Have you been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)? If so, you are probably familiar with the feeling of stiffness in your back and neck when you wake up in the morning, making it difficult to bend or turn. This pain and stiffness can make it difficult to do everyday tasks. But don't worry. You are not alone. There are simple tools and professional help that can help make life a little easier and reduce the pressure on your joints. Today, we will talk about that.
Simple devices that help in everyday life
These are the things that can be your best friends. They help you work without pain, taking unnecessary strain on your joints.
Help with walking and balance
- Handrails: It is very important to install handrails inside the house, especially in the bathroom, near the toilet, and on the stairs. Just think, there are more chances of slipping in the bathroom. With a stiff back, it can be difficult to maintain balance. Having a handrail to hold on to at times like this will not only make you feel safer, but also more free. These will help a lot when getting up from the toilet or sitting down.
- Walking Aids: If you are concerned about falling while walking, don't be shy about using a walker or cane. These devices take the strain off your hips, knees, and ankles and help keep you from falling. It's best to ask your doctor or physiotherapist about the best walking aid for you.
Raised Seats and Cushions
Do you experience pain in your hips and back when sitting or standing up from a chair? If so, using a slightly higher seat or a special cushion can help reduce the pressure. This is especially helpful if you sit for long periods of time, such as in the office.
If the toilet bowl feels a little too high, there are raised toilet seats that can be installed above it. These make it much easier to sit down and get up.
Small tools that make work easier
Sometimes you'd be surprised how much easier our lives can be with little tools we don't even think about.
| Tool / Equipment | Usefulness |
|---|---|
| Reachers/Grabbing Tools | Is it hard to bend over to pick up something that has fallen on the floor because of a stiff back? Or does it hurt when you reach out to pick up something that is on the floor? With this device, which has a long handle and a grip, you can pick up things without bending over or straining your arm. |
| Braces and Splints | These can help provide extra support to your joints. They can reduce pain and minimize damage to your joints. However, it's not a good idea to take these on your own. You should only use them if your doctor recommends them, and only as directed. |
| Tools to help with zippers and buttons | Due to joint pain in the fingers, it can be difficult to zip or button a garment. Zipper pulls are small loops that attach to the zipper to make it easier to pull the zipper. There are also button aids that help you pull the zipper through the buttonhole. |
| Grips | Do your hands hurt when you hold things like spoons, pans, doorknobs, and bottle caps? There are rubber or soft plastic grips that you can put on them. These make it easier to grip things and put less pressure on your joints. |
| Kitchen helpers | Kitchen work is no easy feat. Using electric appliances like a blender, food processor, and electric can opener can reduce the amount of manual labor you have to do. If you have difficulty cutting vegetables, you can use something like a mandoline slicer (but be careful with safety, as it can cut). |
| Wide Key Holder | If your fingers hurt when holding small keys and opening a door, use a holder like a large handle that attaches to the key. That way, it's much easier to hold and turn the key. |
Remember, using these devices is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of love and care for your body. It gives you the confidence to do your own thing without relying on anyone else.
Getting Professional Help
Sometimes, even with these devices, you may need a little more help with daily tasks. At such times, you may want to consider getting the help of a professional caregiver. Although this is a bit new to our culture in Sri Lanka, many people around the world are receiving this service.
These people come to your home and help you for a few hours a day. Perhaps if you have a family member (husband, wife, child) who is taking care of you, they can get help from someone like this. Or you can help yourself.
What help can I get?
Home health care providers can help with things like:
- Take a bath and clean your body.
- Get dressed.
- Eat and cook.
- Go to the toilet.
- Minor household cleaning
- Go to the store to buy things.
- Remember to take your medication on time and keep track of your doctor's appointments.
Home health aides can provide basic medical care (e.g., administering medication). Personal care aides help with household chores, bathing, and dressing.
If you need this type of service, talk to your doctor about it. He or she can provide you with information about reputable home health care providers in your area. You can then meet with them, explain your needs, check their qualifications and background, discuss costs, and come up with a plan to get the service that works for you.
Take-Home Message
- Living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be challenging, but you're not alone. There are many ways to get help.
- Simple devices like crutches, walkers, and raised seats can help reduce the pressure on your joints and help control pain.
- Small tools like reachers, zipper pulls, and special grips make it easier to do everyday tasks on your own.
- Using devices is not a weakness, it's a smart thing to do to maintain your independence.
- If you're having trouble with all of this, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Talk to your doctor about it and get the details you need.
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