I would like to add a tip that is VERY important to those of us who are dealing with a disability. TIP 11: DO NOT FEEL GUILTY! A lot of times, we creators have so many ideas or so many requests. Do not ever feel bad if yocannotto do it quickly. Or to even do it at all. Do not feel bad, or allow someone to make you feel bad for having issues. Side Notes: Thank you so much for sharing this list. Truly. It needed to be said! And to all of you: You are all doing an amazing job, regardless of health. You keep on trucking! YOU GOT THIS!
Yeeeah, in my experience, people who say things like this are generally well meaning but ill-informed. Pain and chronic pain are not the same thing. Being tired and suffering from fatigue, not the same thing. You don't just 'get better' in a few hours.
I feel in love with crochet because it was an artistic craft I could do regularly, could do while sitting “comfortably”. Thank you for making this video and sharing these tips, this craft is accessible to so many people which draws many people with chronic illnesses and disabilities to the community. We’re in this together, friends ☺️
That's the same reason I got into crochet! Since my chronic illness got worse, I knew I still wanted to craft because making things is so important to me.
As someone who also deals with chronic health issues (including chronic pain), thank you! It's great to see videos, tips and tricks and just general support to encourage people to keep going, to not let their "disability" stop them from doing something they love. One thing that I've found, is that I've taught myself to crochet using both knife and pencil hold. I find each hold uses different muscles, and so if one set of muscles if giving me issues one day, quite often I can at least do a little bit of crochet with the other hold. Or I also find myself quite often switching between holds mid crochet session, in order to give one set of muscles a break while the other takes over. It's quite often little things like these that can make all the difference.
I love this video. My personal tip is: if youve got pillows, USE PILLOWS. If youve got a seat big enough to accommodate throw pillows, use them to be sure your arms always have somewhere to rest. I find that i have way more pain and fatigue when i have my arms all loosey goosey hanging out. Why fight gravity if you dont have to?
a tip for those that wear compression gloves for long periods of time. Wear them inside out so the seem isnt rubbing on your skin. I wear them a lot for swelling and pain and honestly it makes a huge difference as someone who has ASD and major sensory issues
I have Ehlers Danlos and totally agree with all of these tips. The worst part are the flares that you can't do much of anything. It makes for very long, frustrating days.
From a different angle, yes I have pains but predominant I suffer from chronic depression and chronic fatigue (I do also have occasional bouts on mania). I set alarms for both a minimum and maximum time. Which can sound counter productive, but factors in both conditions, the minimum time is for my depression and it 30 mins to gat a 'yay I achieved something " and the max is for the fatigue (90 mins) and that's 'stop now' Hope that makes sense and helps
I kinda do a version of the minimum time alarm for other things (exercise, ugh!). I don't usually need it for crochet because once I get started I have that serotonin rush, but it's definitely good for when you're needing to force yourself through when you don't feel like doing anything.
I luckily found a used adjustable bed. I now put the top and bottom all the way up and sit in the crevice. It removes the tension on my back and legs and gives my arms better support. Someone also said to get one of the inflatable rings that nursing mothers are using these days and it helps keep your arms in a better position. I find if I stop and stretch hands and raise arms overhead often it really helps with the shoulder and hand pain. sorry to here all your woes but love your channel. take care and will keep everyone on this comment page in my prayers.
I'm fortunate that my disability doesn't cause me hand pain (which is why crochet is so amazing for me) but it does mean I am much slower at it than most. So my first tip is to set realistic goals and expectations and be ok with just being slower. And even though it's not disability related, I do get some hand pain when I push myself. So it's important to find hooks that are comfortable for you and my absolute required tool is a yarn/knitting ring. I wear it on left index and allows me to hold my yarn comfortably without gripping or readjusting for tension. It prevents the yarn from dragging over my finger all the time too. They are cheap on Amazon but I got mine made to custom size for my tiny fingers on etsy and it's so much better
Great video Leigh. Agree with all points. My suggestions: Watch all of retro Claude’s videos. She has a million helpful suggestions about crafting with disabilities, and is also beautiful to watch and very funny. Her work is delightful too. My personal tip…think about bizarre ways of injuring yourself. I have a stupid habit of curling up my wrists in my sleep when I get overly tired and waking up with extreme pain. It coincides with a drop off of other pain that normally keeps me awake….hence being very tired. So when I’m finally able to sleep I then injure a new part of my body. So I have learnt to preemptively wear wrist braces for a few nights in these circumstances so I can’t hurt myself.
Agreed! They even make wrist braces with extra soft padding for sleep. They're not great in the summer but they're very cozy for winter. They've saved me so many times. I've gone from having severe pain from trying to turn my key in the house lock or my car's ignition to being mostly pain free after a few nights in a brace during sleep.
I watched a video the other day that mentioned that if you sleep with your hand curled down (kind of like T-Rex) it can be a trauma response. However, it can also be related to certain neurological things like ADHD. Anyway, I found that interesting
Thanks for being so open. I crocheted for decades before I became chronically sick. It took me a while to pick up the hook again, but since I have my mental health has gotten so much better! I always keep an inactive activity at hand when I crochet. Then when I need a break, I go to whatever that is… it is often to watch videos and now your videos are on the list!!!
Really nice that you're talking about this, thank you! Most videos make it look like everybody could crochet for 12 hours straight. KNITTING instead of crocheting is what made it so much easier for me. I finally started knitting last year and it is much much easier on my joints. Way less pain then I had with crocheting.
This was and is a great reminder for all us crafters. Must try the alarm thing across the room, but to be fair our dogs and cats are very demanding on cuddles( which is welcoming),food and going out, so between the 4of them i sometimes feel like a yo-yo 😂. Find wearing compression gloves, help keep the joints warm so less pain, hot water bottle or heat pad pluged in are great, but of late getting knee pain and have just been using a blanket, so think might try knee support ( funny thing is, i brought some for my dad for xmas,might need to borrow a pair from him😂😂😂). Thanks Leigh for reminding us all ro take better care of ourselves, self loving is so important ❤️
As someone with ehler danlos and fibro, which is currently in a flare... thank you for these. Recently found you and complicatedknots and been binge watching both of your videos which has been helping during this flare.
As a fellow brain fog and broken body person. I would like to add to your timer tip. By saying ”add timers for food and drink refills” as it's nearly dinner time here and I forgot lunch again ....ops 🤣🤗😘
This video was so helpful for me. You gave me a few really good ideas on how to deal with this. I suffer every day and not being able to create things really impacts my mental health. Thank you so much 🙏
WOW! Thanks so much for the Spotlight in ‘Hook Up’. I have been a follower and supporter of your channel almost since it first started and I appreciate you sharing your creativity and authenticity with us ❤️ much appreciated ❤️
Great video !!All those we're excellent tips , but in a " global" point of view, like if meditation help you keep doing it. .. I find that most youtubers who gives tips forget about getting this point of view My personnal: be sure to STOP AND GET UP, every 30 -45 minutes. That way, if I got into a bad position (my head , neck and back all bend down, I can stand, strech and reposition myself in a better position Also, move: walk a few step, get a glass of water, get good inspirations/ expirations , put some drops in my eyes. Also, when you talked about " brain fog" and taking notes, it makes me feel better to learn ( or remember) that chronic pain and pain itself play with your brain. Less sleep too. I live with sleep apnea, and it plays So much with my memory and my concentration, I probably now have 33% of what I use to have 10 years ago. I knew that, but mostly felt I couldnt remember stuff cuz I was getting older ( which, yess, it plays a role!!!🙄😉) but, PAIN everyday too. So THANK YOU for this very usefull and well explained video. 🤗
Oh, andvI forgot the most important thing: when I crochet, I get so much in " the ZONE", I'm in my Bubble, often I dont feel my pain and fatigue anymore!!! cuz my mind is so much on something else.... a beautiful " drug" 😁
I have had chronic pain that has worsened over the last 3 years, but have not been able to afford a diagnosis (I have an aunt with Lupus who thinks I may have it, but again, have not gotten tested yet). My legs especially have gotten to the point that I have to use a cane to walk most days, and some days, I cannot even get out of bed. Sometimes it also affects other parts of my body, but it's mainly waist down that I have the most issues with. I took up crochet because it is something I can do from a bed or chair. It's not as messy as painting or as tedious as my needlefelting, so it was perfect. Plus, both my bio grandmothers crocheted, so it really helps me feel connected to them and my bio family as a whole. I love creating new patterns, and the ability to go from WIP to WIP and then back again really helps my ADHD. I love these tips! I'm good about stretching and doing exercises, especially for my hands (I was a cosmetologist before I was unable to work anymore), but some of these others I need to work on. Thank you for making this video!
I Have a chronic pain/degenerative neurological disorder, in the last year it's reached the point where I can no longer work and my husband needs to be home full time to look after myself and the tiny humans, I'm trying to move my craft work more online and start a RUclips channel of my own which has been terrifying 😅 Thanks so much for putting this info out there, my big tip is my "external hard drive" I get a day to a page dated diary and write down what I've done/plan to do for the day, helps keep me organised through the brain fog but also serves as a reminder that I am actually getting so much done when I get sad or guilty about not being productive.
I completely agree with all these tips. Those of us with disabilities/chronic illness need to find ways to conserve energy so we don't suffer later. When I explain to people why I take so many precautions I tell them I only have so many spoons for the day and if I use them all now I'm not going to be able to do anything later.
Perfect timing!!! Thank you for this video Leigh. I'm currently unable to crochet & its driving me bonkers because I'm in a velcro splint with a suspected scaphoid fracture in my left wrist! So, whilst waiting for Tuesdays appointment to see orthopaedic doctor I'm gathering pillows, making sure I'm fully prepared to ease gently back into the hobby that has kept me sane on my chronic pain 'adventure' 😂😖 Keep smiling all x 😊😊
So glad you are listening to what your body is telling you it needs. The joy of creativity doesn't always outweigh the medical condition. My daughter has a chronic pain condition too. Sadly she also has shoulder pain (frozen shoulders - yes both), which limit her ability to do the routines that helped keep her chronic pain managable. Multiple issues are so frustrating. Love your honesty on this.
Thank you very much for bringing attention to chronic health issues, and for these very useful tips. I have osteoarthrosis in one of my knees which, luckily, doesn't bother me much while painting/doing handicrafts. But I know how much it sucks in other areas of life. And how important it is to have hobbies you're able to do. Thanks for helping to achieve this.
Recovering from a shoulder surgery I have a series of exercises the nurse gave me that I have used to relearn my crochet. She didn't know that's what she did.
This is wonderful advice and tips - and I recognise a good few that I've adopted for my own disorder (which is mental, not physical!) So I think there's a whole lot of people who might benefit from giving some of these things a try :) Thank you, Leigh!
I’m pretty sure I have carpal tunnel syndrome but it only flairs when I’m using a computer mouse, playing my Nintendo switch, or crocheting for more than an hour a day. I used to do cross stitch too but gave it up. I work full time and there’s just not enough time in the day for all the crafts and hobbies I want. Right now I just read and crochet.
Wool bedding. I went from 4-6 hours sleep to 8-9 hours. I live in a subtropical climate, so it does not have anything to do with cold. And apart from being rested and less to no brain fog, I also have improved my mobility quite a lot. I have packed away my crutch for more than a month, (prox 4 months after I got the new bedding.)
Three things: First,piggybacking off of #6 get the best tools you can afford. My ergonomic hooks are a lifesaver. Second, I do the timer with the obnoxious alarm placed across the room too. If I’m in the design zone, I’ll work for HOURS and man do I regret that later! Third…is that a Def Leppard shirt you’re wearing? Got a lot of memories tied to that band! 😊
Yes!! It was given to me recently and it's so comfy, plus I have such good memories of listening to Def Leppard with my dad so it's a nice bit of nostalgia.
Thank you so much for this video! So many people with chronic pain or a disability crochet because you can do it from bed or a chair. My best advice is stretching. I stretch my hands and my shoulders too. I really want to try support pillows to help the back pain I get. That's on my list of things to try that I think will help me.
Would 100% recommend a support pillow if you're able to get one. The one I have is a triangular, memory foam pillow and on those days where I'm stuck in bed, it really does help manage the back/hip pain.
I have a timer on my phone for twenty or thirty minutes that I set across the room to remind me to move. I had it on my fancy watch but I used to just cancel it and think I'll just finish this row the have a move. Yeah the next alarm would go off before I remembered to move, which was too late! Great video. xxJane 🐑🌼
One issue for me is Posture. When pain isn't huge and I'm able to do some craft there's a tendency to unconsciously hunch shoulders against pain. It's important to do some shoulder and neck stretches and periodically check that my shoulders are as relaxed as I can, that Im sitting as well as I can, that my arms are supported if I need them to be etc.
I really appreciate this. I have Hashimoto's and apparently my thyroid goes crazy after I've had a baby. Right now I'm waiting for my meds to take affect, which will be another month, and it's THE WORST when my hands hurt without me even doing anything. I'm definitely having to learn to slow down and stop crocheting for the day, which is really hard for me to do. Thank you for the tips, I will definitely start implementing them tomorrow if my body decides it's good to go.
I haven't watched this yet, but OMG YES. Currently in too much overwhelm to pick up a hook which sucks majorly as it's my coping mechanism for overwhelm!!!
Love these tips, really need to start doing the timer across the room one so I don't end up sitting for four hours straight! I have one tip, but it's more from a cognitive disability standpoint. I have ADHD, so I end up with lots of WIPs, and then I come back to a project later and I'm lost. I've found it's useful to buy little paper price tags on a string (or even those plastic key chain labels), write what row I was at on the tag, and then use the tag as a sort of stitch marker. And if there's too much to write, I put a page number for where the notes are in my crochet notebook.
As someone with a repetitive motion injury (CTS for me) yes, please do limit your time, but DO get up and stretch periodically. Yes, stretching is just not only beneficial before starting, but also during and after the same as if you were doing sports or dancing. Hugs to you for bringing this up. And i will say, Tip nine us also good practice for a morning alarm. 😉
It’s ironic and helpful that you posted this video now. Literally yesterday I had to make an emergency trip to my doctor because of my wrists and now I’m a 19-year-old getting tested for arthritis. I’m being told I’m gonna have to get wrist surgery. 😃 (I’m in school to be a cosmetologist and I’m a avid crocheter)
what a great list of tips. Even the 'jokey' ones, which are actually real. I really like your Hook Up idea - supporting each other in simple ways and using the tools available to us is brilliant. One reason I watch so many RUclips videos is that by this one (enjoyable) act I am supporting folk Grow Their Own Job. and helping each other out is brilliant.
Thank you for all these tips. I do naturally kind of go for some of these ideas. But again I get in the zone, 4 hours go by, and then I'm taking a 2 week hiatus in a hand brace cuz my thumb is on fire.. even designating a day for one project (for all of my multiple project baddies) helps alot. Cuz you aren't constantly doing the same movements day in and day out.
Just a warning with looking up stretches online: not everyone needs to stretch the same way!! I recently found out that I'm slightly hypermobile and that stretching was making things worse. It was making me even stretchier, which was putting more pressure on my joints! I needed to do nerve glides and strengthen my muscles (in my shoulders mainly, because they provide the foundation for your arm and wrist muscles) I'd been recommended stretching by multiple physios at this point, and it wasn't until I saw a specialist that found out
MY GOD i really hope Alex is open to posting the fursona plush patterns and more videos at some point!!! ive been looking for a pattern like that for SO SO long !!!
I constantly watch two youtubers who deal with constant pain/disabilities. RUclips channels Mamma Llama Kayla and Chronically Crocheting are such individuals. Both of these channels are such an inspiration. I did not know that you also deal with these issues. Being there for them is a great way to let them know that they are not alone. so thanks for the tips. be blessed!
A wonderful video Leigh; so helpful! I recently was diagnosed with a chronic condition after years of unknown suffering, and crochet is one of my only hobbies that i can do with a flare. Thanks for sharing your tips! 🥰
I'm glad you finally got a diagnosis! I know it doesn't take the pain/illness away, but sometimes just knowing what is causing it can be a weight off the shoulders.
Thank you so much for this video! It honestly is just so comforting to know you’re not the only one. I thoroughly enjoy all of your content and I will be sharing this video with anyone I know who crochets/crafts with a chronic illness. Thank you again and wishing you a no/low pain week ❤
Hypothyroid here, might frequently low energy. One thing I have learnt through that I have several different ‘batteries’ and not switching mode to match the energy source I’m on uses up the current battery faster than if if was the correct battery. Example. My gaming battery is in but I insist on crocheting instead. Everything becomes brainfog and difficult and I burn through whatever energy I have very quickly, getting two hours of crochet where I might have gotten 4 of gaming. This works within crocheting too. If my blanket project battery is in, but instead I am trying to do a CI dragon (or vice versa) I will burn through my mental energy much, much faster. I’ve also found that I can’t swap the batteries myself, so I have to pay attention to where my brain is pulling me and do that activity for best energy use. Even I find myself dwelling on a different crochet project/idea halfway through what I’m doing, if I don’t swap to that I find I quickly fizzle out of energy/clarity.
one of your videos helped me link my ''random'' joint pain flair ups with the weather. i knew rain and clouds gave me headaches, but i didn't know humidity and barometric pressure could effect my joints as well. so thanks. not really sure what to do about it [i can't control the weather] but at least i kinda know what i might feel like by checking the weather. solves at least one of my mysteries.
I'm glad you figured it out! As you said, it's not like we can do anything about the weather lol, but at least we can plan what to wear/what aids we might need etc in advance.
I needed this so much, i thought i was the only weak one dealing with these pains, my pain is mostly in my non dominant hand which holds the yarn i think it is more or less related to my tension and the kind of yarn i use, and yes stretches help so much andd healthy breaks, u need health breaks plzzz don't overwork urself ❤️
Love your videos, thanks especially for this one. If I crochet for longer than an hour, I try to move around a bit, at least change position or change spot. I prefer not to have anything to eat close (I'll need to go to the kitchen to eat) but plenty to drink (I'll go to the toilet more often). In both cases, it makes me move and my back will hurt less in the end. I don't use loud noises because it'll annoy me without making me stop.
I recommend a neck light for persons with low vision or for anyone wanting to work with black yarn. I've found it helpful on several occasions. I suffer with chronic illness too so lots of pillows to support my arms and I have a spot where i can sit with better posture. I catch myself leaning over to look at my stitches and then remember I can pull it up to my face. 😅
Thank you for making this. I struggle with crochet when I have fibro. I take a break every row or something like that and try to make sure I have pillows under my arms
Thank you for all the great advice and suggestions. I have developed pains in my thumb area of my left hand and I am right handed so not sure what that is all about. But the stretching really helps and I wear a hand brace. I really enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing hugs 🫂
My tip: SLOW DOWN. I have hypermobility and weak wrists which I have sprained more times than I can count. The faster I try to go, the more my wrists will cramp up and ache. When I was knitting a lot in university I found the best thing for me was to be knitting at a stitch and b*tch chatting with friends or while watching tv (something that didn't need my complete focus) because doing something else at the same time naturally slowed down my knitting. If I just sat down to knit without something else occupying my brain I could knit a lot faster, but would pay for it. Likewise the faster I try and work with crochet the more I will feel it. Knitting was especially bad when I was working on the giant 9 foot long scarf, and then a second one of the same pattern, because it was a repetitive pattern that I became really familiar with and didn't need to pause to figure it out, whereas that is something I am doing a lot more with crochet. And: TAKE BREAKS. Much like your points about time management and actually stopping within your limit, even taking a 2 minute break to stretch every half an hour or an hour can make a big difference. If you are prone to hunching over your work stand up if you can or sit up and stretch out your back, stretch your neck and arms. Crochet can be a lot of small motions with your hands and keeping other parts of your body like neck, elbows, etc in one position. Stretch them out so you don't cramp up too much. At one point I messed up my neck in university from hunching over books reading all the time for my English Lit degree and I had to stretch my neck, even just 30 seconds every half hour to an hour for days before my neck started feeling normal again, because of course I couldn't just stop all the reading for days. If possible, changing positions periodically can be a good thing (if there are different positions that can be comfortable for you and won't cause more issues.
Nice video! I think I should try the tip with the timer since I often crochet like 6, 7 or sometimes 8 hours at one time..... 😅 just one more row.... well the part is almost finished so i'll finish it really quick..... yeah..... xD i have arthritis in most of my joint (mainly in my wrists and in one of my vertebra) so I think that should help with some of the pain and get me out of the zone 😅
I suffer from lupus and a lot of other things. I still try to push myself so much. I know I should not but if I fell ok I will .then the day after I am no good
I don't have a chronic pain, but I noticed my wrist starts aching from time to time. My tip is: try different yarn (both material and weight)! I find it extremely hard to crochet with cotton (or blend of cotton+acrylic) yarn with 5mm+ crochet hook. My wrist starts aching in 15 minutes. I guess the reason is the cotton yarn don't stretch as much as other types of yarn. At the same time, I can easily crochet with Fine cotton yarn (hook 3.5mm) for hours with no pain at all. Crochetting with wool (and mix of wool) yarn doesn't make me suffer whatever hook I use. I hope it will help someone to crochet with less pain!
For me, the compression gloves seem to help more with swelling rather than reducing/managing pain. Outside of that sometimes just the warmth they generate helps make my hands feel more comfortable, if that makes any sense.
What kind of accident did you have and what happened? I really enjoy your videos, - you are very creative with your content. I am not (yet) a amigurumi-person, but I like watching you and others make them.
A lot of chronic pain isn't caused by an accident, it just develops as you grow older with some genetic conditions (I only know about some hypermobility related ones, but I'm sure there are others!). I'm sure you don't mean to press her with this question, but she could have shared more information in this video if she felt comfortable doing that right now. Idk, obviously I don't speak for her, so take my response with a grain of salt, but not everyone wants to share their medical info online! On a lighter note, what would you make if you could do amigurumi? I have only learnt how to crochet hats (in a big spiral) and made a whole lot before I ran out of steam! :~)
I got this advice from my doctor, when I went to see him about the pain in my fingers. He asked what I was doing when the pain started, I told him I was crocheting. Any guesses what he said “ stop crocheting” he sent me home with some pain killers and advised to stop crocheting for at least 2 weeks. I no longer see him about my hands, because as soon as the pain starts I stop crocheting.
Tone is hard to decipher through text, so I don't know if this is supposed to be snarky or not?? 😂 I'm glad that works for you but general pain and chronic pain are not the same thing. My pain doesn't stop and start, it's constant. If I had to wait for the pain to go away, I'd never pick up a crochet hook again....or I'd have to wait until a cure was discovered for my currently incurable condition.
@@SkeinSpider Not at all snarky, I was agreeing to your point. I suffer from post polio syndrome and as I get older my joints are getting worse, my lungs are effected and as the polio effected my legs my mobility is difficult at times, nevertheless we must soldier on. Unfortunately some pain is difficult to tolerate but we persevere. My problem was that when I started a project I would keep crocheting until the pain was unbearable, that is why my doctor suggested a longer breaks from crocheting. As you can imagine the fingers start itching to pick up a hook after a few hours break, so now I read or watch more RUclips videos like your, as I’m in Australia I love the things you say, relate to, and you give me a laugh. You brighten my days. Thank you.
@@Chattycrafter2580 Ahh, I get you. Sometimes the response we get from people when it comes to chronic pain/chronic illness basically amounts to "walk it off" or "it'll get better" (you probably have some experience with this). I didn't know if that's the angle you were coming from and I didn't want to jump to conclusions but I apologise if I sounded rude. And it's always good to meet fellow Aussie crafters! 💙
@@SkeinSpider You weren’t rude. I love your channel, it would have to be the most inventive and original RUclips channel, simply because of the verity. I love when you talk about the old films. You are a very clever young lady. Keep up the good work.
Perfect timing! I've barely been able to do any crochet in the past week because of pain in my whole arm - especially elbow and shoulder. It's made me so miserable. 🥄🥄🥄
I would like to add a tip that is VERY important to those of us who are dealing with a disability.
TIP 11: DO NOT FEEL GUILTY!
A lot of times, we creators have so many ideas or so many requests. Do not ever feel bad if yocannotto do it quickly. Or to even do it at all. Do not feel bad, or allow someone to make you feel bad for having issues.
Side Notes: Thank you so much for sharing this list. Truly. It needed to be said! And to all of you: You are all doing an amazing job, regardless of health. You keep on trucking! YOU GOT THIS!
.....now I feel guilty I forgot to include this 🤣🤣. But seriously, this is a fantastic tip and a great addition to the list. Thank you!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ❤ This video needs to go viral. People say " Oh you'll be okay in a few hours " pfffft ❤️
Yeeeah, in my experience, people who say things like this are generally well meaning but ill-informed. Pain and chronic pain are not the same thing. Being tired and suffering from fatigue, not the same thing. You don't just 'get better' in a few hours.
"why are you always sick?" people really need to learn what the CHRONIC part means 😅
I feel in love with crochet because it was an artistic craft I could do regularly, could do while sitting “comfortably”. Thank you for making this video and sharing these tips, this craft is accessible to so many people which draws many people with chronic illnesses and disabilities to the community. We’re in this together, friends ☺️
That's the same reason I got into crochet! Since my chronic illness got worse, I knew I still wanted to craft because making things is so important to me.
Absolutely. I know it was the reason I started crocheting in the first place. Needed a creative activity that could be done while confined to a bed.
As someone who also deals with chronic health issues (including chronic pain), thank you! It's great to see videos, tips and tricks and just general support to encourage people to keep going, to not let their "disability" stop them from doing something they love. One thing that I've found, is that I've taught myself to crochet using both knife and pencil hold. I find each hold uses different muscles, and so if one set of muscles if giving me issues one day, quite often I can at least do a little bit of crochet with the other hold. Or I also find myself quite often switching between holds mid crochet session, in order to give one set of muscles a break while the other takes over. It's quite often little things like these that can make all the difference.
I love this video.
My personal tip is: if youve got pillows, USE PILLOWS. If youve got a seat big enough to accommodate throw pillows, use them to be sure your arms always have somewhere to rest. I find that i have way more pain and fatigue when i have my arms all loosey goosey hanging out. Why fight gravity if you dont have to?
A youtuber gave this advices, I tried it and it release so much pain from my shoulders and neck !!!👍
Seconded! Same goes for foot rests as well (or just a pile of pillows if you've got enough).
a tip for those that wear compression gloves for long periods of time. Wear them inside out so the seem isnt rubbing on your skin. I wear them a lot for swelling and pain and honestly it makes a huge difference as someone who has ASD and major sensory issues
I have Ehlers Danlos and totally agree with all of these tips. The worst part are the flares that you can't do much of anything. It makes for very long, frustrating days.
I have EDS too…. Please be careful with the stretching!
Same! It's nice to not feel so alone 🥰
From a different angle, yes I have pains but predominant I suffer from chronic depression and chronic fatigue (I do also have occasional bouts on mania). I set alarms for both a minimum and maximum time. Which can sound counter productive, but factors in both conditions, the minimum time is for my depression and it 30 mins to gat a 'yay I achieved something " and the max is for the fatigue (90 mins) and that's 'stop now'
Hope that makes sense and helps
This is an awesome tip, I might have to use this for several of my habits/activities. Thank you for sharing!
I kinda do a version of the minimum time alarm for other things (exercise, ugh!). I don't usually need it for crochet because once I get started I have that serotonin rush, but it's definitely good for when you're needing to force yourself through when you don't feel like doing anything.
Thanks for sharing! The minimum timer tip is brilliant.
I luckily found a used adjustable bed. I now put the top and bottom all the way up and sit in the crevice. It removes the tension on my back and legs and gives my arms better support. Someone also said to get one of the inflatable rings that nursing mothers are using these days and it helps keep your arms in a better position. I find if I stop and stretch hands and raise arms overhead often it really helps with the shoulder and hand pain. sorry to here all your woes but love your channel. take care and will keep everyone on this comment page in my prayers.
I'm fortunate that my disability doesn't cause me hand pain (which is why crochet is so amazing for me) but it does mean I am much slower at it than most.
So my first tip is to set realistic goals and expectations and be ok with just being slower.
And even though it's not disability related, I do get some hand pain when I push myself. So it's important to find hooks that are comfortable for you and my absolute required tool is a yarn/knitting ring. I wear it on left index and allows me to hold my yarn comfortably without gripping or readjusting for tension. It prevents the yarn from dragging over my finger all the time too. They are cheap on Amazon but I got mine made to custom size for my tiny fingers on etsy and it's so much better
100% agree! There's no amount we "have" to crochet within a specific time. Go at your own pace, whatever that looks like for you.
Great video Leigh. Agree with all points.
My suggestions:
Watch all of retro Claude’s videos. She has a million helpful suggestions about crafting with disabilities, and is also beautiful to watch and very funny. Her work is delightful too.
My personal tip…think about bizarre ways of injuring yourself. I have a stupid habit of curling up my wrists in my sleep when I get overly tired and waking up with extreme pain. It coincides with a drop off of other pain that normally keeps me awake….hence being very tired. So when I’m finally able to sleep I then injure a new part of my body. So I have learnt to preemptively wear wrist braces for a few nights in these circumstances so I can’t hurt myself.
Agreed! They even make wrist braces with extra soft padding for sleep. They're not great in the summer but they're very cozy for winter. They've saved me so many times. I've gone from having severe pain from trying to turn my key in the house lock or my car's ignition to being mostly pain free after a few nights in a brace during sleep.
I watched a video the other day that mentioned that if you sleep with your hand curled down (kind of like T-Rex) it can be a trauma response. However, it can also be related to certain neurological things like ADHD. Anyway, I found that interesting
Thank you so much for doing this Leigh. I'm in a really bad ME/fibro flare at the moment and needed this. Joining the discord now.
Hoping your flare eases soon. Sending you spoons 🥄🥄🥄
Thanks for being so open. I crocheted for decades before I became chronically sick. It took me a while to pick up the hook again, but since I have my mental health has gotten so much better!
I always keep an inactive activity at hand when I crochet. Then when I need a break, I go to whatever that is… it is often to watch videos and now your videos are on the list!!!
Thank you for all of this! I think these would work for my girlfriend who games with chronic pain too!
Really nice that you're talking about this, thank you! Most videos make it look like everybody could crochet for 12 hours straight.
KNITTING instead of crocheting is what made it so much easier for me. I finally started knitting last year and it is much much easier on my joints. Way less pain then I had with crocheting.
This was and is a great reminder for all us crafters.
Must try the alarm thing across the room, but to be fair our dogs and cats are very demanding on cuddles( which is welcoming),food and going out, so between the 4of them i sometimes feel like a yo-yo 😂.
Find wearing compression gloves, help keep the joints warm so less pain, hot water bottle or heat pad pluged in are great, but of late getting knee pain and have just been using a blanket, so think might try knee support ( funny thing is, i brought some for my dad for xmas,might need to borrow a pair from him😂😂😂).
Thanks Leigh for reminding us all ro take better care of ourselves, self loving is so important ❤️
As someone with ehler danlos and fibro, which is currently in a flare... thank you for these.
Recently found you and complicatedknots and been binge watching both of your videos which has been helping during this flare.
Hi and welcome! Sorry you're going through a flare, I hope it eases up a.s.a.p. Sending spoons your way 🥄🥄🥄
As a fellow brain fog and broken body person. I would like to add to your timer tip. By saying ”add timers for food and drink refills” as it's nearly dinner time here and I forgot lunch again ....ops 🤣🤗😘
Agree! And meds....
This video was so helpful for me. You gave me a few really good ideas on how to deal with this. I suffer every day and not being able to create things really impacts my mental health. Thank you so much 🙏
Yes!! And that hit to our mental health is the last thing we need when dealing with the physical health issues as well.
@@SkeinSpider Exactly, it's so important to stay on top of things like depression because it hits us so hard.
Thank you for all these tips that can totally be useful even if I don't have chronic pains ^^
WOW! Thanks so much for the Spotlight in ‘Hook Up’. I have been a follower and supporter of your channel almost since it first started and I appreciate you sharing your creativity and authenticity with us ❤️ much appreciated ❤️
And I've genuinely appreciated every bit of support you've given 💙💙
Thank you. So many people can relate to this and it's reassuring to know you are not alone.
Great video !!All those we're excellent tips , but in a " global" point of view, like if meditation help you keep doing it. .. I find that most youtubers who gives tips forget about getting this point of view
My personnal: be sure to STOP AND GET UP, every 30 -45 minutes. That way, if I got into a bad position (my head , neck and back all bend down, I can stand, strech and reposition myself in a better position Also, move: walk a few step, get a glass of water, get good inspirations/ expirations , put some drops in my eyes.
Also, when you talked about " brain fog" and taking notes, it makes me feel better to learn ( or remember) that chronic pain and pain itself play with your brain. Less sleep too. I live with sleep apnea, and it plays So much with my memory and my concentration, I probably now have 33% of what I use to have 10 years ago. I knew that, but mostly felt I couldnt remember stuff cuz I was getting older ( which, yess, it plays a role!!!🙄😉) but, PAIN everyday too.
So THANK YOU for this very usefull and well explained video. 🤗
Oh, andvI forgot the most important thing: when I crochet, I get so much in " the ZONE", I'm in my Bubble, often I dont feel my pain and fatigue anymore!!! cuz my mind is so much on something else.... a beautiful " drug" 😁
I have had chronic pain that has worsened over the last 3 years, but have not been able to afford a diagnosis (I have an aunt with Lupus who thinks I may have it, but again, have not gotten tested yet). My legs especially have gotten to the point that I have to use a cane to walk most days, and some days, I cannot even get out of bed. Sometimes it also affects other parts of my body, but it's mainly waist down that I have the most issues with.
I took up crochet because it is something I can do from a bed or chair. It's not as messy as painting or as tedious as my needlefelting, so it was perfect. Plus, both my bio grandmothers crocheted, so it really helps me feel connected to them and my bio family as a whole. I love creating new patterns, and the ability to go from WIP to WIP and then back again really helps my ADHD.
I love these tips! I'm good about stretching and doing exercises, especially for my hands (I was a cosmetologist before I was unable to work anymore), but some of these others I need to work on. Thank you for making this video!
I Have a chronic pain/degenerative neurological disorder, in the last year it's reached the point where I can no longer work and my husband needs to be home full time to look after myself and the tiny humans, I'm trying to move my craft work more online and start a RUclips channel of my own which has been terrifying 😅 Thanks so much for putting this info out there, my big tip is my "external hard drive" I get a day to a page dated diary and write down what I've done/plan to do for the day, helps keep me organised through the brain fog but also serves as a reminder that I am actually getting so much done when I get sad or guilty about not being productive.
I completely agree with all these tips. Those of us with disabilities/chronic illness need to find ways to conserve energy so we don't suffer later. When I explain to people why I take so many precautions I tell them I only have so many spoons for the day and if I use them all now I'm not going to be able to do anything later.
Gel hand exercise balls are really good for hand pain.
Perfect timing!!! Thank you for this video Leigh. I'm currently unable to crochet & its driving me bonkers because I'm in a velcro splint with a suspected scaphoid fracture in my left wrist! So, whilst waiting for Tuesdays appointment to see orthopaedic doctor I'm gathering pillows, making sure I'm fully prepared to ease gently back into the hobby that has kept me sane on my chronic pain 'adventure' 😂😖
Keep smiling all x 😊😊
Thanks sm for sharing this list.
Lovely video, I have fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis
So glad you are listening to what your body is telling you it needs. The joy of creativity doesn't always outweigh the medical condition. My daughter has a chronic pain condition too. Sadly she also has shoulder pain (frozen shoulders - yes both), which limit her ability to do the routines that helped keep her chronic pain managable. Multiple issues are so frustrating. Love your honesty on this.
I love and appreciate you!
In good days I'm planning few projects ahead, and doing simple stuff in bad days 👌
Thank you very much for bringing attention to chronic health issues, and for these very useful tips. I have osteoarthrosis in one of my knees which, luckily, doesn't bother me much while painting/doing handicrafts. But I know how much it sucks in other areas of life. And how important it is to have hobbies you're able to do. Thanks for helping to achieve this.
I LOVE this video!! I have chronic back pain, and as we speak, I'm in the hot tub trying to "unflair" myself
Recovering from a shoulder surgery I have a series of exercises the nurse gave me that I have used to relearn my crochet. She didn't know that's what she did.
This is wonderful advice and tips - and I recognise a good few that I've adopted for my own disorder (which is mental, not physical!) So I think there's a whole lot of people who might benefit from giving some of these things a try :)
Thank you, Leigh!
I’m pretty sure I have carpal tunnel syndrome but it only flairs when I’m using a computer mouse, playing my Nintendo switch, or crocheting for more than an hour a day. I used to do cross stitch too but gave it up. I work full time and there’s just not enough time in the day for all the crafts and hobbies I want. Right now I just read and crochet.
Wool bedding. I went from 4-6 hours sleep to 8-9 hours. I live in a subtropical climate, so it does not have anything to do with cold. And apart from being rested and less to no brain fog, I also have improved my mobility quite a lot. I have packed away my crutch for more than a month, (prox 4 months after I got the new bedding.)
Three things: First,piggybacking off of #6 get the best tools you can afford. My ergonomic hooks are a lifesaver. Second, I do the timer with the obnoxious alarm placed across the room too. If I’m in the design zone, I’ll work for HOURS and man do I regret that later! Third…is that a Def Leppard shirt you’re wearing? Got a lot of memories tied to that band! 😊
Yes!! It was given to me recently and it's so comfy, plus I have such good memories of listening to Def Leppard with my dad so it's a nice bit of nostalgia.
@@SkeinSpider suddenly I feel old! Lol I’m kidding. Kinda. 😉
Thank you so much for this video! So many people with chronic pain or a disability crochet because you can do it from bed or a chair.
My best advice is stretching. I stretch my hands and my shoulders too.
I really want to try support pillows to help the back pain I get. That's on my list of things to try that I think will help me.
Would 100% recommend a support pillow if you're able to get one. The one I have is a triangular, memory foam pillow and on those days where I'm stuck in bed, it really does help manage the back/hip pain.
@@SkeinSpider Thanks, I will definitely get one then!
I have a timer on my phone for twenty or thirty minutes that I set across the room to remind me to move.
I had it on my fancy watch but I used to just cancel it and think I'll just finish this row the have a move. Yeah the next alarm would go off before I remembered to move, which was too late!
Great video. xxJane 🐑🌼
I used to keep my phone next to me and it was way too easy to just stop the alarm and carry on.
❤❤..thank you for sharing this video.
One issue for me is Posture. When pain isn't huge and I'm able to do some craft there's a tendency to unconsciously hunch shoulders against pain. It's important to do some shoulder and neck stretches and periodically check that my shoulders are as relaxed as I can, that Im sitting as well as I can, that my arms are supported if I need them to be etc.
I really appreciate this. I have Hashimoto's and apparently my thyroid goes crazy after I've had a baby. Right now I'm waiting for my meds to take affect, which will be another month, and it's THE WORST when my hands hurt without me even doing anything. I'm definitely having to learn to slow down and stop crocheting for the day, which is really hard for me to do. Thank you for the tips, I will definitely start implementing them tomorrow if my body decides it's good to go.
I haven't watched this yet, but OMG YES. Currently in too much overwhelm to pick up a hook which sucks majorly as it's my coping mechanism for overwhelm!!!
It's a vicious cycle! I hope you're able to get back into it soon 💙
Love these tips, really need to start doing the timer across the room one so I don't end up sitting for four hours straight!
I have one tip, but it's more from a cognitive disability standpoint. I have ADHD, so I end up with lots of WIPs, and then I come back to a project later and I'm lost. I've found it's useful to buy little paper price tags on a string (or even those plastic key chain labels), write what row I was at on the tag, and then use the tag as a sort of stitch marker. And if there's too much to write, I put a page number for where the notes are in my crochet notebook.
As someone with a repetitive motion injury (CTS for me) yes, please do limit your time, but DO get up and stretch periodically. Yes, stretching is just not only beneficial before starting, but also during and after the same as if you were doing sports or dancing.
Hugs to you for bringing this up. And i will say, Tip nine us also good practice for a morning alarm. 😉
Please everyone!!! Don't forget to drink water while you craft! Dehydration is no joke...
^ This.
It’s ironic and helpful that you posted this video now. Literally yesterday I had to make an emergency trip to my doctor because of my wrists and now I’m a 19-year-old getting tested for arthritis. I’m being told I’m gonna have to get wrist surgery. 😃
(I’m in school to be a cosmetologist and I’m a avid crocheter)
Wishing you the best on your health journey 💙
@@SkeinSpider thank you ❤️
what a great list of tips. Even the 'jokey' ones, which are actually real.
I really like your Hook Up idea - supporting each other in simple ways and using the tools available to us is brilliant. One reason I watch so many RUclips videos is that by this one (enjoyable) act I am supporting folk Grow Their Own Job. and helping each other out is brilliant.
Thank you for all these tips. I do naturally kind of go for some of these ideas. But again I get in the zone, 4 hours go by, and then I'm taking a 2 week hiatus in a hand brace cuz my thumb is on fire.. even designating a day for one project (for all of my multiple project baddies) helps alot. Cuz you aren't constantly doing the same movements day in and day out.
Just a warning with looking up stretches online: not everyone needs to stretch the same way!! I recently found out that I'm slightly hypermobile and that stretching was making things worse. It was making me even stretchier, which was putting more pressure on my joints! I needed to do nerve glides and strengthen my muscles (in my shoulders mainly, because they provide the foundation for your arm and wrist muscles)
I'd been recommended stretching by multiple physios at this point, and it wasn't until I saw a specialist that found out
Love it!! She did Tyler from TØP!!! ❤❤❤❤
MY GOD i really hope Alex is open to posting the fursona plush patterns and more videos at some point!!! ive been looking for a pattern like that for SO SO long !!!
I constantly watch two youtubers who deal with constant pain/disabilities. RUclips channels Mamma Llama Kayla and Chronically Crocheting are such individuals. Both of these channels are such an inspiration. I did not know that you also deal with these issues. Being there for them is a great way to let them know that they are not alone. so thanks for the tips. be blessed!
I'll have to check those channels out, thank you for sharing 💙
A wonderful video Leigh; so helpful! I recently was diagnosed with a chronic condition after years of unknown suffering, and crochet is one of my only hobbies that i can do with a flare. Thanks for sharing your tips! 🥰
I'm glad you finally got a diagnosis! I know it doesn't take the pain/illness away, but sometimes just knowing what is causing it can be a weight off the shoulders.
Thank you so much for this video! It honestly is just so comforting to know you’re not the only one. I thoroughly enjoy all of your content and I will be sharing this video with anyone I know who crochets/crafts with a chronic illness. Thank you again and wishing you a no/low pain week ❤
Hypothyroid here, might frequently low energy. One thing I have learnt through that I have several different ‘batteries’ and not switching mode to match the energy source I’m on uses up the current battery faster than if if was the correct battery.
Example. My gaming battery is in but I insist on crocheting instead. Everything becomes brainfog and difficult and I burn through whatever energy I have very quickly, getting two hours of crochet where I might have gotten 4 of gaming.
This works within crocheting too. If my blanket project battery is in, but instead I am trying to do a CI dragon (or vice versa) I will burn through my mental energy much, much faster.
I’ve also found that I can’t swap the batteries myself, so I have to pay attention to where my brain is pulling me and do that activity for best energy use. Even I find myself dwelling on a different crochet project/idea halfway through what I’m doing, if I don’t swap to that I find I quickly fizzle out of energy/clarity.
one of your videos helped me link my ''random'' joint pain flair ups with the weather. i knew rain and clouds gave me headaches, but i didn't know humidity and barometric pressure could effect my joints as well. so thanks. not really sure what to do about it [i can't control the weather] but at least i kinda know what i might feel like by checking the weather. solves at least one of my mysteries.
I'm glad you figured it out! As you said, it's not like we can do anything about the weather lol, but at least we can plan what to wear/what aids we might need etc in advance.
Thank you for posting this. It's so useful and also comforting to hear. I appreciate all of your videos and look forward to them :)
I needed this so much, i thought i was the only weak one dealing with these pains, my pain is mostly in my non dominant hand which holds the yarn i think it is more or less related to my tension and the kind of yarn i use, and yes stretches help so much andd healthy breaks, u need health breaks plzzz don't overwork urself ❤️
Love your videos, thanks especially for this one. If I crochet for longer than an hour, I try to move around a bit, at least change position or change spot. I prefer not to have anything to eat close (I'll need to go to the kitchen to eat) but plenty to drink (I'll go to the toilet more often). In both cases, it makes me move and my back will hurt less in the end. I don't use loud noises because it'll annoy me without making me stop.
I recommend a neck light for persons with low vision or for anyone wanting to work with black yarn. I've found it helpful on several occasions. I suffer with chronic illness too so lots of pillows to support my arms and I have a spot where i can sit with better posture. I catch myself leaning over to look at my stitches and then remember I can pull it up to my face. 😅
Great video! I appreciate you sharing your experiences and solutions.
Fantastic video!! Thank you. ❤
Thank you for making this. I struggle with crochet when I have fibro. I take a break every row or something like that and try to make sure I have pillows under my arms
Thank you for all the great advice and suggestions. I have developed pains in my thumb area of my left hand and I am right handed so not sure what that is all about. But the stretching really helps and I wear a hand brace. I really enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing hugs 🫂
My tip: SLOW DOWN.
I have hypermobility and weak wrists which I have sprained more times than I can count. The faster I try to go, the more my wrists will cramp up and ache. When I was knitting a lot in university I found the best thing for me was to be knitting at a stitch and b*tch chatting with friends or while watching tv (something that didn't need my complete focus) because doing something else at the same time naturally slowed down my knitting. If I just sat down to knit without something else occupying my brain I could knit a lot faster, but would pay for it. Likewise the faster I try and work with crochet the more I will feel it. Knitting was especially bad when I was working on the giant 9 foot long scarf, and then a second one of the same pattern, because it was a repetitive pattern that I became really familiar with and didn't need to pause to figure it out, whereas that is something I am doing a lot more with crochet.
And: TAKE BREAKS.
Much like your points about time management and actually stopping within your limit, even taking a 2 minute break to stretch every half an hour or an hour can make a big difference. If you are prone to hunching over your work stand up if you can or sit up and stretch out your back, stretch your neck and arms. Crochet can be a lot of small motions with your hands and keeping other parts of your body like neck, elbows, etc in one position. Stretch them out so you don't cramp up too much. At one point I messed up my neck in university from hunching over books reading all the time for my English Lit degree and I had to stretch my neck, even just 30 seconds every half hour to an hour for days before my neck started feeling normal again, because of course I couldn't just stop all the reading for days. If possible, changing positions periodically can be a good thing (if there are different positions that can be comfortable for you and won't cause more issues.
Fabulous video, Leigh. I truly empathize as well. On SO MANY levels ☺️🫶🏻🧶🥄🥄
Nice video! I think I should try the tip with the timer since I often crochet like 6, 7 or sometimes 8 hours at one time..... 😅 just one more row.... well the part is almost finished so i'll finish it really quick..... yeah..... xD i have arthritis in most of my joint (mainly in my wrists and in one of my vertebra) so I think that should help with some of the pain and get me out of the zone 😅
It's always just one more row 😂😂
I suffer from lupus and a lot of other things. I still try to push myself so much. I know I should not but if I fell ok I will .then the day after I am no good
I get that. When you're having a better day, it's so easy to over do it but unfortunately, there's usually consequences.
I don't have a chronic pain, but I noticed my wrist starts aching from time to time.
My tip is: try different yarn (both material and weight)!
I find it extremely hard to crochet with cotton (or blend of cotton+acrylic) yarn with 5mm+ crochet hook. My wrist starts aching in 15 minutes. I guess the reason is the cotton yarn don't stretch as much as other types of yarn. At the same time, I can easily crochet with Fine cotton yarn (hook 3.5mm) for hours with no pain at all.
Crochetting with wool (and mix of wool) yarn doesn't make me suffer whatever hook I use.
I hope it will help someone to crochet with less pain!
Thanks for sharing!
Awesome tips. I definitely set a half hour timer. Do you have any advice on the gloves? I have heard that from creative people. I love your videos 😊
For me, the compression gloves seem to help more with swelling rather than reducing/managing pain. Outside of that sometimes just the warmth they generate helps make my hands feel more comfortable, if that makes any sense.
😢meeee toooo❤
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
What kind of accident did you have and what happened? I really enjoy your videos, - you are very creative with your content. I am not (yet) a amigurumi-person, but I like watching you and others make them.
A lot of chronic pain isn't caused by an accident, it just develops as you grow older with some genetic conditions (I only know about some hypermobility related ones, but I'm sure there are others!).
I'm sure you don't mean to press her with this question, but she could have shared more information in this video if she felt comfortable doing that right now. Idk, obviously I don't speak for her, so take my response with a grain of salt, but not everyone wants to share their medical info online!
On a lighter note, what would you make if you could do amigurumi? I have only learnt how to crochet hats (in a big spiral) and made a whole lot before I ran out of steam! :~)
I don't feel guilty for taking a day off due to my disabilities, it's necessary
What has helped me most is limiting consuming carbs and no sugar.
Soo true. Sugar increases inflammation and to reduce sugar intake make a lot of sense
I got this advice from my doctor, when I went to see him about the pain in my fingers. He asked what I was doing when the pain started, I told him I was crocheting. Any guesses what he said “ stop crocheting” he sent me home with some pain killers and advised to stop crocheting for at least 2 weeks. I no longer see him about my hands, because as soon as the pain starts I stop crocheting.
Tone is hard to decipher through text, so I don't know if this is supposed to be snarky or not?? 😂 I'm glad that works for you but general pain and chronic pain are not the same thing. My pain doesn't stop and start, it's constant. If I had to wait for the pain to go away, I'd never pick up a crochet hook again....or I'd have to wait until a cure was discovered for my currently incurable condition.
@@SkeinSpider Not at all snarky, I was agreeing to your point. I suffer from post polio syndrome and as I get older my joints are getting worse, my lungs are effected and as the polio effected my legs my mobility is difficult at times, nevertheless we must soldier on. Unfortunately some pain is difficult to tolerate but we persevere. My problem was that when I started a project I would keep crocheting until the pain was unbearable, that is why my doctor suggested a longer breaks from crocheting. As you can imagine the fingers start itching to pick up a hook after a few hours break, so now I read or watch more RUclips videos like your, as I’m in Australia I love the things you say, relate to, and you give me a laugh. You brighten my days. Thank you.
@@Chattycrafter2580 Ahh, I get you. Sometimes the response we get from people when it comes to chronic pain/chronic illness basically amounts to "walk it off" or "it'll get better" (you probably have some experience with this). I didn't know if that's the angle you were coming from and I didn't want to jump to conclusions but I apologise if I sounded rude. And it's always good to meet fellow Aussie crafters! 💙
@@SkeinSpider You weren’t rude. I love your channel, it would have to be the most inventive and original RUclips channel, simply because of the verity. I love when you talk about the old films. You are a very clever young lady. Keep up the good work.
Perfect timing! I've barely been able to do any crochet in the past week because of pain in my whole arm - especially elbow and shoulder. It's made me so miserable. 🥄🥄🥄
I'm really sorry you're having a rough time. All the spoons for you 🥄🥄🥄