March 5, 2013

Working Hands - Hopefully

It takes crocheting a lot of samples to come up with workable rope patterns.  I have some wonderful bead faeries who do a lot of it, but when it comes down to the wire, I need to see myself that what I have on paper actually works with the beads. 
The agony of inflamed and swollen joints the last 5 months has meant that I haven't been able to pick up a hook.  I had some bead crochet patterns, but then I'd see that maybe a change of one or two beads would make the design work better.  It's hard to deal with the time factor that bead faeries need when I could do it in 15 min. or less.

Finally, after misdiagnosis, no diagnosis, Doctor head scratching, more tests and more than one specialists referral ... they are pretty sure that I have a severe case of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Why me, at my age, all of a sudden?  Who knows . . . There are so many people out there who have this, live with it and manage it.  I can do no less.  Give me time to get this all sorted out and I hope to be back to beading.

The specialist has me on a modified, low-dose Chemo regime.  It'll take a while to kick in -- about 10 weeks all told.   If it works and the side effects don't drive me batty, then this bout of nasty arthritis should be pushed into remission. Thin hair and a weekly bout of nausea is a small price to pay to have my hands back again and to be able to walk more than a hundred feet.

I won't dwell on it, nor bore you with any of the details of what's working and not working.  However everyone that's asked for future patterns, books, workshops and string-alongs needs to know why I've been so very quiet and non-productive.  Getting old just isn't for wimps, is it?  When I feel I can, the first thing I'll do will be a new string-along.

7 comments:

  1. Judith, I'm hoping that the doctor's plan works better than hoped for and you are back in shape lickety split with working hands and feet that travel well. I bead every day and would be a sad case if I couldn't - my only complaint is that the beading does contribute to the bad case of body fat! Jeanne Evans

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  2. Thank you for update, it is good to know that you have a treatment plan. Praying for your healing.

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  3. You are 100% right....getting old is NOT for wimps. Wishing you a successful recovery.

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  4. I really hope this works for you with few side effects. I miss your beading. I know you miss it. Stay strong and good luck!

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  5. Ouch. I wish you all the best and really hope the treatment plan works.

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  6. I have a good friend that has RA and is lucky that it's been manageable so far with the prescriptions she's on. I hope it's the same for you. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  7. cousin mary9:22 AM

    Sorry to find out about this; hope it resoves soon. I remember your mother's immune system turning on her when she turned 70, gave her a surprising allergy to cats after living with them forever... this is worse.

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