Please keep in mind that I am not a medical professional. These are tricks that worked for me. You should consult your therapist or professional helpers to adapt these tricks for you and your specific situation.
10/03/23: How I Unclench my Fist
When I was in my 20s, I learned this technique to deal with menstrual cramps. I'm wondering now if I internalized what I learned because I have never dealt with serious pain throughout my MS journey. I do not remember who taught me this, but anyone can try this out and see if it works for them.
Before I had the surgery to install my suprapubic catheter, I was incontinent, not able to transfer independently, and alone for seven or eight hours during the day. I also peed a lot when I did. I used an overnight diaper with at least two heavy incontinence pads inside it. One of my caregivers showed me this tip, and I wanted to pass it along.
This tip shows how I secure the catheter tube to me without the tube touching me. If the tube were touching my skin, it would wear the skin away and create a wound.
I am now at the point where the easiest way for me to take a shower is lying down. I am not happy about this at all, but I do get a more complete shower a lot easier this way. It really messes with my “I'm not really disabled” mentality, but after two years of trying to shower sitting up, I'm ready to concede. Also, when I say “I” am doing something, it is my caregiver actually doing it.
I cannot use my right hand and arm much anymore. My right hand closes into a tight fist whenever it isn't being flattened by a brace. I have one brace for the day and one brace for nighttime when I'm sleeping. Here's a trick I learned that is universal for anyone with a hand.
