Guest guest Posted April 24, 2005 Report Share Posted April 24, 2005 Hi .... As a big guy ( I am an ex-football player...offensive lineman...6'6 " and around 320 lbs) that despite RA and OA I am still very strong. I do try to be very gentle with everyone's hands. I have had men cringe when I give a strong hand shake. My wife says that I have no idea how strong I am, so I just try to be gentle no matter whom I shake hands with. As for what to say, my wife ( also named ) asks men to be gentle as she bruises easily. Seems to work for her. Larry in New Orleans... ltlmisscrankypants <ltlmisscrankypants@...> wrote: Hi... Just a question about handshakes. When I meet new people and they shake my hand, I find it quite painful. I don't know what to say to people when they extend their hand. First impressions are lasting ones, and I don't want to offend anyone. I don't know what to say.....and don't always want people to know I have RA. Do I shake hands and just deal with the pain.....or do I say something and avoid it all? Anyone have a good one-liner??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2005 Report Share Posted April 24, 2005 Hi .... As a big guy ( I am an ex-football player...offensive lineman...6'6 " and around 320 lbs) that despite RA and OA I am still very strong. I do try to be very gentle with everyone's hands. I have had men cringe when I give a strong hand shake. My wife says that I have no idea how strong I am, so I just try to be gentle no matter whom I shake hands with. As for what to say, my wife ( also named ) asks men to be gentle as she bruises easily. Seems to work for her. Larry in New Orleans... ltlmisscrankypants <ltlmisscrankypants@...> wrote: Hi... Just a question about handshakes. When I meet new people and they shake my hand, I find it quite painful. I don't know what to say to people when they extend their hand. First impressions are lasting ones, and I don't want to offend anyone. I don't know what to say.....and don't always want people to know I have RA. Do I shake hands and just deal with the pain.....or do I say something and avoid it all? Anyone have a good one-liner??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 One suggestion I heard when I first came down with RA is to offer your LEFT hand, palm down. The confusion of the unexpected left hand helps to alert them that this is not an ordinary handshake. Then just look them in the eye and say quietly one word: " arthritis. " They now know that you need to be treated delicately. If you are in a situation where there is a large group all greeting each other, just offer either hand palm down - only let them have your fingers up to the first joint - so they can't crunch them as easily. If contamination is a concern, a woman may wear white (cotton?) gloves, especially at church. Who knows? We may start a fashion trend if us gals all wear gloves. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 One suggestion I heard when I first came down with RA is to offer your LEFT hand, palm down. The confusion of the unexpected left hand helps to alert them that this is not an ordinary handshake. Then just look them in the eye and say quietly one word: " arthritis. " They now know that you need to be treated delicately. If you are in a situation where there is a large group all greeting each other, just offer either hand palm down - only let them have your fingers up to the first joint - so they can't crunch them as easily. If contamination is a concern, a woman may wear white (cotton?) gloves, especially at church. Who knows? We may start a fashion trend if us gals all wear gloves. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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