United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

What are some of the things that irritate you, that you wish weren't an issue?

I hate when I'm in a group photo, where we are supposed to put our arms on the shoulders of the people on either side of us. For one, I'm almost 6' tall, so it's awkward anyway... I usually just put my right arm behind the other person's back. It doesn't look like everyone else, but that's okay.

I hate styling my hair.

Door knobs are an issue if my left hand is full.

I'm tall, so everyone asks me to reach things on high shelves for them. If it's something light, no problem. Also, I can't change light bulbs worth a damn.

What have you guys done to overcome some of these things?

And I'm excited to hear about camp!!!

Hi Maureen,

In group photos, I do the same thing you do. I'm 5' tall, so usually I can't reach the other person's shoulder.

Even though I have always loved long hair, I can't take care of it. I keep my hair short, so styling it is quick and easy.

Door knobs are an issue for me if my right hand is full, which is why I load up my left hand and arm first, even though I know that I can't carry as much with my left arm as with my right. I try to always leave my right hand free.

I'm short, so I'm one of those people who asks for help reaching things on high shelves.

I can't change a lightbulb in a ceiling fixture either. Only one hand can reach up over my head. It takes one hand to reach up and loosen the screws, and another hand to reach up and catch the cover of the fixture before it falls because the screws have been loosened. So, I'm out of luck there. Thank G-d for my husband.

Joanie, 58 years, LOBPI

Usually with a group photo, I'll but my left arm behind someone so that you can't see it. All of the light fixtures in my house are missing the domes covering the bulbs! I hate trying to curl the back of my hair with a curling iron. I hold the mirror in my left hand and with the right try to "guide" it under a piece of hair. Forget roller setting the thing! What about storing something overhead on a plane? LOL!

No one asks me to reach things because I am only 5'3" so they don't even bother.
I usually stand on a stool or a chair to reach with my left hand.
Door knobs don't bother me because I tuck everything under my right arm and stuff as much as I can in my right arm.

Light bulbs... never even tried... even on a chair I am too short.

As for overhead luggage... the secret is to travel with an OBPI.
Of course if you are robpi then you can only travel with a lobpi.
Nancy and I attended the Naraka Symposium in Brecia Italy and learned that it takes two OBPI's to put one suitcase into the overhead on planes... LOL...

Kath robpi/adult

Elissa:)
I always put my LOBPI arm behind me or the person next to me in pictures too. I use a "reacher"/"Grabber" and since finding UBPN have started asking for help whenever I am away from home. It sure saves my "good limbs".

I have also found a great "How To" Book:
"One-Handed Living in a Two Handed World" by
Tommye-Karen Mayer

I wish I'd found is or had it available earlier in my "BPI Journey" I might not have goten soofrustrated and my stres level would have ben much less.
Carolyn J


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

I wish I had taught myself how to do some more things left-handed, rather than struggling to do them right handed. I can use a mouse right handed, but I kind of suck at it, and maybe it would have been easier for me to have learned it left handed. I never used left handed scissors. The few ones that the schools provided didn't work, so I have always done it right-handed... but very poorly.
Yesterday, I was watching cops, and I realized, if I was ever in a situation where I was told to put my hands in the air, I couldn't do it. I guess it's a good thing I'm a law abiding citizen.
Sometimes I wish I could do the YMCA, or the macarena, or any of the other dozens of dances they do at weddings. Or put both hands in the air on a roller coaster. Or put on my coat without looking like an idiot...

I asked Frankie he wishes he could cut his own steak when we go out to eat and I haven't been able to find a rocker knife sharpe enough Mare

Gosh Mare, I only eat steak at home. I always order something I can cut with the side of a fork.

Carolyn J

I really, really, really, really hate to shake hands... I mean I really hate it.

Changing a lightbulb, shaking hands, Putting a suitcase in an overhead bin on an airplane--I have to use my head to boost it up there--zippers and buttons due to the arthritis---pants that zip on the side or back--high cupboards, I have had large bowls fall on me trying to lift one handed, gas caps on cars--again due to the arthritis, skinny handled knives, jumping jacks,peeling potatoes, volleyball
Is that enough?????
Pat