Monday, May 16, 2011

Knots

I talk freely about my illness, because it shapes much of what I do.  Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  This past winter, I also succumbed to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Both are autoimmune illnesses.  Treatment is varied, dependant upon the individual and how medications interact.

I am very active and head strong.  My body sometimes thwarts my plans, but for the most part, I am able to whine a little and keep on keeping on.  We have found a suitable cocktail of medications that keep me functioning rather well, and I do my best to walk and find forms of mild exercise to keep me limber.  I took up embroidery, since it was an activity that would keep me occupied when I wasn't able to get up and around.  I also wanted to find something that would stave off the stiffness and pain in my hands. 

There are days where I can not hold a needle...my hands simply can't do it.  I have found ways around this, using the rubber finger tips you find in the office supplies section of any department store.  I am always looking for new ways to navigate around the pain.

1 comment:

  1. OhmiGod Ren. I think I've found a friend!

    I have Fibro, and M.E. (the neurological version of CFS, tho the way they diagnose CFS and use different names, you might have the M.E. version too), and 11 other various illnesses.

    I'm 95% housebound, and been sick for 13 years. I'm 40. And Australian.

    I have the need to have a hobby which involves both brain work (study) and a practical side.

    I originally did medieval calligraphy and illumination until the pain of sitting upright in a chair and grasping a pen/brush got too much.

    So I took up historical embroidery 3 years ago. Much easier cuddled up on the couch.

    Would you care to email me at a_velvet_clawATyahooDOTcomDOTau?

    I can tell you about the care I take to have less painful hands for embroidery (mine are VERY painful - I'm about to receive a special pain-designed keyboard for free) and also a special little piece of information. And we can certainly talk Fibro/CFS etc if you like.

    That and historical embroidery (and my cats) are my life. (And my friends, of course)

    I'm too tired to read your blog right now. I read the first two entries, and am looking forward to reading the rest.

    But it's 2.30pm and I had a busy morning, so I'm ready for bed rest now for the rest of the day. I just had a 1.5 hour nap, but I'm still stuffed. If I rest now, I'll be better tomorrow. (that's my mantra, actually! whenever I'm tired but don't want to rest)

    I'll have plenty of (hopefully helpful) comments to make on your entries when I do read them
    *big grin*
    Megan

    PS Beautiful blog wallpaper btw!!

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