Hi Michelle,
First of all, I don't believe there are any dumb questions. Second, I have Fibro too, and I've learned a few ways to adapt to our kind of problems. First of all, if you don't have it, I would highly recommend "Rx for Quilters", written by Susan Delaney Mech M.D, available as cheap as $1.17 on amazon.com. You can find it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Rx-Quilters-St...7867079&sr=8-1
Here's what they say about this book:
Product Description
To avoid injuries that afflict stitchers due to repetitive wrist movements, neck strain, or related problems, this helpful book gives readers gentle health advice from an M. D. who is also an experienced quilter. The book explains how the quilter's stitching life can be comfortable, free of stressed hands, shoulders, joints, and back. Simple daily exercises, setting up a good work area, healthful eating, and other positive ideas are offered.
Lots and lots of great advice for anyone, healthy and not so healthy - for all the stages of our lives.
Personally, I've made a few modifications that I've found beneficial for me:
My cutting table is the right height (about 3" below my elbow), thereby avoiding the additional neck and back strain that is caused by a table that is too short. Don't have that luxury? Just use your kitchen countertop instead. My table is open on 3 sides, shortening the stretching/reaching considerably. I also might fold my fabric once again, that way it's only 11" across, not the standard 22" or so.
Warm up your muscles before, during and after a cutting session, and make sure you're not at it for very long at any one time. We need to wake 'em up, to get blood to all areas so they can work efficiently and cause us the least amount of pain. WebMD has an excellent slide show showing how to do this. You can find it here:
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/sl...wnl_art_032309
Take frequent breaks. Could hubby help with the long cuts? If not, I imagine the folks at your LQS would probably be more than willing to help you out somehow. Sometimes tho, we just need to find different and more creative ways to do things. That way, we don't feel like we're having to give up one more thing due to this disease.
You might consider trying an ergonomic rotary cutter by Martelli, the Ergo 2000. You can cut with it while in a sitting position, cutting down on the neck, back and hand strain considerably. Some like 'em, some don't. I tried it, takes a little getting used to, but I can see where it might be helpful. Made especially to cut down on hand fatigue. You can find it here:
http://www.martellinotions.com/
Home some of this helps you. Best of luck to you, too.
:) Happy quilting, Karla