Originally Posted by AliKat
I have rather severe arthritis in my hands, esp in my fingers where the joints have fused.
I don't sew for great lengths of time but rotate the varying tasks of cutting, pressing, sewing, and exercising. I bought a Pfaff because of the dual feed [IDT] so I don't have to strain when sewing.
I tested all the various rotary cutters til I found which ones fit me and how I use them. I bought the Alto's Quick Cut 2 for assistance with cutting. I made sure my cutting area is the right height for me. Then I bought a great "chair' for me to sew in, actually it isn't a chair but a Swopper, it feels like sitting on a balance ball only I don't have to worry about pins bursting it.
I take my meds and see my rheumatologist.
ali
There is nothing that will get rid of the bone spurs on the fingers, shy of getting them scraped off. The lotions, creams, salves, oils, paraffin, gloves, hot water will relieve the discomfort, but only temporarily - that is typical of arthritis. Sometimes a prescription pain reliever will help. I don't go that route. Your very best bet is to see your doctor and let him diagnose what type of arthritis you have and the best way to treat it. My husband has osteo-arthritis in his knee. I have rheumatoid arthritis in my fingers and toes. It is not real comfortable I can assure you, but what do we expect from everything our hands and feet have done over the years. Look what we have put our bodies through in the past years. I hurt, but it's better than most other ailments. Not to sound cruel or anything, but after my husband going through two bouts of cancer, the chemo, the prednisone bursts, I just say "suck it up and get on with living." With that said, I have to tell you, I loved washing dishes because the hot water felt so good on my hands. Guess what? My husband gave me a portable dishwasher two weeks ago for Christmas. I love it. It saves me a lot of time. I just have to run my hands under hot water more often, that's all! He loves me. That's what counts. I just don't tell him how bad it hurts sometimes. I love him and that's what counts too. Edie