View Full Version : Hand Atrophy Pictures
One of the members asked what atrophy looks like and seeing as I have it in my hands I put a link up to see some pictures.
The fingers are curling due to contracture and the brace is worn at night to try to keep the fingers straight as long as possible. One for each hand. Hope this doesn't gross anybody out.
Pictures aren't that great but give an idea what wasting looks like. AL.
If you can't see the pictures go to page 3 of this thread and see post # 40. There is a blue link there that should take you to the pictures.
CindyM
11-22-2006, 03:17 PM
Thanks so much for sharing, Al. It is personally very helpful to me and not gross at all! As usual you came through with information and of the sort that we really need! Enjoy your turkey tomorrow. You did say you were joining us in turkey, right? Even though you already had thanksgiving last month?
Wife says no turkey. Get roast beef today. That's the best I can do I guess. No pie either. She is going to visit her aunt in the home so won't be here to do it. Guess I can't really complain. AL.
CindyM
11-22-2006, 03:41 PM
Well I'll have a slice in your honor. Just came from the home myself. My Mom is unusually sleepy today. But it is good to see her resting. I can't wait for dinner tomorrow. My sister in law is a great cook and I love this holiday best of all!
ellisa
11-22-2006, 05:22 PM
Al,
Thank you so very much for the pictures.
Ellisa
Earth Mama
11-22-2006, 05:56 PM
Thank you Al for your atrophy pictures. May I ask how long ago your hands began to atrophy?
I have the same thing. It started this spring. Now my fingers curl or cramp of their own accord. I can no longer do up small buttons, most zippers and small snaps. I had to rethink my wardrobe and Earth Baby's clothes too. No baking this holiday season. What a klutz I've become in the kitchen!
That's what my right hand looks like. Nobody suggested a brace - my fingers curl up so tight at night when I'm asleep that I have to open them with my other hand. Maybe when I get when I get to OT?
Earth Mama -
I am determined to bake my Tollhouse cookies and Snickerdoodles for Xmas. Don't know how well it will go - the last time I tried mashing potatoes with a beater (about two months ago) I felt like I was handling a jackhammer and flung potatoes all over the kitchen. I'm thinking since cookie ingredients are softer this may be do-able. My daughters are willing to help but I'm just not ready to give this one up. If I trash the kitchen, I'll let them clean it up. :)
Liz
lunarruna
11-22-2006, 07:49 PM
This is a good discussion for those in early stages of hand/arm atrophy---get splints early and wear them! At Mayo Clinic they had the PT/OTs custom make some splints for my husbands hands to stretch his fingers. You can also get more generic splints from the medical supply places. Start wearing them at first signs of fingers curling up---it will give you months and months of extra time being able to function and be comfortable. Once they curl up bad it is almost impossible to reverse at that point. Exercises and stretching are great too, but having them on while sleeping is like getting 8 or so hrs of stretching! With my husband we took much care with the hand that went first and kind of neglected the other one and regretted---there was abig difference between the two.
Same goes for wrists--they will curl in too and splints will hold them straight too.
Also, after it got very advanced, where we are now, we got some nice sheepskin hand grips that my husband has on both hands to keep his fingers from digging into his palms, (like holding a ball in your hand ) they are very comfy and he wears them 24/7.
Gobble, Gobble, Beth
lunarruna -
Great tips - thank you.
Liz
I checked back and was starting to have problems gripping pens and buttons and other fine motor functions in spring of 04. Dx in Oct 03. Just barely able to hold fork spoon and knife now. A fat long stem wine glass is still not a problem as long as I don't fill it. More trips to the trough. Still able to walk but started using a walker last week. Can go faster. And longer. Just like the energizer bunny I am. LOL. We put those small key chain rings on all my zippers or a piece of black cord knotted on all my zippers. I can still do some except starting coat zips etc. I was a great chef and miss being able to do that. But what the heck. AL.
CindyM
11-23-2006, 10:36 AM
This discussion has helped me so much! Probably because it relates to the stage I am in. Beth, you just confirmed what I suspected, regarding braces. Before the docs suspected ALS they thought I had carpel tunnel. Well, I do, just a bit of it. So I have been wearing braces for over a year and find it really helps.
Liz and Al-I know what you mean about not being able to cook. Each time I make something I feel like it may be the last. What I have baked tastes so delicious to me, though. It helps me to know about your personal timelines. I know everyone progresses differently but I was needing some bench marks. Thanks for sharing! Happy Thanksgiving.
ljtaylor
11-26-2006, 11:12 AM
One of the members asked what atrophy looks like and seeing as I have it in my hands I put a link up to see some pictures. The fingers are curling due to contracture and the brace is worn at night to try to keep the fingers straight as long as possible. One for each hand. Hope this doesn't gross anybody out. If you go to the site and click on the thumbnails the larger picture will show. Pictures aren't that great but give an idea what wasting looks like. AL.
HI AL,
THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR PICTURES OF MUSCLE WASTING OR HAND ATROPHY. IT MEANS A LOT TO HAVE PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT ARE THERE TO HELP ALL OF US WHO FEEL ALONE AT TIMES AND NO ONE TO TALK TO. I AM THANKFUL I CAME ACROSS THIS WEB SITE. IT MEANS A LOT TO ME. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR EDUCATIONAL HELP.
LOIS - MARYLAND
sara06
12-06-2006, 11:50 PM
Thanks for sharing those pictures. You are such a bright star to have on this site.
My mama's hands were like that and nobody suggested a splint, she actually told my brother that if her fingers were curled when she passed away he better break them or make sure that someone did. She had such a morbid and dry sense of humor, that's what got us through.
jimmylee
12-07-2006, 01:27 PM
Al thank you so much for this site and the information users provide. As you know I'm newly diagnosed, and just learning about the different stages of this disease. My symptoms started w/ atrophy in left hand and is progressing rather quickly for als according to my neuroligist. Does the brace help at all? I'm willing to try anything to slow things a little any info is appreciated. GOD BLESS YOU and yours!
worried
12-07-2006, 04:32 PM
Al, thanks so much for your help. But now I am more worried than ever. Went to the gym today (takes my mind off things and makes me feel stronger). Actually I am freaking out...on the border of panic attack.
I placed my hands on the table a few minutes ago and my 4th knuckle next to my pinky on both hands is popping up and I can't get my hand to go completely flat against the table. I'ts in both hands, but worse on the right. When I pus something with that finger the knuckle pops right up. I'm pretty sure it was not there yesterday. Can ALS move that quickly? Perhaps subtle changes have been happening all along and I never really noticed them.
I have been exercising my hands very vigorously lately with spring grips because I was afraid of losing strength. But now what? I called my family Dr. and she couldn't see me today. I have an appointment with the neurologist on Feb.22 (so very far away).
I am so alone and scared right now. Actually my two kids are downstairs right now. How could I ever tell them that I'm leaving them?
Nicole.
Hi Jimmy and Nicole. I'd have to say that the braces helped. My thumbs actually started to turn in first and I had braces for them first. They helped and then when my fingers started the curling they gave me the full braces. I wouldn't be using those spring grips Nicole because if they were like the ones I used to have that would put a lot of stress on the muscles which will cause them to deteriorate faster. My fingers won't lay flat either. Quite often the changes happen slowly and you don't notice it until someone or something draws our attention to it. You are not alone. Try to remember that. AL.
Hey Al,
I've been with my dad for about a month now. I wish I could do more to help him. His left hand is curled to the point where he can't straighten it, and we're worried about his right as it's beginning to atrophy as well. Since he just had his diagnosis confirmed in August it's terrifying to see how quickly he's progressed. He cannot weight bear and we have ordered a Hoyer lift as it is backbreaking work to get him from bed to chair, etc. Hope it works out well. His speech has worsened to the point where we really have to listen carefully to understand him. As for his hands - it's difficult to see his strong hands become as he calls "useless". Thank you for sharing the pictures....I've brought my lap top to his house, hoping that I can convince him to have a look at this site. I'm trying to connect him with others who have ALS so he can benefit from the site as I have. Many thanks to you and everyone else who have been so supportive through such a difficult time.
JMH
xsparklingwinex
12-10-2006, 05:31 PM
Hi Al,
Thanks for sharing your pictures. My hands have atrophied some as well. I was just wondering, my thumb will not bend on my left hand. I have heard of fingers curling but my thumb is doing the opposite. Anyone have any ideas? Thank you :)
bobshope
12-21-2006, 12:53 PM
Hi, My father-in-laws fingers are really curled in. He is pretty stubborn and refuses to wear the braces he says they are to hot. I can see where he is coming from as they are terry cloth and he is like a furnace. We usually roll a wet face cloth up and place it on the inside of his fingers; but most of the time he says he doesn't need it. It is hard to argue with this as we don't want to upset and try to obey his wishes. but we all know he isn't being rational and the benifit out ways the discomfort. Do you have any suggestions to get him to see our way without making him angry or upset?
I was also wondering if anyone else was experiencing excess heat. We take his temp but it is in the normal range just on the higher side. Standing beside him you can feel the heat radiating off of him. He is on Rilutek and a few antidepressents I can't remember their names. Could it be a side effect?
patricia1
12-21-2006, 05:38 PM
That's what my right hand looks like. Nobody suggested a brace - my fingers curl up so tight at night when I'm asleep that I have to open them with my other hand. Maybe when I get when I get to OT?
Earth Mama -
I am determined to bake my Tollhouse cookies and Snickerdoodles for Xmas. Don't know how well it will go - the last time I tried mashing potatoes with a beater (about two months ago) I felt like I was handling a jackhammer and flung potatoes all over the kitchen. I'm thinking since cookie ingredients are softer this may be do-able. My daughters are willing to help but I'm just not ready to give this one up. If I trash the kitchen, I'll let them clean it up. :)
Liz
I started baking for christmas and its probably would have be easier to fly my hands and arms are so weak it was monumental trying to bake I had to call my husband into the kitchen to help God knows how hard Christmas dinner will be But I wont give up God Bless and Happy Holidays to all Pat:???:
Pat -
I did do it though. A double batch of snickerdoodles and one batch of oatmeal raisin without too much mess. My girls took over the Tollhouse cookies and have proclaimed theirs better than mine. They were proud of themselves and I was proud of them. I was right about the ingredients being softer making a difference but I doubt that by this time next year I'll be able to repeat. I had more trouble than I expected just measuring out the ingredients. My hands were really sore and kinky by the end of the day but it was worth it.
What I absolutely could not do (and hadn't expected) was wrap gifts. You should have seen me with the scissors and the roll of tape. I probably should have seen that coming. Oh well.
Is it too late for you to pass off the work for Xmas dinner on some unsuspecting relatives? Call it a potluck and you bring the store bought dinner rolls??? Just an idea. :-D
Don't let it stress you out . Merry Christmas.
Liz
Grumpy Old Coach
12-31-2006, 04:47 PM
Thanks Al. Were did you get your brace? Can you, or anybody out there give me a website where I can purchase braces to help slow down my atropy in my hands? Thanks in advance. Grumpy Old Coach.
Hi Grumpy. Welcome to the forum. I had mine made at Credit Valley Hospital in their Orthotic Dept. Most of the bigger hospitals have those dept's. I needed a referral from the Occupational Therapist to get them and I think they were about $52 Canadian each. Took about an hour and a half to make the two of them. My Insurance then paid for them. Are you in Canada or the US? AL.
Grumpy Old Coach
12-31-2006, 05:15 PM
Hi Al. Thanks for the welcome. I live in Ohio, USA. I didn't know the braces were custom fit. I'm sure my OT guy gave me a catelog that had braces in it. I guess I better dig it up. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
They do make a type of brace that you can get out of the catalogue but they are not as rigid as those ones I got. Not sure if being more rigid helps or not but if you don't have Ins. the others would be cheaper probably. AL.
CindyM
12-31-2006, 08:06 PM
I see while I was off visiting the grandchildren some of you discussed my favorite topic- excess heat! I've seen folks say they are cold all the time but I am just the opposite. I thought it was just me! At home and at work everybody bundles up while I reach for a fan. It is as bad as I remember the hot flashes, but without the sweating. Guess when the nerves and muscles start to go the rest of the system follows as well...
MamaSara6
04-04-2007, 07:55 AM
My mom's right hand is very curled up. She'll be completely finished with the left hand soon and it will start curling. The braces look like a good idea---will she be fitted for something like that at her next MDA clinic visit in a couple of weeks? In the meantime, is there something she can use on the right to keep it from getting worse? My sister says that it hurts to lay it flat, which can only be done if she holds it in her own hand and warms it up for a long time. I think they've tried towels and tennis balls. Does anyone else have suggestions? Thanks.
Hi MamaSara6. Ask to see the OT at the clinic. You have to ask for some things sometimes. The people at the clinic see the big picture and sometimes do not see the little things. Mention it in case they miss it. When sitting around I'll lay my hand flat as possible and then lay my other arm on it with slight pressure. It works reasonably well and is free.
AL.
MamaSara6
04-06-2007, 09:55 AM
Thanks for the suggestion, Al, I'll pass it along. I think my sister may be joining the forum soon now that she has a little more time. But I'll let her tell that story! ;)
Onemore
10-06-2007, 06:44 AM
I can't see the photos
kathmc
10-06-2007, 01:15 PM
I am a confused navigator through these threads but was so glad to stumble into this nearly year old posting. Al, you give so much more info than my neurologist or his staff.
The pics & following posts were very helpful. I wondered what to do about the fingernails biting into my palms.
The post about wrists curling took me back to 1985 when in the first months of undiagnoised Lyme disease. Every morning I awoke in pain from the tight curl of the wrists upward & feet pointed hard down. The tick bite was on my head & there were a lot of neurological symptons with the physical ones. It only took nearly 8 years to have a dr. test for lyme.
Kath
Lexington, Ky.
Onemore
10-09-2007, 05:20 AM
I thi nk i have to have 50 post to see the photos. I'll keep trying. Sorry so much. Please, delete those post, and again, sorry.
papaw50
10-09-2007, 01:00 PM
I wasn't grossed out - in fact, my thoughts were "what precious & sweet hands". My husband's hands looked exactly the same and I just want to hold his hands all the time and massage them for him because I love him that much and care for him that much. I don't ever, ever want him to think he's a burden to his family - physically, emotionally or financially.
Thanks for sharing - especially for those who didn't know what atrophy looked liked.
My question - will feet do the same and look the same. i.e. will toes curl under?
CindyM
10-09-2007, 08:22 PM
My toes have turned to sponge. LOL-I can bend them UP - towards my face, as if they are made of rubber. The bottoms are wrinkled like prunes, and I see places where small muscles used to be. But htis could also be due to old age...:-D Cindy
If they're like mine the atrophy won't show because of the swelling. I can move toes down a bit but not up. One of these days I'll take pictures of feet in morning and at night. Quite a difference ,and my hands and arms are a lot worse. Maybe time to update those pics too.
AL.
CindyM
10-11-2007, 11:00 AM
Good idea, Al. People find it very instructive. You are great to do this for us! Cindy
gingergal39
11-24-2007, 09:57 PM
Hi Al, new here and am really trying to learn all I can about this disease. One of the things I would like to view are the hand atrophy pics you posted. However, when I click on them, it says that I am not allowed to view the pics. I have registered on the site, maybe you can send them to my e-mail??? I'm at funwred2001@yahoo.com. Thanks, I appreciate in advance as no matter how much searching I do on the web, I cannot obtain these pics and/or it keeps bringing me to your thread. Any help would be most appreicated.
Sorry for the inconvenience but you have to have been a member for a bit and posted more to get access to some features. I'll dig them up and email them.
AL
sebastian
11-25-2007, 07:46 PM
I do not have permission to view your pictures, My email address is " sebastian5577@yahoo.com " please send then to me if you can. Thank you, Sebastian
Try this link. Click on thumbnails for larger pics.
AL
http://usera.imagecave.com/alcwc/Atrophy/
My AL, your description of your hands and feet sound so much like my DH Don's. The hands are thin and atrophied but the fingers very clawed. The feet are dropped but swollen. He hates the big ugly hand brace - hot and he can't do anything when he has them on. He never could get used to them at night although he took to the bi-pap very well. I try to get him to wear one brace for a while each day...alternating hands.
Montana Carol
12-08-2007, 12:12 PM
Al, could you make this thread a "sticky" so it's not so hard to locate your hand atrophy photos? I think that would be very helpful. I'm posting this to bring it back to page 1, but ....
All you should have to do is click on the blue link in post # 40. It worked for me.
cherie
12-29-2007, 05:50 PM
I wanted to see the pics on the hands its says im not aloud:confused: so did you loose motion of your hands first? my hubby started in this throat and jaw then moved into his right foot and leg,it seems to be moving so fast for him..
See the post above yours. Click on the blue link in post # 40.
AL.
Saubier
12-31-2007, 03:46 PM
Here's a picture of my left hand. See the prominent tendon? Now you can even see the tendons in the palm of my hand, because there's no meat. Couldn't get the picture to post.
4rhl1981
01-04-2008, 12:26 PM
One of the members asked what atrophy looks like and seeing as I have it in my hands I put a link up to see some pictures.
The fingers are curling due to contracture and the brace is worn at night to try to keep the fingers straight as long as possible. One for each hand. Hope this doesn't gross anybody out.
Pictures aren't that great but give an idea what wasting looks like. AL.
Its states I do not have permission to view.
MtPockets
01-04-2008, 12:46 PM
Thanks for the link to the pictures. This is what my hands have been doing and I now know why.
God Bless
Capt AL
You should be able to use the link in post # 40.
AL.
4rhl1981
01-04-2008, 01:04 PM
Try this link. Click on thumbnails for larger pics.
AL
http://usera.imagecave.com/alcwc/Atrophy/
I found the pics that you posted thank you for sharing.
dona jean
01-04-2008, 08:50 PM
my computer will not allow me to view the pics, i am very interested.
i have intermittent moments of loss of control of my right hand, and definatley
feel weekness in my hands daily. don't know what to do.
Hi dona jean. You should be able to see the pics by clicking on the link above in colored print or the one in post # 40. If that doesn't work can you try using a friends or a work computer. They should work. It is not a secure link.
AL.
dona jean
01-08-2008, 02:25 PM
thanks al...i was able to view. thank for the information.
Peg B
01-08-2008, 07:59 PM
Hi Al,
My right hand looks a bit more like that than it did, but still not completely. My ring finger on the right hand is starting go curled like the pinky. and weak like the thumb. I know you were on IVIG. Did you have Physical Therapy? If so, did it help? I figure it can't hurt. Thanks, Peg
Hi Peg. No I didn't have therapy. OT or docs never suggested it. I get range of motion therapy now 3 times per week.
AL.
etchelld
01-24-2008, 06:22 PM
Hi Al. I have been reading your web site for some time but never really said anything to anyone. Just learning how to survive with PLS. I was trying to access the jpg's to compare with my hands, but I don't have the permission. How can I see them
cdizzle
02-04-2008, 01:27 PM
i tried looking at the pictures but it won't let me.
are your splints plastic? im not sure if i have als, they call it hirayama syndrome..sounds like the same thing though; slow, progressive wasting of the hands. even my left forearm is showing signs of it now. i think im gonna ask my ot for hand splints again. i stopped wearing them because i thought it may be the reason why the muscle between my thumb and index finger started wasting faster
Yes they are plastic. The OT started with a flat sheet and heated it in hot water to mold it to my hand shape. This is post # 58 on page 4. Go back to post # 40 on page 3. In that post is a link that anyone should be able to get in.
AL.
sharonca
02-04-2008, 09:45 PM
Thanks, Al. My hands have been acting up this week-end and I have a couple of questions. I seem to get one or the other of my fingers stuck - the thumbs flat against my palms or one of the fingers stuck pointing down. Is this how hand atrophy starts? My fingers eventually go back to normal. My PT suggested I type less so as to keep my hands longer. Did you find using your hands less helped?
Sharonca
Mine just cramped up. If I held a book or paper they would cramp up in whatever position they were in. I didn't stop using my hands but cramps and general loss of fine motor skills did cause the loss of use. I still use them to do what I can without tiring them out.
AL.
cukita99
02-05-2008, 08:39 PM
hi al i saw the pictures. my index fingers r always curl in n i cant put my hands palm up
i can stil manage 2 hold a spoon 2 eat but my food goes out of the plate.
Vicki S
02-10-2008, 08:18 PM
I have trouble using the oven so my husband has to come and take whatevers in there out. I have also been teaching how to make favorite meals. We've been through Spaghetti and meatballs and beef stew. Next is going to be Mandarin Pork. It helps that he wants to learn. I've taught him to make cheesecakes. I'm covering all my bases when cook anymore.
I notice my hands are getting weaker. I cannot undo my button on my jeans. I can get them buttoned but my husband has to undo them. I can't open soda bottles and it's getting harder to undo my seatbelt.
cukita99
02-10-2008, 11:22 PM
vicki, i wish i had had time 2 teach my son how 2 cook but it all happen 2 fast. ur so lucky 2 have ur husband by ur side.. mine left 4 somebody else
Vicki S
03-03-2008, 06:44 PM
I fell Monday night and hit my head on the brick floor. I bled like a stuck pig. Anyway they took me the emergency room and they couldn't any lacerations. I do have a goose egg that is very sore. So I told husband on the way home to hide my walker as all my falls have been with it. I told him I would use the wheelchair or Jazzy chair all the time now. He said it took me long enough to decide that.
Sometimes it takes a whack in the head to knock some sense into us. Take care.
AL.
MtPockets
03-04-2008, 04:19 PM
Welcome to the WHEEEE LET'S DO WHEELIES club.
Sorry, you are there with us now.
cukita99
03-05-2008, 03:59 PM
be careful anyway, i fell of my wheelchair.
Steve100
03-05-2008, 05:31 PM
Hi cukita99
Read on another post that you weren't doing so well recently. Hope you're feeling better :)
Best wishes
Steve
cukita99
03-07-2008, 04:32 PM
hi, im doing as best as i can. thnks 4 asking. i thought my breathing was giving up but it was a cold
ZenArcher
03-17-2008, 04:25 PM
The site below has a video of some hand atrophy as well as videos of arms, legs and feet.
http://wayne.pnwws.com/before_hands.html
CindyM
03-18-2008, 11:09 AM
That video is very instructive. Thank you Jeff for alerting us and thank Wayne for inviting us into his home and life!
hopingforcure
03-18-2008, 11:53 AM
Agreed thank you for you video, it will be a valuable tool for everyone. Thank you, and we will all be praying for a great after video. But either way you have many a friend with you.
thankyou jeff for the video, also wayne thankyou for doing it i pray the lithium will help you.
caroline
seeblueeyes1108
04-08-2008, 10:54 AM
Hi Al,
I was trying to see the pictures and it is not allowing me. Do you know how I can resolve this. I am new to this and am not sure what I need to do. If you could please advise. Thank you.
Zen's link above seems to have quit working. If you go to post number 40 on this thread page 3 there is a link for my hand pics.
AL.
