United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Gadgets

Since we have new boards and lots of new people I thought it would be a good time to review all the gadgets we use to make life easier for us.
I use electric can opener - but my preference would be to eat out forever....LOL and only make reservations!!
a one handed rolling pin made by Pampered Chef.I use rubber mat for holding things when I open them and nut cracker to open jars - one made in England a totally one handed operation and it adjusts to various sizes.

Now the hair drying thing - I need a wall to hold my arm up and put the dryer (very light one) in the right bpi hand so I can use the dryer... I move my head instead of the dryer.

Of course Haze has Ducky Dryer and I think it quacks too...LOL...

On my computer I now use the roller ball mouse by logitech because it saved lots of wear and tear on the shoulder. I also prop the bpi elbow up on rubber wrist mat folded (crisscross fashion) because it does not slide and my arm is so much shorter from shoulder to elbow on the right side this also helps with neck tension.

I am sure I forgot something but lets see what the rest of you use to make our life easier.

And any suggestion for the seat belt. I am short 5'3" and the seat belt catches me in the neck when I get it hooked on the driver side. When I am in passenger side it is across the bpi side and I hold it away because it is so irritating.

As most bpi sufferers have varying degrees of use it would be helpful to see how most of us cope with the ordinary challenges of life and share our gadgets

Kath formally know as the Gadget Queen... now handing the title to the one who comes up with the most gadgets.....LOL

Boy....I sure do like that little "Welcome George" thingy up top when I log in. Just been in the woods too long...sorry. O.K. Kath...gadgets.....well my little gadgets are 13, 11, and 5 years old now..LOL !! And wonderful little gadgets they are !!! Heck....some of the time I don't even use my other arm LOL....Seriously though....the rocker knife has been a real lifesaver, cause I don't trust the other gadgets with my meat and pizza. It took me long enough to finally admit I needed one, but when I got it, it was heavenly....and really sharp. Does a wonderful job. Would recommend this helper gadget to everyone.

haahaa!! heather; i used to use my flail arm splint to frighten kids!! and all my mates loved the hook thingy on the end of it!! it's in bits in the attic now...

I use the spikey things on the bread board to immobilise spuds and other veggies to peel 'em..it's a bit slow going, but you do get better at it as time goes by...so Robbie has NO excuse for not helping with dinner! I also tracked down a one-handed tray from Betterware (i think)..it has a handle above the tray with kind of off-centered pivoting so it stays stable.

Something else I found useful was a kind of clip/carrying handle for those squashy 2 litre plastic soft drink bottles....ever tried to pick up a full one o'them one handed and pour? no? give it a try...fun for all the family that one..!! ;o)

Last but not least..the non slip dycem matting is brilliant; I keep a small piece in my bag (purse for you in the States..)to place under my chequebook or credit sales slips before signing 'em...takes away the excuse for the cashier to look at you sideways when your signature doesn't look anything like the one on the card..! ;0)

great Ideas.......... Paul

actually, myself, the only gadget i use, and found to be nessessary, is a back scratcher stick-a-ma-jig. oh and i also made a small modification in my truck. i installed a foot dimmer switch, just found it too tricky reaching over the wheel to it in a right hand turn. other than that i just find a way to make things work. a good tip i can give though is for a bottle opener. in a pinch the lock plate in any door frame works great.