I’m starting to find using door handles uncomfortable. Is this likely to get worse, anyone of you had this?
Door handles : I’m starting to find using door handles... - NRAS
Door handles
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Sunnyseas
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12 Replies
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I sure have. I used to struggle when I worked in a hospital, so many locked doors. When I bought a new build house I had to pay extra for upgraded handles as the standard ones were too sharp. Sometimes when out shopping I use my shoulder to push a door open as it's much easier.
Hi Kiki, in the first two months I couldn't hold a knife or fork. With wrist supports that got better and then the medication kicked in to improve matters. Hopefully this is only a passing phase for you.
I remember that - my husband used to cut all my food up for me.
Me too - when I had bad flares I genuinely couldn't hold a knife or cut! I found it pretty lowering in one way, but also quite heartwarming (once I'd had a good cry about it) that my other half would carefully cut up my food for me. Always sticks in my head is when we were settling down to watch a big pay-per-view boxing match, and he'd made these amazing burgers for us, then ended up having to cut the whole thing into tiny bits as I couldn't hold it, or a knife and fork!
Yes, it really is dreadful. Also, opening and closing the car door and putting on my seatbelt was really painful so hubby had to do that too. I felt absolutely helpless. x
Sorry Sunny for calling you Kiki, still half asleep.
Certainly have Sunny, particularly in the early days before my disease was better controlled. I still struggle with door knobs and taps which need to be turned and have replaced these in my home. I do use the back of my arm or if heavy doors, my shoulder to push them open. Grab handles are easiest but some designs are uncomfortable and awkward to use. Working hand splints can help your wrists which take some strain when opening door handles. My fingers also don’t help.
You might find an appointment with an occupational or physiotherapist; they can supply you with splints or other useful aids or suggestions. However they are probably not having face to face contact at present.
Hands/ wrists are often the first joints to show signs of RA, leading to diagnosis. Your disease could be more active at the moment, please mention to your rheumatologist the change you have noticed.
Yes, and turning keys in locks too. It is typical of uncontrolled, active disease for me. Wrists and fingers get very weak indeed, making an empty plate or cup or anything feel heavy. I don’t use a knife and fork, replaced the knife long ago with a spoon!
As others have said, once disease is controlled for you in about three months, there should be a big improvement.
I have wrist and thumb splints given by my OT.
Hope you notice improvements in a few weeks. Stay safe.
i have the same problem with door handles and haven't found any style to help so will keep an eye on this post in case somebody else has. Lever taps in bathroom and kitchen have helped me greatly but all door handles whether lever or knob ar an absolute pain 4me. What I dream of are automatic doors, or even 4him to remember to leave internal doors ajar 4me to kick or elbow. will now look up OT info. x
Yes , have been using picnic melamine plates and bowls too - so much lighter - look Sainsbury’s and Tesco
Hi Sunny , I also have trouble with door handles , what I did to help myself was to get some pipe lagging , cut it to length of handle then secured with tape . It’s unsightly but I find it more comfortable on my hands , I’ve also covered a grab rail with it as that really hurt my hand . That’s ok in your own home but doesn’t help when out . I hope you find something that helps you .
When I was first diagnosed I struggled with door handles, taps, cutlery etc. I also found petrol pumps a nightmare - squeezing the trigger was so painful.
Now my RA is under control I’m fine.
I had a flare a couple of weeks back and my partner had to cut my food up for me again!
Do whatever makes life easier. There are lots of aids out there - I found some really good hand braces that help when things are bad.
Maybe ask for a session with the occupational therapist / hand therapist. Very helpful too x
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