What’s in your GBS/CIDP toolbox?

    • Anonymous
      January 5, 2011 at 2:11 pm

      I have found many things to add to my GBS toolbox. Unfortunately, I found most of them by trial and error. What have you found that helps you to function in daily life, cope, and feel normal?

      Here’s some of my finds:

      Buckingham Easywipe
      Rocker Knife
      Cutting Board with two dowels sticking up and a corner blocked
      Cleaning Wipes (like Lysol, glass cleaners, bathroom wipes)
      Front-Zip sweatshirts
      Nike All-Sport Over-the-Calf socks
      Dr. Scholls (sp?) Diabetic Over-the-Calf socks
      Straws (LOL)
      Music, music, music
      TheraPutty
      TheraBand

      I’m sure I’ll think of more!

      Allsmiles :p

    • Anonymous
      January 5, 2011 at 3:39 pm

      Drinking straws
      Large grip drink cups
      Rubber grip bottle opener
      Had a shower installed
      Shower seat
      Hand held shower head
      Safety bath mats
      Thick leggings for when calves cold
      Big fat writing pens
      Pull out kitchen drawers installed
      Lots and lots of paper towels
      Lots of bed pillows for those can’t sleep nights
      Zip sweat jackets (several)

    • Anonymous
      January 6, 2011 at 3:23 pm

      Removed all buttons and hooks from my pants’ waist band and jeans and put in a small strap with hook & loop fasteners (velcro type)

      Added small loops on the pants zippers

      got a small bar bell shaped device to turn the car key in the ignition

      quit wearing button in the front shirts, switched to pull over

      AFO’s. Couldn’t get by without them

      A small, fold-able book holder

      A grasping cuff with wrist support see:

      [url]http://www.pattersonmedical.com/app.aspx?cmd=get_product&id=92394[/url]

      I loved this little thing. But, I’m not using it much these days. It is far too easy to over exert the muscles which remain.

      By far my best assistive device is…………………….my wife. No, seriously, what would I do without her?

    • Anonymous
      January 6, 2011 at 3:46 pm

      Books on tape. I need to rest but really do not sleep, I lay down close my eyes and listen to a book. Sometimes I need to back up and re listen, if i do doze a little.

    • northernguitarguy
      January 6, 2011 at 5:35 pm

      great thread!

      Thanks to Alice and Sophie for turning me on to fresh squeezed OJ. Now I am squeezing for a family of four! It’s a great hand workout!

      allsmiles I love your attitude!

    • Anonymous
      January 6, 2011 at 11:39 pm

      Thanks for the compliment! I have two kiddos counting on me to stay positive, and by the grace of God my life was saved. I feel blessed! 😀

    • Anonymous
      January 7, 2011 at 8:10 am

      For those who can’t zip or button, what would I do without VELCRO!!!!!
      PLIERS have become an extension for the hand that can’t grip.
      BIG LOOPY zipper pulls can make it possible to work a zipper.
      And a giant mouse called INFOGRIP for my computer.

    • northernguitarguy
      January 7, 2011 at 9:46 am

      [QUOTE=codystanley]
      And a giant mouse called INFOGRIP for my computer.[/QUOTE]
      That’s cool!

      Though we cant afford it we bought a macbookpro and I must say that the ‘magic trackpad’ is great for damaged hands. I see they have them for sale for mac desktops for $69. Steep price but worth every penny:)

      keep fighting onward!

    • Anonymous
      January 8, 2011 at 3:40 pm

      My GBS tool box consists of….

      High top tennis shoes with braces that cover whole bottom of foot up to crew length sock height
      arm cuff crutches
      socks that go mid way up calf
      mainly pull on pants that either pull on or have a tie string or sweat pants
      shirts I can pull over head, even ones with buttons only have 1 for summer & pull on fleece zip up shirts leave zipped up enough so I can get my head in
      heating pad in summer for back pain or electric blanket in winte
      ice packs
      extender arm reacher
      variety of rubber stretching bands for exercise
      shake weight
      pencil for typing
      home health care aides to assist me & do things I can’t
      grab bar to get into shower
      shower seat
      extended shower on hose
      bars on sides of toilet that hook to toilet that make gettin up & down easier
      microwave for main cookin
      step stool to get into bed
      help line necklace , that goes to local hospital 24 / 7
      telephones in every room except bathroom
      comfortable recliner
      ceramics, books & scrapbooking internet to keep me busy
      plenty of potholders
      fleece blankets to cover me while sitting doin projects
      a/c & plenty of fans to keep me from gettin to hot in summer
      wheelchair for bad days with GBS or severe back pain
      Tv & radio or cds
      drinking straws
      cups with lids on them just room for straw or drinking water bottle
      My best bud ..my cat Zoro who has changed for the better since I came home & have been left with disabilities.. He loves to play, & cuddle with his Mommy (ME) & he is protective of me & my routine & he listens & understands alot !!

    • Anonymous
      January 9, 2011 at 3:14 pm

      i forgot a few things…
      nightlights all over house
      books to read
      caring parents who do my shopping & take me to appts
      a caring aunt who takes me to some appts & takes me to do things outside the home

    • Hedley LaMarr
      January 11, 2011 at 12:32 pm

      I found that having a 22 year old french live in maid very helpful. 🙂

    • Anonymous
      January 20, 2011 at 2:06 am

      Foam Fit flip flops, try saying that fast three times.
      They are slip ons that have a very thick padding on the soles. Adidas make them in men an womens sizes.