Who says you can't teach an (old dog) new tricks?!

I have now "arrived" as a full-fledged adult.... I have a smart phone!  Probably most of you are well-experienced with this technology. I however, seem to have always been a late bloomer. And besides, I am a New Englander and we are known to be... shall we say, thrifty? My previous phone is not that old and was working perfectly fine. I could not justify spending the $$$. But all of that changed with Mothers' Day. I received my DROID as a gift and the dawn of smart technology arose within me! I love the phone, am learning about  'apps' and am trying NOT to become addicted to the technology. But it woos... it draws me. There are games and access to my e-mail accounts, my phone contacts, internet research.... My husband is citing neglect (just kidding).
But let me tell you about the cool simple technology that I've acquired to complement my smart phone. It's called Fly Grip and it's a holder that folds flat when not in use; expands to support my fingers so that my thumb is free to fly across the keys and access the world... or at least the internet and the telephone. I don't risk dropping my phone.Check it out:
I like to use my index and middle fingers in the flygrip holders and my ring and little fingers to support the device. But you can use it however you feel most comfortable and beneficial. You can get more info at flygrip.com... VERY COOL!!!!! So, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks???

Making a Positive Impression

So... to continue with this 'discussion' (okay, it is more like a monolog!); a positive attitude is a way of life. It requires a conscious effort of the beholder to commit to positivity and to possibility. What does THAT mean? Let me explain... positivity (I confess; I believe that I just made up that term) refers to the process of thinking, speaking, acting and modeling positive perspective; possibility refers to the ability to perceive situations in terms of the possibilities that may result. It's never too late to adopt these perspectives. I believe that my mother facilitated this technique in me and my siblings by insisting that we begin every day with a smile. Seriously. If we came out of our rooms in the morning with a sour attitude she would immediately send us back to our rooms with the instructions that we were to come back out with a smile and a better attitude. -And we'd better be quick about it because we were not allowed to be late for school or for any chores that needed to be done! A positive attitude begins the very moment we awake, or at the very least, with our first glance into the mirror in the morning.No matter how difficult the situations that I may have to face that day, I greet myself with a smile in the morning mirror. -It just seems to start my day on a good note.
 May I confess that I've endured days when even that was difficult? I recall one day in particular when I caught a glimpse of myself; the face reflected looked tired, worn, beaten down.... frightening! What did I do? I shrieked with horror -loudly!! My children came running to see what was the matter... and when they asked; I told them that I looked in the mirror and was so scared with my own face that I screamed. We all laughed and it seemed to set things right in my heart! My day was immediately better and my problems put into perspective. Thank God for a sense of humor! Serousy though; the 'take-home' message is this: if your culture permits, greet your self, your day and others with eye contact and a smile.
A few years ago, I took a lovely trip to England to speak at a conference. The trip was particularly long because I was travelling alone, the venue was in the country and the train workers were apparently on strike.  Imagine my surprise when a fellow traveller, sporting heavy black make-up and safety pins through her face  remarked to me that she thought I was rather brave to be seen in public looking as I did. I quickly examined my appearance, thinking perhaps my grooming had gone awry. -I know that I'm not the prettiest creature that God has ever made, but it had not occurred to me that I would need courage to show my face in public! When I appeared confused with the comment, she added that she thought that I was brave to be seen in public with a hook prosthesis instead of a hand. I was both relieved (thankful that she was not actually saying that I was ugly) and bewildered (why did wearing a functional prosthesis instead of a cosmetic one require bravery?)... And that is what we will talk about next... personal preferences and the reality of our perceptions!

Lemonade

So, let's get back to this idea of a positive attitude.... to create a word-picture for you, I'll use the idea of making lemonade from the lemons handed to each of us by.... well, the challenges of life. We all have them (referring to challenges!) whether we have 2 hands or not. What matters is what we do with the challenge. Have you ever thought about your strengths, abilities or talents? If you don't use them, they will not continue to be a strength to you. Challenges are not much different. If you don't face them, deal with them and learn to work around them, you will not be strengthened. By exercising* (i.e. learning a 'work-around' to) your weakness, you actually exorcise (eliminate) your weakness and in that way, the challenge actually becomes a strength. Simply stated, our weakness can actually become our strength.
Many times people who do not know me will make initial  statements such as this: "Oh, how terribly difficult to go through life without a hand" or "You poor thing..."
If I had not been born without my hand:
1. I would not likely be an occupational therapist (for the past 34 years) ;
2. I would not likely have conceived of the idea for the cutaneous anchor technology to change access to body power without harnessng in an upper extremity prosthesis;
3. I would not have started this blog that now circles the globe;
4. or the company Single-Handed Solutions that offers creative solutions in simple technology and adaptive strategies.
Although I don't honestly know if I would actually CHOOSE to not have a hand, what I do know is this:
1. There are far worse things one might endure than not having two hands;
2. Some of my most difficult life experiences had less to do with not having two hands and were more related to not making the best choice;
3. I am not a 'poor thing'...
I am blessed with a wonderful family and my life is rich with meaningful relationships. I have employment that is more than a job; it is a ministry and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and in our world.
Lemons, anyone? They are an opportunity to make lemonade... or even occasionally limoncello!

“Man, through the use of his hands, as they are energized by mind and will, can influence the state of his own health."

Yesterday I posted this quote by Mary Reilly, an American OT; leader in the profession. How bold! How dare I post these words on a blog that claims devotion to those of us with upper limb deficiency! How seemingly insensitive to challenge those without hand(s) to perceive that their health -and perhaps well-being or even success, lies in the use  of the hands.
Do not misunderstand... I do challenge you with these same words: as an occupational therapist, as a peer, as a mentor. But hear ALL  of the words: they say. "... through the use of (his) hands, as they are energized by mind and will..."
How interesting that I have started this section on 'attitude'. This quote actually speaks to attitude: the mind and the will which are seated on the throne of attitude!
We must determine within our own 'self' to influence our own state. It's not a matter of actually having hands, but of finding ways, methods, strategies to accomplish tasks using the tools at our disposal. For some, the prosthesis may become the natural extension of the residual limb. For others, the residual limb can provide whatever is needed to meet the physical, and psycho-emotional demands. For some, the will to achieve is stronger and mightier than discouragement. For others discouragement and even temporal setback becomes a reason to quit. For some, an open mind yields possibilities toward success. For others, the mind is closed to thinking that more than one route leads to achievement. Where are you in the crowd? Are you among the believers, the doers and the possibility-thinkers?
I encourage you to begin today.... put your mind and your will at the helm of a positive attitude! If you need help; write to me... I will be happy to encourage you!
Let me conclude by sharing some words of wisdom from my parents...
" (Debi, ) you can accomplish anything that you want to do... You may have to do it differently, but you can do anything that you set your mind to do. You will just have to want to do it badly enough.
And we are here to help you."

Hmm; it seems that my parents knew that the energy of the mind and the will had the power to unseat doubt and despair and facilitate accomplishment. Kudos to you, Mom and Dad! Oh, and thank you.

Recently Published Article on the Shriners Blog!

Debra A. Latour, M Ed, OTR/L, has worked at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass for 13 years. Before she was employed by the hospital, she was a patient. Her parents sought treatment at Shriners when she was a toddler for an upper limb deficiency.
For many years, Debi used the traditional body-powered prosthesis which is activated by a figure-of-eight or a figure-of-nine harness system, using the opposite shoulder as the power source. Many users of this system complain of discomfort from the harness, typically the rubbing on the skin by the harness, asymmetry of the shoulders, pain in the opposite shoulder area, difficulty while performing tasks with both limbs, and diminished physical appearance. When Debi began to experience her own problems with the usual harness system, she relied on her 30 years of experience to solve her issues.
As a Senior Occupational Therapist, Debi knows exactly how to help patients develop skills needed to live as independently as possible and to help improve the quality of their lives. In an effort to achieve these goals for patients with an upper limb deficiency, she invented a new and improved way of harnessing a body-powered prosthesis called the Ipsilateral Scapular Cutaneous Anchor system (the “Anchor”). Her design eliminates the usual harnessing, often a source of complaint and one reason why children reject prostheses.
Debi submitted a paper on the “Anchor” to the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists which was accepted for presentation at the 2011 Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Orlando, FL.  Presentations such as this serve to inform professionals in the community of new and creative solutions in treatment and also promote Shriners Hospitals for Children as a center of innovation and excellence in treatment, research and education.
While attending the symposium, Debi was interviewed by a reporter for O&P Business News.  She provides a wonderful account of how her invention and her blog, Single-Handed Solutions, materialized. Watch for the link soon.

How Do You Do.... Gloves?

Let's talk about something new.... We cleaned closets this week-end in anticipation of the cold weather approaching quickly! Temperatures here in New England are expected to plummet with the high only reaching about 50 degrees. I'll need to don a hat and gloves for our nightly walk. I don't know about you, but it can be costly buying gloves. Good gloves typically are priced beginning at $20; more for fitted or lined leather; less for the cheapies. In any case, I don't like paying $20 for the use of only one glove!! Especially since I'm likely to lose the left (the one I need and use) and am stuck with the right! (Anyone need a right hand glove? I do have a few!) There have been times when friends or family will pass on to me the left hand glove when they have misplaced the right in the pair. -One glove is not usually helpful for a two-handed person, but can be a blessing to me!

Over the years I've discovered a few helpful hints to keep my hand warm during chilly weather.... my favorite of course is to hold hands with my husband. But there are times when one needs a glove or a mitten. The least expensive option is the 'magic glove'. These are sold in a universal pair, meaning that it's a set of two and that both gloves fit either hand. They are available in a wide assortment of colors and sizes for both adults and children. The benfits are that they are cheap and useable for either hand. The drawback.... they are cheap and not overly warm. One might have to wear a few layers of magic gloves to have a warm hand.

Another solution is the knitted woolen glove or a fleece glove. These are sold in fitted pairs and are warmer than the magic gloves. Since they are fitted and are hand-specific, the problem is that a one-handed person cannot use the other glove.... unless you turn it inside out.

Granted, it's not pretty, but when it comes right down to it function wins over form for staying warm. I'd rather look like a goof and be toasty warm  than freezing and  frost-bitten.

 When I'm out on my snow shoes I like to wear my heavy fleece mittens, often with a pair of insulated glove liners. (True, I don't really wear the pair; I only use the liner on my hand; my prosthesis does not need the extra insulation!) In any case, the mitten fits nicely over my Adept terminal device, don''t you think???

Lastly, and probably most special of all is the pair of fingerless gloves that my friend Hermine knitted especially for me. They keep the palm warm and look chic. Of course, I have the pair to add symmetry!

How Do You Do... Washing Dishes?

Now that we've done all of this cooking, we have a ton of dishes to wash! Believe it or not, washing dishes is a task I actually enjoy. It's my therapy!!!! When I was younger, my sister and I had the responsibility of clearing the table and washing, drying and putting away the dishes nightly. I didn't seem to love it then; probably because there were so many dishes and because there was no choice involved.  I recall telling my parents on one occasion that I could not wash the dishes and shouldn't be required to do so because the water would rust my hook. My father was quick to explain to me the scientific properties of aluminum (it doesn't rust) and sent me back to the kitchen. At the time, it was worth a try!
When washing dishes, I hold the sponge in my terminal device.

With the Adept, I use the Sure-Lock and it maintains the grasp for me.

If no prosthesis, I use either a dishcloth  draped over my residual arm  or I push the sponge with my residual arm and hold the dish in my hand. Glasses are easy... my shorter arm fits right inside the glass to wash it out.

When washing pans, I hold the scrubber in my hand instead and stabilize the pan or pot with my prosthesis or residual arm.

Drying dishes is accomplished by holding the towel in my terminal device or draped on my arm if no prosthesis.

That was easy... we made short work of the dishes!

How Do You Do... Cooking 201?

My husband loves to eat and I love to cook for him. Since I was chopping, mixing ingredients and indulging in a stovetop creation, we thought it was a great time to seize the moment and add to the blog. So, thanks to my husband Mike and his camera, we have the next edition to How Do You Do... Cooking! I also want to take a moment to speak about learning to cook. Like everyone else from my generation, I took the obligatory Home Ec in 7th and 8th grades. Unfortunately, Mrs. P's rigid lessons did not unleash any culinary desires -or talents- in my heart. That being said, I had a wonderful Chemistry teacher in the 10th grade (Mr. B!) who ignited my interest in creating and encouraged my tendency to use my prosthesis in inventive ways.
-The hook does a wonderful job holding test tubes over a bunson burner. Tonight I am making a pasta primavera with shrimp. I admit it; I'm cleaning out the refrigerator but it really did turn out good!
Before we get started, let's take a peak at some of my favorite cooking tools (though we may not use all of them in today's edition):
my non-skid mat (purchased at HomeGoods)

white anti-microbial cutting boards (Ikea)
one-handed pizza roller (Pampered Chef; used to cut more than pizza)

one-handed pie crust roller (ditto)

double-blade scissors/spoon (a gift!)

Kitchen Aid grater with lid (HomeGoods)

egg yolk separator (Pampered Chef)

bamboo tongs (Pampered Chef)

food pick (Pampered Chef)

And the cooking begins!
I place the non-skid mat on the counter with my cutting board on top of it. This keeps the cutting board from sliding around while I'm trying to chop. Then I use my forearm to stabilize the onion to cut off the ends...
With the prosthesis:

or without:

Then I peel the onion:

and then chop it:

Without a prosthesis, this is how I do it...

I am using my residual limb to push down on the blade. -It does look a little dangerous, but I am very cautious (and at this point in my life) pretty quick.
Add it to the saute pan -with olive oil, of course (and garlic, spices...)

I love the handle on my cutting boards. It's just big enough to slide my residual arm in place to grab the board. Now it's time to chop the tomato. Tomatoes are typically softer and can be squishy. -It's definitely an advantage to use my Adept over the hook with this task!

and certainly more difficult (but possible!) without...

It's even easier with the food pick:

Chop, chop, chop!!!!

Another way to chop is the double-blade scissors device:

And add it  to the saute pan:

Now to make the pasta. First, fill the pot with water. It's much easier to keep the pot on the counter if possible, rather than filling it in the sink and lifting it up onto the counter. I place it on a cutting board so I can slide the full pot over to the sink and then onto the stove.

Same steps without a prosthesis: slide the full pot on the counter and place the pot on the stove.

The pasta is done... To move the hot pot to the sink I keep the cover on and gently move it onto the cuttingboard and slide it over to the sink.

Without a prosthesis, I wear an oven mitt on my residual limb:

My colander has expandable handles that stretch over the sink and I dump the hot pasta and water into it...

Dinner is almost ready, but I need to open a jar of seasoning to add to my concoction

and then peel the shrimp...

I use the tongs for serving and hold my plate in my prosthesis  -or place it alongside the serving dish...

Bon appetit!
We'll have alot of dishes to wash in the next edition...