I thought it might be interesting to see the different things (assistive aids, supplements, etc.) that folks use to get through their day (besides PBS, of course!)

Here are a couple of mine:

IBS--My symptoms got better 10 years ago by adding fiber to my diet (I wish my doctor had mentioned this for the first 10 years of crappy meds!).  Since I added acidolphilus last November, I have rarely had stomach problems.

Arthritis--I use Capzasin HP (hot pepper lotion) to keep the inflammation down in my feet (use with caution if you've never tried it before!)  This stuff has been a blessing.  I also use Biofreeze for my shoulder stiffness.

I have 2 Handeze cloth "braces" which really help when I'm on the computer

I could not walk with out my orthotics, Scott Specialties velcro/cloth braces, and my Walkwell shoes

How about you?

Melody, where do you get the hot pepper lotion?  I want to try it...

I bought a heated blanket this winter - I told my mom that I hurt so many places that the heating pad wasn't big enough, so now I have whole blanket to ease my aches when the weather is cold.

We also got a heated mattress pad - they are expensive, but we love ours!  It definatley helps me sleep, as long as I don't get overzealous and turn it up until I am sweating : )

I also have a massaging/heat chair cushion that I use when my back really bothers me.

I also used leather ties to make loops for my cabinets - the cabinets have old hardware that has a small, stationary, vertical loop of metal to open with - I can't get a grip on it and pull hard enough to get the cabinets open.  I looped the leather through to make a pull for each handle, and now I can get them open much more easily.

I use an exercise ball to stretch and try to stay somewhat limber - I can't tolerate laying or even really sitting on the floor, so this is great for me for exercises and stretches.

That's all I can think of right now, but I will probably be back with more...

Oh I just thought of something those of you with plantar issues should try rolling your feet on a frozen water bottle - it stretches out the tendons and ices it at the same time.  It was really helpful when I was fencing...after a competition my feet would kill and this really helped. 

Chef'n make a peeler that fits in the palm of you hand with a clip for you finger.  They also have a palm scrub brush too.  I thrid to put a link but some how it is being blocked.

My podiatrist told me to use a can of frozen green beans to do the rolling and massage.  It does help.  I'm not sure why they had to be green beans though.......  :)

Oooh, great!  I will have to check out the adapted kitchen tools.  Does anybody have one of those electric hand-held can openers??  I have been thinking about getting one of those since I can't operate the manual one anymore.

I also have trouble opening a gallon of milk - you know, when the ring is still attached.  I can't get a good enough grip to break the cap loose - any one have a trick for getting the milk open??  That would save me tons of frustration!

My heating pad, Therma-Care wraps, ice packs which I only use occasionally on my arms and shoulders (not good for RSD though).  My Kinesis keyboard and Logitech trackball.  I should use my voice recognition software more (Dragon NAturally Speaking).

Tennis balls to work on knotted muscles.  Sometimes it's fairly obvious that's probably where the headache is coming from (after I think to do it).  Hurts though.

The heating pad and the Therma-Cares are big ones, but the Therma-Cares are pricey and I think I need a new heating pad.

I hate those milk jugs too,  Mostly I use cardboard quarts.  I'll usually just pry the stupid ring off with something (probably dangerous).  I try not to even lift a gallon.

I should get something to open jars and stuff with.

Pain Pump (dilaudid) has been a blessing for me - Makes me sleep alot some  days and I have to take Phenergan with it so I dont get sick from the dilaudid  but has helped my pain alot more than fentanly pain patch did .

Neurontin - helps with nerve pain in my back & legs

Heating pad

Coloring book - may sound crazy but I'm in the bed 20+ hours a day and coloring helps pass the time away and it's fun . A PBS friend sent me a fairies coloring book and I love it ..

My home health care nurse she  comes to see me 3 days  a week  - She gave me a big bag of books today - she rocks lol

Laughter - I dont think I could go a day without laughter !

I take one day at a time and try to make the best of everyday ..

Lindsey, you can get hot pepper lotion at most stores like Target, Walgreens, or online at drugstore.com  It can be a little dangerous to use (burns like heck if you get it in your eyes)  Buy the lowest dose first to see if you can tolerate it because sometimes it burns.  My sister hates it, but I kind of like the burn.  LOL  I use a Qtip to apply so I don't get it on my hands.

Capzasin comes in a roll on that is really great.  You don't have to touch it then.

I prefer the capzasin hp which is the strongest.  I've been using in 10 years or longer.  I no longer have the burning sensation. I love the stuff.  It works better than my anti-inflammatory drugs!

My other assistive device:  My glidepoint touchpad.  I gave up on a mouse and track ball years ago.  I love my touchpad!

Those theramacare wraps are great for menstrual back pain. 

Hey Robin, I love coloring!

I love coloring, too.  Of course, my books and my PBS forum addiction definately help distract me and give my infinate pleasure, so those count, too!

I have the same problem with the gallon milk jugs.  I have found that Wal-mart sells their milk in cartons that have a pull strip around the bottom and is much easier to just pull off.  Comes off easily without the hassle of the other tops,  I usually end up scrapping a finger or breaking a nail trying to get the other kind off, plus I just don't have the strength to do it.  The last result is to have DH take it off.  In the last few months before finding Wal-Mart brand I would say the score is roughly  Jug:  11   Me: 1

If you can get your doctor to apply for a handicapped sign for your vehicle that makes a world of difference.  You don't have to be "declared" disabled to get one, you just need to have your doctor state that it is necessary due to your condition to have one.

Reading, discussion forums, and rooting on the Red Sox are all great diversion therapies!

Melody,

I had a touchpad too and i really liked switching between it and other devices.  At one time I had all three working but then they didn't have new drivers for it and it didn't work well for graphics so it was the one that I stopped.  I did like it though.

I have a graphics tablet too but only use it when I'm working on something special.

Joy,

DH usually opens the milk jugs :)  I don't know why they make those things so miserable to open. 

He does the shopping too.  Nothing is very close here and driving does hurt. 

Like I said before laughter and laugh at myself I just spent the last hour looking for my glasses I asked my son if he has seen my glasses anywhere and he said yes you are wearing them LMAO !