Ideas: To Help Quilter's With Arthritis,Muscle,Nerve,et. Disorders?
 

While reading on another thread of things quilter's found useful, I noticed there are others like myself that love quilting, but who deal with the challenges of arthritis in there hands or maybe nerve damage, vision, etc.

I have lupus, sjogren's, fibromyalgia, etc. which all contribute to having visions problems, muscle pain, back pain, no energy, currently possibly carpal tunnel in my hand, and even memory issues. lol.....I won't bore you with too much.:D

I thought it would be a welcomed thread to start with different ideas to share with each other that is helpful to quilters who have these issues, but love their craft.

I will start it off with a few things I do, but most of you probably already do them.

- I print out the instructions for my patterns I find free online in a size text that I can see comfortably.
- I keep sticky notes to jot down things I don't want to forget, such as a blog I am interested in, or any mention even on a tv sewing show, I may be watching that gives an address to a site for quilters.
- I have to take lots of breaks when working on a project. If I don't I can be bedridden for a couple of days.
- I try to buy scissors or other tools that are good, but the lightest I can find, because of less stress on my hands.
- I am working on making my area for sewing to be arranged so that I don't have to reach (as in long stretches) for something I need.
- I also have a chair that fits my back good, but still take breaks to relieve my back. (a good cushion behind your back can feel good too)
- I need good light for my quilting, but I cannot have the light toward my eyes at all. If I do I will start either going blind, or start seeing things that are not there. lol.....

I will stop for now, and you can see that I don't have any thing great to start off with, and that is why I wanted to start this thread. So let's get started brainstorming! :thumbup:

Due to achey hands and arms I wear splints on my hands or hands to help relieve stress I also have a rice bag that I purchased at a craft show that ties around you so I can have it on my back when needed I never use regular scissors only spring loaded ones. Before i moved I traded home cooked meals for someone to cut out and label my quilt pieces Also use rice bags on my neck and shoulder secure them on shoulder with large rubber bands sit on a doughnut pillow ar sometimes a cushion that swivels

Ah yes - RA, fibro, arthritis of the spine ---

The best thing I found is a rotary cutter that has a bend to it. It is so much easier on my hands.

I have my cutting table raised up so I don't have to bend over so far. I also found a very comfortable stool with a back so I can sit and cut smaller pieces.

I found compression gloves that help support my hands so I can sew a little longer.

I do have to pace myself because i work fulltime.

The best tip I have is to get up after 30 minutes and do something else. This is not my idea, but one that I read somewhere online. Also, I just finished physical therapy for my shoulder - I was on the verge of frozen shoulder - they advised me to keep up with the exercises to keep my shoulder mobile. So I am still doing the exercises - well most days anyway, lol. I also wear compression gloves when I am hand quilting.

I am only 5' tall, so I use adjustable height tables in my sewing area.

At a retreat I just went to one of the irons was a very light weight - seems like it was a Singer, but didn't know they made irons. The difference in weight between the irons on the different stations was huge. When I replace the one I have it will be with a lighter one.

I have a floor lamp behind me - behind my right shoulder - it shines on my work area without shadows. It's a cheapo from Walmart, but works for me.

I want to find me some of those compression gloves, and I will have to check out a rotary cutter with a curved handle. I have a big iron, but bought me a little bitty iron to use for small piecing. I too have one of those floor lamps, and it does help, and then I adjust a lamp on the table right over my sewing that has one of those flexible things so I can point it where I want to.

* Ergonomics ... table height, chair height/shape, positioning of your machines, even the rotary cutter as mentioned already ... and many more items! Find out what is ergonomically the best situation for you. An easy and low cost way to change your table height is to get some bed risers. I got my 2nd set of 4 for $4. The first set were $13. And now I take a set with me when I go to sewing classes.

* Health Care Providers ... work with your "team", physio therapist, occcupational therapists, chiropractor, doctors, etc. Be sure they know you want to sew (or perhaps I should say, MUST sew, for your sanity!!!! :)). Have them give you suggestions as to how to keep you doing what you love. This might be exercises you can do before you start sewing or every so many minutes etc. Perhaps they could advise re equipment/tools that can make it all a little easier for you.

* Underfoot ... when standing for ironing, don't stand on a bare floor, get one of the squishy mats to make it easier on your body! In Canada, Canadian Tire has some great ones in the industrial/automotive section. At the least carpeting with a good underlay pad.

* Lighting ... I can so relate to the lighting issues! For me, all my lightbulbs (thoughout my home) are daylight bulbs, so I get a good clear light. And LOTS of lights! Easier to turn off if too bright. You can't turn on what doesn't exist!

* Magnets on Sticks and Pick Up Poles ... so you can reach for what you want, without bending down etc.

* Toys ... look for all the sewing toys that could be of use to you. And too, consider other things that aren't meant for sewing that would work (see link below).

* White Board ... or blackboard or cork board ... ready to keep your notes!

* Trades/Swaps ... already mentioned. I know another lady who trades binding for cutting. Works perfectly for the two of them!

* Ask!!!! ... don't be afraid to ask for help from others. Many people are more than happy to help, if they'd only be asked and told what to do!! Keep a running list of things people can help you with, ready for the opportunity!

* MORE? ... I know I'll think of more and post them as the bolt of lightening strikes!

* http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...g-t152963.html -- While not dedicated to aids and solutions to physical challenges, I know there are a lot of ideas that have been shared in this thread that could help solve some of the challenges some face.

I also have Lupus along with Psoriatic Arthritis....I know how frustrating it is when you really want to quilt, but your body is not co-operating.

To keep continuity/sanity (idle hands and all that:) I have a few things on the go at the same time....If handwork is out of the question...I work on designs, cut templates or sort fabric. I am trying to use my machine as much as possible, remembering to hop up every so often and do another task. I use a tall step stool to sit on when I iron and again, break the task into chunks rather than do "marathons". Spring loaded snips are a treasure and where would we be without wheat bags and sheepskin slippers:). As long as I can do a quilt related activity for at least one hour a day I am a happy bunny.

Project boxes are useful....the pattern, notes, fabrics, thread, everything you need for that quilt all in a big decorative box (I get mine from Red Dot (a dollar store)). That way you are not rummaging around trying to find stuff, you can take it to the bedroom or sofa (wherever you can work comfortably) and if visitors call, or when you are done for the day everything can pile into the box without too much trouble and mess is kept to the minimum.

I label everything and keep most the most used items in the more accessible areas of my workspace. I have also found fingerless gloves (my kids call them hobo gloves) to be very handy...they keep most of your hand/wrist warm yet allow you to use the fingertips without impediment. I have quite a few pairs as they can get a bit grotty if you wear them a lot.

JuneBillie ... First of all, congratulations on starting the thread. I'm glad you took the "nudge" I gave you whnn you mentioned it in the other thread!

The rotary cutter look for a Fiskars ... it's the first one I bought, over 30 yrs ago, and still have and use. I remember the quilt store lady saying how ergonomic friendly it was. In the meantime I had bought another couple, and never cared for them. Then last year I saw the same one and grabbed it up quick as could be!

thank you :)

I have trouble with my hands and wrist and a friend of mine cannot stand for long. So, we trade work. I have a long arm, so I quilt her quilts for her and she does all my binding. We are both very happy with this arrangement. I also have an ergonomic rotary cutter and a cutting table set high. I wear a wrist/hand brace when cutting or doing any type of hand work. I also stop and do hand and wrist exercises so my hands don't cramp up. When working on the long arm, I wear good shoes with good support to protect my spine/back. I am considering getting anti-fatigue mats as well even though the machine is on carpet on the second floor (so no cement). When working on the long arm I don't grab the handles tight, just guide them lightly - otherwise my hands cramp and hurt. After each pass I stop and stretch and my fingers and wrist. This helps a lot. It is amazing what we remedies we can find to be able to continue our beloved quilting!

I too have Psoriatic Arthritis and nerve damage that effects my hands from a car accident 25 years ago. I have achy shoulders, knees and elbows. My hands go numb pretty quickly. I also have Psoriasis on the palms of my hands. Just the constant touching of the fabrics on my palms makes my hands itch to no end! Any one with Psoriasis knows that the more you itch, the worse your Psoriasis is. I wear fingerless craft gloves (purchased in craft dept at Walmart - They are neon green). If I am having trouble with numbness, I wear the compression gloves. I have a squishy mat in front of my ironing board and another one in front of my cutting table. I make sure my chair is at a good height when I am sewing. I stretch often. I tend to hunch over when I am sewing and that really affects the damaged nerve in my neck and shoulders. I find it very difficult to do any kind of hand work so I don't sweat it that I have to sew my bindings on by machine. Not that any of the quilts are going into a show to be judged! I have home exercises that the chiropractor gave me for the nerve issues. If I do them faithfully, I don't have much issue. I can tell when I have slacked off.

I found the TrueCut Rulers and their bent rotary cutter to be beneficial. There is a ridge on the cutter thar rides on the ruler. I don't have to stress my wrist to keep the blade in line with the ruler. It just happens naturally because of the ridge. I also use their electric blade sharpener to keep my blades sharp so I don't have to apply so much pressure.

There is a rubber mat that surgeons use when they have to stand for hours.

Well, I have to say I am amazed and humbled by many of you!! You continue to make quilts because you love it, in spite of physical limitations. That's real passion!! You're an inspiration!!

I have degenerative arthritis in my lower back and bursitits in my left hip; both conditions work together to make everything painful. The one thing that has helped me the most, aside from what others have already mentioned...is to mentally change my thinking. I know I can no longer create a quilt in a few days. Little messages about time not being an issue, not setting deadlines and just totally focusing on the joy of being able to quilt has become my new focus.

Since my chemo I have numb hands and feet but I just keep quilting. I use most of the items already listed. I have come to realize I will do what I can as I enjoy it. My hand applique is not what it used to be but it is satisfying so I just do it. We may be slower and maybe not as good as before but keep up the habit! Our mental hapiness counts for lots.

Perhaps a timer to remind one to get up and move?
Or set the ironing board a little bit away so one has to get up (if one can)?

I iron sitting down. You can adjust the ironing board any height why stand when you can sit.
http://help4neckpain.com/h4np.php this was a helpful site that I got from the quilting school. Hope it goes through

That's exactly the one I found. I couldn't remember the name when I first posted. That one thing alone helped tremendously with rotary cutting with RA hands! I will look at their rotary sharpener. Thanks.

The Fiskar's spring loaded scissors take a lot of pressure off your hands. I have arthritis that affects my right hand so cutting can cause a flair. They come in large and small and I love them.
Sue

I have a neck and shoulder injury from 2 car accidents within 2 weeks of each other about 18 years ago. Sometimes its tolerable and sometimes it isn't. On the days its tolerable I quilt and sew, on the days it isn't I don't. It isn't a matter of will I hurt today, I hurt every day; its a matter of how much I hurt today and is it manageable.

I use most of the things already mentioned on here and am always on the lookout for things to do or things to use to make quilting easier for me and others.

Thank you so much for starting this thread and I look forward to sharing with you when I can.

delma

I have real problems with the joints in my thumbs. I don't have compression gloves, but I do have a pair of gardening gloves that are sticky and they fit real snug. I use them when I am quilting and they really help my hands and they hold onto the quilt so I don't have problems.

As far as scissors --- I have to switch frequently between the spring loaded and non-spring loaded ones since using either one for any length of time cause a lot of pain in my thumb joints.

When I piece or rotary cut I wear something called a soft splint that supports my thumb, wraps around my hand and leaves my fingers and the tip of my thumb free.

I use the ergonomic Olfa cutter -- it does not hit the thumb joint the way the bent one does and I can use it longer.

I've had two back surgeries: One on lower back and another in the cervical region. I have pain in the front thigh, lower back and pelvic area, and right neck and shoulder. The front part of both feet are numb and my legs cramp if I'm not up and moving. I'm on pain meds that help, but my right shoulder still really bothers me. I've learned that pressure points can really help. I use firm pressure on the fold of my elbow for about 70 sec. and it relieves the pain significantly. It's free and fast, so hope it will help someone else.

More good ideas. I do the same as a couple of you mentioned about not thinking about getting a project done in a day or certain time. I have learned, that I can't know one day from the next, and that is also where the change in attitude that others mentioned comes in. Attitude is everything. Oh, and yes with me too I hurt everyday, but how much is the wait and see game. Even though we hurt, if you are like me, quilting or sewing is mental therapy, and so satisfying. I believe the more we are involved in something like this to keep our stress down the better long term we will be. The one who said your applique isn't what it use to be, that is ok as long as it's enjoyable to you. Besides, nothing I do is like it use to be.:D The only contest I am out to win is being happy in the moment day by day.

I also have fibromyagia, arthritis, COPD, 2 knee replacements and one hip replacement. Here are some things I do.
1. Use my "grab it" to pick up things I drop. It has magnetic tip to pick up pins and needles also.
2. Lower the ironing board next to my sewing table so I can just turn and press rather than get up. It's also great to put a small cutting mat on if I have to cut something or trim or cut.
3. Have a regular cutting table so I don't break my back leaning over to do cutting on larger pieces.
4. I have a small 3 drawer clear plastic unit that sits on my sewing table in which I keep scissors, rotary cutter, measuring tape, pins, some plastic templates (flying geese, triangles, etc.) instructions that came with specialty rulers, seam rippers, and all other small tools I need for my quilting right at my fingertips.

The one thing most helpful to me is my GD who lays everything out on the floor and pins to make the sandwich...LOL. That's one thing I just cannot do...if I ever got down there I'd never get up. !!!

So three things that cme to mind:
1.Arrange your sewing area in a U shape so that you can get to your machine(s), ironing board and cutting area without having to get up from your chair. Make sure everything is height adjusted and use that timer to make yourself get up and walk or stretch but this way you are not constantly readjusting when doing your various quilting activities.
2. If you do FMQ, use the puddling method and rather than grip the fabric with your hands, use foam pipe insulation (I posted this trick a while back). You cut a piece about 12" long and take the fabric you would normally grip and slide it into the slit of the insulation. It is much easier to grab when you are manuvering your quilt under the harp.
3. For sandwiching quilts, buy an inexpensive folding table 72" long that you can put in a closet or against a wall. It is a bit narrow but it beats crawling around on the floor or clearing off your dining room table!

10 years ago I had surgery on my right hand for osteo-arthritis. It took a couple of years before my hand was back to "normal" after the surgery. My best advise is to not overuse your hand. Take breaks-often. Do hand exercises after using. I love the fiskar soft-touch scissors that have the spring in them. I mostly use the Olfa largest rotary cutter-that is easiest on my hand. Had a curved handle one, and for some reason, that was harder on my hand than the Olfa...could have been the hand position.

I have had Arthritus for some time. I was a sales rep and it was nothing to drive 2-300 miles a day. When I retired I wanted to quilt. I started working part time at a quilt shop to learn to quilt. Man, my hands sometimes hurt so bad because of all of the fabric we cut. But, really, days my back, feet and everything hurts.
I heard of a product called "Two Old Goats". I can put some on my hands, neck, knees etc and within 5 minutes the pain is gone. It is a natural product so I do not worry. I have even put it on my face for bad sinus headaches. There was a lady that comes to the shop for her old goats and she was getting ready for knee replacement and since she started using old goats she does not have to have it done at this time. The lady who makes this product suffers from arthritis and fibromyalgia. We do sell it through our website. Pocketful of Posey's,

Yup - we've got pain and problems, but these suggestions help.
My biggest pain is in my thumb joint. I have moved to a Sizzix Die Cutter and am using my rotary cutter less.
When I do need to rotary cut, a sharp blade is essential. I have tried every brand (I think), and the Martelli is the easiest on the thumb for me.
I also switch hand projects - from needle work (quilting, embroidery, applique) to knitting - every couple of hours or so.
I use ice-heat-ice (15 minutes in immediate rotation) as often as I can make myself do it. It seems to "trick" my metabolism. Learned this trick when I had a cervical fusion and a plate inserted to keep me upright...

* Important * Please remember that each ailment is "unique", and what works for one may not work nor be the best thing for another person. Keep the communications going with your professionally trained medical support team to confirm that you are doing what is best for your personal situation, rather than adding to your problems thru mis-diagnosis and mis-treatment.

Wow! You ladies rock! I thought I had some health issues, but you make me realize how minor they are. I have had 3 major back surgeries, but I can kneel, walk, sit & stand without pain. The surgery on my neck left me with permanent nerve damage in my left hand and arm, so my good right hand does double duty. At least it works really well until I overuse it doing PP! I work in a carpeted room but still get back fatigue if I stand or hunch over the sewing machine too long, so I am looking for a secretary's chair to use at the machine so I can swivel to the ironing board. I have adapted to most situations by using several of the gadgets you recommend. Harbor Freight and Northern are great for little things and much less expensive than the fabric shops. The only thing I am having trouble finding is an inexpensive compression glove for hand work. I tried the one from Walmart and it was like not wearing anything, much too thin. Anyway, I think you gals are awesome!

I quit eating flour/bread/pasta, my hands are doing a lot better, never would have thought a food allergy/sensitivity would settle in the joints but for me it did. You might ask your doc if need to consider foods not to eat.

Clips instead of straight pins has been one of the biggest helps for me. I have termors so pins are a hazard for me.
The fibromyalgia is the pits , the legs,arms,shoulders and wrist suffer most. all of the suggestions are most of what I found worked for me
in finding what helps when cutting ,ironing and sewing. You just learn what helps you.
Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one out there that suffers to quilt.

I am quite curious, also. I have neuropathy really bad - some days it hurts just to be alive, I think. I travel horribly, even if I do get out periodically to walk a little. It's heart breaking, actually.

One thing I forgot to mention: For those who suffer from leg cramps (RLS) when sitting for long periods, my Dr. recommended drinking about 5 to 6 oz of tonic water. You get immediate relief! I take it with me when I travel and order it on planes. It is not very tasty, but it contains a small amount of quinine which does the job. You can't buy it in pill form in the US, but the Dr. said he could get me some out of Canada! But the Walmart brand (Mixer) is $0.98/liter and works fine. You can mix it with something else to make it more palatable, but I can drink it straight. I know it's meant to be used with alcoholic drinks, but if you're on pain meds, particularly those with acetameniphin included and want to keep your liver in decent shape, mix it with something else.

It's great to be in such good company here on the board. We have had other threads where we shared this kind of information in the past, also. You might want to search and read those to see what else may have been said that would be useful. I have fibro, chronic pain from a neck and shoulder injury and arthritis in my feet, knees, hands and neck and lower spine and hips. Medication has helped to minimize headaches which were at one time debilitating.
All of your suggestions are good, and I just want to stress that it's so important to keep doing our stretches and exercises to maintain as much range of motion as possible. Also to remember to drink lots of water each day to keep those toxins from the fibro and arthritis flushed out as much as possible. That way, we are forced to take breaks from sewing when we have to get up and go to the bathroom. LOL..
I, too, keep my ironing board in another room from my sewing machine to force me to get up and walk when I have to press. I do have a mini-iron and board next to my machine for quick pressing when doing lots of seams in a row, though. Anything long or large area, I take to the big ironing board.
Not setting deadlines is important as that adds stress and we with chronic pain need to keep our lives as free of stress as possible.

Thank you, we take a lot of things for granted, these are great reminders for all of us.
Have a wonderful day!

My best wishes to you on coping with physical problems so you can continue to quilt. I have rheumatoid as well as osteo arthritis in hands neck, back, knees, feet, etc. I also have fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel disease. Now I am recovering from a spinal cord injury and I have had to learn to stand and walk again, plus regain the use of my hands. I've made a lot of progress, I'm home now and can't wait to get to my quilting. I will learn patience so that I can return to quilting slowly and learn to quit when I'm tired. Knontinuow that you are not alone, quilters make the best support system ever. Continued blessings to you. MargeD

What kind/brand of compression gloves do you use. Or what types of splints/braces are you using. I've had surgery to repair torn tendons and I would like support for my hands/wrists.
Any suggestions as to brands would be appreciated.