Have a great idea to help simplify your life? Share it here!
Maybe you’ve found a nifty new product or developed an ingenious technique that has helped you immensely with everyday tasks. Arthritis Today wants to know. Share your ideas with fellow readers in the space below so they can try them too.
Also, be sure to keep reading to see what great solutions other people have found. Perhaps you'll find a tip to make your life easier today!
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Nikole
03 Mar 2010, 02:07
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| My name is Nikole and I was diagnosed with RA when I was 17, almost a year ago. I have struggled with inflamation and swelling, but I have found something that works almost overnight. Black Cherry Juice. Drink a glass when you have high inflamation and takes away alot of the swelling and pain. I have been pleased with this discovery and continue to use it when im getting flare ups. I hope you have sucess with it too. |
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Rhonda
02 Mar 2010, 10:14
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| I have had problems with my hair. My sister recommended taking Biotin 5000mcg for my hair to stop thinning out from so many meds and aging I guess. Take it for at least 30 days and see if you notice a SIGNFICANT difference in your hair. My beutician noticed and asked me what I was doing differently and I told her. She recommends it to some of her clients now but I suggest that you ask your doctor before trying any of these OTC or supplements. Have a blessed day!! |
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Shawn
24 Feb 2010, 21:41
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| Thanks for all your comments. I'm an occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist preparing for a presentation on RA to my colleagues. I plan on sharing some of your ideas! |
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Robert
20 Feb 2010, 19:19
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| Hello fellow arthritis friends, and I have a secret to tell you. I have found a product that too away my pain, reduced the swelling, my knees are now flexable, the weather change does not bother or hurt anymore. If you think that I am pulling your leg then try it for 3 weeks and see what happens. I am into my 5 month and have friends who are now thaking this product and are having the same results. What is it, well just take a 1/2 teaspoon of cellery seeds in the evening anyway you can, I just place the seeds on my tounge and use water to wash them down. If you dont think that it works you will be amazed at the results. As I said, Im into my 5 month and I call it my miracle food. I tell anyone with arthritis to take the cellery seeds and see what happens, you can stop at any time, no side effects either. Honest, what have you got to loose but the pain |
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David
20 Feb 2010, 11:07
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| Unable to put my socks on because my muscles went into a painful spasm, I designed a device which allowed me to put my socks on without bending. I just use my feet. A nurse at the local surgery got to hear about it and asked if I would make it available to the practice patients. In a senior moment I agreed and so 'SockKit' was born.Many people tell me it can help people with Arthritis. Details can be found at www.sockkit.co.uk |
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David Bomford
10 Feb 2010, 03:23
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| I am one of the lucky ones with Arthritis. I was lucky that I got Arthritis
when I was only 11 years old. I am now 51 years old and know no other life
other than constant crippling pain, a myriad of other illness' which tack
onto the shirt-tails of Arthritis, crippled feet, hands, back, neck, a jaw
which will not open properly, constant head-aches, terrible pain in my
rib-cage and a hand-full of pills for breakfast along with a weekly
injection. etc. But "BIG DEAL", Arthritis hasn't beaten me yet and it
never will. I have had a magic life. I have a lovely wife, four absolutely
wonderful children and one . three grand-children. I work full-time and
have only had to retire as a Basketball Referee two years ago due to a foot
reconstruction which went wrong and I lost a toe due to gangrene. I could
not run when I was a Referee but I "Limped Very Fast" down the court and
ended up teaching Young Referees the trade. There is not enough emphasis
given to the power of the mighty Human Brain. Pain cannot be controlled but
it can be deflected by the brain. I was taught mind travel by my
Rheumatoligist when I was a child. My body might be in horrific, crippling
pain but "I" am not. My crippled body moves me from A to B, but Arthritis
is not ME. I decide what I do with my life, arthritis does not. Sure it
puts a few "Speed-Bumps" in the way but "I" win. The biggest problem I have
is that apart from my Family I am a loner. "Normal" Humans do not associate
with us as we are a bit strange. One has to be a bit strange to put up with
what we do. What I would like to see is a Social net-work of Arthritics so
that we can get together and practice being with other REAL people. Keep
the Faith my friends, Arthritis is a real Barsteward but it is not a Death
Sentence. David B |
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Steve
05 Feb 2010, 16:51
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| There are soooo many products to choose from to treat pain! May I recommend an all natural, new technology way to assist in pain relief - and that is the use of the nanonutritional Pain Formula from Revive Health (www.revivehealth.net). The site gets into details about how this product is created, but in short, the water clusters in the formula are reconstructed to be smaller and to have a nutrient in the middle (nano-sized: the level that your cells work at). The combination is such that the formula starts to absorb in your mouth - the particles are so small! The hydration is terrific and individuals report great benefit and pain relief in as little as a couple of days. This is a great way to get off the NSAIDs and preserve your gut. Truth in advertising here: this is my company and it is a startup. However, individuals have been taking this formula for over three years with great results. Check it out. It might be right for you. |
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jen
03 Feb 2010, 21:31
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| For now, I use NSAIDs mainly motrin 800 mg and Dead Sea Black Mud, Dead Sea
Salts, Dead Sea Massage Oils to deal with my pain. I know that this relief is temporary, but for now they really help. I would like a more holistic approach to treating my pain. I fear the side effects that come along with medications and will only take them when there are no other options. |
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Valerie
18 Jan 2010, 16:37
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| Does anyone know where or who to approach if you have an idea for a product to possibly sell it? |
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cyndi
18 Jan 2010, 14:00
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| My husband bought me a stool like you find in the automotive dept. It has some kind motor oil brand design on the seat....so he covered it for me ..it has wheels and i can just scoot around my kitchen in it...he also bought me a memory foam mattress topper..it was only like a 100.oo and made alot of difference in my comfort and sleep! |
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Chris K
01 Jan 2010, 13:35
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| We have a great product, "NimbleMitt", which was actually created by one of the founding fellows of the american college of rheaumotology, Dr. Alton J. Morris. They are heating mitts with a high and low temperature setting, that when used once or twice daily (this treatment CAN be used with your regular medications) have an immediate impact on on your hand/finger/joint condition. We are a start-up company, but the feedback from those who have used our product has been nothing short of extraordinary. Many individuals, feel a great relief in just their first use, (15-20 min. with the mitts) not to mention, some have even stated the relief experienced from the use of our product outweighed that of the prescriptions and other forms of treatment they have recieved in the past/present. It is also reccomended that you do your routine hand/finger excercises while wearing the mitts. Please check out our website, NimbleMitt.com, for more information on not only the product but our business opportunities. We feel we set our company up as a win-win situation no matter which way you look at it. Help those in need of major hand/finger/joint relief, and also anyone in need of earning extra income in these difficult economic times (while helping those in need), so i suppose i could say it's a win-win-win situation. |
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Sharon
18 Dec 2009, 21:36
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| I have spinal arthritis and fibromyalgia. My best kitchen gadget was a worn out broken tool at least 45 years old, no longer available so I hung onto it for dear life. Because my daughter-in-law liked it so well and saw its merits, I decided to design it to make it even better and get it manufactured. It's a ladle I call a scoop, a 3 in 1 that serves, saves, and cleans out all the leftovers without the burdensome chore of lifting a heavy pot to empty it out. Most ladles the handle goes straight up and to use it requires your elbow to be sticking up in the air with your wrist bent, very awkward and painful for people with wrist, shoulder or back pain. I designed my scoop with an ergonomic handle that goes out to the side Check out all the features on soupsaverscoop.com! |
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Leonard
01 Dec 2009, 21:09
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| I've had seronegative RA for 3 years, Methotrexate and Rituxan have worked really well- I feel like I've been given my life back. Sleep was a big problem- getting to sleep and staying there, which makes the pain, stiffness and fatigue so much worse the next day. My favorite helpers are a heated mattress pad cover that I put over a mattress pad made from memory foam. It's cheaper than a memory foam bed and feels wonderful. I also wear Imak arthritis gloves and a Thermacare neck wrap to sleep in. A muscle relaxer at dinnertime and a mild pain reliever before bed help too. My morning stiffness is significantly improved and sleepless nights are rare. |
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Mary Durand
12 Nov 2009, 13:16
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| I just wanted to describe my wonderful success with Remicade. I was diagnosed with RA in January 2009, and my disease was rapidly affecting more and more joints. After trying several treatments, my doctor decided to go ahead and start me on Remicade as I could hardly walk or pick up anything (I am 56 years old and was very active a year ago). The day after my first IV infusion, I jumped out of bed pretty much without pain. Except when I overdo it, I am still painfree after 3 treatments with Remicade. I am basically in remission and so thankful that I have my life back. |
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Michael
13 Oct 2009, 23:21
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After finding it hard to exercise and stay motivated, I knew there had to be a better way so I invented Jym which helps perform low impact isometric exercise and provide motivation as it is digital and you can keep track of your progress. I would love to hear how people in the arthritis community have gone with my product and benefitted. You can visit my international site www.jym.me for more information. |
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Susan
13 Oct 2009, 14:06
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| If in the market for a car, try out volvo or another higher end vehicle.
The seats are so much better and a lot more adjustable and tiltable. Really
helps if your RA attacks your hips like mine does. Also a very good investment is a quality bed. I love my latex mattress! Cannot sleep on any thing else except an air mattress. |
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Carol
20 Aug 2009, 17:53
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| Several months ago a friend told me about a product called Physician's Pain
Relief Cream. My 80-year old mother suffered horribly from arthritis pain
for over 30 years. My friend was so sure it would help her, he gave me a
tube to try. The results have been marvelous. Due to arthritis, my Mom has had hip and knee replacement surgery, but her neck and shoulders hurt so bad she could hardly get dressed. Continued use of this cream has allowed her not only to rest better at night, but she is also able to better care for herself. Bottomline, it has given her back a quality of life arthritis had stolen. Mom's ankles were so swollen and painful she had to give up doing her own shopping and struggled to take care of her housework. Since using Physician's Pain Relief cream she has been able to do most of her shopping, go to the post office, and church, as well as take care of her housework. It has made an amazing difference in her ability to regain her independence. I have recommended this product to so many people after seeing what it did for my Mom. All have had similar or better results. My daughter even used it after a 4-hour dance audition that left her so sore her walking was labored. It worked just as well for her muscle soreness and stiffness. I am a believer! It really is a great product and I wanted to get the word out there so it can possibly help you too. You can order online at www.realpainrelief.com or call their toll free number 1-866-510-7774. |
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elaine
25 Jul 2009, 07:09
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| I recently read that collagen (from chicken) can relieve pain and
inflammation of RA as well as methotrexate. Has anyone heard this? Tried this? |
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Dave
20 Jul 2009, 19:16
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| My mother-in-law first started having trouble with her hips when she was 37. Soon after that she fell and got tiny fractures throughout her left hand which arthritis later set into. She was quickly losing the use of her hands, getting shooting pains up her arm. She was unable to open doors, jars, or even turn a key to unlock her car or house. She had played piano all her life but found that she couldn’t do that anymore either. Her doctor told her to take chondroitin, which after 6 months helped with the pain, but had no effect on the stiffness and excruciating pain she felt when somebody grabbed or shook hands with her. After 2 weeks of drinking Seven+ the stiffness and pain in her hands was better, and after one month she was able to do her own canning again, twisting on the jar lids and lifting the bottles out of the pot, and she has no trouble with her hips at all. The longer she takes Seven+ the better she feels. She is even able to do what she loves most – play the piano. She also found that she has more energy and needs less sleep, and she isn't as hungry as I was before. To try this juice go to www.exfuze.com/DaveHawkins or www.hawkins7plus.com |
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Doug
01 Jul 2009, 19:49
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| Over the past several years, I noticed that it was becoming more uncomfortable to hold the steering wheel while driving. In an effort to eliminate some of the pain and make driving more comfortable, I designed "The Palm Rest" for driving (www.thepalmrest.com). I use it all the time and it works perfectly. I encourage you to give it a try. |
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Carol Braly
21 Jun 2009, 16:11
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| My husband and I both take Omega 3-6-9 supplement, but were leery of mercury issues as well as 'fishy burps'. Then someone mentioned plant-based Omega, so I chased it down. Easily available at most health stores, priced right (12.50 for 250 softgels, 1000 mg ea) and no mercury or fishy burps. Sources are flaxseed, canola, black currant, evening primrose and pumkin seed oils. Since starting 1,000 mg 2X day my triglycerides are down 100 pts!! |
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Andrea
16 Jun 2009, 03:36
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| I found that trying to reach for cooking utensils deep in drawers, or under counters, etc. was often a challenge. I went to the store and bought a rather inexpensive rail that mounts on the wall below your top cabinets and holds hooks. Now all my frequently used utensils are hanging right at hand. There is also a battery operated jar opener put out by ONE TOUCH that is a Godsend, and also kept nearby. |
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Christina
02 Jun 2009, 20:23
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| I love to bake, but arthritis in my hands makes some procedures painful. However, I have rediscovered the potato masher. Using it on pre-softened bread was much less painful than tearing the bread apart for bread pudding. Also, using the masher on bananas for banana bread was far easier than using a fork. Good luck! |
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Cathy
12 May 2009, 10:55
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| After researching several products and medications I finally found
something that relieves pain and helped my Dad get back to normal activity.
My Dad has suffered for years with osteoarthritis in his knees. The pain
was so bad that he avoided stairs and if he had to go down a flight of
steps he would do so backwards because it was so painful. His mobility was
very limited; he couldn't squat or bend down and sat most of the time
because it was too painful to walk. My Dad is now painfree because of a new
rehabilitative knee orthosis/brace by a new company in Michigan called In
the Groove. The orthosis/brace realigns the upper and lower leg so the patella can track correctly, relieves pain and helps to retrain and strengthen the muscles of the knee joint. It is light weight and comfortable to wear. My Dad wears it during normal activities and can now go up and downstairs, squat and is now walking for exercise. If you would like more information on this orthosis/brace and to find out if it will work for you go to the website: www.inthegroovebrace.com. The website for In the Groove knee orthosis/brace has helpful knee tips and information on knee injury. I hope this information helps others suffering from knee pain. |
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tracy
08 May 2009, 13:32
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| I filled a pair of tube socks 2/3 full of inexpensive white rice, and tied them off at the top. I throw them in the freezer and use them when I feel a need for an ice compress for pain. They are not messy, don't melt, and are flexible enough to wrap around some of my sore joints. I can also take them and throw them in the microwave for a minute or so and go back and forth between heat and cold. |
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Christina
05 May 2009, 18:07
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| I have Fibromyalgia, due to a fall I took over 2 yrs ago. I have been on depression meds including Klonipin for seizures that I now have from my fall. I will share some good news!Recently, I met a Homeopathic (natural)Doc(ok, they don't call them doc's)...anyhow, she had Fibro and was on her death bed and got rid of it! It wasn't overnight, but it was like 3-4 months. One thing that really helped me was a detox and essential oils. I'm only saying this works for me, but I use Almond Oil/Grape Seed Oil as my base and put drops of Marjoram Oil and Peppermint Oil with it and it really helps relax and take pain away without meds! Also, the NOW detox with no gluten was my first and the first few days was very hard but then I felt great! Also, take gluten out of your diet(which isn't easy), but I am feeling so much better. Read up on Gluten(something in white flour, rye, bran, oats, etc.). Contact your local Natural Health Organic store who can put you in touch with someone who can help you with the oils, detox, all natural products. It really works for me!!! Christina |
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Lee Bourque
05 May 2009, 11:19
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| How can I email? Sincerely, Lee Bourque |
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Lisa Copen
11 Apr 2009, 23:23
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| I've had RA 15 years, since age 24, and have been off of Humera for 8 months now due to a serious infection (flesh eating bacteria) last fall. My hands are SO sore, and quite deformed. Surgery on both is pending as soon as infection risk decreases. Despite tons of other meds and 20mg prednisone/day driving has become more difficult. I have a Taurus and turns were becoming 10 point turns! I bought a basic steering wheel cover at Target for $10 that is like a fake suede with a kind of memory foam. I LOVE IT. I barely have to grasp the wheel for turns, my hands just kind of cling to it, plus I don't have to squeeze as hard to feel like I have control of the wheel. I don't know why I didn't do it sooner. Best $10 I've ever spent. |
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JimLiv
30 Mar 2009, 22:42
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| I found a GREAT diet that really helps me manage my RA. It's called "The Diet to Stop Arthritis" by Dr Norman Childers, see his website. Also called the No Nightshades Diet. Don't eat the vegetables that are a member of the Nightshades family. These vegetables contain a toxin from the wild Deadly Nightshade plant, this toxin is only an irritant to those people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is a diet that is difficult to get really serious about. This means don't eat tomatoes, potatos, sll peppers, or eggplant, or smoke tobacco. I am now arthritis medication free. After taking 'Methotrexate' for almost 5 years, I had to have a cancerus kidney removed. Good luck to you & may God Bless you. |
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Mary Jane
30 Mar 2009, 11:14
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| I was diagosed with R/A about 4 years ago and was in a lot of pain - by
leading a clean diet (no white and no meat) and taking Zyflamed, Alero Vero
juice, tumeric on my vegetables, eating lots of fruit, 2500 omega 3,
vitamin c, vitamin k - I am in complete remission, R/A is tough, toughest
thing I had to face, but there is a lot you can do for yourself by diet and
natural supplements. |
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rosie
26 Mar 2009, 21:38
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| I use those round rubber jar grippers to open just about everything - from jars to the hose faucet to the gas cap. |
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Nicole Ball
21 Mar 2009, 21:09
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| I've been drinking 4oz a day of this juice call Monavie for about 3 months now and it has helped with my RA. I've been on three med's to control the RA and now I'm off of one, hopefully soon I will be off the rest! It seems to help me so I thought I would share, whatever works, ya know? |
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Kathy
05 Mar 2009, 11:04
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| I love having a stool in my kitchen. It's high enough for me to casually prop myself up on when preparing dinner or doing dishes. I have felt pads on the feet so it slides easily but not too easily from the sink to the stove to the counter. |
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Springer
05 Mar 2009, 10:40
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| Having a "lazy-Susan" style shelf installed in a low corner cabinet has proven to be a real convenience in our kitchen. We bought a two-level model from Home Depot and it didn't cost that much. Besides the fact that it holds tons of stuff, it eliminates having to reach for heavy, infrequently-used items like fancy glass water pitchers, mixers and food processors from way back in a cabinet. They come in different sizes and are not that hard to install. (Plus, kids love to spin it around and see how fast it can go.) |
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Rich
20 Feb 2009, 11:52
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| My best idea came from the pages of your magazine. On bad days, arthritis can make even brushing my teeth painful. So I put a toothbrush into a tennis ball (I just poked a hole into the ball with a pair of scissors.) Now my grip is easier and it's definitely a conversation starter when guests use my bathroom and see my gadget on the sink! |
