Tuesday 9 August 2011

Why I Have Not Been Crafting

I wanted to put this into words because I thought it might help me get it straight in my head as much as anything else. I have not been able to do much crafting lately, especially not anything that involves fine work, and I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

I woke up one morning in early May to find my hands and feet swollen and numb. I have chronic arthritis in most of my joints and have experienced swelling before but never numbness to this extent. The same day I received news that my Brother had been admitted to Hospital and was in a bad way so I ignored my problem hoping it would resolve on its own.

The swelling and numbness resolved a bit over the next few days only to be replaced by constant pins and needles, tinnitus in one ear and a persistent headache. Because of having my Brother convalescing with us, my friends Communion Dress to rescue and a 100th Birthday card to make it was not until mid July that I finally went to see my Doctor.

He sent me for blood tests and an X-Ray which led to me having a CT Scan and then 2 MRI scans. It transpired that apart from Arthritis having eaten away at more of my spine, I also have a Chiari Malformation. This is a condition where the brain is being compressed in the skull and is being pushed into the cavity where the spinal cord meets the brain. So now I have to see a Neurologist and a Neurosurgeon to see what happens next. One of the treatments for this condition is surgery where bone is removed at the base of the skull and the top of the spine to relieve the pressure. I think this sounds worse than it is, at least that is what I hope.

So, at the moment, I am relearning how to use my hands without being able to feel properly and believe me it is not easy. Life is so frustrating when your hands don't work properly and when nothing feels the way it should. I hope this does not go on too much longer, I have Christmas cards to make!

6 comments:

  1. Really sorry to hear of all your troubles. Hope you find effective treatment and a way to cope with so many challenges.

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  2. ((((((((((((((((Hug)))))))))))) Glad they can do something about it. Take care.

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  3. So sorry to hear your news, look after yourself and will pray for you.

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  4. You will be in my thoughts - Take Care & keep holding on to those positive thoughts.

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  5. o elaina so sorry to hear that you are so unwell i hope that things change for the better soon, my thoughts are with you.xx Charlie.xx

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  6. Hey, thanks for stopping by my blog and I'm so sorry to hear that you are facing medical issues, all you can do is stay positive, I hope that they resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

    You asked about the felt camera, well it's from the American Crafts, Amy Tangerine line, I think Sarahs cards might have some in, hope that helps :)

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