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Losing, dropping & opening

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭

Hi, we have pretty much covered me losing & dropping everything & now I am throwing out, can’t open meds or anything, mostly I mean those blister packs that you bend back a corner & try to peel it back? Like Imitrex, sinus meds, immodium etc.
A wee bit frustrating

August 31
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Answer Summary

Members related strongly to the struggle of opening blister packs and medication packaging while dealing with limited hand strength or... Read more

Members related strongly to the struggle of opening blister packs and medication packaging while dealing with limited hand strength or dexterity. Several members shared creative workarounds, including keeping small scissors or a pointed knife nearby, asking a caregiver or spouse to pre-peel the blister backing ahead of time, or transferring pills into labeled prescription bottles with cotton inside to protect against moisture. A recurring theme was the power of asking for help without embarrassment and finding humor and community in these shared daily frustrations.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Well we all seem to agree - getting the medication's home is just the beginning of the challenges surrounding the process of getting the meds applied to our body correctly. For me, I can't use a process that requires me to write on the bottle, because I lost the ability to legibly write years ago. I need help in opening almost any kind of container. For myI use one of those daily pill separators that my wife fills up each week.
It helps me keep track of what I have and I have not taken.
I think we all could agree that managing the multiple medications we take is a pain in the --s.
We haven't found the perfect solution at out house yet.

September 5
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

You just have to hold your tongue between your teeth just right. At least that is what my dad told me to do when trying to do things like that 😀

August 31
MyParkinsonsTeam

"A wee bit frustrating" might be the understatement of the year — blister packs can feel like they were designed by someone who has never had to actually open one! You are definitely not alone in this struggle.

Dexterity challenges like dropping, losing grip, and difficulty opening packaging are very common with Show Full Answer

"A wee bit frustrating" might be the understatement of the year — blister packs can feel like they were designed by someone who has never had to actually open one! You are definitely not alone in this struggle.

Dexterity challenges like dropping, losing grip, and difficulty opening packaging are very common with Parkinson's. Here are some practical tips that may help:

- Ask your pharmacist to transfer blister pack medications into easy-open pill bottles whenever possible
- Use a coin or butter knife to push the pill through the foil backing instead of peeling
- Blister pack openers are small tools available online or at pharmacies specifically designed for this
- Pill organizers — fill them when you're having a better motor day so you're not wrestling with packaging every time
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternative formulations — some meds come in different forms like liquids or dissolvable tablets

It's also worth mentioning these dexterity challenges to your neurologist, as adjustments to your Parkinson's treatment plan can sometimes help improve fine motor control overall.

An occupational therapist (OT) can also be a game-changer — they specialize in exactly these kinds of daily living challenges and can suggest tools and techniques tailored to you.

August 31
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Cindy A4 ,
Do what Alan said , you can ask someone to assist you with that type of medication 💊 , but here's what I do I get medications like that I open up all of them and put them in a old prescription bottle , and write on the bottle what is in the bottle . Just remember that these medications were in foil for a reason , usually because they are sensitive to humidity , so put a piece of cotton in the bottle . It works for me , I think your talking about your nausea medication . 🤍

September 4
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I am the caregiver and I have an awful time getting my migraine pills out of the blister pack. I sometimes want to take a hammer too them especially because I usually have a migraine when I need it. I do have arthritis in my hands too. So I feel for you all. Hugs🩷

September 6

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