marilynknits

A hand effected by rheumatoid arthritis. (Not my hand thank goodness!)

In a way knitting is therapy for me.  I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when I was 36.  It can be a debilitating and sometimes crippling disease, especially if you don’t seek treatment in time or at all.  

I would love to knit all day if I could, but my hands start to feel the brunt of it only after a few rows.  Today is one of those days where there is pain but no stiffness.  It is frustrating!   No biggy I’m used to it.  That is one of the reasons why I started to design knit and crochet patterns.  I can still be involved with the craft when my hands are inflamed.    I do thank the Lord for watching over me!

When I was first diagnosed with RA I could barely hold a coffee cup much less knit, my hands were very stiff  and my feet felt very bruised all the time though they really weren’t.  With the right medication and some time I could resume activity once again.   Knitting again was definitely a help in my recovery to overcome stiffness in my hands.  So knitting over all is very good for my hands, it keeps them from getting stiff.   And it’s great for my sanity if I’m having a particularly stressful day.  I’m sure that’s the same for you too if you knit, crochet, paint, etc.

Calypso Shrug/Shoulder Wrap

Happy knitting!

marilynknits  🙂