I sent you a reply. Hopefully, you received it!

You are not alone! I get cramping in my wrists, and even hands curl and lock so badly I have to stop.

I hope the rest is ok to post....

One thing that does help sometimes. I have found adding a bit of Icy Hot , Ben Gay or some sort of mentholated rub CREAM,
Add a dab on wrist from the tube and rub in using all over on wrists only, not your fingers to get marks on fabric.
Also word of warning as we age our skin gets thinner RUB GENTLY, so it doesn't get too hot. Also, caution I found Capasin (made with hot peppers) burns me.

I take Neutontin (Gabopentin) for my OA, and it keeps me active.

:( I never associated arthritis with hot, humid weather till now but the high humidity here and my allergies seem to bring out the pain in my hip and at the base of my thumbs (but am fortunate that these don't really affect my quilting) but I am taking my Aleve in the morning and having some relief -- good luck in dealing with your problems and that the new cutter will make cutting easier on your wrists -- my doctor always recommends ice on the affected parts to bring down the inflammation and says to do whatever helps as far as diet and other things go-- I'm going to try the apple cider vinegar drink (may be the vitamin C in it that helps)--and thanks to all the QB posters for all the encouragement and helpful hints on all sorts of subjects!!:thumbup:

barbara
 

Write to or phone the Arthritis Foundation--they have lots of consultants familiar with adjustments to arthritis of all types

Great idea! Thanks!

Got the unfiltered apple vinegar today!! Glug glug!!! Many thanks.

Thanks Bree. Good idea re: changing the blade more often. I don't do alot of needle work, so I get a break there. I also noticed, not being stressed in general, sure alleves some pain.

I have osteoarthritis in my whole body. I have had both of my thumbs fused and this past March I also had a new joint in my index finger. It is a slow recovery and my surgeon told me it would be at least a year until it is fully recovered. He asked me what I wanted this surgery to do for me and I told him I wanted to be able to quilt again and do hand work again. I am now able to cut with a rotary cutter and some hand work. I can't cut for as long as I used to be able to, but I can do it again. I have the original accuquilt cutter that you hand turn and I can do that again. The electric one would be better. For me, being able to quilt in small doses is better than not at all. have you tried getting any cortisone injections?

Arthritis - my constant companion. I no longer do anything that requires fine finger dexterity, as my hands hurt so much and so fast when I try. Sewing on my machine is not a problem, though. Being on the computer is heck though, so have to cut back on that, too.

However, I do take nsaids for the pain. Pain is not something I want to tolerate if I don't have to.