Making Changes To Meet My Limitations

[@Jchathe]

I have found cutting out seed oils, sugar and grains/starchy foods, as well as lowering my carb intake to under 20 a day, has really helped my arthritis. The pain in my elbows and hands has gone away and my knees are coming along nicely. Good luck with your doctor's appointment! :)

[@FionaRichardsonChristchurch]

Avoid the nightshade vegetables too… or reduce.

[@Jchathe]

@@FionaRichardsonChristchurch Thank you, Fiona 💕

[@nadineabbott]

@@FionaRichardsonChristchurchwhat are night shade vegetables?

[@lynnthompson4363]

I cut out tomatoes and red peppers which helped reduce the inflammation in my joints.....

[@FionaRichardsonChristchurch]

@@nadineabbottpotato capsicum eggplant tomato family :)

[@jankarel6454]

Having dealt with arthritis for years, I would recommend a visit or two to an occupational therapist. They can show you not only how to use your hands safely, but can also show you all sorts of adaptive aids for getting things done. In my case, pain was a big motivator in learning to do things differently when needed.

[@juliamaitland7160]

As a retired OT can I also say that an OT will take you through joint preservation techniques. I have had to use them myself and find them very useful. Even the way you wring out a cloth can affect your wrists

[@lynnoorman2144]

Hey Karen. Beware the doctor just doleing out pain killers. They can severely affect your levels of stomach acid. Once i realised this, it took me 20 years to come off the pain and anti acid medication. I now use exercises, warmth, and daily massage to keep the pain low. Nag for some physiotherapy perhaps? To practical preps: Kilner jars ( or knock off versions); ensure as many cans as I can have ring pulls ( which you can use a blunt knife to open) an electric can opener and a food processor to chop large quantities of food. I have built these supplies up over time and asked for them of Christmas presents etc - and explained that each time i use them, i will think gratefully of the gift giver. Alternative ways of opening include: use a rubber glove; put a rubber band round the lid; a good strong blunt knife tackles most of those annoying tabs and can be wedged underneath the lid to lift it; running glass jars with metal lids under the hot tap - this trick uses the heat expansion differential to slightly lift the metal away from the glass ( dry well then turn with rubber glove on). Hope these ideas help! I use them everyday.

[@frugalitystartsathome4889]

You can freeze stuff in jars, I do it all the time (same as you do with your milk, Karen) - and then I open them wearing a rubber glove if they’re a bit tight. More environmentally friendly than plastic tubs, anyway.

[@anneroberts9058]

Click lock tubs are good to use wee bit more expensive though x

[@carolinerayoflight786]

Hi all from a pensioner in the UK.Please guys start thinking about power cuts,alternative lighting,heating and cooking,get an emergency food supply now guy's. Hard times are coming soon,be prepared. ❤❤❤

[@lynnoorman2144]

And don't rely on batteries - buy wind-up lights, radios. And gas cookers, flasks, blankets.

[@carolinerayoflight786]

Thank you for this,good information!

[@carolinerayoflight786]

@@lynnoorman2144 hurricane lamps are good too with a carbon monoxide alarm,need a good quality hurricane lamp.Best wishes.

[@mariedamon5655]

Good idea about thinking ahead Karen. Hope your not in to much pain x

[@Amy-rb2ro]

Castor oil poultice for your hands. ❤

[@shellylockhart1506]

Dear Karen , I do notice in myself that if I have inflammation in one part of my body then I notice it in other areas very soon as well . I am wondering if the tooth problem may have increased overall inflammation which you were feeling in your hands . It will be interesting to see what the doctor has to say and hopefully there is treatment which brings you relief .

[@seekingtheminimumlevel1830]

Sorry you are dealing with the hand pain. I've had arthritis issues in much of my body for several years and found changing my diet has really helped the arthritis and other health issues plus I do some exercises found online. I was gifted a food saver type of machine that vacuum seals things. I use that for some items and plastic bags for others going into the freezer to avoid the freezer burn issue. Growing older is not for the faint of heart for sure.

[@Lousialee-hm3gu]

I use the wee sandwich bags for individual portions then put them into a larger freezer bag. That way I can use scissors to open the wee bags making it much easier. Hope your hands get a bit better soon.

[@fionaj3093]

In NHS Grampian, we can self refer to physiotherapy without requiring a GP appt. Occupational Therapists can advise. The NHS also have an info hub. You pop in and can get information and advice from NHS staff in a city centre shopping centre. You may have similar near you?

[@marylynch2510]

I find it hard with shampoo and conditioner,I end up standing on the conditioner to get some out😂😂

[@snapdragon2441]

A really good point Karen. We all need to adapt as we grow older or start to suffer from physical or mental health problems. My hands are naturally quite weak, I find it hard to use things like hair conditioner. Wishing you all the best. X

[@sharonsweeney4709]

Bottles can be so difficult! I found using a pump action bottle for shampoo conditioner, body wash etc really helps. I have them sitting at a good height for me in my shower recess.

[@geoffreyboyling615]

I do batch cooking of stews, mainly by default as I live on my own, and I buy LIDL bargain veg boxes or other veg when it's cheaper, and I end up with more veg stew than I can eat in a reasonable time, so I freeze it I also have arthritis but it doesn't affect me too much at the moment, though I have struggled a couple of times to open jars; I think I'll shop around to see what sort of devices are available, as things can only get worse as I get older I keep some (clean!) self grip pliers in the kitchen for opening bottle tops .... I use a Screwpull corkscrew to open bottles of wine, or buy wine with screw caps I dispense the stew into single portions in plastic bags; mostly I use bread bags. there's usually enough bag to just tie it off with a simple overhand knot, and they are effectively free. Open them carefully and shake out the crumbs, or you can wash plastic bags as for your usual washing up, then put them to one side to dry, turning inside out & back again a few times Store the bags in the freezer, then when you want a meal, take out a bag, place it on a deepish plate to thaw, cut off the top of the bag, transfer to a pan, and you're done

[@MemineAussi]

Containers with lids that are easy for you to open, ziplock bags.

[@debbiegnagey2095]

I always rolled cookies and made my own pastry dough! Arthritis has taken that from me! Now I use already pie crusts and have passed on my family heirloom recipe of rolled cookies to my sons! Two out of the three make them! I wore heels but now my shoes must fit comfortably and I check to make sure the soles are not slippy! I lived for my cuppa English breakfast tea and used to drink it all day but now must limit to the morning or I will lay awake all night!

[@yellowbird5411]

I use the takeout containers for Chinese also, but they look a bit different than what you have. The lids fit so tightly that I also struggle to get them off. I have to use a blunt knife tip to wedge it up into the space and then run it sideways along the edge while twisting. But someone here made a good point. Find plastic containers that you can get off easily. You may have to look online to find ones with tabs you can easily grab to pull the lid off. The zipper sealer bags are what I use a lot of, too. And if you buy the "boil-in" bags you don't even have to dirty up a pan to heat up the food. Just toss it in a pan of water, heat it up and dump it on a plate when it's hot. I also use jars and bottles to freeze stuff, always leaving room for expansion. You will find what works for you, and you may find that using several different kinds of storage containers works well. I save jars, and find they make wonderful storage containers.

[@preppernut]

Can you get a vacuum sealer? It is better than the ziplock bags for meat, I find. My hands started getting bad 50 years ago, and now the right one feels as if I have a big fat mitt on it. Knitting is getting hard, opening a can of tuna for the cats is hard, picking up coins is tricky as well. I drop a lot of things now. I too, live in a cold and damp climate, it definitely is a factor. I worked in data processing when I got out of school, all I did was type as fast as I could. Yes, we have to adapt somehow.

[@tonette6592]

Thanks.I have been trying to talk Karen into a vacuum-sealer for years. Even the inexpensive ones work well. I never buy high-end ones, and have been using them extensively for over 30 years.This one now is my third.

[@amandac9210]

A friend got me a jar key from Amazon,the best thing ever to get lids off with my bad hands,It looks so simple but works every time👍

[@lat1419]

I have the same problem. I found that putting the lid on the container when the food is hot creates a bit of a vacuum, so I only close them when cold. Not a cure-all but it helps. Also my arthritic hands totally recovered when I went fully carnivore. (Ot was so bad I needed my food cutting up, notI can power through a steak.)

[@lorettacarroll6015]

Yep. Carnivore is extremely anti inflammatory. I am Carnivore as well. Doesn't help with the neuropathy, but it helps all of the other issues I have that are caused by inflammation.

[@thebestwillow]

I guess just trial and error with different containers to see which ones are easiest on your hands. Glad you're seeing the doctor.

[@sarahbannon4752]

Oxalates cause me incredible joint pain, particularly in my hands, when I cut these out the pain disappears. Might be worth cutting these out for a while and seeing how you go.

[@Dutch_Gonneke]

Same here. Meat heavy or carnivore diet works wonders for my inflammation.

[@alibali672]

​​@@Dutch_GonnekeWow, how did you get that past the yt censors? Have come across so many people benefitting from car......

[@tonette6592]

I know you really don't want to buy a vacuum-sealer, but even the least expensive work well, and the rolls to make bags on Amazon, at least in America, are not a bad price, plus sometimes, they can be used again. It is incredible how fresh and how long the food stays good in the freezer, cooked or uncooked.

[@catrinalumley6628]

The stuff you've got already frozen just transfer frozen straight into standard freezer bags... Yes, maybe it's time to treat yourself to new storage, I'm sure Amazon will have some arthritis friendly airtight containers, you'll probably pay for good quality, but they'll last a lifetime... I've just bought some ziplock bags for my frozen stuff, take up much less space in freezer... You can lever the airtight containers with a blunt knife if you ever get stuck xxx

[@yellowbird5411]

The bags take up so much less space! With plastic containers there is usually air space, and therefore wasted space.

[@nikki27ish]

There are some great glass food containers with click locks, vanhaus is an great brand but you can probably find cheaper ones.

[@fianorian]

I hear you. People are always shocked when I open the lower cupboard doors in my kitchen, because I only have stuff on the front half of each shelf. No, it's not just because I have been decluttering, it's also because I have difficulty getting up off the floor if I have to get down to reach something at the back.

[@katherinekeon7034]

Barometric pressure is what affects yes it's cold weather and hot weather but get used to the barometric pressure of what barometric pressure your body decreases and expands the most that's the pain level so you do need to get on those warm gloves you do need to use your stabbed do you need to do something to sweat out or diminish the inflammation that will gather in your joints especially in the hands.

[@EileenR11]

1. Have you been to the doctor and got an actual diagnosis? Lots of things can cause joint pain - like a vitamin D deficiency. Please make sure you get properly checked. 2. If it is arthritis, there's still a lot of value in therapeutic exercise, which can make an extraordinary difference to everyday capabily. I speak from experience on both points above. Best wishes. I know it's a difficult time. Edit - got to the end and see you are going to the doctor. Good. I find Kilner jars really good for non-fridge items. Bit of a cost up front but a great seal that's easy to open and they last decades. For the freezer I use those lock and lock containers. They have big hinges and are easier to open than, say, a plastic yogurt pot, plus can go into the microwave.

[@lynnoorman2144]

I second the use of Kilner jars! Brilliant things.

[@Heathers_creates]

I hope you can help the hands. I'm menopausal and my circulation is due to the loss of estrogen. Usually histamine would replace it but I don't have that as I have an autoimmune disability. But good to prepare

[@sandraparry8653]

Hi Karen', at 73 I have Raynaud's syndrome and arthritis in my hands. They get so very cold and painful, so hard to grip things. I have got a special thing to help me.open.stuff, also I use lock and lock tops. Your puppy is so pretty 😍 Sandra. Rhyl North Wales 😊

[@wotdoesthisbuttondo]

The marine collagen and co q 10 idea is worth looking into as it reinforces everything and can throw some calcium and vitamin D supplements down with them ok, also hairdryer heat on hands is a handy (ahem) help, i saw a guitarists hands being hardried before a concert. See if you put a temporary lid on your power station boiled cuppa it'll keep heat in a bit and reduce waiting time. power expenditure.

[@curlew-3592]

Hi, it’s my 70th birthday this week and I am just waiting a confirmation diagnosis of poly myalgia. For weeks now there is not an inch of my body that is not in terrible pain. I really struggle to get out of bed. I hate taking medication but I live on my own and it is going to have to be medication in order for me to cope. There are dozens of people on the internet giving dietary advice . I’m very wary of that!

[@alibali672]

Karen, have you been eating more sugar or grains than you did a few years ago, or changed your diet in any other way? These can be linked to arthritis. Earthclinic (with the US ending) has some good ideas.

[@Lee_Proffit]

Karen, have a look at the Jar pop key, designed to help open jars but it looks like it would also open chinese takeaway tubs 🙂 There is also an aid called a ring pull can opener for helping with the every increasing pop top food cans

[@maryamorman2532]

I have RA and have used both of these to open the clip lock containers which my fingers struggle with.

[@lindajacquot5391]

I have noticed this problem with a lot of packaging I attempt to open. Our society is aging, so you think manufacturers would be doing something about this. Pill bottles are the worst, followed by cleaning, lotion, and shampoo bottles! Pressing and turning a small top with painful hands is not fun at all. I don't have small children in the house anymore, so child caps aren't necessary. Some pharmacies give you non-childproof containers, but over the counter meds always come in impossible to open packages. I share your grief, Karen, and if you find a solution other than Ziplocs (I have trouble with those, too), please share it with us!

[@lynnoorman2144]

Funny story - my elderly mother-in-law could never open medicine bottles - so she would ask my 4 year old to open them for her. To this day ( he's in his 40s) he has incredibly strong hands. Luckily at the age of 4 he was intelligent enough to know that medicines were not sweets to eat!

[@janetmackinnon3411]

I sympathise about the difficulty in opening some things. I find a pair of pliers helps. Arthritis sometimes stops for years. It doesn't always get progressively worse. Sending you fellow-feeling.

[@tonistephens1801]

I use pliers too or rubber glove.

[@LindaStenner]

Lucky to have a dentist

[@thebestwillow]

Thanks for keep telling the algorithm how popular Karen's videos are.

[@susanjacks8830]

Also try essential oils diluted with coconut oil. Frankincense is a good one.

[@AngelaH2222]

Oh dear, every time I watch I'm going "me too" 😔 I think I'm a couple of years behind in age but 3 or 4 years ahead in knackered fingers. I really need to go back to the GP and see if they might change the diagnosis (as it stands if it's "just" osteoarthritis there's nothing to really stop the progression) A thick blunt knife or spoon might help opening up, i tend to brace the container against my tummy to make leverage easier if just using my hands. I'm wondering if with the Tupperware box could something like a flat broad ribbon put in place all the way across (under) the lid before closing give something to grip when opening.... I do get annoyed with the tiny little thumbnail sized gap they have for opening icecream containers, I keep meaning to experiment with getting a blade to make the slot longer. Maybe the universe is telling you to quit popcorn😁. Could a thin rim of silicone be glued onto an easier to open bucket to give a better seal,,, and maybe take a sideways look at niche solutions.. I just had a Google for buckets with flaps and bait buckets came up, you'd need to tape over the air holes, but useful if the produce inside poured in & out (i don't know how well the lids themselves seal). With a bit of sideways thinking and improvisation anything is possible💪

[@kateleese9663]

Reusable ziplock bags , they are meant to be washed and reused. Can fit more in freezer as well. I freeze things flat on a baking tray and then transfer to bags when frozen.

[@kateleese9663]

You can also get a thing for pull rings on cans.

[@joycef8443]

I tray freeze fruits, vegs, and meat portions and bag in zip locks. I put 2 cups of processed, cooked pumpkin in a qt size zip lock, squash flat and freeze in stacks.

[@chrisbuckley7978]

Have you tried "Press-n-Seal" the best was to describe it is a cross between Clingfilm and Zip lock bags. You take enough to seal your stuff for fridge/freezing, the make fold along top, bring rest over and press down as with cling film to seal. Advantage, stronger than cling film and can be used again. I found it on Amazon after seeing it on Japanese Costco program, Tasty Time on You Tube (Japanese) some good ideas, it is stronger than cling film and better in some ways than zip lock. Take care and look after yourself, your wrist problem might be RSI and not Carpel Syndrome, I have both and carple only plays up on long rides on bike keeping throttle open

[@thinhairdontcare9822]

Maybe use the plastic containers that have four locking sides? They are easier to open. Knitting exacerbates arthritic hands as well

[@ColleenReid-h8m]

What about using pliers to yank it off or slip a screw driver , also I wonder if you put it under hot water might loosen its grip Hot eater works with jars. I also have an old fashioned can,,bottle opener. The opener that pokes holes on cans I use to release pressure on things that need opening

[@susanjacks8830]

Do you have a Food Saver vacuum sealer? Keeps freezer burn from happening and will generally keep your foods safe for up to 3 years which you will have probably eaten your food by then. You can also vacuum seal dry goods in jars with same mchine. It is a real game changer. I have arthritis too. No fun.

[@janenorville6365]

Would moving abroad to a warmer climate work, it helped me so much it's well worth it

[@tashaa69]

glucosamine the supplement I heard being used by my grandparents and they said it helped

[@ShirleyLee-ji4jv]

wax therapy that heats up is great for stiff hands and really improves dry skin It’s like a foot soak but for hands

[@katherinekeon7034]

You look extra great with your Fringe and just go back over videos this is a very very attractive I love it straight back but this is a very attractive look for you too and one that we don't see very often. It's a great look on you Karen the side part :-)

[@DisabledandPrepping]

I also need to start looking ahead and finding those items out too. So I'm right there with you and any suggestions. Anybody can give me would be greatly appreciated.😊

[@TheShimmerwitch]

Could you short term use the handle of a spoon to prise the lids off ❤

[@PenniestoDollars]

I have trouble opening jars, ziplock bags....all of it.

[@LorrieAnne]

You can cover your plastic containers with plastic wrap, let it hang over the edge and put on your cover. But yes modify your containers.

[@AGardenFullOfDreams]

Would glueing (with a strong glue) a fabric or other material "pull handle" over the part of the popcorn bucket lid where the tab is work? so you can slide your hands in and pull up to peel the lid back? I wonder if a strap on a suction cup like stick on windows would stick to the takeaway containers? if you could attach a handle to that maybe that could just be reused on any tub lid corner. Hold down the tub with one hand and pull up the corner of the lid with the suction cup and strap.

[@rachell4694]

My hands and knuckles are getting more painful as I get older so I wear these gloves when i'm in my flat. VITTO Anti-Arthritis Gloves Women & Men with Grips - Compression Gloves for Arthritis Pain Relief, Carpal Tunnel, Injuries -

[@Knit333]

Maybe you need to see a physio for some advice on your hands. They problably have some tips/hand exercises. And how about a special keyboard at your workplace? Less strain on your wrists perhaps. I know you like to crochet, but maybe it makes the complaints worse. It did for me (and so does knitting).

[@jimmybrad156]

red light therapy pad from ebay or amazon

[@PAULSMITH-o2k]

I have a few ideas for you. First of all, I know your channel is structured around the idea of planning and prepping and it seems to be all about living on a shoe string. Could another option not be to increase your income by getting a new job/skilling up and retraining so you are not having to constantly budget so drastically? Secondly, you often speak as though things are inevitable and there's nothing you can do about it and that you need to prep for when existing conditions worsen. Again, are you not looking at things the wrong way around? Could you not look at prevention to reduce and alleviate issues? For example arthritis (which you mention) is caused by junk food, animal produce and being overweight all which have a painful and inflamatory effect on the body. I know people older than you who follow a healthy diet/lifestyle and don't have the issues you face. Aging is inevitable but getting old is not. You don't need to be infirm and ill as you get older, you can alter your lifestyle. Perhaps this is something to consider. Genuinely not trying to be rude or insulting, just don't like seeing people suffer when there are other options and alternatives available. Genuinely interested to hear your response to this. Best wishes.

[@lynnoorman2144]

How old are you? Are you speaking, therefore, from experience or theory? Karen has recently reduced her work hours to focus on other things and is on a journey to change her diet to a more natural one. It great that folk are concerned.