I now have rheumatoid and am curious as to whether others have this condition and how they have made modifications to assist them.This applys to other disibilties to.I currently have an N'Graver and will have to find something lighter within my budget.I also plan to make arm/head/etc rests to take pressure off my joints.I fear not being able to continue learning to engrave.Any ideas guy's?
Rheumatoid or other disablilties.
- Thread starter McAhron
- Start date
More disabilities discussion
This is the first time I have tried to post and I guess my first effort of a reply didn't take, so I'll try again. First, I am as green a beginner as can be in actually engraving anything, but I have a very long and deep interest in engraving as well as shooting and firearms and a background in mechanical engineering. As of a few years ago the warranty on my back was used up and I have a lot of trouble moving and keeping one position for more than a few minutes. So, I would be very interested in seeing what other folks have come up with in this area as well. Just looking for inspiration and ideas and thought I would see if this thread would get some discussion. I have found it's mostly a matter of custom fitting supports and steadying things so everything stays comfortable as long as possible. What some would find a normal position just doesn't work sometimes.
This is the first time I have tried to post and I guess my first effort of a reply didn't take, so I'll try again. First, I am as green a beginner as can be in actually engraving anything, but I have a very long and deep interest in engraving as well as shooting and firearms and a background in mechanical engineering. As of a few years ago the warranty on my back was used up and I have a lot of trouble moving and keeping one position for more than a few minutes. So, I would be very interested in seeing what other folks have come up with in this area as well. Just looking for inspiration and ideas and thought I would see if this thread would get some discussion. I have found it's mostly a matter of custom fitting supports and steadying things so everything stays comfortable as long as possible. What some would find a normal position just doesn't work sometimes.
Brian Marshall
~ Elite 1000 Member ~
As an engraver for 37 years, a cripple for over 20 now, and a teacher for 8 – perhaps I can be of some help…
Here’s a short list of my injuries and some (not all) of the surgeries:
Grand total of 27 fractured bones (horses, one bull ride, and various car crashes)
5 carpal tunnel surgeries, two elbow releases, and shoulder surgery (most caused by hand push engraving)
Reconstruction of my engraving hand after it was crushed, from section of hip bone. I can still use this hand, but there is little or no sensation left in 4 of the fingers. I tried very hard for some years to learn to use my left hand, just couldn’t do it. This hand is arthritic now, and for some unknown reason - that I CAN feel!
Back surgeries – couple discs fused, one trimmed on both sides. (Caused by my early careers as a horse trainer and farrier) Also arthritic.
Knee and foot surgeries for crushed bones and broken kneecaps. These are arthritic now.
Cancer surgery which caused the loss of the shoulder muscle used to raise my engraving arm out to the side.
Lost spleen (which I believe will one day be the cause of my demise)
Here’s is an example of an average day for me:
I rise early, grab coffee, and pull up my emails. My right hand does not always function properly early in the day, so it needs a little help. I use an anti-inflammatory topical cream that I purchase by prescription in Mexico – the same drug is available up here, but for whatever reason is not sold in this form. (Don’t get me started on the shortcomings of drug companies and pharmacies
)
The name of the stuff I am currently using is "Volfenac" by Collins. I used to get another called Voltaren by Giegy. The generic name of the active ingredient is diclofenac sodium. I also take both B12 and B6 daily.
After covering the hand with the cream, the hand is dipped into a warm wax tank. This is repeated 6 or 7 times until there is a wax “glove†about 3/8†thick covering my hand. The hand then goes into a plastic bag and is covered with an insulated mitt. I read emails and try to handle my keyboard one-handed for about 20 minutes while the cream is absorbed. The heat from the hot wax speeds the process and loosens the hand enough to function.
After this process is complete, I have a couple of 2†steel ball bearings which I roll clockwise and counterclockwise in the palm of this hand. This forces me to get my dexterity under control. Following this, I use one of those old spring grip exercisers for 60 repetitions with each hand.
In addition, I have done whatever I thought was needed to alter my working environment to get around my disabilities. I have built and altered hundreds of tools over the years to get around my limitations. Here are some of them:
My computer mouse is covered with strips of sandpaper-like stair tread tape so that I can manipulate it.
There is a sling mounted on a spring over my stone setting and engraving benches. This holds my arm out to the side while I work, and allows a fair amount of freedom of movement from side to side. The disadvantage is that it only allows me to work for 20 minutes at a stretch, before I have to get out of it. Staying in the sling longer constricts the flow of lymph and blood. You learn to live with it.
All of my personal benches have articulated orthopedic arm rests on the right side – again because I cannot physically hold my arm out to the side.
Other tools like ring clamps and some sets of pliers are also covered with the stairwell tread tape.
The one thing that I have found that is absolutely the most important thing I do each day, is riding a bicycle at least 10 – 15 miles a day during the week. If I miss even a day of this, I immediately feel ten times the pain. Sundays I try to do 30 – 60 miles. It is the only time during a day when I am relatively pain free. Hurts like hell for the first few minutes, but then the endorphins kick in. Too bad they dissipate about 20 minutes after the exercise is over, but I’ll take what I can get!
To date I have told several hundred people this. Only two of them have taken the time and put in the effort it takes to do this daily. I have taken NO pain meds stronger than aspirin or Tylenol for over 5 years now.
Most of the rest prefer to feel sorry for themselves, sit in front of a television, digging their graves with their teeth, and waiting for their arteries to finish closing up. I made a personal decision – based on one too many insults to my intelligence – to remove television from my life 20 years ago. I’ve never missed it. Substitute exercise, cooking, growing vegetables, or whatever other “good†thing for the time you waste on that – and you will be amazed at the difference in how you feel.
I fully realize that there are millions of individually different disability situations. The arthritis that has settled into my joints and fracture sites would not be the same as that that you are experiencing. But without exception - those who have been able to engrave at all – can usually exercise in some form. Painful it will be, but not doing something positive to retard the advance of the disease will hurt more as the years pass.
Constant pain of one kind or another has been a part of life 24-7-365 for over 20 years. It varies according to seasons, what I’ve been doing that day, and perhaps astrological positions of the planets? Some days are better than others… those of you who think I get a little cranky in some posts may now have a better insight as to one of the reasons why…
In closing I'll say that what works for me may not work for you - experiment - it's always worth a try. If you are close by and would like to take a look at what I've written about, call and come on by. There is no cure for the process of aging, and it's hard to accept that... you just do the best you can with whatever you've got left to do it with...
And no, I'm not a "born again" health nut! Far from it. I was forced to do what I do in order to keep doing what I wanna do!
Brian P. Marshall
Stockton Jewelry Arts School
Stockton, CA USA
209-477-0550
instructor@jewelryartschool.com
jewelryartschool@aol.com
Here’s a short list of my injuries and some (not all) of the surgeries:
Grand total of 27 fractured bones (horses, one bull ride, and various car crashes)
5 carpal tunnel surgeries, two elbow releases, and shoulder surgery (most caused by hand push engraving)
Reconstruction of my engraving hand after it was crushed, from section of hip bone. I can still use this hand, but there is little or no sensation left in 4 of the fingers. I tried very hard for some years to learn to use my left hand, just couldn’t do it. This hand is arthritic now, and for some unknown reason - that I CAN feel!
Back surgeries – couple discs fused, one trimmed on both sides. (Caused by my early careers as a horse trainer and farrier) Also arthritic.
Knee and foot surgeries for crushed bones and broken kneecaps. These are arthritic now.
Cancer surgery which caused the loss of the shoulder muscle used to raise my engraving arm out to the side.
Lost spleen (which I believe will one day be the cause of my demise)
Here’s is an example of an average day for me:
I rise early, grab coffee, and pull up my emails. My right hand does not always function properly early in the day, so it needs a little help. I use an anti-inflammatory topical cream that I purchase by prescription in Mexico – the same drug is available up here, but for whatever reason is not sold in this form. (Don’t get me started on the shortcomings of drug companies and pharmacies
)The name of the stuff I am currently using is "Volfenac" by Collins. I used to get another called Voltaren by Giegy. The generic name of the active ingredient is diclofenac sodium. I also take both B12 and B6 daily.
After covering the hand with the cream, the hand is dipped into a warm wax tank. This is repeated 6 or 7 times until there is a wax “glove†about 3/8†thick covering my hand. The hand then goes into a plastic bag and is covered with an insulated mitt. I read emails and try to handle my keyboard one-handed for about 20 minutes while the cream is absorbed. The heat from the hot wax speeds the process and loosens the hand enough to function.
After this process is complete, I have a couple of 2†steel ball bearings which I roll clockwise and counterclockwise in the palm of this hand. This forces me to get my dexterity under control. Following this, I use one of those old spring grip exercisers for 60 repetitions with each hand.
In addition, I have done whatever I thought was needed to alter my working environment to get around my disabilities. I have built and altered hundreds of tools over the years to get around my limitations. Here are some of them:
My computer mouse is covered with strips of sandpaper-like stair tread tape so that I can manipulate it.
There is a sling mounted on a spring over my stone setting and engraving benches. This holds my arm out to the side while I work, and allows a fair amount of freedom of movement from side to side. The disadvantage is that it only allows me to work for 20 minutes at a stretch, before I have to get out of it. Staying in the sling longer constricts the flow of lymph and blood. You learn to live with it.
All of my personal benches have articulated orthopedic arm rests on the right side – again because I cannot physically hold my arm out to the side.
Other tools like ring clamps and some sets of pliers are also covered with the stairwell tread tape.
The one thing that I have found that is absolutely the most important thing I do each day, is riding a bicycle at least 10 – 15 miles a day during the week. If I miss even a day of this, I immediately feel ten times the pain. Sundays I try to do 30 – 60 miles. It is the only time during a day when I am relatively pain free. Hurts like hell for the first few minutes, but then the endorphins kick in. Too bad they dissipate about 20 minutes after the exercise is over, but I’ll take what I can get!
To date I have told several hundred people this. Only two of them have taken the time and put in the effort it takes to do this daily. I have taken NO pain meds stronger than aspirin or Tylenol for over 5 years now.
Most of the rest prefer to feel sorry for themselves, sit in front of a television, digging their graves with their teeth, and waiting for their arteries to finish closing up. I made a personal decision – based on one too many insults to my intelligence – to remove television from my life 20 years ago. I’ve never missed it. Substitute exercise, cooking, growing vegetables, or whatever other “good†thing for the time you waste on that – and you will be amazed at the difference in how you feel.
I fully realize that there are millions of individually different disability situations. The arthritis that has settled into my joints and fracture sites would not be the same as that that you are experiencing. But without exception - those who have been able to engrave at all – can usually exercise in some form. Painful it will be, but not doing something positive to retard the advance of the disease will hurt more as the years pass.
Constant pain of one kind or another has been a part of life 24-7-365 for over 20 years. It varies according to seasons, what I’ve been doing that day, and perhaps astrological positions of the planets? Some days are better than others… those of you who think I get a little cranky in some posts may now have a better insight as to one of the reasons why…
In closing I'll say that what works for me may not work for you - experiment - it's always worth a try. If you are close by and would like to take a look at what I've written about, call and come on by. There is no cure for the process of aging, and it's hard to accept that... you just do the best you can with whatever you've got left to do it with...
And no, I'm not a "born again" health nut! Far from it. I was forced to do what I do in order to keep doing what I wanna do!
Brian P. Marshall
Stockton Jewelry Arts School
Stockton, CA USA
209-477-0550
instructor@jewelryartschool.com
jewelryartschool@aol.com
You've done well jacking yer body around, Brian! Ah, the damage we cause in our youth! Would we change it if we could go back? I hope there was fun in there along the way, too.
As you said, we are sort of all screwed up in different ways once arthritis sets in, and different joints are affected. Thus, there can't be any specific recommendations, only the appproach you've taken of saying what you do for yours. So.....
I have a familial "autoimmune disease" they don't have a name for. Sort of a mix of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis (too hard to say, I just call it "spine trasher"). It's been getting worse since I was about twenty and the last ten years has progressed a lot (I'm 56) to the point of "handicapped" (so THEY say). The limitations are throughout my body, so there's no sense in the details. Some things I've learned for me:
It was necessary to go through a number of anti-inflammatories until I found the only one that worked for me, Indomethacin. (My sis takes the Voltaren.) After taking the maximum daily dose for ten years, my kidneys had partial failure. Discontinuing it returned function. The second round of Indo did the kidneys worse, and last time, 5 years ago, I had to quit for good. So, I took substantial daily doses of corticosteroids for 5 years. That makes a mess of the body and mind...avoid them if possible. Nowadays I take this stuff called Disalcid, which is a relative of aspirin. It helps, though nothing like Indomethacin.
One thing that has been a big benefit to me is a semi-weekly injection called Humira. It has helped with the peripheral joints a lot the past three years, though my spine continues to get worse. Very expensive; thankfully, I have good insurance at this point.
Ice is a major friend to me. I spend most of the day with gel packs strapped to my low back and neck with these cool spandex straps. They pooch out the fat, so my wife calls me Michelin Man. Another new gizmo this year has been a great boon: a device called an interferential neuro-stimulator (IFC). Sticky electrodes and a buzz box puts current through an area, interfering with the pain nerves and also causing endorphin release. Sort of like the voltage of sticking your wet tongue on a new 9V battery. Darned thing sometimes works wonders while it's on and I frequently have it on all day.
I work out with rubber band exercisers and ride 2-10 miles a day on a recumbent exerciser trying to stay as flexible as I can. Sometimes I end up unable for a month or more, but you HAVE to work at it as much as possible to stay as limber as possible as long as you can.
I take one narcotic pill a night to dull the pain enough to fall asleep.
Like Brian, I wake physically trashed every morning and it takes several hours to get going. You just develop a routine with time of what it takes to make things work their best, depending on what hurts that particular morning.
That good diet is a must. In my PM to you, I mentioned no red meat, little sugar, minimal wheat gluten, no corn. Fish and chicken and a lot of veggies and fruit, very little starch. Vitamins, too. I swear this helps; and i am not a "health nut" either. Read about the actor James Coburn...he had much success overcoming crippling arthritis through "alternative" techniques when mainstream therapies failed.
All these things together comtribute to making the best I can be. Some days are better than others and you learn to live within the "one day at a time" philosophy. Trying to become decent at engraving is the first thing I've found much passion for in awhile, so despite a lack of talent I pursue it every day.
Experiment with seating. I have a higher bench and adjustable lab stool because that position favors my metal hips. Lower may be better for you. I don't have a lot of problems with the scope because my neck is sort of slowly freezing in that shape...I can't look "up" anymore because it's self-fusing but I can look down fine. The 'thritis set into my "pedal foot' this year so I bit the bullet and bought a palm-actuated engraving system. That helped a lot and additionally gave me the ability to squirm around a bit to stay "moving' and not settle in.
Prep your hands before you work. I warm them and do the guitar players' isometric warm-up before I start engraving. Take frequent breaks. When the normal pain level escalates, quit for awhile. The body sends good signals if we'll learn to listen to them.
Hang in there, McAhron. Life changes with this stuff, but it doesn't end. We just have to constantly learn new ways to cope. Believe that there is still value to life even in infirmity, and happiness despite the pain and changes. Look around just a bit, and you will find someone worse off about whom you can say, "There but for the Grace of God go I".
I hope this doesn't come off as too corny or presumptious, since I am neither an engraver nor contributor here. I do know McAhron from knife forums, and can empathize with his problems. When Brian posted his most excellent advice, I elected to try and offer an additional kindred spirit. I apologize if my comments are seen as an intrusion.
Best regards.
As you said, we are sort of all screwed up in different ways once arthritis sets in, and different joints are affected. Thus, there can't be any specific recommendations, only the appproach you've taken of saying what you do for yours. So.....
I have a familial "autoimmune disease" they don't have a name for. Sort of a mix of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis (too hard to say, I just call it "spine trasher"). It's been getting worse since I was about twenty and the last ten years has progressed a lot (I'm 56) to the point of "handicapped" (so THEY say). The limitations are throughout my body, so there's no sense in the details. Some things I've learned for me:
It was necessary to go through a number of anti-inflammatories until I found the only one that worked for me, Indomethacin. (My sis takes the Voltaren.) After taking the maximum daily dose for ten years, my kidneys had partial failure. Discontinuing it returned function. The second round of Indo did the kidneys worse, and last time, 5 years ago, I had to quit for good. So, I took substantial daily doses of corticosteroids for 5 years. That makes a mess of the body and mind...avoid them if possible. Nowadays I take this stuff called Disalcid, which is a relative of aspirin. It helps, though nothing like Indomethacin.
One thing that has been a big benefit to me is a semi-weekly injection called Humira. It has helped with the peripheral joints a lot the past three years, though my spine continues to get worse. Very expensive; thankfully, I have good insurance at this point.
Ice is a major friend to me. I spend most of the day with gel packs strapped to my low back and neck with these cool spandex straps. They pooch out the fat, so my wife calls me Michelin Man.
Another new gizmo this year has been a great boon: a device called an interferential neuro-stimulator (IFC). Sticky electrodes and a buzz box puts current through an area, interfering with the pain nerves and also causing endorphin release. Sort of like the voltage of sticking your wet tongue on a new 9V battery. Darned thing sometimes works wonders while it's on and I frequently have it on all day.I work out with rubber band exercisers and ride 2-10 miles a day on a recumbent exerciser trying to stay as flexible as I can. Sometimes I end up unable for a month or more, but you HAVE to work at it as much as possible to stay as limber as possible as long as you can.
I take one narcotic pill a night to dull the pain enough to fall asleep.
Like Brian, I wake physically trashed every morning and it takes several hours to get going. You just develop a routine with time of what it takes to make things work their best, depending on what hurts that particular morning.
That good diet is a must. In my PM to you, I mentioned no red meat, little sugar, minimal wheat gluten, no corn. Fish and chicken and a lot of veggies and fruit, very little starch. Vitamins, too. I swear this helps; and i am not a "health nut" either. Read about the actor James Coburn...he had much success overcoming crippling arthritis through "alternative" techniques when mainstream therapies failed.
All these things together comtribute to making the best I can be. Some days are better than others and you learn to live within the "one day at a time" philosophy. Trying to become decent at engraving is the first thing I've found much passion for in awhile, so despite a lack of talent I pursue it every day.
Experiment with seating. I have a higher bench and adjustable lab stool because that position favors my metal hips. Lower may be better for you. I don't have a lot of problems with the scope because my neck is sort of slowly freezing in that shape...I can't look "up" anymore because it's self-fusing but I can look down fine. The 'thritis set into my "pedal foot' this year so I bit the bullet and bought a palm-actuated engraving system. That helped a lot and additionally gave me the ability to squirm around a bit to stay "moving' and not settle in.
Prep your hands before you work. I warm them and do the guitar players' isometric warm-up before I start engraving. Take frequent breaks. When the normal pain level escalates, quit for awhile. The body sends good signals if we'll learn to listen to them.
Hang in there, McAhron. Life changes with this stuff, but it doesn't end. We just have to constantly learn new ways to cope. Believe that there is still value to life even in infirmity, and happiness despite the pain and changes. Look around just a bit, and you will find someone worse off about whom you can say, "There but for the Grace of God go I".
I hope this doesn't come off as too corny or presumptious, since I am neither an engraver nor contributor here. I do know McAhron from knife forums, and can empathize with his problems. When Brian posted his most excellent advice, I elected to try and offer an additional kindred spirit. I apologize if my comments are seen as an intrusion.
Best regards.
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disabilities
after reading some of the above, i gotta quit whining ! years ago i had bach ache. i foun a way to alleviate it at the engraving bench. i had to readapt a lot of my stuff but it worked. i found that by tilting the chair backwards a few degrees, allowed me to engrave with relative comfort. i used this tilt back chair for about 3 years and ended up no longer needing it. even if you have no disabilities, you must be able to work comfortably, without tension, and be free of muscle strain. otherwise, you're not likely to be a happy camper. one feature of this work- it will have you at the ball for hours on end ! might as well be as comfy as poss. jm2cw
after reading some of the above, i gotta quit whining ! years ago i had bach ache. i foun a way to alleviate it at the engraving bench. i had to readapt a lot of my stuff but it worked. i found that by tilting the chair backwards a few degrees, allowed me to engrave with relative comfort. i used this tilt back chair for about 3 years and ended up no longer needing it. even if you have no disabilities, you must be able to work comfortably, without tension, and be free of muscle strain. otherwise, you're not likely to be a happy camper. one feature of this work- it will have you at the ball for hours on end ! might as well be as comfy as poss. jm2cw
Excellent help guy's.I have had degenritive disc disease and astioarthritis for twenty years and refused to let it stop me from knifemaking/hobbies/etc.I've learned to work around these lilitations but the rheumatoid is dibilitating in comparison.Fitzo the say im disabled legally too.
I do the exercise regiem too.Ive lost 25 lbs in the last five weeks and will lose another 70lbs before Im done.The hot wax cream idea sounds great and will talk to my DR. about it.
Brian,knowing what you acomplish with all you've been through gives me hope.
I do the exercise regiem too.Ive lost 25 lbs in the last five weeks and will lose another 70lbs before Im done.The hot wax cream idea sounds great and will talk to my DR. about it.
Brian,knowing what you acomplish with all you've been through gives me hope.
McAhron, those hot wax things are pretty neat. If you google "paraffin hand spa" you can find them pretty cheap from health&beauty places. We've got the Remington brand.
I'm sorry to hear it's gotten this bad for you. Many people don't realize it goes way beyond bad joints to the fevers and steenkn fatigue and such. Has your doctor mentioned methotrexate or the new anti-TNF drugs like Humira, Enbrel and remicade? Might be worth asking about. I hope you can soon find an affordable deal on a powered graver that's easier to use. Good luck with things.
I'm sorry to hear it's gotten this bad for you. Many people don't realize it goes way beyond bad joints to the fevers and steenkn fatigue and such. Has your doctor mentioned methotrexate or the new anti-TNF drugs like Humira, Enbrel and remicade? Might be worth asking about. I hope you can soon find an affordable deal on a powered graver that's easier to use. Good luck with things.
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Dave London
~ Elite 1000 Member ~
Dittos to Monk
I have no problems after hearing of the challanges of others , Good luck Guys and I hope you feel better
I have no problems after hearing of the challanges of others , Good luck Guys and I hope you feel better
FL-Flinter
Elite Cafe Member
I have osteoarthritis, degenerative joint & spine disease, severe bilateral carpal tunnel & ulnar nerve damage, another nerve in my right shoulder is mashed, five wedge fractures along with three compression displaced discs in my lumbar and three wedge fractures with two ruptured discs in my cervical. The way the doc explained it is the degenerative deal I got not only eats away the cushion stuff in the joints but also the bone itself, he gave me the name for it but I have no clue what it is.
I can’t ride a bike, any bounce on my spine is enough to make my legs give out completely and put me into serious pain. Any little wrong move is enough to knock it out, there are times when it hits when I’m sleeping and there’s no way to move to relieve it, just have to wait it out. I can’t take most pain meds because they either make me violently ill, nasty as starving grizzly bear or keep me awake for days on end despite being dead tired. The only ones I can take are mild to start with and if I take more than two doses back to back, they stop working completely for several weeks. I’m up around 4am every day, like the others I hit the computer and get some coffee in me, by the time it’s light out I’m usually loosened up enough to get something done but then there are those 3-7 days in a row where I can barely get around under my own power. So, I just shut-up and put-up and do what I can when I can.
Biggest problem I have is that something causes me to get the shakes. Went through several batteries of tests and they can’t tell me what or why they happen. Sometimes they last for 10 minutes, other times they’ll last for three weeks non-stop. My fingers don’t follow directions for crap either, sometimes they do what the brain tells them, other times they just do their own thing…makes me very nervous when using power tools! My fingers first go numb for a few minutes then burn like they’re on fire for about an hour then just start throbbing in pain. I’ve tried dozens of different ointments and the only one that gives me any relief is Wild Tiger. Drawback is that it’s greasy so I only apply it to the back of the hands and fingers, it starts working in a few minutes and after 45 to an hour I can wipe it off and it keeps working for 6-7 hours before I need to re-apply it. My cervical issues cause me to get bad migraines, pills don’t do a thing for them but now when I feel one coming on, I put the Wild Tiger on my neck and it knocks it down to about the level of just a bad headache, annoying but I can stay somewhat functional as long as there isn’t too much noise around.
Anyway, I’m trying to learn hammer & chisel engraving with very poor results. Not having a clue as to how it’s supposed to be done doesn’t help the fact of trying to contend with everything else. I can only do a little at a time most days, about 10 minutes at the most and I’m done for several hours. If the shakes set in, ain’t no use in even trying to do anything that requires steadiness. I’ve yet to find any work position that’s comfortable for more than a few minutes at a time, I constantly have to move around changing positions.
Being relatively young, 39, this crap got me down for a while, I was stuck in that "feeling sorry for myself" mode for a while then I got over it. I've come to accept it and learn my limitations, I must stop before I over-do because if I don't I suffer. A fellow who is into martial arts stopped by my flea market stand in the spring, he showed me some stretching exercises for my arms & hands to help relieve the carpal tunnel, I may get strange looks when stopped at a red light and I'm doing the stretches but they help a lot!
I can’t ride a bike, any bounce on my spine is enough to make my legs give out completely and put me into serious pain. Any little wrong move is enough to knock it out, there are times when it hits when I’m sleeping and there’s no way to move to relieve it, just have to wait it out. I can’t take most pain meds because they either make me violently ill, nasty as starving grizzly bear or keep me awake for days on end despite being dead tired. The only ones I can take are mild to start with and if I take more than two doses back to back, they stop working completely for several weeks. I’m up around 4am every day, like the others I hit the computer and get some coffee in me, by the time it’s light out I’m usually loosened up enough to get something done but then there are those 3-7 days in a row where I can barely get around under my own power. So, I just shut-up and put-up and do what I can when I can.
Biggest problem I have is that something causes me to get the shakes. Went through several batteries of tests and they can’t tell me what or why they happen. Sometimes they last for 10 minutes, other times they’ll last for three weeks non-stop. My fingers don’t follow directions for crap either, sometimes they do what the brain tells them, other times they just do their own thing…makes me very nervous when using power tools! My fingers first go numb for a few minutes then burn like they’re on fire for about an hour then just start throbbing in pain. I’ve tried dozens of different ointments and the only one that gives me any relief is Wild Tiger. Drawback is that it’s greasy so I only apply it to the back of the hands and fingers, it starts working in a few minutes and after 45 to an hour I can wipe it off and it keeps working for 6-7 hours before I need to re-apply it. My cervical issues cause me to get bad migraines, pills don’t do a thing for them but now when I feel one coming on, I put the Wild Tiger on my neck and it knocks it down to about the level of just a bad headache, annoying but I can stay somewhat functional as long as there isn’t too much noise around.
Anyway, I’m trying to learn hammer & chisel engraving with very poor results. Not having a clue as to how it’s supposed to be done doesn’t help the fact of trying to contend with everything else. I can only do a little at a time most days, about 10 minutes at the most and I’m done for several hours. If the shakes set in, ain’t no use in even trying to do anything that requires steadiness. I’ve yet to find any work position that’s comfortable for more than a few minutes at a time, I constantly have to move around changing positions.
Being relatively young, 39, this crap got me down for a while, I was stuck in that "feeling sorry for myself" mode for a while then I got over it. I've come to accept it and learn my limitations, I must stop before I over-do because if I don't I suffer. A fellow who is into martial arts stopped by my flea market stand in the spring, he showed me some stretching exercises for my arms & hands to help relieve the carpal tunnel, I may get strange looks when stopped at a red light and I'm doing the stretches but they help a lot!
Monk and Dave, everybodys aches and pains have relevance.I see others much more disabled than I.
Fitzo my DR. has recommended methotrezate and other immune suppressants but I cant take them because of my job and intestinal problems.I am a behavior specialist and work at a high school assisting developmental and physically disabled kids.I am exposed to way way way to many infectious agents to have a immune system that is severly impaired.I will have to change jobs at the end of the schoolyear because Im losing the physical ability to do the things I must and also so I can get on some immune suppressants.
I am keeping a pretty good attitude and dont feel sorry for myself( I know it wasnt implied by anyone).I see to many kids overcoming greater obstacles with stern determination than to allow myself to feel sorry for myself.However I can see how it would be common for people to,and in fact see it regularly and emphasize greatly for those that do because it sucks not being capable of what the heart and mind wants.
Fl-Flinter,thanks for such an open response.
Fitzo my DR. has recommended methotrezate and other immune suppressants but I cant take them because of my job and intestinal problems.I am a behavior specialist and work at a high school assisting developmental and physically disabled kids.I am exposed to way way way to many infectious agents to have a immune system that is severly impaired.I will have to change jobs at the end of the schoolyear because Im losing the physical ability to do the things I must and also so I can get on some immune suppressants.
I am keeping a pretty good attitude and dont feel sorry for myself( I know it wasnt implied by anyone).I see to many kids overcoming greater obstacles with stern determination than to allow myself to feel sorry for myself.However I can see how it would be common for people to,and in fact see it regularly and emphasize greatly for those that do because it sucks not being capable of what the heart and mind wants.
Fl-Flinter,thanks for such an open response.
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Good point, McAhron...schools are sort of microbial cesspools. I keep myself pretty isolated from most people to avoid exposure, especially in the winter. I am very fortunate to be retired, and able to adopt an altogether different lifestyle to accomodate the changes. I often go a month or two without ever leaving the house and yard. Most of my trips out are to see doctors. Yippee!
I sure hope, if you get the chance to try the immunosuppressants, that it helps you, too.
You have that good attitude one needs, probably the most important ingredient in dealing with the changes. Hang in there!
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FL-Flinter
Elite Cafe Member
My latest round with the doctors was steriod injections and an oral follow-up regiment for two weeks. The knocked my immune system down and I was so sick after the first week I couldn't do anything anyway even though the joint pain was reduced. I can't use the topicals with a high menthol content or ones that contain anything to do with hot peppers - they burn like I'm on fire and only add to the pain, the Wild Tiger has a low menthol content, it doesn't burn but it works. Cold pack are another no no for me, I can't even take anything from the freezer to the counter without putting on gloves - touching anything that's below about 35°F makes my hands feel like they are being cushed, stiffens them up and makes them swell almost instantly (same thing when I try a cold-pack on my back or knees). Heat helps a little but not enough to make it worth while. The hand exercises do work but the ones for my back and legs the physical therapy told me to do often cause more problems than not doing them. I just keep trying different things, see what works and what don't and go from there.
I just realized I never even made an attempt to answer your initial question.... side tracked....
I try to do as much work from a sitting position as possible but you have to find a position that works and most times I find myself changing positions quite often to contend with what hurts at the time. I haven't had the time yet but two things I plan on doing is making an adjustable vise and table. I picked up a hide-away TV support missing the 12vDC power supply (electric powered table legs that go up and down vertically on jack screws with about 28" of throw) this is going to be my new work bench just as soon as I get some time to put it together. I planned on putting my vise on a strait vertical adjustment but have since changed my mind to add articulated mounting that will allow me to lock it in any position as well. I've got an air ride seat from a semi that I have plans on modifying but haven't gotten to that yet either....and my wife has been on me to fix her shelves for about 18 months now too..... I think I had better get those done this week before I get thrown out altogether!
I just realized I never even made an attempt to answer your initial question.... side tracked....
I try to do as much work from a sitting position as possible but you have to find a position that works and most times I find myself changing positions quite often to contend with what hurts at the time. I haven't had the time yet but two things I plan on doing is making an adjustable vise and table. I picked up a hide-away TV support missing the 12vDC power supply (electric powered table legs that go up and down vertically on jack screws with about 28" of throw) this is going to be my new work bench just as soon as I get some time to put it together. I planned on putting my vise on a strait vertical adjustment but have since changed my mind to add articulated mounting that will allow me to lock it in any position as well. I've got an air ride seat from a semi that I have plans on modifying but haven't gotten to that yet either....and my wife has been on me to fix her shelves for about 18 months now too..... I think I had better get those done this week before I get thrown out altogether!
Great attitude you guys, spit in its eye and go on. We want you around!!! Sitting around feeling sorry for yourself will kill you.................Right on......Ride on!!!!!..........Ron S
Hell, I'm going to go cut off ALL of my fingers and learn to engrave again............YOU HAVE DEFINATELY INSPIRED ME...............hang in there!!!!!
Hell, I'm going to go cut off ALL of my fingers and learn to engrave again
............YOU HAVE DEFINATELY INSPIRED ME...............hang in there!!!!!
Jim Sackett
Elite Cafe Member
More disabilities
After 3 or 4 years of working at the engraving bench in a printing shop I started to notice some tingling in my hands while moving my hed in certin directions. A trip the doctor disclosed I was getting calcium build up in the spine caused most likely by poor posture at the bench. With triall and error the doc and I found a better positionand the probllem went away. By raising the engraving insttead of me bending down over the work it removed the strain and stress on the spine.
There were other ailments which I was developing do to my choice of trades and the obuse of tthat trade. The confining nature of bench work if not conpensated for with some form of excersise and activity will caus problems. I made some wrong choices in this area and becme an alcoholic, and a heavy smoker with a nervous disposition. I hung in there for a few more years of doing things the heard way but finely in 1976 I walked away from my trade. I had spent 20 years at the bench and was established around the Chicago area. I wasen't the best or worst engraver around.
In 1980 I was diagnosed with emphasyma and COPD and told I haad a couple years left of my life the to be bed ridden until death. Well in 1990 I relocated to my boyhood home town in NW Minnesota. The fresh clean air did wonders for me. I even got into sign ppainting for a while. Had to leave it though bad lungs and paint feums just don;t mix, In the year 2003 after a week in the hospital with pnuemonia I quit smoking. Another year and I qquit drinking. I met a lady moved up north bby her and got back into the engraving trade. Hope to be around for many yeaars but that is up to my maker not me. Good luck to you all.
Jim Sackett
letterguy
sackettengraving.com
www./http.letterguy@jimsackettsengravingplus.com
wrongwaysnowbird@wiktel.com
After 3 or 4 years of working at the engraving bench in a printing shop I started to notice some tingling in my hands while moving my hed in certin directions. A trip the doctor disclosed I was getting calcium build up in the spine caused most likely by poor posture at the bench. With triall and error the doc and I found a better positionand the probllem went away. By raising the engraving insttead of me bending down over the work it removed the strain and stress on the spine.
There were other ailments which I was developing do to my choice of trades and the obuse of tthat trade. The confining nature of bench work if not conpensated for with some form of excersise and activity will caus problems. I made some wrong choices in this area and becme an alcoholic, and a heavy smoker with a nervous disposition. I hung in there for a few more years of doing things the heard way but finely in 1976 I walked away from my trade. I had spent 20 years at the bench and was established around the Chicago area. I wasen't the best or worst engraver around.
In 1980 I was diagnosed with emphasyma and COPD and told I haad a couple years left of my life the to be bed ridden until death. Well in 1990 I relocated to my boyhood home town in NW Minnesota. The fresh clean air did wonders for me. I even got into sign ppainting for a while. Had to leave it though bad lungs and paint feums just don;t mix, In the year 2003 after a week in the hospital with pnuemonia I quit smoking. Another year and I qquit drinking. I met a lady moved up north bby her and got back into the engraving trade. Hope to be around for many yeaars but that is up to my maker not me. Good luck to you all.
Jim Sackett
letterguy
sackettengraving.com
www./http.letterguy@jimsackettsengravingplus.com
wrongwaysnowbird@wiktel.com
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