Gripping items : Hi friends Just wondering if... - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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Gripping items

Art69 profile image
14 Replies

Hi friends

Just wondering if anyone has trouble with trying to grip or hold things with there and try and move around,I am having trouble picking up items and trying to move,just keeps slipping out of hand like it’s not there.if so is there any thing they are taking for this or is this the ataxia kicking in

Many Thanks

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Art69 profile image
Art69
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14 Replies
SamGH profile image
SamGH

I get frustrated with this too.

Litty profile image
Litty

Oh yes I get it a lot - especially small things on floor, and knees do not want to bend to pick stuff up!

Plates in dishwasher a real challenge and I have had to stop cooking - drop too much food! x

ciaranj123 profile image
ciaranj123

I have the same issue, unfortunately just seems to be a problem the condition seems to bring. All I can recommend is to use a charge card when you can to avoid collecting change, and to pick things up with both hands. If you need to pick up change try sliding it off the counter into your other hand, like cleaning crumbs off a table.

Art69 profile image
Art69

Hi All

Thanks very much for your reply’s

I thought it was just me

Thanks

february profile image
february

My dexterity is highly compromised...,so frustrating! I constantly drop things and my fingers seem to have a mind of their own, as I have trouble grasping things too! It just goes alone with the ataxia program! My best to you...,;o)

Art69 profile image
Art69 in reply tofebruary

Thanks for your reply 😎👍

FFNick profile image
FFNick

I got free from OT a "Helping Hand" grabber. Great for when you drop things and knee bend not advisable. I had to tape the magnet in the end in place after Helping Hand maker replaced lost magnet.

Also do exercises to maintain finger grip, after adapting learning exercises at AgeUK classes. Squeeze a ball (tennis or rubber. First wash dog slobber off the ball,)

Finding 1kg weight for arm exercises solved by partially filling plastic water bottle. Tuck bottle in long sox instead of ankle weights.

As yet no substitute for treadmill nor cyclometer. Both have programmable resistance.

Your local leisure centre might have subsidised sessions where you use their gym. (Via GP?) Often for stroke and limb injury recovery.

wobblybee profile image
wobblybee

😏 My dexterity is definitely not what it was. If I have to hurry I’m all fingers and thumbs 😬 Sometimes, somehow things just seem to slip from my fingers. And trying to open anything wrapped in cellophane 😂 Yesterday, I had coffee & cake while we were shopping 😋 My husband had brought a knife to cut the cake, then had to go back for a fork to save me dropping bits on the floor 😂 xB

suzie44na profile image
suzie44na

Hi Art69, I have this problem, when I am holding something, my brain forgets to hold on and I drop it , and especially if it is lightweight. I have to keep saying to myself hold on, so I don’t forget.

Suzie

Art69 profile image
Art69 in reply tosuzie44na

Thanks for that suzie

It’s a pain in the neck,especially out and about

Thanks

robo1 profile image
robo1

It's not just dropping things, it's turning pages and opening newspapers that drives me mad I used to think that it was due to arthritis but perhaps it is all due to Ataxia, my fingers don't seem to work properly any more and as for writing.....

Bob

Art69 profile image
Art69 in reply torobo1

Thanks robo

peakerhome profile image
peakerhome

Yes, definitely noticed a deterioration in my dexterity, especially around the monopoly board over Christmas!!

Judy

ddmagee1 profile image
ddmagee1

For sure! I’ve had dexterity problems for a while, due to Cerebellar Ataxia, and recently, I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so I’m sure that doesn’t help. Sometimes, things just slip out of my hands, and my grip fails me. It’s annoying and I have no warning. One time that happened with a pie I was taking out of the oven. You wouldn’t believe the mess!

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