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to actually push it down before getting involved in a life-or-death struggle to then pull it up and open the tin.
Many sauces etc. are now are packed in safe protective sachets with a mark saying tear here'.
WHERE? I have spent many long hours swearing and desperately trying to tear there' or anywhere else on the packet.
All is not lost though. As with any disease, it is a case of the disease beating you or you at least living with it.

Joining a local self-help group is a good idea because then they will have names and addresses of places and businesses that sell the type of tools we need bottle and can openers for example.
Registering with your national RA organisation provides a wealth of info once joined too.
And of course, listen to your doctor.
It's tempting to do as little as possible because the sheer effort and pain involved in doing some things is just too much. Modern medicine can not only ease that pain, it can also modify the disease to the extent that life is almost normal.
There is no cure for it I personally doubt there ever will be but that must not stop us taking on the challenge of everyday living that others take for granted.
Know your disease find out everything you can about it find out what makes yours flare up. With me getting tired or having a viral infection may cause it with you it may be something entirely different.
This is a war that can never be won entirely but knowing your enemy means you are better prepared to fight it understanding it means a more active life.
Some useful addresses
http://rahelp.org/ (USA)
http://www.ra.com/ra/rast ore/cgi-bin/ProdSubEV_Cat_2001 48_NavRoot_301.htm (USA)
http://www.arc.org.uk/ (UK)
http://rheumb.bham.ac.uk/d efault.htm (UK)

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