Helen G Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Well here it is a month before Christmas, I have two quilts ready as gifts to quilt and I am stopped with shoulder issues--calification and bursitis and a torn tendon. The orthopedic surgeon that I saw asked if I did any repetetive work ---- hmmm let's see, data entry all day and long arm quilting at night. Yes I suppose so. This is kind of discouraging as I am wondering if this will be a recurring problem or a one time thing. I have had my millie for a year and a half and this came on quite suddenly. My question is would the installation of edge rider wheels make movement of the machine quite a bit easier? Plan B is perhaps going computerized, and plan C is selling the machine.....neither of these options is too appealing to me right now. Thanks for listening to my tales of woe! Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Helen, For me the best thing I did was to make sure my machine was at the right height and 2nd to get a saddle stool. I also have ER and I wouldn't be without them. They really make it so much easier to use my machine. I don't know that I would say it glides easier but I don't fight it and man handle it to keep it going the way I want it to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Don't sell your machine. That should be a last resort. You should think seriously about surgery to fix your tendons and other issues. Your shoulder is fixable. Modern medicine does wonders. Stay positive. PS: I totally agree with Heidi on getting your machine ergonomically adjusted. My machine is too low! I plan on raising the legs and adding my new edgeriders next week when I'm at home on vacation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Hi Helen Going computerized would be the least stressful for your shoulder condition, but then again we dont know the extent of the issues. Edgerider Wheels will definitely improve the glide of your machine. Corey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltlover03 Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 I am with all of the above. Edgeriders are awesome and will move your machine without effort. They should come Factory installed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamarack Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Helen, I think your are going to have to learn to pace yourself and listen to your body. I get Carpel Tunnel in my wrists and when I quilted on my DSM my hands would be useless for 3 days, for 4 to 5 times a year. Since I got my Millie a year ago I have only had one attack and it was after quilting way too many quilts in a short amount of time. I now recognize the signs so know when to slow down. I also take July, August and December off from quilting clients quilts. Find what will work for you, time will tell. No need to think about selling your machine yet. The ladies here have given you great advice.....Edgerider wheels, saddle stool and raising your machine higher. Customize your machine for your needs. Your health is important, don't worry about the quilts, put yourself first and take a break! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltingshirley Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Helen, I've had similar issues and I now use both the computerized quilting and free motion. It's so much easier on my hand, arm & shoulder to use the computer system to do the repetitve stuff and free motion for the others. (I digitized "my quilting" to do lots of the edge to edge) What I find a problem now is lots of rotary cutting without taking breaks. (It's always something, especially this time of year) I only quilt for myself and our guild's charity so I'm not that pressed to "get it done". I also don't use a true long arm. My machine is a mid size at 18 inches. Good Luck! http://sj-comeinandhavecoffee.blogspot.com/ The Blog has lots of family stuff but there are some quilts showing what you can do this way --not too many since the grandkids are cuter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilter 4 Jesus Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Hi Helen, I agree with the others edgeriders, take breaks often, and I am sold on the hydraulic lift so you can adjust for the work you are doing. Good Luck (and no more talk of selling:o) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stagecl Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 I am computerized, have edgeriders and was in business. First of all being computerized is not all bad. It definitely takes the stress off your body plus reduces the wear and tear. I never thought I would be computerized when I first started quilting, but I love all the options available that the computer gives me. I love doing motifs and having them come out perfect (I hate frogging when I can't keep a steady hand quilting a motif). I was quilting every day for 7 to 8 hours and was not as exhausted physically once I got a computerized system. I put edgeriders on my machine because it does make it move more smoothly. Lastly, I trade my Millie in for a Freedom SR because I think it moves more easily than the Millie, it weighs less and I can live with out auto-channel locks. Then I owned a Millie I took off the thread cutter to lighten up the machine (it weighs 2 lbs 12 oz) so give that a try too (if you don't use it). Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countrystitcher Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 I really feel for you. I have RA and it recently has become worse. I have to pace myself quilting...it was not what I had planned when I bought my machine...but sometimes God's plans are better than ours....so I'm trusting right now. Keep the faith and I pray it gets better. Sharon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 I'm wondering if getting a hydraulic table lift would help? Maybe moving the height of the table a little during the day would give your shoulders a break because of the height changes. Anyone tried this - does it help? Mercedes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VictoriaG Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Helen, I think anyone with the edgeriders would encourage you to get them. The computer option is much more expensive, so consider that carefully. However, I notice machines for sale. No one sells a used computer system. So there also, once you get the computer no one goes back to only freehand. Victoria G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 You need to do what is right for you. If the pain is so bad you can't stand it and nothing helps, then you need to decide your next step. Have you gone to the doctor? It could be as simple as some physical therapy, and a few muscle relaxers. I know about pain in shoulders and neck. I have it too. I have not been quilting for quite some time...selling may be my option too. When everything hurts, somthings gotta give. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen G Posted November 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Thanks everyone for your replies and encouragement. I know I may have to take it slow once I get back at it, and maybe just do my own quilts for now. I have been to a specialist, have gone for ultrasound and am now booked for an MRI. Amazingly the arm causes me more discomfort than pain, so I have to be careful not to overdo. After years of hand quilting, a long arm is a dream come true.....I will be back at it! Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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