Time for Thought?

Morning all. How's everyone doing?

I have had a lot of time to think things through, re-evaluate things and generally take some time to process what I want to do, where I want to be and what I need to focus on to improve my life. Maybe this forced hiatus of mine is a blessing!

I'm still awaiting an actual physio appointment to assess things but with some careful research, an intensive lava shell back, neck and shoulder massage, and some gentle stretching and yoga, I have reduced the pain level greatly! It does look like I have a frozen shoulder, leading to muscle weakness in my bicep and tightness in my neck.  In the past month I have gone from being barely able to tap my hip with my left hand and washing my hair with just my right to now being able to put my hand in my back pocket and brushing my hair with my left hand. It's amazing how much we rely on being able to use both arms! At this rate I may have fixed it myself by the time I see the professionals.

Youtube has been amazing for research, physio help and discovering things like bed yoga to help stretch my whole body whilst being mindful of what my body is capable of. Who knew that such a thing existed!

In the last few days I have even been able to pick up my hook and needles to finish two WIPs, both of which were gifts promised weeks ago! The first was meant to be originally a Christmas present for my Mum, but time and the beginnings of the shoulder issue meant I delayed it until Mother's Day. In the UK Mother's Day was the 12th March this year and sadly I didn't even make that. I did finish in time for American Mother's day though, so that's a bonus!

What did I make I hear you ask. Well Mum had requested a red unicorn with a gold horn, her two favourite colours. Did I fulfill the request?

I'm as yet to give it to her and if she happens to read this before I manage to, Mum I hope you like her and I'm sorry I'm so slow at the moment.

The second item I have finished is for the latest member of our extended family, and her mum. Back when our three were small and we would carry them in the baby sling, we often found it hard to keep them warm without overheating them or ourselves. I spent some time searching Ravelry for wrap/cardigan/shawl ideas that mum could wear to keep them warm, whilst being easy to remove if needed and leaving her hands free. I came across this wonderful pattern for a double poncho. Despite the original being in spanish, a talented knitter had translated it well enough that I could get the gist of what I needed to do. So I chose a gender neutral colour, in case dad is carrying little one, from my Stylecraft stash and picked up my needles. I used an acrylic yarn because I imagine it will need washing regularly and with a newborn the less fussing over laundry the better. Here is the result modelled graciously by Thing 2 and here bear! What do you all think? Again the poncho hasn't been gifted yet, but we are heading to see them in just over 1 week!! I can't wait!!

I hope the recipient likes it as much as I do.

That leaves 5 current WIPs; 2 pairs of socks, a crochet aghan, and 2 tops. There is also a huge queue, a little overwhelming queue, but that is for another blog post.

Take it easy friends. Chat again soon

Mrs L

x

Pain stops play

Evening all! How's everyone doing?

I thought I better pop in with a quick note to explain my absence and maybe to learn a few things from you lovely readers. As you may or may not know I struggle with a few chronic health conditions, fibromyalgia and undifferentiated connective tissue disorder being the main ones. Both cause inflammation in my muscles and ligaments etc, however the causes of the inflammation are often unknown and conflicting. For instance I need to exercise and stretch regularly to help stop the UCTD from flaring up but if I push it too much I trigger off a fibromyalgia attack and need to rest. It's uhm...fun being me! (Smiles sarcastically)

It's because of these issues I chose to ignore a new pain that developed last November, interrupting my limited sleep and gradually restricting my movements. You see the issue was (and still is) a strong ache and stiffness in my left shoulder. With me being a Leftie for the majority of activities, both craft and day to day, my ability to stay sane was gradually reduced. Each night I struggle to get comfortable, mostly because for as long as I can remember I have slept on my left side, but also because adding pressure to my shoulder by lying on it turned the ache into a knife stabbing pain. I finally gave in a month ago after crying in agony because I was stuck in my jumper (sweater to my American friends) and unable to extract myself or even get help as I was home alone. Simple tasks like dressing and washing my hair had become a huge mountain to climb and I decided I needed help.

I went to my GP who at first tried to say it was just one or both of the conditions flaring up but after an open and tmi filled discussion on my third visit, it was mentioned it may actually be a frozen shoulder developing. A condition common in middle aged diabetics (I'm 34 and type 1). The answer...physio but there is a 10 week waiting list!! In the meantime I have been advised to search online for physio exercises and rest from my usual sanity crafts....which means no crochet, knitting or sewing!!

It's been 2 weeks so far  and most days the physio is helping, although unclipping my bra is still interesting. The lack of yarn and needles or hook in my hands has been incredibly hard, making me realise how much I relied on their meditative motions to help me block the day to day pain and stresses whilst also feeling productive. I have been flitting between books and watching podcasts or TV with the occasional walk thrown in. However I am finding I am, not bored persay, but the lack of 'productivity' is beginning to grate...causing me to consider giving in and picking up those wonderful implements.

Do you have any ideas on how to deal with this imposed crafting break? Any ideas on things I may be able to do to stay sane and feel productive, without using up limited energy sources? Has anyone been through this? Any tips?

Whilst I'm on crafting hiatus are there any posts or activities you would like me to explore?

On that note and before I begin to beg too much I'm off to do my stretches and movements.

Speak soon
M
X