A PATIENT ASKS ABOUT TEXTING WITH ARTHRITIS….AND I RESPOND

Wayne Wilson learns to text. Photo: Shane WenzlickPUBLISHED APRIL 1ST, 2015

“Doctor Doug;

I have arthritis and cannot seem to move my fingers well.  As a result, I am having a tough time texting my grandchildren and would like some medical tips to help me out.”

Signed,

B.U.

 

Well BU, there is no question that osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in the US, affecting over 80 million citizens, can wreak havoc on your texting ability.  Fine motor skills can be impaired.

To improve this situation, and to make texting more efficient, I recommend using abbreviations just like the young kids do.  Below is a list of useful abbreviations that I think you will find helpful.

Doctor Doug

 

Texting Codes for Seniors:
ATD  – At the Doctor’s
BFF- Best Friend’s Funeral
BTW –  Bring the Wheelchair
BYOT – Bring your own teeth
CBM – Covered by Medicare
CUATSC – See You at the Senior Center
DWI – Driving While Incontinent
FWBB – Friend with Beta Blockers
FWIW – Forgot Where I Was
FYI – Found Your Insulin
GGPBL – Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low
GHA – Got Heartburn Again
IMHO – Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO – Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL – Living on Lipitor
OMMR – On My Massage Recliner
ROFL..CGU – Rolling on the Floor Laughing…Can’t get Up!
TOT- Texting on Toilet
TTYL – Talk to You Louder
WTP – Where are the Prunes
WWNO – Walker Wheels Need Oil
GGLKI – Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking In