I Can't Open Anything...

[SeaBreeze]

Is it me ?  Or is everything packaged so tightly and securely I need scissors to open it ? My hands feel really weak lately, even twist off jars etc. are really hard for me (use the jar opener automatically now).. Even pulling apart the top of a bag of crackers... I can't separate it and I end up using scissors. I am still healing wounds from open packs of batteries (during the power outage  ).  I had to cut through that thick plastic with scissors/exacto knife/teeth... kidding... Even twisting off the soda cap or toothpaste caps (especially in morning)... Tonight I had a hard time holding a lime between my fingers so I could slice it... Lately, both arms and hands are very weak... I'm getting a little concerned.

Do you have a tough time opening just easy things.. ?

[Patze]

Hi SeaBreeze,

I understand what you're saying, I do have the same problems with weakness, and I don't know what the rheumy thinks about it.  I don't know about you, but it seems to be that I've gotten a lot weaker over the years, very strange. 

I always have problems opening anything with the plastic blister..nope, scissors, knives, forget it, it's a fight.  I will buy something that might not be as good as something in a blister just so I don't have to fight the darn thing. 


Patze

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I have difficulty opening things but it's not new. Hubby's always had to open jars for me. I find holding things and cutting them hard now but that's cos the pressure hurts - not cos I can't hold them.

Take care - Scottie 

[SeaBreeze]

My mother used to call this stuff "therapy packages"... I never knew what she meant...

Hershey's Kisses are very very easy to open 

[Pooh]

Seabreeze,
I know you recently had a heart attack and now you are taking 3 new medications.........right?  To be on the safe side, give your cardiologist a call and let him/her know about this weakness.  I realize it's been over 6 weeks since the heart attack, but I personally think you should call.  Just to be on the safe side.  This could be a side effect of one of those medications.  

Let us know what you find out.  I too have weakness in my arms and yes, I have a heart problem, but I'm quite a bit older than you.  Please call.

Hugs, Pooh

[irish]

Seabreeze, Pooh is right about calling your doc and checking on your meds. Also, I am older than you and have MG, but I, too, have the inability to open things. Can't open cold cereal plastic, potato chips and have trouble with candy also. Havae been using electric can openers for years. I do open jars yet but it is a struggle. I have one of those rubber pads that help with the grip. Also, it helps to bounce the lid on the floor gently so that it opens easier.

None of this has prevented me from opening and eating anything I can get my hands on. Darn!!! Irish

[genko_b]

I've had trouble for years opening things. I can lift heavy weights, but the twisting, turning motion or pinching in order to pull apart bags are all but impossible for me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and it is mostly the result of that.

If you are experiencing a sudden change in the amount of weakness please check with the cardiologist, since it could be from the new meds. In your situation I would be checking with the doctor more often than not, just until I got the hang of the new meds and new condition.

Genko

[SeaBreeze]

thanks... You guys are great...to tell you the truth, I never even thought about this being from the new meds... Never dawned on me... I'm going to give them a call on Monday as I have a couple other questions... Thanks for the concern.  I'll let you know how I make out..

Genko... my grasp is definitely way off... seems the 'bigger' the object the easier it is to handle... interesting...

[wen.uk]

Hi Seabreeze   yep have problems opening bottles, lids etc, but the worse ones by far are those flip top ones you find on shampoo and conditioner bottles - they are a nightmare for me to open as I find it impossible to get my thumb underneath to flip it up and grip it at the same time!  Just another of life's little annoyances that drive me mad!!
Wen x

[Epson]

That's funny, I try to buy everything with a flip top, I guess what works for one person, may no work for another or maybe it has to do with gender, you know bigger thumbs.

Something are packaged in super tuff plastic and my wife and I are having an argument about me bring my acetylene torch from the garage to the kitchin.  If I can cut through 2 inches of steel, I should be able to open plastic wrapping.  Too bad the chain saw was too noisy for indoor use. 

[Chana M]

Dearest Seabreeze - my first thought was that you should be taking things very easy even 6 weeks after your heart attack.  I thought the tanned, semi-naked staff were still waiting on you hand and foot 24 hours a day as you recline on your chaise longue. Or doesn't your health insurance provide them like the good old NHS does here in the UK?!

I have very weak arms and hands, which tend to spasm and tremor if they're asked to do anything.  I used to be the family champion for opening jars, however tightly sealed.  I was also brilliant at unpicking knots.  That's all over now and I struggle with lids, flip tops and especially squeezing tubes of shampoo etc.  Anyone else find that?  Has anybody found a solution?  Despite Epson's wise suggestion, I don't think it's an option to use a chain saw in the shower.

Chana xxx

[Sjenny]

SeaBreeze:

I'm finding more weakness in my hands when it comes to opening things as well.  I would only suggest this as an absolute last resort, but I've been forced to flatter my husband shamelessly ("Could you open this for me, you big, strong man, you.")

It leaves me pretty nauseated for the rest of the day.

Sue

[SeaBreeze]

Chana... the staff had left for the day and left me to open everything ! Imagine ! That jar of caviar was so frustrating.. 

Its' weird what you miss, I  kinda miss that pickle jar routine with my exH.. Even after 18 years, it fluffed his feathers everytime..    he'd hand it back after an easy snap and I'd say "well, I started it"...