Can’t feed myself

[MSbeGone]

Hello, I am struggling to use my right (dominant) hand to feed myself. Has anyone else struggled with this issue and how was it handled? Know of drinks that will provide vegetable and protein servings?

[jimeka]

Morning, I was dominant right hand but I have managed to re train my brain to use my left hand. A good friend bought me a special fork and spoon with this knife handles and they are so easy to grip, I can use them with ease with my left hand. I cannot use a knife very successfully but I tend to eat food that I can use a fork or spoon. They do sell them on Amazon. Sorry I live in the U.K. so I can’t recommend any drinks but hopefully someone will help you. Let us know how you get on, blessings Jimeka 🤗

[MSbeGone in reply to jimeka]

Thank you

[Sandydemop in reply to jimeka]

hey jimeka what is the brand of the special fork and spoon?

[jimeka in reply to Sandydemop]

Sorry it’s took so long to reply. My hubby has Covid, so all my attention is his way. I had a look at the utensils and all it says is OXO, printed on the shaft. Hope you are doing ok. 🤗

[Sandydemop in reply to jimeka]

jimeka thanks for taking time to respond. I hope your hubby gets well soon. I think OXO is a brand. I'm doing ok thanks. very stiff in the morning with the cold weather. Otherwise good.

[jimeka in reply to Sandydemop]

The cold weather plays havoc with the ms muscles and joints 👎

[Kenu]

MSAA has utensils 🍴 that do help with this. I was dominant right hand and have been a lefty now for 26 years. Tough at first but have adapted. I am not ashamed to ask others to help cut food even waitress at restaurants. It limits what I order sometimes but usually with someone that will help. Good luck and hang in there 👍🏼🙏😉🐾🐾

[MSbeGone in reply to Kenu]

Thank you

[AriSmyelin]

I remember shaking so bad for years that soup was just a nonexistent subject. Until someone made a spoon for people with tremors...And of course close to when I find it is when my tremor was getting slightly better and I had to train myself to use both hands. However, the time I lost complete control of my hand was when the pain of it was so excruciating I had to use my left hand to even move my right. I couldn't even tap my right hand/arm without wanting to bawl. And I have a high pain tolerance. Turns out I still have some nerve damage, it wasn't caused by bone spurs, active lesions on my spine. It was a freaking UTI....(Eyeroll) Like seriously?

[MSbeGone in reply to AriSmyelin]

Thank you

[jackiesj]

Straw things....after a major surgery a friend pointed out baby food, at first i went oh yuck! Seriously it isnt easy to have babies eat so things have gotten better, especially deserts.Ensure is one drink also to have inbetween.If you can use a blender or a juicer you can put nuts meats etc down to soft side for protien. Salad is an issue ive started sometimes using my fingers.I admire the combinations of juicing and good ol Jack Lalane was a good man starting it.(yes, Im that old!)You tube may have some ideas and daughter says Google it!

[MSbeGone in reply to jackiesj]

Thank you

[goatgal]

A recently diagnosed friend has more or less lost the use of his dominant hand for most of the activities he used to do. When I saw him two weeks ago, he showed me how stiff and clawlike it had become, but showed me how he had become able to feed himself and write with the other. He's stubborn and persistent (a contractor who builds houses, now with more help than before) but he hasn't given in.

Both PT and OT might be help to explore. If possible, find a certified hand therapist. S/he will have ways to relax and stretch tight muscles as well as make orthotics that might be helpful in your case.

[Sandydemop in reply to goatgal]

that's a great idea

[goatgal in reply to Sandydemop]

When I fractured my left wrist, by the time I was cleared for PT months later, my left hand was not usable for anything. It was curved into a claw. PT for the first several months followed a routine: first a warm parafin dip, then a wrap in moist warm towels, and finally a weight that slowly pressed it onto a flat surface. After the wrap was removed, I was given a variety of exercises using my left (non dominant) hand. I stacked small blocks, sorted shapes, strung beads, and other tasks that gradually increased in difficulty. After several months of this, the therapist began using a (plastic?) material which she would heat, press down to conform to my hand, attach fasteners,,,I wore these every night for a year. These orthotics gradually reshaped the curled hand into something more natural and allowed me to regain 75% of the range of motion. The cause was slightly different from damage caused by MS, but in both instances the muscles become tight due to inability to use the hand. Even today, 20 years later, when I am not using both hands, I will find a way to compress the left or the right to stretch the muscles (I'll sit on a hand or place it under my hip when I am lying down.) I was very, very fortunate (and remain grateful) for this care.

[MSbeGone in reply to goatgal]

Thank you

[MSbeGone in reply to goatgal]

Good advice, thanks!

[MsBoo]

I too have lost major function in my dominant hand/arm... have learned to use my other..took alot of work.. but can now drink, feed and even eat cereal and soup!!!

As far as the other.. V8 for the vegies.. protien drinks you can get at places like grocery stores, big box stores, Walgreens..

[MSbeGone in reply to MsBoo]

Thank you

[BlanketTime1]

years back i had to learn to eat with my left hand as my right shook too much when i moved it to get food in my mouth. fortunately, it only lasted a few weeks. hopefully this will improve for you as well.🤗 boost is a healthier version of ensure, i think.

my dad used large utensils for eating (parkinson's) and we found them on amazon.

[MSbeGone in reply to BlanketTime1]

Thank you

[ahrogers]

My first suggestion was going to be the specialized utensils that others have already mentioned. Then of course is my favorite utensils, my hands/fingers. At home I often eat grean beans and other vegetables that way, much easier than fork. Of course not all vegetables can be eaten this way.If you have a good blender you can make your own. I haven't done it in a while but I used to blend some veggies until liquefied then add frozen fruit and blend again. That way you are getting fresh veggies and fruit without a bunch of preservatives. The grocery store also has some in the refrigerator section. I have had a brand called naked juice and it was delicious.

Learning to adapt is the name of the game for those of us with MS.

[MSbeGone]

Thank you

[DIsneyQueen]

Hi! I have difficulty with my left (non-dominant) hand. Lots of good suggestions for weighted silverware. I have a hard time cutting things so when we went to a restaurant I ordered something that I wouldn’t have to cut. My OT suggested a “rocker knife”. It is about 5 inches long, you hold it in one hand and rock it back and forth. The blade is about 2 1/2 inches long and comes with a cover. Easily fits in my purse so I take it to restaurants. Now I feel comfortable ordering whatever I want. I ordered it on Amazon. I am terrible eating vegetables and I tried the Wahls Protocol and couldn’t stick to it. I take Balance of Nature capsules to supplement my fruits and vegetables. Good luck

[Sandydemop]

I don't have any more suggestions but am in the same boat. my left hand is now my newly dominant hand. i am trying hard to stretch and strengthen my right hand so it doesn't become a claw and bent in on itself. i also ask for a steak knife at restaurants no matter what i am eating. easy to use fingers at home.