Weakness in my hands? Fibro symptom or not?

Tammy, I have that problem.  I use to have carpal tunnel so that played into it.  They do seem better now.  But, get yourself a flat, rubber jar opener.  I've seen them in the groceries and, actually, if you go to a senior center, you might get one free.  It really does help in opening jars and bottles.  Also, I have a jar key.  Mine looks a little different than the one in the link below, but it sure makes opening new jars a breeze!  Tell Santa that this would make a great stocking stuffer!  Hope this helps.

http://theculturedkitchen.com/jarkey.html

Sherrine

Robin, I don't have arthritis in my hands.  I just can't open the stupid bottles and I always have to ask people to do it for me.  Thank goodness there are a lot of kind people out there.

Sherrine

Not only can I not open jars, it also hurts just to touch things. It seems like they are getting worse to me also. Doc says it's the fibro.

My hands drive me crazy there is nothing wrong except the fms, it is just a side effect from that the doctros tell me. I f I am shopping and no one is with me I ask where I buy my water from if they will open bottles for me most are happy to do that some look at me strange but then I explain what is wrong. So I can use that as a way of getting the fibro message out there.

Kathy

 

Wow, I'm sure glad you asked this question, Tammy!! I too have miserable hand issues and it's hard to tell what's winning the race to total destruction of my hands...the fibro or the osteoarthritis. lol....

I'm like others above...can't open things, drop things several times a day, had 2 carpel tunnel surgeries which helped that problem but then the arthritis set in plus the fibro. The knuckle joint on my pointy finger (right, dominant hand) is getting more knotted and painful by the day. Plus my hands in general are painful and can't open jars, etc.

I've never seen those jar openers. I have one that is similar to a style my uncle cobbled up about 35 years ago. Mom had the original. Sort of like this one..

www.amazon.com/Fox-Run-Craftsmen-opener-Under-counter/dp/B0000VLPSA/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1258612156&sr=1-27

But he made his from some plywood and 2 hack saw blades. Worked wonderfully.

One day several years ago I was trying to open a jar and was home alone. Didn't have the one under the cupboard or one of those rubber mat kinds so...had to get creative. Thought for about a minute or so and voila'...retrieved my computer mouse pad and used it just like those little rubber mat things to open the jar. Worked just fine. Was a little thick but it worked.

Anyway, we likely have a large club here who have the same problem. Only wish I had some amazing, miraculous cure for it but until then...

Keep those joints warm and let someone else open the jars.
Chutz

I think it is part of fibro. My hands ache, but I don't have arthritis, and they do feel weak at times. Some days I'm ok, others I can't open cans or bottles either. I ask my oldest ds now (he just turned 11). I was embarrassed at first, but now I just stroke his ego and tell him what a strong young man he is, and so chivalrous to help out his poor frail mother! He usually blushes to his ears, lol ;)

I developed carpal tunnel during my first pregnancy. It got so bad after my second that I had the release done in both hands. That part is much better, but I still get some numbness in my ring fingers and my pinkys. I understand that another nerve than the ones in the carpal tunnel affect those fingers.