Katrina:

even though it is hard to do job one handed right now, but I feel with right attitude all jobs are possible. you will find a way to compensate for your left hand. I am so proud of you you are doing so much work even with disability, you are putting those lazy able people to shame.

Asha

Bravo! You survived your first days!

It will get easier because you'll

come up with all sorts of short-cuts

and easier ways for you to get the

work done.

Applause,

Rachel

Katrina: great week. So glad things are moving along and you are finding your way.

Bruce uses his affected arm to hold the mail down, while he uses the letter opener. Always slit away from yourself!

Fold the letters in small piles-maybe 5 to 10 at a time, depending on the thickness of the paper. Once you get the first third folded or at least creased, go one at a time. Again Bruce uses his affected hand to hold the paper in place. Stuffing envelopes is boring for anyone. Maybe they would let you use your Ipod or radio while doing that.

Box on the rolling chair sounds like it is working. Good problem solving.

I watch Bruce use his strong left arm-hand all day long, including pulling himself up 24 feet of ramp in a WC and often wonder about the stress and damage he is doing. But he never complains and when sitting and just watching TV or reading, works that right hand with his left all the time.

Great week and next will be better. Let us know, Debbie

Katrina,

I praise you and your skills to be doing what you do one hand or not. Speaking of the mail I open my letters by holding them between my left hand thumb and forefinger using the letter opener in my right hand. That works great for me. My junk mail I just stick my finger under the flap and rip it open then in the shredder it goes!

I fold the letter by folding the bottom up the size of the envelope, put my left thumb on the edge to hold it straight then use my right hand across the bottom fold and crease it. Then fold the top down to match the bottom fold and crease it. Stick it in the envelope and put my stamp on it. I use printed return address labels. At work you probably got stamps to put the company's address!

Driving I use both hands on the wheel until I'm ready to make a turn then I take my left hand down and turn the wheel with my right hand only. It's better to use the left hand on the wheel about 11 o'clock to get it used to doing something. Your brain isn't going to tell you to use it only your eyes can or will tell you to use your weak hand.

One more note, use the index finger of the weak hand to press the shift key on the computer. Watch the lock light for Caps in case your finger nail was up to far and pressed the Cap lock key. I can do it pretty good now. I try to use my left hand all the time even pulling my shorts and pants up getting dressed. My daily shoes are Velcro but the Sunday shoes have laces or a buckle I can do pretty good.

My wife goes to early morning services, I go at 10:30 so I have to dress myself from head to toe. I leave my ties tied but sometimes I wait and let one of the brothers tie it for me out in the foyer before I go inside the church.

Fred! Take care...

Katrina, you are making a difference in the world, working, driving, educating others about strokes. I am so pleased for you that you managed the first week so well, it can only get better.

Sue.