Linda's One Arm Web Site

These are a few of my favorite things:

1. Bag sealers are plastic "clip" closures for bread, chips, etc. made by Twixit. For example, they replace the plastic or wire closure that is on the end of a loaf of bread. They come in several sizes, but I prefer the larger ones because they are easier for me to handle. I have purchased bag clips on-line and from a local kitchen shop.

2. I use a small soft bath sponge (from Essential Medical Supply or  Wal-Mart ) to wash my underarm, it is very helpful. I chose the hourglass shaped one.

3. I use these rubberized squares to keep things from slipping on any surface. They can be found at many hardware stores, kitchen shops or a lifetime supply at Costco. I use them in every room and have pieces of it all over our home, in my car, and I travel with it too. It's the same idea as having suction cups underneath whatever you're doing. It's great for opening lids, etc. (e.g., put one piece under the jar and open the lid with another piece and you'll be amazed how it works). It is the single most thing I use. I buy it in one big roll and cut it up to any size I need.

There is also a similar product called Dycem that is very good, but it's more expensive than the non-skid rubberized squares. I have several 5-1/2" round Dycem and tons of rubberized squares. They are both helpful.

4. This is my favorite cutting board and I use it everyday.  It is made from tough high density plastic and has rust resistant pins holding food for paring, peeling, or slicing. It has 4 suction cups on underside secure board in place while cutting.

I have a one arm friend, Robert, that has another type of cutting board that he absolutely loves and he says he uses it everyday. He said if he could only have one item, this would be it! For example, Robert says he can slice bread and vegetables, open jars, stir batter, peel potatoes, open cans of paint, etc., etc.

5. I use a Kitchen Aid mixer that is wonderful (it is stationary)---I can make cookies all by myself! Another trick is I use mixing bowls with a nonskid rounded bottoms Rounded bottom. They are light weight and keep bowls stable on countertops. I also discovered you could buy Crisco in cubes, like butter, so that it is so easy to use and works great. I use a scooper (kind of like an ice-cream scoop) that you squeeze and the dough just pops out beautifully on to the cookie sheet. I got the scooper at a kitchen shop for $14, but I thought it was worth it, in order to make my own cookies! So did my husband. The mixer works well for blending meat loaf too.

6. I use a cheese slicer mounted on a board - one hand can operate it quite easily.

7. At Barnes & Noble I found a weighted leather strap that holds open the pages of my checkbook, my journal or whatever I'm reading or writing - handy item. Barb, my one arm friend, uses these homemade weights to hold her note cards in place while she paints her floral designs. I use them for writing note cards and other projects. They are great when you just need something to hold your work in place.

8. For flossing, I like the Listerine UltraClean Access Flosser - I prefer the mint refills.  I also use “GUM Go-Betweens."  There are many other floss options.

9. On my steering wheel I had a spinner knob installed, so I have a much firmer grip on turns, it works great. The steering knob was purchased and installed by a local company near Seattle, WA that specializes in handicap driving devices. The following link looks a lot like mine. They also installed turn signals and windshield wiper controls on the floor of my previous car. I could operate them easily with my left foot.

10. I used to use elastic squiggly ties in place of shoelaces---you can find them at your local shoe repair.   Later I have learned to tie my shoes.  Here's a video of me tying my shoes.

11. Also, from an old Smith and Nephew catalog (may not be available now), a vice -type device that can hold a jar in place while you open the lid. You hold it tight against the counter with your hip and you can use a rubberized square for help in twisting if the lid is especially tight.  Additionally, I use an automatic jar opener called Robotwist. It works very well.

12. How I dry my hair - nine years ago my husband mounted my dryer on a tripod and secured it with rubber tubing, so it is "hand free" hair drying. I also have a curling iron/hair dryer that I use occasionally. But now you can buy a hand free "hair drier stand" on the web.

13. I found that many of my favorite scissors wouldn't cut using my left hand, so I was thankful when my husband found some Fiskars scissors that come in several sizes (multiple sizes). I also bought a package of Fiskar kid's scissors and they work great. I have them all over the house, in my car and I travel with a pair. I use them every day to open numerous sealed items. They all work easily with my left hand.

14. One awesome advantage of having one arm/hand is that I receive half-price manicures, which I take advantage of once a week.   

15. Cuisinart Mini-Prep is great for chopping veggies like carrots, celery or onion.

16. A "cardholder" comes in very handy when playing card games. There are several choices.

17. When I am at a restaurant and order something that requires cutting (steak, prime rib etc.), I ask the chef to cut it up for me before it's served. They always seem willing to help, and it will save struggling with it or having to ask a person next to you for help. 

18. I like to wear a "Fanny Pack" because it keeps my hand free.  I like this one because it has 3 zippered compartments.  I have a smaller one when I am going for a walk.  There are many options to choose from.

19. My husband put my laundry soap up on the shelf above the washer so I can easily dispense the correct amount. (see picture). Works great.

20. In some public restrooms it takes two hands to wash. One hand to hold the water on while you wash the other hand. I have learned to keep hand sanitizer in my car. This picture of a paper towel holder makes me laugh every time (picture)

21. Dave Dravecky's web site, Endurance is a wonderful resource and extremely helpful. It is a ministry of encouragement to those suffering from cancer or amputation. I highly recommend Dave's books, Comeback and When You Can't Come Back - very inspiring.

Additional Resources:

https://www.nwsarcoma.org/ 
The Northwest Sarcoma Foundation is a nonprofit foundation committed to providing education and support to patients and families living with this specific cancer.

https://sarcomaalliance.org/
The Sarcoma Alliance is striving to extend and improve the lives of sarcoma patients through accurate diagnosis, improved access to care, education and support. All services provided by The Sarcoma Alliance are provided free of charge.  

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/
Amputee Coalition of America mission is to empower amputees through education and support, to advocate on their behalf, and to develop resources toward that end.

http://www.toysrbob.com/onearm/Sleeve
What to do with my sleeve?

http://www.toysrbob.com/onearm/ponytail/
Want to make your own ponytail? Here’s a step-by-step description I found on the web several years ago by Donna Crawford.

There are new things I am learning every day, but these give you some idea how I function in my world.       Remember your family and friends love you for who you are, not what you look like. Take one day at a time, it will get easier, I promise! We need to be thankful for each day and look for the blessings God gives us.

	Linda Hughes

Watching baseball with our grandkids

I make a great latte!

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Created and maintained by:

Bob and Linda Hughes

Last updated: Jan, 2022

©2002, 2022 Linda Hughes all rights reserved

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