How do you handle..

I need some advice. What is the best way to handle the handshake situation? Most days I just dread it when I'm greeting someone and they extend their hand. Whats funny is it is usually from Drs who are treating me for a non-RA problem, like the podiatrist.  Or the spinal surgeon. My retina Dr tho always remembers my sore  hands.  Sometimes I just grin and bear it-other days I ask them to be easy.  So how do you handle this?

This is a tricky one and I bet you'll get lots of different answers. When I go on job interviews I grin and bear it. In social situations I've been known to offer whichever hand hurts less, even if it's my left.

I think I saw this addressed in a Dear Abby column and it was suggested to keep your hands behind your back or at your sides, smile warmly and offer a quick one-liners as to why you would prefer not to shake. "My hands are sore today so forgive me for not shaking yours."  I've also been known to say I'm getting over a virus, or even that I'm on an immune-suppressing medication so I prefer not to shake.

You could also do that Howie Mandel does and offer a "fist bump". We do that in church! lol

Vicki,

I have also handled it where I would make a fist and tap the other persons fist or i would extend my hand futher and grab the other persons' wrist instead of hand.  I had to do this with several of my upper management at a recent meeting. 

I also do the same as Carolyn has suggested and have just mentioned the sore hands and keep them at my sides or behind my  back.

Good luck Glad to see you back on Creaky. 

I always use the… “I think I’m coming down with something and I wouldn’t want to get you sick, that’s no way to make a first impression (insert a sincere sounding fake laugh)”

I usually just grin and bear it, though my hands have gotten so bad these past few months I'm not sure if thats an option anymore. I'd love to hear some more ideas.