Jean’s Advance7 Review — Got Her Independence Back

Jean Ellis · Age 69 · Leeds

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I like to stay independent. I do my own shopping, my own cooking, look after the house. My daughter’s nearby and she’s always offering to help, but if I can do it myself I’d rather. Always been that way. I don’t want to be a burden to anyone if I can help it.

What kind of problems were you having?

My hands, mainly. Stiff in the morning, sore gripping anything — the kettle, a jar, even turning the key in the front door. And general stiffness, that worn-out feeling doing simple things. Things that should take five minutes were taking twenty.

How did that affect you?

A couple of times I set off to the shops and turned back halfway. I’d get to the corner, my hands would be aching from the bag, and I’d think, I’ll go later. Then “later” wouldn’t happen either. The fridge would get a bit empty.

What did that do mentally?

That was the worst part, really. It wasn’t just the pain — it was what it was doing to me. I’d start thinking, what’s the point, it’s all hard work. And that’s not me at all. I’ve always been a get-on-with-it sort. I didn’t like who I was becoming.

Was there a moment that pushed you to try something?

Yes, there was. I went to put the kettle on one morning and dropped it because my grip just gave way. There was a sharp pain across my knuckles. I sat down at the kitchen table and had a little cry, which I’m not proud of. That was the moment I thought, I have to do something.

How did you come across Advance7?

My daughter had been on at me about it for months. She’d seen something about it, ordered me a tube herself, and when she came round on the Sunday she said, “Mum, just try it. What have you got to lose?”

What was your first impression?

I rubbed it into my hands that morning, both sides, working it into the knuckles where it was worst. There was a gentle warmth to it, nothing fierce. I had my breakfast straight after and noticed I wasn’t gripping the cutlery the way I had been. You don’t realise you’re clenching until you stop clenching, if that makes sense.

How quickly did it help?

Within a week, I’d say, though not dramatically. I’d realise I’d done something — opened a jar, carried the shopping home — and not thought about my hands the whole time. That stopped me in my tracks the first time it happened.

Have you tried anything else?

Yes, I started on the capsules a few months back. I take one in the morning with my breakfast. Hard to say exactly what they’re doing, but I do feel a bit more comfortable in myself generally. Less of that worn-out feeling that used to creep in by lunchtime.

What’s it like now?

I just get on with things again, the way I used to. The shops, cooking proper meals, getting out to see friends at the church group. I haven’t dropped the kettle since.

How does Advance7 fit into your day?

Gel into both hands first thing in the morning, and again before bed. Capsule with my porridge. It’s all just part of the routine.

Would you recommend it?

I would, especially to anyone who’s started giving in to it. That independence means everything when you’ve had it slipping away from you. I’ve got mine back, and I’m not letting it go.