Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
Need help with fibromyalgia and hands >

Need help with fibromyalgia and hands

Need help with fibromyalgia and hands

Old 06-16-2011, 03:05 PM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Noblesville, IN
Posts: 1,294
Default

I am having trouble with sewing. I use a lighter pressure when I sew because I have to be careful on how much I exert any part of my body.

Even when I sew gently, after awhile, two of my fingers go numb. They will stay like that for a full 24 hours. Is there any way I can hold the fabric as I sew that might lower the amount of exercise that my hand is getting?
tdgiffin is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 03:24 PM
  #2  
Power Poster
 
amma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
Default

I use more than just two fingers whenever possible. More fingers or my whole hand is even better.
Some times I feed the fabric through with my fingers, then I will switch to using my seam ripper. For me it is keeping them in the same position for too long, overusing the same muscles.

Stop very often, massage my hands, warm them up and rest them higher than my heart (for the swelling), use larger ergonomic tools.

I have tried snug fitting gloves too.. they do help to take the strain off of my hands. Mine are a nylon, breathable and fingerless, found them at a sporting goods store :D:D:D
amma is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 03:24 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
mtspools's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: pile of scraps, ILLINOIS
Posts: 980
Default

I don't have any answers, but just want you to know I feel bad for you. My daughter in law has fibromyalgia also. You all are in my prayers.
mtspools is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 03:31 PM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 9,589
Default

Originally Posted by amma
I use more than just two fingers whenever possible. More fingers or my whole hand is even better.
Some times I feed the fabric through with my fingers, then I will switch to using my seam ripper. For me it is keeping them in the same position for too long, overusing the same muscles.

Stop very often, massage my hands, warm them up and rest them higher than my heart (for the swelling), use larger ergonomic tools.

I have tried snug fitting gloves too.. they do help to take the strain off of my hands. Mine are a nylon, breathable and fingerless, found them at a sporting goods store :D:D:D
I agree with Amma...I use Handeze gloves...and the main idea is to fool the body by changing positions all the time...
Tink's Mom is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 03:47 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Sheila_H's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 976
Default

I have it as well and my Dr has me on Lyrica it helps with some of my tremors and pain. I start and stop a lot with my sewing and massage my hands when they start to get to tingle and I use the Handeze gloves as well.
Sheila_H is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 03:48 PM
  #6  
Kaz
Junior Member
 
Kaz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 162
Default

I feel for you. Hope you can find some way of making it more pleasant for yourself :)
Kaz is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 04:37 PM
  #7  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MS
Posts: 2,624
Default

I also have Fibro and I have to stop occasionally and stretch my fingers. Also, if I use my right hand too much, I'll have muscle spasms up into my shoulder...then I have to quit sewing (or being on computer) for a while. I get the tingly feeling in the tips of my fingers, also. I use the Handeze gloves and they help a lot. I don't know of any magic cure for the pain...have tried most every medication there is. Just stop and rest and stretch.
Nanamoms is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 04:51 PM
  #8  
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
Default

if you are going numb..you need to have your spine checked...
numbness is not just associated with fibro and believing that everything you have gone wrong is related to fibro could be causing you more damage! get the dr to xray for arthritis and check your sugars..both can cause numbness...and so can a million other things...
jaciqltznok is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 05:22 PM
  #9  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 9,589
Default

Jackie...For me it is arthritis, too...they just go hand in hand...
Tink's Mom is offline  
Old 06-16-2011, 05:29 PM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,453
Default

maybe carpel tunnel? i have FMS..my hands go numb just sitting..and i have CT in both hands..a hand splint at night helps.you should NOT assume it is the FMS..

we all ignore our symptoms..because we are in so much pain all the time, in different parts of our bodies..we,as women, just "get on with it" and go about our lives..go get checked again.

i have to do lots of stopping and stretching when i sew..
watterstide is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lneal
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
39
12-06-2011 12:53 AM
vickig626
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
53
09-10-2011 09:49 AM
toomanycats
Main
75
02-23-2011 10:56 AM
Diannia
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
7
02-02-2011 04:34 PM
coldtoesinmi
Main
26
03-30-2009 04:08 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter