Recommendations/advice needed

[Mags126]

I am having real problems applying any pressure on bottles/tubes to squeeze out the contents especially with shampoo, conditioner, etc. I have aids to help open bottles and jars but wondered if anyone had recommendations, websites, or advice for this particular problem. Thank you

[binlid]

i brought this up with my rehumatoligist shes a bit curt so im going to bring it up with my nurse app this week and perhaps ask for a referal to occupational therapist might help will let yu know

[sylvi]

Go onto mobility through the web and you should find toothpaste squeezers, i use them to get toothpaste out as i can't sqeeze it out. I also use battery operated toothbrushes as well. I hope this helps you.xx

[Mags126]

Thanks both, I have also just seen a blog from a couple of weeks ago on the same subject with some other tips so will use those ideas too.

[allanah]

i use pencils and wrap the tubes around the pencils and they squeeze out with little effort. Hope that helps but yeah the OT's are good with gadgets xxx

[Hidden]

I have this less now but found that in the shower using my knees worked okay with shower gel and shampoo. My OT did give me some cool gadgets but none for squeezing. Hood luck. Tilda x

[tilstongal]

Goodness I can sympathise with that squeeze! Have you asked to see an OT? I think you are entitled to this visit. They made some really good suggestions as well as giving me splints (which I wear for gardening or Pilates etc). She gave me some bits of grippy plastic squares which are amazing for opening bottles and jars etc, one at the bottom and one at the top -often the simple things that are most effective. I buy pump toothpaste from Wilko's or on offer and use the edge of my palm on it.

Good luck!

Tilstongal

[grace37]

I make sure I get flat top bottles and always leave upside down then no squeezing needed. Elbow good for toothpaste tube. Some times I just add water and make them more liquid so no squeezing involved

[Neonkitty]

I often decant shampoo etc in hard bottles etc into smaller dispenser bottles which you can gently press down on. Can buy them either at Boots or Superdrug, often in the travel accessories section.

NK

[selina]

I have been routinely watering down shampoo, conditioner etc. to make it easier to use. Not so easy with toothpaste, of course.

[SarahKate-NRAS]

Hi all

Sounds like you've all got some handy suggestions, but as others have mentioned Mags126 it may be worth asking to see an Occupational Therapist for some specialist advice. We also have a 'useful tips' article which was put together using suggestions from NRAS members which might have a few more handy hints for you: nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS

[Mags126 in reply to SarahKate-NRAS]

Wow, thanks Sarah Kate, that's a great list. It has never been mentioned about seeing an OT when I have been to my RA appts but I have another one shortly so I will definitely ask about it. Thank you very much.