Ok so here's the deal: I am quitting knitting for 7 days. (And crocheting.)
Fact is, my right wrist has been hurting for quite some time. I've tried ignoring it, tried stretching and massaging techniques, but the pain has persisted. Still, I would knit. After all, it only really hurt while I was working on something, especially small gauge items.
Well, now my left wrist is starting to hurt as well- only when I craft- and the right wrist is hurting pretty much all the time. I can't put any pressure on it (figured that out doing push-ups!) and so knitting is out of the question.
Obviously, I'm freaking out inside: the prospect of a single day without knitting a stitch gives me the heebie jeebies, let alone an entire week. I think in shock upon the essay What Her Hands Won't Do from The Yarn Harlot- in which Lene's rheumatoid arthritis finally advances to the point where she gives away all her yarn, an admission that this is "the end of making things." Thinking upon this humbles me- I only have to stop knitting for a short time; I just need to rest my wrists.
But still, it is scary- Not Knitting.
I have decided that if I can't knit or crochet, I can at least think about knitting and crocheting. I can still look at Ravelry and plan projects (though that's dangerous business- I caught myself winding a ball to cast on earlier today) and at least I can finally do some blog posts I've been meaning to write. And maybe, just maybe, I can do some things that aren't knitting-related.
I played guitar today. (Not much came of it)
I read a few more chapters of Great Expectations (I never mentioned it here but I do, in fact, enjoy reading.)
I did day 6 of the 30 day shred (I also work out: see? I totally can make it 7 days without knitting. I totally have other hobbies! *hyperventilates a bit*)
and...
I pined and pined for yarn and needles.
that sucks some massive balls, hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteOh no! Rest up and and read a lot of your favorite blogs (knitting-related and not), magazines, and video tutorials on knitting. It'll feel like you're taking a class and the 7 days will speed by. I'll be thinking of you ... And blog a lot, too!
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this post? Oh no - no knitting! Just thinking about that myself gives me a panic :-O I wish you luck and hope that your wrist heals quickly!
ReplyDeleteI had severe Carpel Tunnel in my right wrist from knitting and the fact that I work on computers for a living. It just got worse and worse and didn't get any better when I stopped knitting. The only thing that has helped is acupuncture. The problem is not in your wrist, it's in your shoulders and your wrist is the victim. It has changed my life (for the good with my wrist, for the bad with my wallet). Hopefully it won't have gotten as bad for you as it did for me, but keep the thought in mind. I have begun knitting again, but taking it easy.
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