United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

ok, so much for me not posting alot! lol!

in the last 2 years, i've even amazed myself at how i've adapted to doing somethings! however, i will do (just about) ANYTHING for the person who can tell me how to cut my own food!!!! i mean, it's not bad at home, but i'm getting tired of ordering pasta in restaurants! lol!

can anyone help?

hugs,

jan

there are knives called "rocker knives"

here's a link for it (but you can find them at lots of different sites at different prices, too)
http://www.kinsmanenterprises.com/catalog14.0.html

hope this helps you enjoy your nights out!

Hi Jan,

Welcome to the boards.

My son was in an accident 4 1/2 ago and had to learn how to do everything all over again. About 4 months after his accident we were dining out and he asked the waiter if the steak he ordered could please come cut up as he could only use one arm. There was no problem.

We and of course his is very lucky, as there really isn't much Ryan can't do. By the way he is now 27. We were at camp last year and the joke going around was, the only thing Ryan couldn't do was put his own hair up in a pony tail.

Please continue asking questions, this is the only way for you to get the support you need and for all of us, that can, to give it to you.

The very best to you,

Hugs, Karen

This may sound a little wierd but it worked well when we joined another bpi family for dinner while at Mayo. Their son didn't want to feel too dependent, so the solution was that another person held a fork in the steak or whatever to hold it steady, and the bpi person was able to cut pieces the way they wanted it with the good hand.

John also has a rocker knife & it works great.

Lots of opportunities for getting creative, huh?

Ellen

I am getting all sorts of ideas from your inputs here and I'm so glad you all are sharing. Last weekend we went out to eat and the woman by us asked that her steak be cut up in small pieces for her and it was no problem. No questions asked - her steak came back all cut up! I admired her for asking - maybe it should be demanded by all!:) Britt tends to stick her elbow way out while trying to cut, and you do not want to be on her left side or she might hit you in the face with her elbow accidently while she cuts her meat. At times I feel like we are living this alone and then I read posts like this and realize that we all share common obstacles. She is too stubborn right now to ever ask for help - would rather hit me in the face with her elbow! LOL (Sometimes I think she does stuff on purpose....) But I do appreciate hearing everyone's ideas and thoughts. I love the idea of someone holding down the meat while the other one cuts it - that's clever,
Christy

Get an ULU. This is better Known as an "Eskimo" knife. Easy to carry in a purse,believe me, you will never use anything else. Onepaw

First, thank you everyone for all the help & suggestions!

my b'day is coming up and guess what i'll be asking for *grin*

in restaurants, friends/family have cut my meat for me. i guess it's that darn pride getting in the way! lol!

jamie - i do the "big cookie" thang at home - ticks my mom right off LOL but i think even i would feel uncomfortable doing that in a restaurant =o)

onepaw - where would i get the eskimo knife? i'll do a search on the web for it too.

again, thank you all! 1 more step towards independence!

hugs,

jan

one paw has it right, try a ulu. I have one with the matching bowl so after you cut it doesn't get away.
Red
ps it doubles as a hammer for eating crabs!

http://www.theulufactory.com/

Hi Jan, My son Michael had his accident in May this year, right TBPI. It is quite amazing what he has achieved to do by himself in these past 4 and half months. As for cutting food, I do most of it at home for him, but prior to injury he was a waiter and and knows about people asking for their food to be cut for them when dining out, he has done it on several occasions. Now he is in the same boat he has no problems asking for a helping hand. When out with his mates, they don't even question him about cutting up food, they just automatically do it for him. It is so great that he has the support. Michael has made it his task in trying to find the best and most convenient way to do things with one arm. I am really amazed at what he has achieved in such a short time. Little things we take for granted like putting on a belt, tying up shoe laces etc. Michael has learned to put his belt on before he puts his pants on, put the belt onto the pants then puts them on, makes life so much easier. We have tied all his shoe laces up for him so he can just slip his shoes on. To me he has achieved a lot, he even gets my washing off the line for me while I am at work, but putting the washing under the line and taking the pegs off and letting the clothes fall into the basket, just swings the line around. I have to admit he is not too proud to ask for help if he needs it, but trys everything himself first to see he can manage the situation. Take care Jan regards Narelle & Michael