a time....too confining)....those will make folks run to the pew and pray thanks and sing allelluia like crazy!! An OT can fashion that for you...those are not squeezable at all.

Nothing is worse than explaining 'neuropathy'....I see people's eyes glaze over.

For me, folks that remember me as the indefatiguable athlete, it is too hard for them to associate me with a degenerative disease...those who know me well know I do not do well with pity. Others simply have a great denial system. Others think I am a just a witch.

Frankly, I try to gloss over the issue with most folks other than my husband, who is going deaf (and doesn't mind that). I know he hears only half of what I say.

Also, have you run the gamut on pain meds?? Tried them all?

I give you a lot of credit for staying active and bucking up to all the pain....keep up the good work, and say a prayer or two for me in whatever church you are in. They always ask me my religious preference when I check into the hospital, or the ER...I tell them when the time comes...ANY one will do.

This is something that might work too.http://www.domeproductsonline.com/ho...target=d7.html I remembered using them when I went on crocheting binges. I know I have one somewhere but I'm ordering new ones because the crutches are killiing my arthritic hands. If you order them in the flesh/beige color they wouldn't be so noticable and could be worn to church to perhaps help this pain.

Billye

Thanks for all your suggestions. I appreciate the advice as well as the humor. Nothing like putting a smile on someones face when they are in pain. . I am going to have to try a few of these suggestions.

They grab one's armsleeves with both hands...then the 'shakee' feels compelled to put their gripped hand then the other hand on your armsleeves...thus contact, but no real contact...Maybe an 'airkiss', but no contact? Worth a try ???

And yes, the 'grip suspense' just holding onto a cup can be an adventure! I'm using commuter travel cups that sort of have some spill protection for the shakes and 'tilts'. I also use 'Duncan's Kitchen Grips' potholders for hot things when cooking or microwaving...they grip well on both sides, and do well [unless wet] at hi temps. I've had mine for 4 years and they're not deteriorating one bit..with lots of use.... They also work well for opening jars and bottles...I wish Santa could be delivering them to all of you!
Their site is: http://www.kitchengrips.com/ Not cheap, but last and best WORK! - j

Just wanted to give all you arthritis sufferers a great new gadget to open up your cans with. I got it the other day and I still marvel at what it does.

It's called The One Touch Can opener. I can't use a manual can opener any more. My hands just don't have the strength and it's too hard to go around the can. And my electric can opener is on the other side of the room, in a closet, and if I need it , I have to go there, take it out, use it, then unplug it, then wipe it down, then return it to the closet.

Well. the other day I was in CVS and saw this One Touch thing.

I bought it. Absolutely amazing. It fits in the palm of your hand. It has batteries in it. You place it on any size can, press the button and it actually walks around the can. Never got such a kick out of anything in my whole life. Been using it ever since. It fits in the kitchen drawer. Wipes clean in a flash.

I also got the New Reynolds Handii-Vac Vacuum system for $8.99. I place all my turkey burgers, chicken and fish, and press down on the bag and it sucks all the air out. Then you pop into the freezer. No more freezer burn.

Just call me the gadget queen. I've got them all!!!

mel