Wendy’s Hiking Story
Back in August 2018, I went hiking with my friends at work. I was a bit hesitant since most of them are in their mid 20s and here I am, turning 57. After a lot of convincing, I said yes and went with them. I was glad I did, the view was amazing.
The hike home was a bit hard because the rocks were all slippery. Unfortunately, I slipped on a rock and fell butt-first. I didn’t realize I used both my hands to support my body as I fell.
Fast forward to March 2019, I felt a pain on my left thumb. Even the slightest touch or movement is painful so I decided to pay my doctor a visit.
After physical examination, I have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I had to wear a cast for 2 months to help with the healing process of my wrist.
When I got home, I realized, “How in the world can I eat and cook my meal?”. My kids are in college and my husband’s long gone. So, I looked up some eating and kitchen aids online and lucky for me, there were a lot in the market.
First, I ordered thin cutlery so that even without the cast on, I will be using a light-weight spoon and fork. I wouldn’t risk using stainless steel cutlery that weigh a ton.
Next, I ordered a jar opener. Almost all the food in my pantry is inside a jar (I like to keep my kitchen organized). I got the automatic jar opener because with a cast on, I just don’t have enough arm strength to open a jar with one hand.
As someone who drinks 3 cups of coffee every day, I just had to get myself a milk frother. My coffee’s creamier and I make the best lattes now!
And of course, I bought food preparation aid. Getting takeouts is easier while I had a cast on but my doctor strictly told me to avoid fast food while I was healing. I had to eat more healthy and calcium-rich food.
The last thing I added to my cart was a uni-turner. I’ve been using it ever since because it’s very convenient. From opening my front door, cooking, doing the laundry, it helped me turn everything with a knob with ease.
READ: Here’s How Daily Living Aids Can Help You at Home
Aside from all these kitchen aids, my doctor also advised me to do some minor exercises and she highly recommended yoga. Yoga has many benefits and that includes back pain relief, less arthritis pain and it helped me sleep better. Yoga helped me a lot physically and mentally so even until now, I still do morning yoga before heading off to work.
Don’t compromise your wrist health
Wrist pain is more common than you think. In fact, Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common condition affecting 3 to 6 percent of adults in the general population especially in the 40 and above age range and mostly women.
Living with carpal tunnel syndrome is not a joke. It has many causes and factors such as pregnancy, rapid weight gain, a certain type of arthritis and even the natural way of ageing. While there’s a non-surgical way to cure CTS, it’s still best to prevent CTS.
Why?
Because your wrists help you move around and perform certain day-to-day tasks. A compromised wrist can result in grave injuries or can hinder you from working or doing things that you like. Use assistive devices so that there’s no need for you to bear and grin.
Remember, don’t risk the wrist!
References:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
