United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Any ideas or suggestions on the best type of pants for a one handed man. We are in Arizona and so far this year my son (19 years old) has been able to wear elastic waist athletic shorts. He would like to be able to wear jeans again. Any advise on how to zip men's jean/pants with one hand?

Hi,

My first comment was going to be about posting a Youtube video of me putting pants on, but I think it is funnier in my own mind:) Enough of the attempt at levity....

As far as zipping/getting pants on. I wear and buy whatever pants I want, nothing special for one handed and I have no use of the my left hand, so I am really doing it one handed. I really can't think of any tricks of the trade either, other than practice.

OK, I just put on a pair of button clasp and zipper to be able to describe what I do. I pull the right side over close, put my thumb on the button and press against my body, grab the side with the hole with my index and middle finger and pull over to the button and slide the button through the hole. This works with the metal clasps too. Not sure if this makes sense to anyone other than me, but please feel free to ask more details or you can e-mail me.

Also, I was 18 when I got hurt over 23 years ago, so if your son wants to talk to someone who has dealt with this since that age, let me know and I will give you my number or provide his and I will be more than happy to talk to him.

Dan

Hi...
Girls or guys this age wear their pants a tad tight I would recommend a pair of jeans, or cotton/wool...ant kind or style, and to get them done up quick, I throw myself on my back on my bed and zip the zipper and button. Gravity helps...But if you are wearing them for a long period of time. They have to loose enough to get that button or snap done up first if standing, then the zipper is easy, by holding your knees tight together, holds the fabric and assists with the upward closing of the zip. Practise is important, at least 10X it took me before I was able to wear them comfortable out anywhere. Even today, if I go out to eat and I cannot get the top bottom of my pants done up...I wear a top over, just in case my zipper gives out...because of course the stabilizer is the botton or snap closure. Mens pants have the extra inside metal hook type clip...or botton...they are also great for assisting with doing up the outter button too...
So shop with some of these items in mind...he will be just fine in time with the right fitting pants and a little practise...

With Peace, Love & Light,
Mardelle

Mardelle is right - after much practice and trial and error your son will become a pro at doing jeans with one hand. My daughter at first used to wear a lot of sweat pants and elastic waist shorts but now she hardly ever wears them (she's almost 3 years post TBPI). They do make a tool to button pants and shirts which Melanie tried, but she soon learned it was easier to do it one handed and she didn't always have the tool with her to use. Sue

Thanks for all your tips on buttoning and zipping pants. Looks like the answer is like every other task- lots of practice and find the way that works for you.

Dan, thank you for your offer to share your experiences with my son. His accident was in April 09. He was so determined just to be back to "normal" that he did not want to associate with this network. But he now is more open to where he is at and has used this site and the internet to educate himself on his injuries and possible surgeries, helpful tips etc. I'm so glad we found you all.

He just had nerve transfer surgery with Dr. Mackinnon in St. Louis. We are anxious to see what the recovery will be, but we know that the results won't show up for many months. In the meantime, therapy, therapy, therapy.

I'll keep you posted on his recovery and thank you all again for your responses.

far too many time i think ive asked a friend to give me a hand haha.... not the best when you are in a bar :p

I have recovered fairly decsent use of my lower arm (elbow down) and hand so I can clasp stuff with that hand now. But I still have to do it the same way I learned. I use something waist high like the footboard of my bed. Lean or press against it to hold the pants up on that side and use my good hand to button. Countertops in the bathroom and kitchen are also ok for that.

My son is 6yrs old now, he was hit and dragged by a truck when he was three, with a babysitter, anyways, in regards to the pants question, my husband is insistent Masen wear reg. jeans, so I had someone put velcro over the snap area on either side and am teaching masen to zip, but at least he can get his jeans together. TK

i use the 'King's Button Hook' to tie my jeans. my advice is, buy 3 or 4 of them, after a bit of time they break at the point. With a little force you can twist the handle off and you can have the metal piece in your pocket. Hope this helps

http://www.essentialaids.com/erol.html#2037X2051

I simplify wearing pants by using a belt and buying one size larger than my size. Then I pull them up, fasten the belt to hold them up, and pull the button above the belt. Now I can button the pants. Practice is the key. I also buy mostly cargo pants because I need more pockets on the right side since I can't use the left side pockets. I push my butt up against the wall to hold the pants up if I have to tuck my shirt in before using the belt. I bought some plaid cargo shorts at the local discount clothing store, very nice. My 25 year old son told me I'd better hide them from him.