I’ve had FM and CFS for about 5 years as a 54 yr old man I’ve noticed how much strength I’ve lost in terms of grip - just holding things or tightening little screws, my hands seem incapable of holding even a heavy plate or large mug some days. Along with the pain in my body is the weakness something others have found too?
Thank you
Good morning. Yep. I'm the same. I find it almost impossible to do up a necklace. My hands are now what I would describe as "very clumsy". I have problems grasping and gripping things. I was trying to mend something with a pair of pliers recently - I did get there in the end but I noticed I had problems using the pliers. Lifting heavy things - I use both hands as I find it painful. I drop a lot of things. I just think it's part and parcel of it all. It could be better but it certainly could be an awful lot worse too.
Hope you have a lovely day. Best wishes Golly
I've been told by doctors that there's no or very little detectable weakness in my hands/grip but nevertheless it's something that I struggle with daily.
I have finally found a bottle/jar opener that actually works after a friend recommended it (baby boa) and also find that carrying things with two hands easier than holding it in one. My hands also twitch a lot, so that doesn't help either
I use a Nutcracker to get the tops off tonic water or lemonade bottles and I have a thing in the kitchen which does most opening of awkward things. Looks a bit like a figure 8. I got it in Wilko, but I have seen a lot advertised on TV. I also use a battery operated can opener.
Cheers, Midori
I have lots of problems with my hands, I drop thinks often 10-30 times a day, I just seem let go without meaning too. I gave up a weight lifting class bc my hands and feet hurt so much that even though my arms and legs were strong enough I was constantly worried I would drop the bar.
Weirdly a bit like what Hazel said I still have dexterity, I'm an artist and that is still doable although I can't draw for as long as I used too. Also I can coordinate enough to keep progressing with my Wing Chun kung fu and that requires a lot of wrist mobility so I don't really understand what's going on.
I drop things, and break a lot of things in the process, and only last week I was getting really really upset about it. But that was partly bc I know there is no point going to a doctor as they will just look at me like I'm a hyperchondriac and I can't cope with that.
Yes unfortunately I can't lift a full kettle and sometimes need 2 hands to hold a cup I've been a few years like that now and I am 41 so I don't think age matters sadly. I take the good days with the bad days now as it is not something I can change j have learned to ask for help when needed as hard as it is. I would through my hand at anything a few years ago climbing ladders painting I even swapped out my kitchen sink and dug out my back garden but not anymore. I do a bit of painting but it takes me much longer and I have to rest up for a couple of days sometimes in between finishing sometimes I just get it done. It is frustrating but I get there in the end and don't give up. The main thing is it's ok to ask for help allow yourself swallow your pride and maybe just help a little.
Yes, definitely. When in pain, we tend not to use our muscles, then we lose our muscle tone ... it's a vicious circle. The only thing you could try is some gentle exercise each day when you can... strangely enough it does help.... I can't lift my dumb bells before and even the lightest ones feel heavy, so am trying dyna bands.
Yes, I know that feeling! Dropitis is the word I give it.
I would suggest something I use and that is Melamine plates and bowls (good quality picnic stuff).
Had mine for years and it lasts well. Many stores do it, (Tesco , and Waitrose, and I'm pretty sure most of the big Supermarkets will have it.)
The great thing is, its quite hard to break. I also use plastic glassware for the same reason.
Hope this helps,
Cheers, Midori
Hi. Yes, I get days like that too and some days when I don't. - I get rubber grippy mats with holes in when I see them in diy type shops and cut them into a size that will grip a screw top. I keep one in my bag or pocket too. - Sorry, can't remember the name of it. - Can sometimes manage to open things with an elastic band too. - Sometimes it affects my feet on the stairs. Different lights seems to affect vision too a bit. If I realise I'm in that mode, I count myself myself down steps. It really is weird isn't it. I think we 'can' get respites from it. You sound like you are a bit practical. That bodes well for your being able to adapt. It's perhaps knowing how much risk of pain there is of any activity.
Do you have access to a physical therapist? They can reach you regular strengthening exercise to do at home that will quickly improve your muscular health.
I agree it's important to try that.
But I think in many cases, in mine anyway, it's got absolutely nothing to do with potential strength: the strength is there, but usually somehow cannot be accessed or activated. On good days in good moments I still cycle faster than an e-bike; any time I can do >30 push-ups. I tried hand exercising gadgets for 5-10'/d for a few months: Made zero difference - I still have to often ask my wife to open jars for me or get a gadget. Since getting MCAS on top I've unfortunately lost the short sharp energy bursts I had before. I was hoping Chinese acupuncture could get that back by 'improving energy flow', but it's only helped energy generally (from 10% up to 25%, and seemingly plateauing).
Have you had EMG done? What did your neurologist say?
Yup, the whole painful process: completely normal...
Imagine if you lack strength how much worse it can be!
Yes that's all familiar to me. I have carpal tunnel syndrome too and my left hand is really bad at the moment, so I'm struggling with grip even more. I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right wrist 8 years ago. I've recently gone back to the gym and like Cat00, I find my hands are letting me down before anything else.
There are studies that suggest a link between fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.
I'm hoping to have surgery and be able to get my strength back again🤞
Someone please help me ,give me some hope
Finally finishing me job!
Me again :(
