Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hi

The only thing I've found that works is a rocker knife with a gell handle. It looks a little weird but does help. Also, for chopping, cutting, and dicing in the kitchen I use a menzulla (mispelled)by kitchen aid. That helps alot. Just becareful with the menzulla it is wickedly sharp. I hope it works for you.

This is one problem I've not been able to solve. I simply can't cut any meat products...once I was out at a restaurant and forgot this fact, and then ended up totally embarrassed when I had to have the waitress cut my steak. Unless someone is around to cut my meat for me, I either can't eat it, or if I'm by myself I just pick it up and chomp off the bone like a caveman (I hate that!). Softer things like potatoes I can cut with a big-handled serrated knife. There are a lot of foods I've just given up on because I can't cut or peel them (like squash, corn on the cob, melons, etc.).

A food processor does help depending on what you're making, but I find that too can be hard on the hands when you have to put it together/take it apart.

Wow- I feel for you guys- I haven't had that problem since my onset flare. I used to do a wrap with an ace bandage then to give my hand more strength. I would do a couple wraps around the wrist, up and over the thumb, back around the writ and some wraps across the lower knuckles. Before I figured that out I used to stare at my dinner plate and cry. My family would be scoffing down and never realized I was incapable of doing anything with a whole piece of meat on my plate.....

They actually make a soft, larger cushioned handles that you can slide on and off your own cutlery. They are white vinyl coating black foam that you can slip on and off.

I found them a Shoppers Drug Mart (Home Health Care store - for old people) Canada. Some drug stores will carry specialty stuff like that.

http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/engl...

RA Guy posted about a knife he uses that helps: http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.c...

One thing I do is get someone to help when they are around. I might get something cut hours ahead of time because that is when help is available.

BTW: I dont give up on those foods like steak that are too hard: I just eat with my fingers, as daintily as possible. Not in a restaurant tho - I get help.

Here's a page with a few suggestions on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?u...

kelly ;D
http://rawarrior.com

I go to the plumbing section of Lowe's or Menards and get lengths of pipe insulation. It is gray colored and comes in several lengths and a few hole sizes. I just cut the length I want and slide it onto silverware, hair brush, etc. It is a lot cheaper than the stuff made just for special use.