Could someone offer some tips for putting on pants. I am a female and I have difficulties putting on my pants.

[Ballet-Beauty]

Any suggestions on style, type of pants, or any suggestions that would help me to put on my pants easier would be greatly appreciated thank you.

[JohnPepper]

Hi Ballet-beauty. Yes! I have had this problem for over twenty years. I know I should sit down on a chair, in order to safely put my underpants and pants on - but being male and not being prepared to bow to this insult to my independence - I have found that if I concentrate on raising each leg, as high as possible, instead of concentrating on getting the foot into the appropriate space, I seldom miss. I know I am a fool and what difference does it make to have to sit down on a chair and do it, but I have just as many problems, when sitting down, getting my feet into the right places, without catching my toes or missing altogether. Our rigidity is the problem, but it does my ego a lot of good, when I can stand up, and concentrate very hard on the raising up and not on the placement. You may not feel the same about this as I do, but to me, self-confidence is a very important part of dealing with Pd. If I have confidence I can tackle any situation. At one stage, I had no confidence at all. I could not do anything for myself. That has all changed now, and just to take the danger of falling out of the equation, I lean a gainst a wall, while pulling my pants on, so that I don't fall, when I miss getting in properly.

I hope this makes sense to you!

Kind regards

John

[PatV in reply to JohnPepper]

I agree. I view it as a balancing exercise. I don't lean but I have a place behind me I might sit if I start to fall. But so far so good.

[plainbob in reply to JohnPepper]

Interesting how we have come to the same sollution to the problem. I suspect you are further down the line in the PD battle, your perseverance is inspiring. God bless

[pantsassistproject in reply to JohnPepper]

John,

We are a group of engineering students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. We have built a prototype of an electro-mechanical device that allows a user to put on his/her pants with the push of a button. We will be pitching our idea to a panel of judges Wednesday December 14th. It would go a long way if you would assist us by making a video no longer than 30 seconds providing validity to the fact that an inability to put on pants exists as a major problem in society. If you are willing to help you can email me at [e-mail].

Thank you.

[Hidden]

I don't wear jeans or dress pants mostly shorts and sweat pants and t shirts. I use to be a stylish guy ! But the last 11 months I've gotten worse don't go out with friends anymore . I lay in bed most of the day last year I was going to the park district health club everyday . I had more mobility then 11 months ago I don't know.

[grandmasanta in reply to Hidden]

My doctor urges me to exercise daily...even if it is only walking. Supposedly exercise will slow down the progress of APS..it would probably help with PD folks too,,,especially those who do not tremor. Therefore, Anthony1162, PLEASE GET OUT OF BED AND START MOVING!! You owe it to yourself and family...

[quirkyme]

I've been helping my husband dress/undress. We figure this will give him time to do things that are more interesting to him. Also I've been looking for cotton knit pants with a zipper in the front. Sweat pants are often polyester and hold in sweat.

As for women's clothing, LLBean has some stretch pants that stay neat/don't stretch out, both in regular and petite. They have classic pant with elastic at the waist. Corderoy (sp) winter. Those look good. Blair for women would be less expensive.

[jimmyteaster in reply to quirkyme]

It is weird....I have battled this pants thing for several years not knowing why it looks so easy & yet is so frustrating when you have difficulty !!!

Chalk another one up to PD....it is good to know there is a reason for my physical struggles...I need 20 more months to retirement...gotta keep on "keepin" on " Say a prayer that I make it !!!

[grandmasanta in reply to jimmyteaster]

You can do it, Jimmyteaster!

[labeanery in reply to jimmyteaster]

Easy Adjustable, Dressing Assistant: Applying pants and shirts with the patented "Miracle Dressing Aid" miracledressingaid.com/home...

youtube.com/watch?v=pb9OvtB...(Not working as expected?)

[froggatt55]

Hi Ballet-Beauty

I always start trying to stand on one leg then if that works - great. If it doesn't then I lean against the wall, if it works - great then I sit down BUT I never sit down first. That is the key!

I even do this with socks which is the greater issue!

[grandmasanta]

i SIT ON THE STAIR-LANDING WITH MY FEET ON THE BOTTOM STEP TO PUT ON PANTS AND SHOES. i FIND THE LOWER i SIT THAT i DO NOT HAVE TO RAISE MY LEG AS HIGH PLUS i CAN USE THE BANNISTER TO PULL MYSELF UP WHEN FINISHED.

[cabbagecottage in reply to grandmasanta]

My brother in law does exactly the same thing

[bigmama53]

Well, I have changed all my knickers to silky ones so that pants can easily ride over them. Much harder if they're cotton. As for pants (trousers), either they are stretchable waists or velcro fasteners (am slowly going through my wardrobe and replacing velcro for fasteners). My balance is not very good, so I tend to sit down if I have to on the edge of my bed.

Stretching exercises are excellent for you but that is the case with any form of it. Keeps you supple and moving.

[mrogers115]

Have you heard of Pants Up Easy? It is a product that helps those with pulling those pants up. It might be a possible solution

[labeanery]

Easy Adjustable, Dressing Assistant: Applying pants and shirts with the patented "Miracle Dressing Aid" miracledressingaid.com/home...

A new and revolutionary invention is now available to help give independence to people with limited mobility, in getting dressed. It has been proven by many dozens of happy users around the world. It was originally designed for a lady with MS of 78 years and is used by many people of all ages with CP, MS, polytrauma, joint replacements, Parkinson's, age related, & physical / occupational therapies, of accident, Stroke, & Cancer recovery/rehabilitation. The miracle is in the timing when a person has come to a point that all hope has been exhausted & one feels that they are stuck without the hope of fast recovery. The Miracle Dressing Aid is a innovative, break through technology, lightweight, strong, adjustable dressing aid that does really work for a wide range of users from children to large adults that are compromised in their ability to dress themselves alone. This patented device is simple, but ingenious, that may provide excellent benefit to quality of life and personal independence. youtube.com/watch?v=pb9OvtB...(Not working as expected?)