I scoot around on my little sisters electric scooter when going to the shops etc, saves so much energy in my legs.
I also use an electric toothbrush, better brushing as well as reducing the chances of arm fatigue half way through like a normal brush!
Pill box - check!
Looking into ways of reducing heavy lifting in the kitchen too.......

I like this thread Kimber! Great way to get ideas for saving energy.

This was a big choice for me but a year ago I asked my doctor to fill out a form for a disable sticker for my car. I don't always use it but on those days when I can barely get inside a store and the abilty to walk and carry is low I do use it and it saves me. I also shop with a cart and let it carry my purse and I lean on it in lines.

In the kitchen I have rearranged all so most used items are on the low shelves. I plan to put in one of those self rising shelves for my mixer.

I have a large shoulder type canvas purse that can tote paperwork as well as essentials . I have easier to carry canvas sacks that are portable and easier to load.

At home I have a little green wagon that I unload things from the car into then pull it to the front porch.That way I don't have to carry the packages. I also use it around the yard to get things from point A to point B. Wagons are very handy things!

I am a

My biggest help when MG got me down and my wife was having trouble with chemo was a live-in adult son. He did the yardwork, the snow clearance, shopping, and much more. His work schedule is somewhat flexible, so he could help when needed.

The other thing I really liked was an electric recliner chair--one of those kind that the motor lets you almost lie down and stands you up to get out. I had one that I bought for my dad when he had parkinsons -- he used it for several years before he died. Margo bought her own from the local Amish store--very nice. Even now when I don't need it, I find it quite nice

The other thing I did was get 3 additional pairs of single vision glasses--one for distance, one for computer and one for reading. By having each single vision, I could use them at any angle (i.e. watch TV lying down without the bifocal obscuring things). I got my prescription and ordered the extras online (zennioptical). Just had a new vision test and new prescription and again ordered 3 pairs --cost about $15 each along with a regular pair $60 (bifocal and coatings...). Heck of a deal. Only problem is trying to remember where I put them all ;-)

I purchased a "Handy Seat" to take with me when I am out shopping or going someplace where there may not be seats readily available when i need one. It is a folding, small three legged chair, lightweight and easy to carry. I haven't been shopping at Wal Mart in almost a year. One day, I plan to go with my husband and take my Handy Seat instead of using the electric riding carts. I have already used it several times. I was shopping for clothing on Saturday and used it twice in about an hour. There were no seats in the dressing room and I had to waite awhile at the counter before someone came to check me out. I have been stuck wthout a place to sit several times. It is not fun. Now, I can feel a little more independant and not fear.

Just wanted to 2nd Russ's Zenni Optical. I have used them for years. Very reliable and high quality. You have to learn tho how to pick out frames yourself but once you know the dimensions that work for you these are such a good buy.

I have one of the screw type medication bottles designed to go on a keychain. I put a small bit of cotton in the bottom followed by several mestinon tablets and more cotton. You can also add a small moisture absorber, but the container has a waterproof seal and I have used it for a year with no moisture problems. I take it with me everywhere I go on my keychain. It has saved me in the hospital. When I was being flown to Emory and had no pocket for my keys, I tied the container to my clothing with a string, but it could be worn on a cord around the neck. This container has saved me on more than one occasion and my neurologist thinks it is a great idea.

This is a tip, not a thing, and I will add this discussion in our links group "tips for daily living" ( which also has some work- related links. For those of us with swallowing problems, a straw is good for cold liquids and for the hot ones ( and cold ones, too): do not turn your head until they are all the way down. Be sure all liquids are all the way down the esophagus before lying down. b.

ahh B. - simple yet true. Yesterday I had a pretty nasty little choking spell with tea. I hadn't had a full on choke in a while. I tend to hold liquids in my mouth prepping to swallow. I guess it was a reaction to previous choking incidents. It just started trickling down before I was ready and I choked. These are good points especially the "before lying down" part because a lot of us take pills on the couch or in bed.

Tip -- get a handle or some kind of grip to put in the bathtub/shower. We myasthenics are very prone to falling -- so get those handrails put in at the tops of stairs and other trouble spots.

We already had a heavy-duty handrail put in our bathtub by a previous owner of our apartment, and it has saved me from serious injury a number of times. ~joe

I keep about a six inch square of that rubbery mesh shelf liner in my kitchen drawer. It is a great gripper for opening lids. Works much better than a dish towel. I have very little grip strength even on a good day. I also keep a kitchen scissors in that same drawer to open packages and things like the inside bag on cereal or a bag of chips. Anything that requires pinching and pulling to open is a lot easier to open with scissors.

I use a straw for drinking daily. It helps me from choking! I also use an electric toothbrush for brushing my teeth.

I have a mini fridge! Since this GA heat will probably take me out, I'm going to move it into my room so I can keep things handy like cool water.

Crock pot!

Make dinner while you make coffee in the morning and you will be SO happy with yourself in the evening! (Bonus: crock pot meals are pretty easy to chew!)

Limpnoodle reminded me of the fact I too keep scissors around for opening just about anything that says "tear here". I just don't have the muscle strength in my hands anymore to rip anything open. I get those little scissors that are shorter and keep a pair in the kitchen and on my desk. As for opening jars I have a little item I got at a garage sale but I see you can buy them on Amazon. Here are examples of several different jar lid openers. The one I have is the twister and is only 99 cents but saves a lot in effort!

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AJar%20Openers

I really am enjoying this thread. Lots of good ideas here. Marie

As most of you older ones know I use my electric scooter,when I have to walk more that 1250 metres.It folds up ,weighs 13 and a half kilos and can be ridden up to the door of the plane the lithium battery taken out and the stewards fold it up put it in the carrybag and put it in the hold
I am using it here in hospital.It is called travelscoot and can be found on the website and is available in America.
It has been a godsend.
Lorraine