Independence With Reading and Writing Aids

By Michael Russell

If you have Multiple Sclerosis, you without a doubt have at least some occasional bouts of low vision. It is rare for anyone with Multiple Sclerosis to escape this often-terrifying limitation. An encounter with vision problems of some sort is usually what signals a problem that begins the journey into a sometimes-tedious ordeal of a diagnosis of MS. Seemingly simple symptoms such as blurred or double vision, floaters and a dimming of or loss of color recognition can more than just disrupt your life. It can leave you feeling like a helpless victim, unprepared and very frightened.

Suddenly, your lifetime enjoyment in jotting notes and letters to friends and loved ones and reading your morning paper or a book every now and then, just became more complicated - even impossible and these are just the things you look forward to doing. Just think about how dependent we are on our eyesight. Because we can see, we don’t bump into walls and other obstacles. There are traffic and street signs with particular colors that are important for us to be able to not only see but also recognize for the safety of others and ourselves.

Many of these MS-related symptoms are considered minor and are usually temporary. Compared to the more serious symptomatic vision problems that could occur with MS, these tend to come and go with episodes triggered by excessive stress and or high temperatures due to weather, hot tubs, showers or saunas. Though minor, their arrival can cause confusion and sometimes even safety issues. This precarious situation is not altogether impossible to deal with. With a little help from specialized low-vision aids, you can maintain that precious independence of reading and writing. Yes, even during those low-vision periods you can read that morning paper or treat yourself to a new magazine.

There is an ongoing list of aids geared specifically for low vision problems due to symptoms from Multiple Sclerosis or other eye diseases or disability. Below is a partial list of companies that carry magnifiers (small and full page size), kitchen aids (measuring utensils), talking aids (clocks, calculators, scales, prescription bottle identifiers), writing guides, dimensional paint and large print recreational items like cards and dominoes for a start.

Since there can be wide differences among those with Multiple Sclerosis, only you can be the judge of what you need. Sit down with a friend and make a customized list of the limitations that are unique to you. Then add what you think would make the specific limitation easier. Don’t try to do this quickly. Take a week and make a project of it. You want it to be an accurate picture of your needs. Now, with that information as your tool, begin to look around for the type of “low vision” aid you need in the marketplace. It probably exists. Just keep at it until you find it. Don’t just stop living because of a low vision limitation. Taking advantage of the available living aids is one big productive step around a limitation. Many times, you have to work to keep what you have. Just remember how important seeing is to you and let it propel you ahead to find what you need.

Dynamic-living.com
Independentliving.com
Sammonspreston.com
Care4u-store.stores.yahoo.net/reading.html
Goldviolin.com
Maxiaids.com
Activeforever.com
Amazon.com

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Multiple Sclerosis

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

               

Multiple Sclerosis: Something To Hold On To

By Michael Russell

When it comes to maneuvering around the house, multiple sclerosis can make things difficult. You never know when your arms or legs will give out on you. You appreciate the helping hands of family, friends and caregivers but sometimes you just want to be able to get around on your own, especially when you’re alone and it’s a simple thing. You’d really rather not have someone running to your rescue for every little thing when you could very well accomplish the task yourself. You’re not naïve about your limitations and very conscious of safety, but you realize your need of that little something extra for some of those tricky areas in the house like steps in unusual places and absolutely every staircase. What you need is something to hold onto.

Getting around the house safely and securely can be easier than you thought with “Safety Hand Grips”. Besides the usual places where grab bars are used, like the bathroom, shower and toilet. Safety Hand Grips can be put in all those other areas around the house where you also need the extra support but no one but you thought it was necessary.

Most of the Safety Hand Grips in the marketplace today are at least 9 inches in length or longer and feature construction of a durable ABS material; a type of plastic in high favor for it’s scratch and dent resistant properties. They are commonly packaged in pairs with everything you need to secure them where you need them. They are reasonably priced from $9.90 to $15.80 per set not considering the shipping but if you spend at least a certain dollar amount you might get free shipping.

Bruce Medical.com carries Safety Hand Grips for $14.95, order number BMS1578 Painreliever.com carries Brand Safety Hand Grips for $15.80, order Model #:521-1578-1900) Aidsforarthritis.com carries Safety Hand Grips for $9.90, order Item #: F-9

If you really need to, you could literally install Safety Hand Grips all around your home. Since studies continually show that more accidents occur in the home than anywhere else, you can’t go wrong in being extravagant in putting this simple but effective living aid in every corner of your home. In fact, you as well as those who love and care for you should rest easier knowing that the Safety Hand Grips are in place. It doesn’t mean that you can throw caution to the wind. You’ll still need to exercise the utmost safety in all you do but you shouldn’t have to worry whether or not you’ll make it from point A to point B safely. It’s a good investment for your safety or for someone you love.

If you’re not sure and you want to try out the Safety Hand Grips before you buy them, look for a lending closet in your area. Lending closets carry a variety of daily living aids like canes, walkers, scooters and other ingenious gadgets to help make life easier for the disabled or temporarily injured. If you can’t find a lending closet nearby, call MSAA (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America) at 1-800-532-7667. Inquire about the availability of Safety Hand Grips and a listing of other available aids.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Multiple Sclerosis

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

               

Dressing Yourself Despite Multiple Sclerosis

By Michael Russell

There probably is a list somewhere of things that frustrate those with Multiple Sclerosis the most. Having to depend on someone else to dress you has got to be at least in the top twenty. Most people take getting dressed without any assistance for granted. Those with MS or other diseases with an unpredictable range of motion limitations know better. They take nothing for granted.

If you’ve just been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis or any other disease that limits your range of motion, here’s good news for you. There are a host of daily living assistance aids available to help you dress yourself. Our main focus in this article is the “Dressing Stick”. The dressing stick is probably one of the most helpful and basic dressing aids because it works effectively for those with limited hand strength in putting on and taking off clothes, socks and even the challenging zipper.

Most manufacturers’ designs for the “Dressing Stick” feature wooden sticks coated with plastic with a c-hook at one end and a push/pull hook at the other end. The length ranges anywhere from 24 to 27 inches and are priced from $4.95 to $19.95. Below is a brief list of the descriptions and prices in the marketplace. Do your own comparative shopping, keeping shipping (some only ship via UPS), specials and other discounts in mind and don’t be fooled by high-end prices. They all appear to be of equal quality, so why pay more than necessary without more quality or at least a lifetime guarantee. Take note that these same businesses also carry many other dressing aids that you could make good use of. There are button aids, pantyhose aids, permanent tie shoelaces and the list goes on. Although Multiple Sclerosis comes with its limitations, you need not be frustrated about dressing yourself at all. It’s up to you to take advantage of these wonderful technologies and be very grateful for them. They were created for people such as yourself.

Are you hesitant about the “Dressing Stick”? Find a lending closet nearby. A lending closet is usually equipped with alternative daily living aids such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, bath chairs, crutches, etc. for those who either can’t afford them or who need items for a short period of time. Someone in the community who once needed to use them themselves has usually donated these items. If you can’t locate a lending closet nearby, call MSAA (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America) at 1-800-532-7667. Ask about the Dressing Stick and other available living aids. Take advantage of all that is in place for those who suffer with Multiple Sclerosis.

Brucemedical.com carries a Dressing Stick for $7.95, order number KN335.

Dynamic-living.com carries a Dressing Stick with Hook for $7.99, order number DL1202.

Wisent.com carries two types of dressing sticks: A 27inch one piece Dressing Stick with a c-hook and push/pull hook at $4.95, order number 28575 and a 27 ½ inch Collapsible Dressing Stick that breaks down into 2 - 14 ½ inch pieces, which is useful for travelers to pack at $12.95, order number 28628. If you prefer paying with Paypal, you can do so at this site.

Lifehome.com carries a Dressing stick for $19.95.

Otstores.co.uk (For those living in the UK) carries a 24-inch wooden Dressing stick for £3.51 (inc Vat) with a one-year guarantee.

Dailylivingproducts.com carries a 24 inch plastic coated Dressing Stick for $7.50, Item no: F738810001

Easierliving.com carries a 26 inch plastic coated Dressing Stick for $6.00, order no. Sku 8202. Easier Living also has quantity pricing by the case.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Multiple Sclerosis

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell