This is my first post in several weeks and I just wanted to update you on what is going on with me. It is not unusual for me to post once or twice a week to show you what I have been working on. That is the problem. I am an everyday sewer. I was an everyday sewer. Up until 2 1/2 weeks ago. I have always had the usual aches and pains, but they were getting more frequent and occurring in more parts of my body. When the pain got so bad that I was having trouble walking and could not get up from a seated position, I knew it was time for the doctor. My hands hurt so bad, I could not even hold a scissors. I had only sewn a couple of days out of the last 2 1/2 weeks.
I got the results of my blood work back on Wednesday. All of my inflammatory markers are off the charts. The doctor believes it is the auto immune disease, rheumatoid arthritis. There are still others things it could be but she feels this is most likely. The goal is to decrease the inflammation and control the pain until I can get in to see the rheumatologist on Nov. 5. Some days I feel like I have been hit by a car, other days are better. My sewing days will pick me for the time being, I will not pick them. I tell you all of this so that you know where I have been. Be patient with me. I will fight to sew even on days I don't feel up to it. I know that once I get put on a treatment regimen from the rheumatologist , I will have more good days than bad.
That is enough about that! Let me show you one of the things I made before all of this started. I have sewn several Swoon Bag patterns and saw that they had a new free pattern called Ethel. Ethel is a teardrop shaped open tote with a large slip pocket on the front.
The back of the bag is one piece, great to display large prints.
The inside has a zippered pocket on one side and a slip pocket on the other.
This is a fairly simple bag. The hardest part might be the gusset but it is a large gusset so if you take your time you should have little problem with it.
Trying to sew today...I am behind in my orders and I need to start a tester bag that I am doing. Hands don't fail me now!!!
Marilyn, you really encourage me with your attitude toward this. It can't be easy and some days must be very difficult. I pray that your treatment regiment will be effective and enable you to still do the things you would like to do. Thanks for being willing to share this!
ReplyDeleteI do see big prints sometimes and think that they might make a good bag, but I don't always exactly know how to use them.. Ethel looks like a really good option! (And I have to say...your lining looks fantastic!!!--lays right down how you'd want it to.)
Take care--hope your sewing can pick up soon, but I for one am not going anywhere. :) I always enjoy seeing what you've made.
Krista
Thanks, Krista, for the support. It means a lot. As long as my hands are working, I will take my opportunities to sew. Now that I haven't been sewing much, I realize how truly therapeutic it is.
DeleteWhat a beautiful bag, inside and out!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your pain, and your diagnosis. It's gotta be hard to not be able to do what you love to do. Hopefully it's only temporary and once they get things figured out and your treatment going, you'll feel tons better and be able to sew comfortably again. The good news is that so many advances have been made in medicine, and they should be able to find what works best for you.
Hang in there. I'll be praying for you.
Thanks for the kind thoughts. That is where I hang my hopes. That there is a treatment out there that can keep me controlled most of the time. Not only controlled but slow down the joint damage. There has been a lot of progress in this area. I will find a way to keep sewing. I might be slower so it looks like I might need to sharpen my patience.
DeleteGosh, Marilyn, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have osteoarthritis but my hands are not involved so I really feel for you! Of course, when I try to stand up after a long stretch of sewing, anyone around me has to chuckle as I try to get my knees working again. I have decided growing older isn't all that much fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. Just praying that with all of the advances there will a treatment regiment that will give me relief.
Deletehugs
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara.
DeleteSorry to hear about your probable diagnosis - good luck with it - they are coming up with new treatments all the time. The bag you made is gorgeous - love the design and the fabric is awesome. Sending love and healing energy.
ReplyDeletePauline
perry94022 at hotmail dot com
Thanks so much, Pauline. I'm feeling positive that they will find a treatment that will help.
DeleteThe bag is just gorgeous, and thank you for pointing out the free pattern too. I do hope the doctors are able to help you a lot. Hugs. x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kay.
DeleteGosh Marilyn I thought you were busy sewing away testing bags. I am sorry you are going through this. Your bag is beautiful! I recently downloaded that pattern, but busy sewing a test bag and for the blog tour right now. I hope you get better and that this doesn't keep you from sewing in the future! If you want to go the non medication route (or reduced meds) you should read this book:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.drfuhrman.com/shop/ETLBook.aspx
As they say you are what you eat, and by eating healthy, you can reduce or even eliminate certain conditions and diseases. It can't hurt, right? Good luck and I wish you well.
Thanks, Daryl.
DeleteHi Marilyn,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all that bag is so cool. The fabric you chose does not only say Bold but is perfect for this design. Great job.
I'm so sorry you are going through all this pain. Living with pain will definitely play with your patience; and will also make you stronger, if you have the right attitude. When you are having a flare you should just put in your mind the phrase: "Tomorrow I'll be better." I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 15 years ago and at the beginning it wasn't easy at all. Now I can say is mostly under control. I still get small flares (like yesterday and today when I'm just resting and laying down). Whatever diagnosis you get your attitude about this situation is what's going to make a difference. Learning to adapt to a new kind of living will make all the difference. I wish you the best and don't hesitate to email if you just need someone to "hear" you.
Blessings,
Norma
Thanks, Norma. I know you have gone through tough times with your fibromyalgia. It is hard to be patient when you are just sitting and waiting for your dr's appt. I'm trying my best though. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteStay strong Marilyn and make sure you listen to your body and don't push it to hard. I also am living with it , along with spinal problems that have left arthritis in my back unbearable at times. You'll learn to read what your body is telling you, and know what you can and can't do on any given day. The best tip I can give you is to stop what you're doing when it starts hurting..if you push yourself, unfortunately..you pay for it the next day. For me I think the stiffness and not being able to walk is worse than the pain, it's a scary feeling. Keeping ourselves busy helps alot because sometimes depression can set in (double edge sword) ..keeping busy hurts most often. I wish you the very best and hopefully you'll get some good news with your testing.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is beautiful! I think that's my next one..currently sewing Bonnie up myself. Takes me alot longer but I just love sewing bags.
Good Luck Sweetie 😊
Thanks, Melinda. I am already learning that a little push is good or you don't want to get out of bed but too much push makes you pay later. But I have so much more to learn.
DeleteI'm sorry that you are not felling ok, my mum has the same problem, and a goo treatment can be the difference and the positive attitude is on you already, I hope you are felling better and take break between your orders.
ReplyDeleteThe bag is beautiful, I love the fabric too
hugs
Thanks, Lorena.
DeleteMarilyn...I am sorry to hear your in pain!
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel...I have Fibro and somedays it just knocks me out of commission....when it gets bad I lay in bed and plan my next bags...LOL
I hope you find some relief ( other then happy pills..they are to good for our sewing...LOL)
Hugs, Liz
Thanks, Liz. Right now I am laying down several times a day but pushing myself to do something towards my sewing.
DeleteI don't have RA but I've been chasing my own auto-immune for years.
ReplyDeleteGo do a food allergy panel.
There's a lot of evidence linking certain foods to how you feel. i.e. grains, nightshade vegy's, etc.
Lots of online forums to see what is working with other RA peoples.
Prayers & hugs. Hope you get a solid treatment plan.