Gracie

Sorry for the double post. Fibro-fog strikes again. 8-(

naosew

Ditto!!!, spokanequilter. You all are inspirational!

IBQLTN

I've had a bone removed at the base of my thumb and the thumb fused 'in the most commonly used position'. Apparently, using a needle isn't 'common'. I have to pick the needle up with my other hand and 'place' it in my dominate hand to sew. Can't pick up a coin off the floor either. But it was a good trade-off for reducing pain. My fingers are becoming so crooked it's difficult to type as fast as I used to and often-times by the time I get home from work, I've got nothing left. Those are the days I quilt vicariously through each of you and your sharing of projects!

I have programmed into my outlook calendar at work to get up and walk around every hour during the day so I don't 'freeze up' from sitting too long. I use the 'door stoppers' to tilt the machine. As the arthritis and fibro have gotten worse over the years I found I have had to 'downsize' the size rotary cutter I use as well as the width of the ruler I use. I cannot get enough 'leverage' with my 8.5" ruler anymore to hold it in place. I cut fewer layers at a time.

I keep the ironing board across the room from the machine so that I HAVE to get up and so I don't forget to change positions. I used to always cut at counter height. Now I find it is easier to cut without the ruler slipping if I'm at table top height but this requires more 'back' breaks to keep the strain off my back.

I once had a terrible pain in my foot which eventually required an ankle reconstruction. I worked in retail at the time and at the end of the day I could barely walk. It was Christmastime and I was shopping in a large grocery store with DH and the pain was so bad I told DH I had to go to the car and left him shopping. On the way to the front I saw something I needed that wasn't on our list so I went to the 10 item or less cashier. The friendly, smiling cashier had a twisted wrist and a leg that wouldn't straighten. I passed a man on crutches and on the way out I passed a man with no legs. I told God the 2 x4 worked and that I was grateful to HAVE a foot to walk on!

My point is, we do what we have to do to accomplish the things we love. That's how we keep going. Keep the tips and techniques coming ... you never know what might be THE answer someone needs to try!

Blessings to all.

JayCee

This has been so encouraging for me to read everyone's comments and suggestions. The past 3 years have been a real challenge for me with many ups and downs with leg surgeries and fibro issues. I have certain times of the day that I feel better and plan around that. I do everything slower but am learning that I can enjoy sewing everyday if I pace myself. Thanks so much for all the marvelous hints and helpful information.

jlwheart

I've got reflex sympathetic dystrophy and it took 7 yrs to retrain my hands to sew again. I believe pain will take up any available space in my brain so I work to keep me distracted by having lots of different projects to focus on instead of pain. Seems to help most days. Then there are days where pain overwhelms me and sewing is out. I still insist on doing something towards completing a project each day. Today I laid out a pc of fleece I'll make into an embroidered baby blanket. When you live in chronic pain, keeping stress down is critical. Having a plan helps but flexibility is crucial. I encourage everyone to focus on what you can do not what you can't. Knowing I'm not the only one with limits helps to and I remind me "this too shall pass" when pain stops me in my tracks. Then I get a cup of tea, put on some soothing music and put my legs up and rest a bit. I know when I'm feeling able I'll be back at the machine and into my stash!

sewmary

"When you live in chronic pain, keeping stress down is critical. Having a plan helps but flexibility is crucial. I encourage everyone to focus on what you can do not what you can't. Knowing I'm not the only one with limits helps to and I remind me "this too shall pass" when pain stops me in my tracks. Then I get a cup of tea, put on some soothing music and put my legs up and rest a bit. I know when I'm feeling able I'll be back at the machine and into my stash!"

Thank you for those words to remember!

QuiltE

And to always remember ... things could be worse!


I was blind for four months ... that was eleven years ago. Two surgeries later and yes, I am fine, though I do have some ongoing issues that require eye care management!

When my eyes are bothering me and I get frustrated, I soon up the attitude by realizing what could have been ... how fortunate I am. I am quite happy to endure the ongoing issues, medical appointments and eye care management that I must do when I think of the alternative.

And oh ... I had convinced myself that my sewing days were over. It took me about five years to even go near the sewing machine as I'd convinced myself that I could not sew any longer. Oh I was SO wrong!!!

QuiltE

A couple more helpful hints that I just remembered ...

* white behind the eye of the needle makes it easier to thread

* self threading needles (for hand sewing) ... some days I like them, some days not ... The concept is great though, and I wonder if there are different brands that work better?

Tweety2911

Thank you so much for posting this thread. With many similar challenges myself I have used many of these tips and found some new ones to try. Since I got my cabinet with the machine set in at the same level as the table I find it so much easier on my back, neck, shoulders. I used to sew on the dining room table and that aggrevated all those conditions beyond pain endurance. Stretching frequently is very important. Pacing oneself and not overduing on sewing time.

sew_Tracy

I have fibro, OA throughout my spine, carpal tunnel and radial tunnel both hands, ad nauseam. I bought a used heavy duty desk with pull-out tables on the sides. I took and old wooden cutting board and covered it with batting and pillow ticking. I pull out the side desk board, lay down one of the million phone books I get then lay the cutting board across on the right. DH reinforced the middle drawer and cut out a spot to set my machine in so I have a fully flat surface keeping my hands lowered. Problem is my height and slouching to see because of LED light on the machine.