Saturday, September 18, 2010

Things are looking up!

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments about my need to rest my hands.
I've done a lot of research and have been following some new strategies to alleviate the swelling in my hands as well as the tirggering of fingers. 
It's amazing to me that this seems to be working! I have completely quit all caffeine, stopped taking the Remifemin tablets (black cohosh to alleviate the menopausal hot flushes) which have been making me retain lots of fluid and affected my liver, and stopped all dairy and wheat.
To help rid my body of the excess fluid I now drink Dandelion Tea as my coffee replacement, make and drink glasses of parsley/celery/beetroot/ginger/apple juice every day, make cups of Red Clover Tea for the hot flushes, and drink soy milk in blueberry/banana smoothies each morning and afternoon.
The excess fluid is leaving, only one finger is still triggering on my left hand, but I can bend all the fingers on my left hand into a fist once more! \o/\o/
I cannot change the bad result of my surgery on the right hand middle finger last month - apparently the scar tissue has grown in such a way that it has 'bound' that finger giving it limited movement. That's ok - I can live with that. I just spent $2000 on the operation (money we did not have to spare) and I won't be having another. I will accept my hand the way it is now and work around it. 
~~~~~
Now for some more lovely news! 
My darling husband had a birthday yesterday, and instead of a birthday cake he wanted my cheesecake.
Filled with in-season fresh strawberries, he was a very happy chappy last night!
This morning he took me out for breakfast, just us, alone. It was very special as normally the kids come with us everywhere...but now they are in their late teens it seems more and more we have opportunity to do things just as a couple. After 30 years of constant parenting, this is a new path - a lovely path.
This is the card Blossom made for her dad. It's from a photo she took of he and I walking Bob-the dog when we lived at the school earlier this year...
Yep, me and my man. :-)
~~~~~
I also wanted to show you some sneak peeks of one of my new designs, a French inspired 4 piece set I have been slowly stitching....
I think you'll love it! Another week and it should be all finished with the pattern ready! I can't wait!!
~~~~~
I was blessed to be the recipient of Vickie's RAK this month, and her parcel of lovely things arrived to make my day...
The fabric is very *me*, and I love the runner pattern with the birds! Thank you so much dear Vickie!!
~~~~~
Now, next weekend is the -
Have you started making your birds yet? Will you be making a cage or using a birdcage you already have??
Next weekend is the time to finish putting it all together, and then Wendy and I want you to email us your photos. We'll have a wonderful time sharing all the photos on our blogs!
Wendy is coming here to visit with me on the 26th, so I'll be sure to take photos for you of our birds too.
Have a lovely weekend!
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

PS: Australian ladies, I have 10% off most fabrics, pre-cuts and quilt kits in my Ebay Shop HERE until midnight on the 20th!

28 comments:

Di said...

Hi Jenny
I am saddened to hear of your finger problems. I too have got some (sort of) big health concerns and am also going the holistic approach in lieu of the medical route at least at this point. I uphold you to the Father for healing. Prayer works!
I can also empathise with your change to being 'just' a couple with adult/teen children. It makes the time that they are around that much more special. God bless, xx

Lina said...

I look forward to reading your blog every day because of your cheery attitude towards life, your unfailing love and caring for your family, your staunch faith in God, and your generosity in giving of yourself and your talents to those of us out here in blogland. I miss you when you are unable to post. I understand how difficult it can be, especially when your body doesn't cooperate (I have several serious health challenges of my own.) I am happy to hear that the changes to your diet have been helping you. And it might help you to think of those hot flushes as your 'own personal summer' or as 'power surges'! Makes them sound much less bothersome. lol

Sharon said...

I'm glad you are feeling better and that you are able to use your hands a bit more now. Your project looks lovely and I can't wait to see it completed!

Margaret said...

Getting older brings on many diverse heatth problems, happy to see you are being proactive in your recovery. Lovely post as always and I haven't even started my birds yet.

Penny said...

Jenny, relieved to hear that your hand is better with your diet strategies. Limited movement is better than painful one.
I'm also going down the same path too.Once a week is 'date night' with my hubby. Gone are the days when the kids say " I wanna come too!" Yea..it's lovely path :)
Hugs

Alice said...

Makes you really wonder about going to the doctor doesn't it? But I am glad that you are finding ways of dealing with it. We should all probably take a serious look at our diet to see what it is causing.
I am liking the sneak peeks. Can't wait to see the completed project.
Happy Birthday to Hubby--that cheesecake looks yummy!
Keeping looking up--you are an inspiration. L,A-

Lurline said...

Oh, Jenny - I am so sorry to hear about your precious fingers. The right words will not come to me to say to you - meanwhile God bless!
Hugs - Lurline♥

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Sorry to hear that your surgery wasn't successful, but that things are starting to look up nonetheless. Hope it doesn't slow down your stitching too much:)

Glad your DH had a great birthday - the strawberry cheesecake looks amazing.

Dolores said...

Well, a happy belated birthday to your hubby. I do like the card Blossom made for her dad.
The hand issue is a worry and I do hope that in time you will be as good as new.
Take care.

Pepe said...

Your pattern seem very georgeus! I like green allowances...

Anonymous said...

Dear Jenny,
as some of of us said: "We will be here..." I have been checking your blog every day, and today you where there, and I am very happy to read that you have found ways to deal with your problems, the cake looks great, and so does the new sneak peaks,
yes the second youth is wonderful, this early spring our youngest moved out and this summer we all went to the Isle of Wight for his wedding,so we have 5 children living in 5 different cities but it is so great to go visit or when they come home..
take good care and God bless
Dorte Kreiberg
www.dortekreiberg.dk

BubzRugz said...

It's great you are on the mend - I hear Wild Yam cream is wonderful to help with hot flushes. It is a natural product and a couple of friends have used it with good results..... may lessen the "short vacations in the tropics"
Your stitcheries look lovely - pretty colours....
....noihaven'tstartedmybirds......
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugz
Fiona

Amanda said...

It's so good to hear that you are beginning to find ways to deal with your hand problem. You must have been feeling so disappointed and frustrated before, and so much more positive to find out that you can do things for yourself. I get so angry that doctors never seem to suggest that health problems might be due to food intolerances, and that choosing the correct foods and drinks for our own bodies might make a difference. I had had many and varied problems all my life, and received many different medications from various doctors. It wasn't until I was into my 50s that through my own reading I discovered that I was gluten and dairy intolerant. That day changed my life and I'm now healthier than I've ever been - but I get so cross to think that I could have had good health throughout my life if only my doctors had either been more knowledgeable or more broad minded. Keep well and happy.

Susan said...

Jenny, so gald you are getting better and yes it is frustrating to have spent the money in the hope of getting a 'fix' but hopefully things will improve now. I might just have to try that Dandelion tea - it doesn't reaally appeal but then if it helps my fluid problem, maybe its worth it. It is godd when the children become almost self sufficient - I certainly have more free (sewing) time now that they are 18 & almost 21.
Best Wishes to MR E for his Birthday-I am sure he is still enjoying his new toy!
Hugs & love to you
Susan

Unknown said...

Wow! what a difference all those changes can make...sounds like you on the right path..well done.
Love the sneak peak on your new design...looking Pretty.
cheers

Oh Sew Addicted said...

Glad things are looking up and your hands are better! And a happy belated birthday to your hubby. Much love xoxo
carla louise
www.ohsewaddicted.com

Kriza said...

isn't it funny, that when you have all your kids around all the time you just crave a little 'me' or 'us as a couple' time, and then when you get it, you want the kids back with you all the time? I have 3 kids, 5, 9 and 11 years old, so I am at the miss my me-time phase, but of course I enjoy having them all around enormously, and will cherish them even more after your post :-) the grass is always greener at the other side, as the saying goes :-)

I hope your finger keeps getting better every day!

suzanne said...

Dear Jenny

Thasnk you so much for visiting the other day. I love discovering new blogs and try to get around to everyone. I love your hand work. I will be back to look at some quilting tips. I am trying to make a very simple one myself...I hope your creative hand heals soon.

A happy day to you
Warm regards
Suzanne

Abby and Stephanie said...

Nothing shall keep us from doing what we love. Glad you're able to use your hands to keep creating lovely projects.

Colleen's Blog Long Island NY said...

Jenny, so glad that you are working through your finger problems. I have looked in every day to see if you were back. I don't know if I could ever give up coffee. Love your glimpses of the new project

Maggey and Jim said...

Its just a shame about your hand, I am still praying and interesting with the food thing but I have heard lots about that Remifen. I would like to get some of the red clover tea but have never seen it here. So glad you two are having some special time.
Hugs,
Maggey

Red Heads said...

Hello Jenny, I am sorry to read that you have been not too well. I do hope that with time & your new remidies will help you greatly. I really love reading your blog. I get inspired with each one. Take care & know that many of us ladies are thinking of you. Sincerely: Dianne.

edyB said...

So happy to hear that your hand is better ~ but, still take the slow road. Don't overdo! We enjoy your Blog and seeing your beautiful designs but not at the risk of health.
Sending good thoughts...

Dot said...

Oh, Jenny, what heart-breaking news about your finger! I know first-hand, though, that our Father never allows these things to happen without giving us a way through them. It's a testament to His power and our perseverance for us to find a way to keep using our talents! May it help you to realize how many people have been and will continue to be touched and delighted by the gifts that you share.

Love and prayers,
Dot

RobynLouise said...

Glad your fingers are recovering. If you're going the holistic approach you may not need to deprive yourself of coffee. I can't drink instant as it makes my arthritis return with a vengeance but I can drink coffee made from beans... meaning drip filter etc as it hasn't been processed to 'death' like instant and therefore still has the natural antioxidants in it. I also find that my arthritis responds to alfalfa sprouts, either eating them or drinking tea made from them. A couple of cups of sprouts a week does wonders for reducing the swelling and pain! Hope your recovery is rapid and relatively pain free :).

Julia said...

Dear Jenny
I am saddened to hear of your finger problems....I'm glad you are feeling much better and that you are able to use your hands a bit more now.
take care not to overdo it with your hands, it's easy to do when you try to push it that little bit more..
Julia ♥

Isabel said...

Hi Jenny, it is fantastic the way you face the problems, to be positive always helps, well done.
I really think that internet needs to improve, your cake seems delicious, may be some day we could taste it on line ;-D
Have a good weekend.

manda said...

Happy belated bday Mr.E!!
(that's the name of our goldfish! Mr.E! see, we don't know if he's a mr or a miss, so it's a mystery, Mr.E, get it?)Would love the recipe for that cheesecake!
I know what you mean about opiorations and not being able to afford them, but I spose that these doctors are specialists in their field, and the more letters after their names, the more expensive the oporations cost!
Try the E cream.
Love the card Blossom, very well done!
Your new design does indeed look french Jenny!
Gorgeous package from Vikie!!