Muscular Weakness?

[randie58]

I've been having some issues related to my Muscular Dystrophy that has made stamping increasingly difficult. I know you know the feeling when I say I have NO desire to stop, so I'd like to hear from others afflicted with MD, MS, RA, etc, that also battle this issue. What products make stamping easier for you? Do any of you use the lever made by Marvy, I think, that is supposed to allow easy use of punches? Does it work? Any tricks or tips you've found to help would also be appreciated. Thanks so much!

Randie

[scrappinforNate]

Hi Randie-
I have Lupus and arthritis as a result though I have been in remission but I know some things that would make it easier- the lever punches definitely, a cutter instead of always using scissors, and get up every 15 mins or so out of the chair to stretch so your body doesn't get tired- make sure you have a good chair. I regret workingon a card for and hr and 30 mins last night because I could feel it in my knees afterwards!! Also using a coluzzle instead of a cuttlebug when you're tired- it takes some effort to push that through the machine sometimes!

Hope this gives you a little help!
Kelley

[The MFT Lady]

Hi! I have a personal power punch and power punch upgrade kit which works wonders for the traditional push down center type of punches. I am thinking/wondering if it would work as well for stamping???
http://www.franticstamper.com/Punch_tools.htm

[MaryEileen]

I didn't realize there was a heavy duty power punch. Thank you so much. I have to ask my DH to punch the button style punches for me. Eileen

[kphorse]

I went to the EK Success Curvy Cutter system to ease the pain from cutting out and punching so much.

Then I shifted to the round acrylic blocks that have finger grips (what a pleasure to work with) and all of my stamps have been unmounted. There is so much less weight and bulk to handle with unmounted stamps.

I also got the two block buddies from TAC that help me to use all of my acrylic blocks easier.

I got a really good chair and a foot rest to help ease the back stain.

I went to all spots and Dew Drops for my inks as they are easier to handle and i try to keep my things organized so the items I use the most are within arms reach.

And best of all, I learned to understand, there are days I just can't do it, relasx, and then enjoy the days I can.

[MSBetsyZ]

Wow, I can't think of any more to add, really. Umm...make sure you have GOOD light so you're not straining to see...that makes your muscles tense and you WILL feel it in the morning.

The punch pals do really work. I have to say though that I've switched to purchasing the "tail" punches exclusively. They are much, much easier to hold and to work.

REST when you need to. Actually, do it before you need to. If you're anything like me, you wait until you're in too much pain or too exhausted, and that takes longer to recover from.

OK, it seems I had one or two things to say, lol. Just remember to pace yourself, and remember that there may just be things that you cannot do today.

Hugs,
Betsy

[Cathy H]

All I can add is KEEP STAMPING !! It is my therapy.

[jen9853]

I also have Lupus and RA, and yes, there are days that the motivation is NOT there. I may go weeks without actually stamping when I'm having a bad flare.

Yes, the lever punches are SO MUCH EASIER

In addition to everything mentioned:

Cropadile - much easier than pounding eyelets. Of course, with my hands, I can't squeeze it like normal, so I put one of the handles against the table and push the other handle with my hand.

I recently remodeled my stamp room and installed a bar-height stamp table with a barstool and foot stool, instead of a desk. Much easier because if you stamp standing up sometimes like I do, you don't have to hunch over.

I also find that liquid glue is easier on my hands, as I don't have to push down so hard to get things to stick like with the Mono (SNAIL) adhesive or glue stick.

And, last of all... GOOD SHARP SCISSORS, for when you have to use scissors. I have nice Fiskar's scissors, the reverse-open ones... they stay open all of the time, and you squeeze gently to close them, then release to open back up... you only have to work your hands for one direction (closed) instead of both like normal scissors (close AND open). They also have very big, straight handles, which are good for when your hands/knuckles are swollen. They are like these, but not exact... mine are older and must be discontinued.