quilterguy27

I'm looking for opinions and advise from anyone whose had surgery that involves your chest or torso. I recently had open heart surgery and per doctors orders, no bending, lifting, blah, blah, blah. So I can't bend over my cutting table to cut fabric. I can't "hunch" over my sewing machine to sew. (I do this because I am legally blind and it's the only way I can "see" what I"m doing.) It's driving me nuts not to be able to sew and I'd like to know if anyone else has had this problem and how did you resolve it. I'm on restriction for 4 to 6 weeks and I really don't want to wait that long. Actually, I'm already 2 weeks in, so I really only have 2 to 4 more weeks to go. I don't think I can hold out that long. I'm considering sitting down to do my cutting and maybe try to raise my machine some and see if this helps. What do you think? I would appreciate any and all feedback, good and bad, pros and cons. Thanks!!!

sueisallaboutquilts

Hello friend!! Glad the surgery is behind you and you're on the mend! I would simply call the doctor's office, explain what you want to do and get the okay from them. I'm a nurse and I don't think what you want to do will hurt you but again, I'm not your doc :D
So glad you're back!!!!!!!! HUGS

Rhonda

they make floor standing magnifying glasses that if you put it between you and the sewing machine might help you see it better and then you wouldn't have to scrunch over. My grandma had one she set by her chair so she could see to crochet. It swings in or out as you need it so you can move it.

Just a thought.

Grammy o'5

A chair (office type) that raises and lowers may help get the height adjustment of the chair/table/sewing machine to a comfortable height.
Really good lighting might help you see better and not have to lean over as far.
Working for only a short amount of time with lots of breaks so you don't get overtired.
Get a helper or sewing buddy to help with the cutting, ironing.
As you get stronger, you'll be able to do more. Hope you are feeling better soon.

quilterguy27

All good ideas so far. Please keep them coming. I will call my doctor and see what he has to say. The magnifying glass idea is out as it just won't work for me, but thanks for the suggestion. Also lighting won't help, but another good idea. I would love an adjustable office chair. I will work on this one. In the meantime...... I'm looking for a sewing buddy, any volunteers?

cutebuns

Okay, from someone that last year had abdominal surgery, and the knowledge of my mom having heart surgery,

Part of the issue is when you hunch over things can tighten up and so straightening up afterwards can be an issue.

The answer, though this should have been done before the surgery unless you can get help with the adjustments. raise your table height to cut (cutting a bunch before would have been a better answer) that way you don't need to bend to cut. then also change your sewing machine height etc so you are not all curled up to see. it will be better all the way around even after you have gotten better. egronomics is the key and then not spending to long in one position. and if all else fails try some hand work.

lovequilts

Any hand sewing you need to finish? Applique or Hexies? Sewing binding on a quilt or embrodery. one of these might help the time pass

quilterguy27

LOL! Hindsight is 20/20. It's the only time I can see clearly. If I'd of thought of it before, I would have pre-cut stuff to work on. I am definitely considereing hand work. Thanks!

Deborah12687

You should listen to your doctor and take the time off for a full 6 weeks to recover as the sewing can wait once you are healed up. You need the rest for your heart more then the sewing.

quilterguy27

True, very true. I'm going to take the advise of another and call my doctor and lay it all out on the table and see what he has to say. Here's hoping