Quilting with disabilities

[PDQuilt]

Having lived with a Blind Magician for several years, I've had a fair amount of life with the visually challenged. Together we did all that he could and worked to make others less uncomfortable with the visually challenged. I say Stitch with Love and go for it. There are many who are visually gifted and who can piece to perfection, down to a thread or two precision. Meanwhile they have huge piles of UFOs (Unfinished Objects). Many of those who receive our 'charity' quilts don't know or care about the differences your sight makes in your work. So just do it!
Joyce

Hi All I had to increase the font not yelling just legally blind lol... yes a physical disability. I like to call myself differently abled because I have to find different way so doing the things I used to do.
I have partial sight and can not see detail unless its really close up. I compensate by doing patterns what do not require as much percise matching and I am getting better as I quilt at trying more challenging patterns even if they do not come out perfectly. I have to be extra careful when using the rotary cutter that I do not get distracted while cutting lol... dont want to lose a finger lol... I did a small convergence quilt lap sized Ihave yet to finish up in black and white prints. I am working on a small picture sized stained glass quilt and a strip baby quilt. My designs will not be as complicated as most of yours but I do my best and leave the rest to God. I quilt in a group from my church that does quilts for missions thats where I started two years ago. I have been legally blind for 15 years now. I just had major surgery to remove a tumor but it was not cancer. Thanks for listening... Deb in AZ

[PDQuilt]

Are you the same Deb in Az that is a member of HeartStrings? If you are, this is Deanna Zimmer, also a member. Let me know.

Deanna
Viriginia

[PDQuilt]

Hi All,

After reading this thread (I hadn't noticed it before) I have to say that all of you have humbled me. When you live with chronic pain or any kind of disability you do tend to feel sorry for yourself sometimes. I am no exception. I have been dealing with lower back pain for about 8 years now. I have a ruptured disk that is pressing on my sciatic nerve. I have no idea what caused this. I don't recall falling or hurting myself but, I suspect its due to years of gardening and pushing carts full of dirt/mulch around and shoveling it into my flower beds. As you can imagine, I've had to give up gardening completely which broke my heart.

While the back pain is not pleasant, I could deal with it if it were not for the pain down my leg and into my foot caused by an inflamed sciatic. After reading about the depression some of you have, and just the way everyone described how they feel, I now know I'm not crazy. I sometimes feel like I am walking around in a haze. I can only describe it as feeling foggy. I know that has less to do with my back and more to do with depression. I also sometimes feel totally uncoordinated and wondered if my back issues could cause this. Has anyone experienced this?

I am a new quilter. I was looking for something to replace the gardening. But, when I am in one of my episodes (lots of pain) I can't be creative at all. I just can't think, so therefore can't sew or even care about quilting - which makes me mad/more depressed. The worst thing for me is sitting so.. you don't see me at the sewing machine if I am hurting. I do use a tush cush at home and work. It helps if the pain is moderate. If it's bad, I just don't sit. I find things to do that require standing. All areas that are from my waist to my head in my home are now spotless.

I am trying to manage my pain with Motrin and pain medication. I am one of those people who insists on taking the least amount to ease my pain, so I usually end up not taking enough. I am a "half-pill" kinda girl, LOL!! My husband just laughs as his theory is, if one works well, two will be super!!!

At my last appt. with the Orthopedic surgeon he suggested surgery so I am currently facing that decision. I've had the pain for so long that I can honestly say I can't imagine what it would be like not to feel it. But then... will fixing this cause problems elsewhere? I guess I am just scared. I have an MRI scheduled for this month. If the disk has degenerated further then surgery is an option. He told me most people just get to a point where they can't take it anymore and request surgery. I'm not sure I am to that point yet - but I'm getting close. I've had steroid shots and I just don't like them. One worked great, the other lasted about a week. Just temorary fixes. I also did physical therapy for a while. I have not tried accupuncture or deep tissue massage. I really don't know what other options there are at this point other than surgery.

Enough of my boo-hooing about my problems. God bless all of you who have shared so much of your lives and personal struggles in this thread. You are an inspiration to me.

[snowplow3840]

Jessimina, your story is so sad and I hope that you get some relief depending on what you need. But don't give up hope. some have told me I am a Polly anna and should not tell others what to do but all I know is what worked for me. I had a fractured vertabrae misdiagnnosed for a while but thanks to my Maker and a wonderful dh who made sure that whatever options were available to me were known to me and I could make some decisions for myself. I was also blessed with very understanding, dedicated.and saavy doctors who listened to me and helped me make good decisions. I still have my problems but live pretty much the way I want to.
You probably are suffering from some depression but ask yourself if you are depressed and hurting from it or hurting and therefore depressed. It sounds to me like you have some good and natural reasons to feel depressed and want to pull the blankets over your head. Will medication help -- my answer is maybe but for me antidrepressants also made me more depressed and didn't really help alot. Finally I was able to find a balance of medication (and I am a half a pill person too) that handles most of my issues without keeping me in a drugged haze.
It sounds to me like you are at a point where trusting your own judgement is difficult for you and I really hope you can find the strength spirit or what ever to get back to that place.
You know your own body better than anyone so trust yourself. Seek the best information you can. Don't be afraid to ask for a second, third, fourth or whatever opinion you need until you really are comfortable and satisfied with your decision. You may still be scared who wouldn't be- but when you can face the path you must trod with the confidence that you have made the best decision you can. then move forward. and no matter what there are ways to adapt. ( I know some fabulous painters that hold their paintbrush in their teeth.)

SO KEEP THE FAITH, TRUST YOURSELF AND KNOW THAT THERE ARE SOME OF US OUT HERE ROOTING FOR YOU. Keep us posted. We care!!

[snowplow3840]

Jessima, been there, done that, got several T-shirts (enough to make a quilt, but I don't feel like it!).

Have you been to a chiropractor? When I had the same problem, my chiro fixed me right up.

I can sympathize with you. I had lumbar problems in the mid-90's. The nucleus of all 4 lumbar discs leaked out. I finally found that the nucleus of the disc is a protein substance that irritates nerves. So I was hurting from the waist down. I was almost a vegetable.

I was to the point that I prayed sincerely to die (didn't know it wasn't biblical at the time). The next afternoon my pain was gone and didn't flare up till just recently. Now I have the neck thing, fibro and some sciatic pain.

With my neck, I'm looking for an endoscopic surgeon. I want to start as conservatively as possible, then go up to the ultimate. If I start with open back surgery, I have nowhere to go, but live with the pain from scar tissue, etc.

Like Ann, I'd get several opinions. Consider endoscopic if you can. Research it on the web. I've been doing that lots lately. You have to take your health care in your own hands. Some doctors believe that if you don't think their way, you need another doctor. And believe me, if that's true, you certainly do need another doctor!

There are three endoscopic surgery centers in FL. I've talked to one and know a person who went to another one. He's happy with his surgery, so I'll probably go with that facility. Do a search on Laser Spine Institute, Bonati Spine Institute and Micro Spine.

I hope I've helped a little. I'll definitely keep you in my prayers for you to have wisdom and when you've found the right doctor and surgery, that you'll have a peace about it and know it's the right thing to do.

Well, I've done it again, written a novel. Sorry, I'm just wordy!!

Take care and let us know about your progress. We like to hear success stories.

Sharon in NE TN

[snowplow3840]

Ann - I do believe I hurt, therefore I am depressed, LOL!! And, I am with you, the less I have to medicate myself and stay out of the fog the better. I am managing my pain with just Motrin and Vicodin (the Vicodin only when the Motrin isn't helping). I sure don't want to go on anti-depressants. Again, I think when the pain lifts, so will the depression.

Sharon - no, never been to a chiropractor. In fact, it hurts me to even thing about someone doing anything to my spine. I have had many people suggest it but, so far.. I've avoided it. That's just me, but I am glad it worked for you.

I have been doing research on the internet (when it doesn't hurt to sit) for the most minimally invasive procedure that's out there. Luckily, I am near a major city and a number of teaching hospitals where the "latest and greatest" procedures in just about every area of the body are practiced on a daily basis. So, it's just a matter of finding the right doctor, and the right procedure.

Thanks for your input and concern. I'll let you know how I make out.

[snowplow3840]

I had neck surgery last year in June. The space for the nerve to the right hand was impinged by a bulging disk and I was losing the it's use. I couldn't read my own handwriting. The doctor went in (microsurgery) and opened the space in the vertebrae but didn't remove the disk that was bulging. I still have numbness in my little and ring fingers which gets worse when I use the hand a lot (fine motor). Part of that is also the neck position. I have gotten the use back to the point where my signature looks close to "normal". A different doctor wants to go in from the front and take the disk out. I'm not sure I'm ready for that.
I have degenerative disk disease throughout my spine to differing degrees. I had my worst back pain 2 years ago right after my dad died. The sciatica was excurciating along with hip and low back pain. It caused numbness in my right heel which is still present. I am not a candidate for surgery on my lower back because there are too many problems and if they were to work on one, another would be agrivated and cause a domino effect.
The doctor finally sent me to a type of therapy where they taught me about decompressing the spine on a daily basis at home with simple body positioning. When I walked into the place, I was using a cane. By the end of the week of training, I had gotten rid of the cane and have only used it once since. I have to do it several times a day and cannot work anymore, but my quality of life has improved dramaticly. It turns out that the disk can only heal itself once pressure is lessened. It can't absorb nutrients or fluids while it's squashed. I am waiting for the beginning of the year before I get new MRIs to see how the disks are progressing, but I can now walk much more than before and recouperate more quickly when I do have increased pain.
As for pain and depression, I had to switch anxiety meds because they were no longer working once the pain became chronic and depression hit full force. I could not function without medications. That's just me.

Denise in cool Minneapolis

[cutup]

Jessima, Hello
For many years I suffered with lower back pain just like you, I could work through it but then there is a point to say OK that's enough. I went to have an MRI done, bulging disk, Doc says nothing he can do go to a chiropractor
So I did, He asked what I expected out of the treatment , I said if you could take 50% of the pain away I would be thrilled, So 1st week I went everyday, 2nd week 4x, 3rd 3x a week and continued 3x`s a week for awhile after 4 weeks there was a difference after 2 months the pain was gone and then I went 1x a week after that wee tried 1x a month but it was too long for me. So don't be afraid find a good one and you will do well.....jean

[cutup]

I really appreciate everyone's input... and thank you Denise, for mentioning the hip pain. I have that sometimes and thought I was having hip problems on top of back problems. But, I do feel it's all connected. I go for my MRI on Tuesday, then back to the dr. on Wednesday so, we'll see what he has to say.

[cutup]

Jessima,
was woundering what happened with the MRI and the Doc.
I just got the news yesterday I have to have surgery on my elbow Monday, my left hand is numb and its from a nerve in my elbow they have to move it under the muscle, I am so mad I have too much to do with the Holidays coming Xmas gifts to sew#@$$$@#$^$&^%&%6 you all know what I mean. OK I vented a little . Let us know Jessima whats been happening with you OK....Jean

[cutup]

Hello
Its turkey day and so I thought I would drop a line. Surgery was Monday and everything went well still pretty sore but not as bad as the 2 shoulders they are horrible. I don't think I will be down too long and that's good news. Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and all are well....Jean in cold Wisconsin

[cutup]

Hello
Its turkey day and so I thought I would drop a line. Surgery was Monday and everything went well still pretty sore but not as bad as the 2 shoulders they are horrible. I don't think I will be down too long and that's good news. Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and all are well....Jean in cold Wisconsin

Glad your surgery went well. Praying for you. ritzy

[cutup]

Jessima,
was woundering what happened with the MRI and the Doc.
I just got the news yesterday I have to have surgery on my elbow Monday, my left hand is numb and its from a nerve in my elbow they have to move it under the muscle, I am so mad I have too much to do with the Holidays coming Xmas gifts to sew#@$$$@#$^$&^%&%6 you all know what I mean. OK I vented a little . Let us know Jessima whats been happening with you OK....Jean

Hi there.... was just wandering around the forum and popped in here to see if there were any updates. Thanks for your inquiry into my situation. I am sorry you had to have surgery but... if it solves your problem then it will be all worth it.

I had my MRI in late October. It seems my situation has worsened and now there are two ruptured disks. I saw a specialist at Pennsylvania Hospital last week. I do have degenerative disk disease so, this is probably going to be an ongoing thing for me. I have two choices. I can do nothing, and keep putting up with the pain/living on pain meds. Or, I can have a Microdiscectomy that would remove the bulging disk material which is causing all my pain. This is considered a minimally invasive procedure. Very small incision, microscopic instruments, etc. That appealed to me. So, I have tentatively scheduled surgery for Jan. 23rd. If I decide to cancel I can do that. I wanted time to think, research this a bit, and also enjoy my holidays. But, I am leaning toward surgery since it sounds as if sooner or later I will end up there anyway. If I can decrease my pain by even just 50%.. or eliminate it years earlier than I would if I wait to have surgery later, I guess it makes sense to get it done now. I will make my final decision after the holidays. Thank you again for your concern.

[snowplow3840]

as I was one of the "founding mothers" of this thread oh so long ago when it was in the "suggest a new topic" area of the forum. I really appreciate the updates that some of you have posted in the last few days and hope others will also let us know where they are in their passage through time as we struggle with our different issues.

after a rocky summer (five units of blood, six units of iron and two hospitallizations) I am on a high right now. Iron and ferritin levels have stayed up for almost three months. - a new record for me.

I was brave and went to Houston International Quilt Festival without my dh. Numerous old friends and new ones helped me through the struggles of maneuvering around a huge arena when stamina and walking long distances are a challenge. (Especially when you have a tendency to over estimate your strength and stamina and buy more things than you can comfortably handle.) Even a few strangers came to my rescue. To all of you who helped me - I thank you and pray each day that I will be able to repay my blessings by being a blessing to someone else along the way.

The holidays are here. My favorite time of year and I plan to enjoy every minute of them. Thanksgiving was special with special friends and a great dinner at our house and Christmas is rapidly approaching.

I personally would like to hear from any of you who want to give us all an update here or send them to me privately if you would rather not share publicly. Now during this time of the year I believe it is important to count our blessings and my many friends at TQS are definitely high on my blessing list.

also to some of you who have said this thread is just too sad, I hope you will try it again. We are here because we persevere and learn to adapt. And each new story touches someone in ways we will never know.

so BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND KNOW THAT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL BUT ESPECIALLY YOU, JESSAMINA, AS YOU FACE YOUR SURGERY. (your surgery is scheduled for the day after my son''s 45th birthday so I will remember for sure. Hugs to you from me)

FROM ANN, temporarily and hopefully permanently healthy in southern TX

[snowplow3840]

Hi Ann, what great news that you've had three good months. We'll just pray for that three months to be extended - indefinitely.

I started a new drug for my fibro that was just approved this summer. I helps the pain, but I was in bed the first two weeks with my eyes rolled back in my head! I'm finally over that and it has helped tremendously. However, now I can't remember anything. I'm on three meds now that seem to 'cloud' memory, so sometimes I forget everything in the middle of a sentence. So, it's a tradeoff - mind or pain.

The neurosurgeon I was supposed to see after my MRI in Sept. didn't even call me to say he wouldn't see me. My nurse practitioner found a note he'd left on her computer. Needless to say, he's off my list of favorite people. My neurologist that I so admire and respect is sending me to another neurosurgeon in Jan., so we'll see what she says.

In Oct., I had a cortisone shot in my neck that did nothing.

I'm still considering Micro Spine Center in FL. Something keeps me from sending in my MRI results, etc., for the doctors there to evaluate. I've learned that those times I keep putting things off are God-things. He's having me wait for some reason. So I'm just waiting till He tells me what to do next.

Meanwhile, I can't sew. But that's okay. I think God has taken away my desire to sew to keep me from all the neck pain I'd have.


You all are still in my prayers. I hope everyone has a wonderful, pain-free Christmas season.

Sharon