Hi. Has anyone whose left arm and hand were affected by a stroke managed to hold and use a fork normally again? I’m finding it impossible so now eat and try to cut food with my right hand! I use my hand as much as possible for everything else but somehow I cannot manage to hold or control a fork. My fingers just don’t want to co-operate and if I do manage to spear a piece of food it’s quite likely to end up trying to get into my nose instead of my mouth! Any ideas?
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Keep on trying, but don’t go hungry!
My right side was affected, but every so often I put the fork in my right hand for practice and get on with it. My case is different because my right hand motor functions were remapped. Even so, feeling and proprioception are still developing, so I have no idea I am holding the fork, unless my eyes can see that indeed I am holding it
Good luck, Roland
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I use a fork and a pair of scissors as cutlery. The scissors mean I can cut up food without needing to pin it down with the fork… It does mean I have to keep switching between the scissors and fork in my right hand.
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Have you tried cutlery with a thicker handle for better control? I seen some folk wrap paper knapkins around the handle and others who bring their own special cutlery when we go out for meals in my aphasia group.
I do find my stroke isn’t as dexterous with a lot of things, even with folding washing.
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@Apple this is a strange one isn’t it. I have the same problem, I’ve tried looking at my right hand holding the fork and copying it but it just feels completely wrong. I can sort of do it badly if I force myself but my food is cold long before I can eat it. The best therapy I’ve found is to use plasticine on a chopping board and practice the knife and fork working together. You do need to remember not to eat it though 
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Thanks for all your suggestions. Yes I do finger exercises but really there isn’t much sensation in them but onward and upward. Like the fork and scissors idea. Will try that tomorrow and also try wrapping a serviette round my fork!
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Thanks Strings. Good idea but Ive got a better one! Instead of plasticine I could use cheese - then I could eat it!! Seriously though thats a good idea - will try it. Just cant seem to get this hand sorted at all
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I have the same problem… some sensation, but not much. Let me know how you progress,
good luck, Roland
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Thanks Roland. Will do
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That’s something I’m working on. It’s hugely complicated. The OT I’m working with is very good though so I’m confident I’ll get there eventually. I’ve found I get on much better if I put my knife down and concentrate on the fork I manage better. I also work on strengthening my index finger using an elastic band and holding an Oxo cube with my 4th and 5th finger.
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HI @Simon Yes, I am still working with Jessamy.
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I can get my thumb to meet each of my fingers easily and have been able too for quite a while. I’m not good at carrying anything although that is improving. Did pick up a smallish vase of dead flowers this morning- fed up with looking at them and husband just ignoring them! - got them into the kitchen which isn’t very far and only spilt a few drops of water!!
My fingers just seem to cross over each other at times and getting them to hold a fork is impossible. If I do manage to spear a piece of food it’s quite painful for a few seconds.
On the up side I did manage to drive around 5 miles in the car today but I was so tired when I got home!
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Hi i had a stroke about seven years ago. I still find it difficult to hold a fork in my left hand. Have you tried a fork called a knork they are made with a cutting edge and you cut using a rocking motion holding it in your right hand. It doesn’t feel right at first but you get used too it
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Never heard of a knork. Will see if I can find one on the internet. Thanks
I think i got them off ebay if i remember correctly
Thanks. Will have a look
Hi my hubby had two strokes 3 nearly 4 months ago he has issue picking up a cup his has hand shakes or he drops the cup he gets very annoyed at himself I cut stuff up for him. Do u have serious memory issues to he does it’s a nightmare
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