jaciqltznok

first, just relax...I know when we FMQ we tend to grind our mouths as we move the fabric, our shoulders creep up, etc, etc...
here is what helps me...and my best friend who has crippling RA..get a paraffin wax spa...use it to heat/warm your hands before you start sewing...then make some hot rice bag mittens...to place your hands in while taking a break or at the end of the day.....it really does help!

I can not take any meds for pain or arthritis due to be banded, so I have to look for more natural ways to help ease the pain!

Keep on going, but know your limits each new day and do NOT go past them...even if you can only sew 15 minutes, then stop...wait til it eases off and try again..if you keep pushing, when you reach 50 you won't be quilting at all!

skydiver70

I have a Therabath that uses the special wax. It looks like a little bath tub where you place the wax in and it melts. Leave the Therabath turned on and the wax stays a warm, not hot temperature. You can dip your hands in the wax, wrap hands in Saran Wrap or Glad wrap, ( that holds in the warmth). You can do this as often as needed. When you finished, you can take the wrap off and the wax just peels off. You drop it back into the Therabath container and replace the lid til you are ready to use again. A rheumatologist recommended this for my arthritic hands. A great help. It limbers the fingers and the warm helps with the pain. I got mine at a store that sells health equipment several years ago. It's the best thing I have ever found to help my hands and doesn't require you to take meds so much.

You can do Google search and several sites come up. The Therabath runs in a price range from $170 and up, but I'm sure you can find them cheaper. My insurance paid for mine.



Here's a picture of some:

http://buybestprices2011.com/THERABA...IN-WAX-MACHINE

http://www.comfortchannel.com/prod.itml/icOid/1764

kateyb

I've had arthritis since I was 27 and am now 63. I have allergies to a lot of painkillers so many years ago I learned biofeedback to control the pain. I also discovered that some foods make it worse. (For me it is MSG, black pepper and alcoholic beverages.) Consider keeping a food diary for a while. Cold humidity also makes it worse. Also just keep moving. I know it hurts but not moving in the long run is worse. Do things to keep your hands warm. Know your limits.
I do FMQ and some days are better than others.

QM

I have arthritis of the wrists that is probably a lot milder than yours, and very bad arthritis in my previously broken ankle. Relaxing is important. Pauses help, especially if you move in other ways. The parafin 'bath' helps a lot in relieving pain. I have also found that small changes in the angle at which I hold my hands make a big difference to my wrists.

If you live in one of the states where medical marijuana is legal, a pot + olive oil rub helps quite a bit too. (My doc recommended it.)

Lacelady

Do you have your machine set level with the table? That would make a big difference. If that isn't possible, then a plexiglass surround or similar, that is at least 18in x 24in would help.

Then a silicone coated slider underneath the needle to help smooth the quilt under the needle when you are sewing also makes a difference. There are a couple on the market, but a cheaper version would be the kind made to go in your oven for baking. - I have one that I used sticky tape on the bed of my machine to keep it in place. (if you buy the oven version, just cut out a small hole that is large enough for the feed dogs to stop them chewing it up.

rb.

I have arthritis in my hands and wrists from extreme gardening. After quilting, like right now, I ache. I have a hot tub we use daily, and find relief from the heated water, also from sticking them in between a folded, heated rice bag. And don't tell anyone this, but washing dishes helps. lol

lynn7448

Interesting about the impact of pepper, msg and alcohol making the arthritis worse. Have others of you found any foods, etc. that make your arthritis flair up? I agree about the alcohol, but thought I was just imagining that it made the pain worse. Nice to have it confirmed by someone else. My back is what hurts after quilting.

Ps 150

Thanks! There are many things that can make it worse, unfortunately. My worst one is sugar because I like to have a cup of coffee before FMQ to really keep me alert and to comfort so I try to limit all other sugars on FMQ days. The legalized marijuana is funny (my Dad wouuld KILL me, :lol: but I've also just never liked that thought) but I also have asthma so I don't see myself inhaling anything. I've never heard of therabath so I will look into that.

I really appreciate all of this feeback. The doctors, when I was first diagnosed, told me the best thing to do was to keep in motion. I saw two specialists and even a massage therapist who specialized in arthritic massages and she suggested to take up knitting and I've done that. I just never realized how much menopause really effects your body. I have Reynaud's Syndrome, along with my youngest DD, and it's a cousin to arthritis so the doctors told me I would most likely have developed menopause in later life, gradually, as my estrogen levels dropped but since I had the surgical menopause, my levels dropped suddenly and threw my body into this. I had never heard of that and that's why I sought several opinions. It's hard enough to say you're in menopause in your twenties but to also confess to arthritis? Not what I was planning when I attended my high school 10 year reunion...which I couldn't even bring myself to do.

WMUTeach

Thank you for this helpful and kind thread of messages. I also suffer from arthritis and there are days that my hands just don't want to quilt. My university work involves hours on the computer, and this keep my fingers in action so then I can go home in the evening I can quilt.

The information about the use of the warm wax is encouraging. I just "blew off" this tool as another gimmick to catch our money. With your recommendations, I think I may search for a unit and give it a try.

Dear readers, do heed the comment about the long term use of Tylenol. It is true, clinically researched and nothing to dismiss. All medications will have side effects but let's not harm ourselves unduly by taking a medication long term that is meant for short term use.

Keep active quilters, quilt in spurts and sputters and enjoy the feel and color of your fabrics. The results of your efforts will be more dear to you and they will keep you engaged, curious, learning and active longer than just waiting for the pain to go away.

You all will be in my prayers. I find it makes a difference.

mshawii

Bed Bath and Beyond carries the hand mittens, if your not into making them. I have a neck wrap that I use on my neck and it is a godsend. I have RA and Polymyalgia Romatica, and Bone spurs and this really helps. I make my own and add thistle seed. My best suggestion is to take breaks when you start feeling tired and sore. You can not work thru it, as it just gets worse over time. Take a 10 minute break. Use the mittens during that time, get a cup of tea and then go back to it. Jan :)