Small wins...

[Martha_k_uk]

I've just come back from seeing my dad. He is so rigid, and stiff, he has his left hand clenched in a fist almost permanently. Yesterday I had the idea of taking some moisturiser and massaging his hands and arms.

Today I remembered the hand cream, and whilst there I gently massaged Dad's hands and wrists, and to my amazement his left hand unclenched. He was so relaxed that he even nodded off. I had a good look at his hands and noticed small pressure marks where he's had his hand so tightly scrunched together so I put lots of lotion on and was able to cut his fingernails so they aren't digging into his palm.

My dad doesn't say much anymore, and doesn't have much expression, however he said it felt 'wonderful' and wasn't painful at all <3

It's such a nice feeling to be able to do something nice for him and to feel like I've made a difference to his day.

Much love to you all

Hayley x

[doglington]

Gentle massage - hands, feet and face - was very comforting for Chris. Its also very satisfying to make that contact, isn't it ?

Well done !

xxx

[Marie_14]

Hayley well done! You have made a real difference by doing what you did. I used to massage my husband's feet and legs. He loved that. His hands weren't too bad. I did hold his hands a lot though. Just thinking here that you need to keep an eye on his hand if he is starting to get pressure sores. I am sure you will now you have discovered how to get his hand to relax. Well done.

Marie x

[Martha_k_uk]

I've been in tears since I got home. It's the first time in years that I've felt able to do something to truly help him that wasn't 'routine' - feeding, cleaning teeth etc.

As with everything to do with this awful disease it's bittersweet, but I'll take the win where I can!

X

[Kevin_1]

Haley

Wonderful.

It sounds like a great 'reaching across' and you found a way.

Sure your in tears! For me when I manage this its like a joy and then a realisation that that is what we are reduced to.

So happy, so sad. As you say - bittersweet.

My heart goes out to you.

Great win

Warmly

Kevin

PS - I'll try that tomorrow - thanks.

[Yvonneandgeorge]

Sending you a big hug Yvonne xxxxx

[Spiralsparkle]

A prescious moment indeed. Xx

[Caz49]

Hi Martha, My husband's left hand is also in a fist and getting pressure areas. To stop this happening we roll up a face washer or small hand towel and put in his grasp. This stops his fingernails digging into his palm and straightens his fingers a little. This was suggested by the OT at the hospital and seems to work well. I'm open to any suggestions that make it easier for him

We had our 47th wedding anniversary today and it was his 72nd birthday yesterday. Two of our children with the grandchildren were down over Easter and this lifted his spirits. He was exhausted by the end of the visit, but really enjoyed a change of faces.

My best wishes are sent to you and your husband. Try to stay strong, hang in there and tell him how much you love him.