[hannah1234]

How do you guys file/cut your nails? Mine are getting so long but it HURRRRTS to file them and i have another MONTH until ketamine and they are going to be like an inch longer until then. Do you guys have any tips how to do it to lessen the pain to shorten them. they keep poking me and i hit them on surfaces from them being long because they need to be filed but everytime i try to file, my hands blow up in pain from just trying doing one finger.... Usually with ketamine I can file them, but I have another month and have no idea what to do...

oh the joys of RSD... LOL

[kathy d]

Hi Hannah,
I know even the basic things that people take for granted are agony to us. We just have to learn to go about it differently and it takes some planning;.> It's like we are at war with rsd! Crazy huh?! I would suggest doing anything with your nails right after a bath or shower because your skin and nails will be softer. Warm water makes them easier to cut. I learned to do this when my son was a baby. He would never sit still so when he was out of the tub and in a towel...I attacked haha. I think he didn't like hearing the noise of the clippers...probably just did not want to sit still that long! HE was a real energizer bunny. Also, take your bath when you have less pain and that might help too. I know (this sounds strange) I have a pedipaw for my dog and I know you can take the cap off and it is like a mini sander. I know they have to sell something like that for humans (that is where they got the dog nail idea). If I can think of anything else I'll let you know but I hope some of my suggestions help. Good luck.
kathy d

[daniella]

Well my toenails are impacted pretty bad and I am having so nail issues. I can very much relate to it hurting to cut or file. I have thick nails on some areas so there are clippers for thicker nails. Mine are still very hard though to do.When I try to file I do it for a very short time. I hold my toe as light as possible but so that the actual toe can't move. If it moves the pain goes up too much and sends a flare.
Kathy gave a good idea about the warm water. I have been soaking my feet because I am having some sores and toenail issues. Not sure if it is helping.
I hope you can find what works for you.

[finz]

RSD doesn't affect my feet or hands, so I don't suffer with this issue.

Another option to try, in conjunction with those given, could be to have someone else do the cutting. It would still hurt, but you could focus on bracing yourself, while someone else is focusing on getting the job done as quickly as possible. Like pulling off a stuck bandaid....

[hannah1234]

Kathy: Exactly!!! The things that are just normal everyday life. Yesterday I was walking by the bathroom, and my dad was clipping his nails, and I go I'm jealous!!! He never even thought that clipping or filing my nails would be painful. I said YES, but thank goodness that cutting my hair is not painful!!! I tried that to file them after I took a bath, and it actually was worse because they were soft and just were so limp they kept tearing I actually put lidocain mix cream on all of my fingertips and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to kind of relieve the pain a little and it actually did help a little. The best thing was I took a oxycodone and as soon as it kicked it I busted out my nailfile and nailpolish!!! Nailpolish makes me happy to look at my fingers all pretty!

Daniella: My big toes and little toes on my feet are really thick, but the middle toes are really thin and brittle. Also, I found out that a GLASS nail file is the BEST THING to file you nails with. WAY less painful than a regular one. Super excited about that. I found it in the back of my drawer and it actually is way smoother, and doesn't pull the nail back and forth as much as a regular file is.

Finz: That sounds good in theory: But the thought of having somebody else touch my feet or hands especially with tools, makes me want to cry and cringe at just the thought. because its so close to your skin we can judge how close we get to the skin, but they just go and put WAY WAY more pressure on your feet and hands then just doing it yourself! Thanks for the idea! I tried it and nooooo bueno! The band-aid idea- I have someone pull all mine off because I cant. I dont have it in me to do that. But filing nails was just-- :'(

Also, for the glass nail file Sephora carries one that is really good. Also a beauty supply store. Just make sure its not a cheap 5 dollar one. I got mine for 80 percent off because the store was closing but the original price was like 25 or 20 dollars, but totally worth it once using it! It is WAY less painful than the paper or foam filer. Check it out! The Sephora one is 8 dollars and is a good one. Also, if it happens to break while filing they will exhange it! They are great about that. They have it on Amazon here is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/SEPHORA-COLLEC.../dp/B001U3QLJ0

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P12207

Hope this helps and the glass nail file works for you guys like it did me.

Hannah

[AintSoBad]

You can also, find a good, sensitive pedicurist.
Explain the situation.
Demand that s/he be gentle.

I know this can be a bit expensive, but, it may get it under control for a while, and you can take care for yourself for a while, too....

Pete


asb

[elijjennings]

I'm so sorry. I am not able to file my nails any longer as it causes too much pressure on my fingers. Clipping is the only thing I can handle. Soaking your hands in warm water with baking soda helps soften the nails and nail beds to that that are much easier to clip. Especially if you tend to get thick nails or ingrown, the soaking makes a huge difference.
It is amazing the things people take for granted in life. How simple life can be for someone not in pain.
Good luck.

[ballerina]

Hi Hannah,

I soak in Epsom Salts prior to filing. Lately, my nails are so brittle there is not much to file, but the soaks knock the pain down a few notches when I have to deal with nails. Hope this helps!

[Lisa in Ohio]

Hi all, I have found that the files that they use on acrylic nails work best for me. They are more heavy duty and it takes less time. I have also found that on a good days I can get a mani and pedi if I use the same person all the time as she is aware of my RSD and does extra soaking and massage therapy first. Bath and Body makes a really good foot cream with a bit of peppermint (I think) in it which keeps my feet and nails soft. Lisa