Sewing has been part of my life, in one form or another, since I was seven years old. I was always creating and making. Cross stitch, dolls clothes, candle wicking, patchwork, bags, clothing and now my sewing and pattern making is my career- it never occurred to me that anything would change or affect this. I really took good health for granted. So it was an enormous worry when chronic pain and inflammation set in. The hardest part of all, was that my only presentation was in my hands. My dominant hand being more affected.

For months, I just expected things to get better. My productivity, in ever area, declined. Things as simple as pouring hot water from a kettle and holding a mug of tea were now challenges that caused pain and discomfort. Worst of all, I wasn’t completely sure what was going on. I considered arthritis, but was terrified to acknowledge it. My experience of arthritis was seeing both my grandmothers suffer in a most awful way, with no relief or remedy. This was a terrifying thought – surely not my reality.

After opening up about my pain in conversations with friends and family, I was advised to see a Rheumatologist. I booked my appointment and within two months I was in the waiting room.

A wonderful and kind doctor who confirmed my fears. After blood tests I was officially diagnosed with Non-Specific Arthritis. I really thought that was it – a change in lifestyle and interests. Unbeknown to me, there are medicines that can treat arthritis effectively. I was delighted to find out that I was wrong. My prescription included a strong anti-inflammatory (for initial treatment only) and a (semi) chronic medication that, quite frankly, has been life changing.

It took a few months to feel almost normal again. Although I don’t feel it is 100% back to my normal pain free mobility in my hands, it is pretty close. I can do everything I did before, which is really quite incredible.

Every now and then I have breakthrough pain and swelling, but it seems to settle down after a course of anti-inflammatories. I am beginning to do more research into foods that can aggravate arthritis, so that I can manage this disease more holistically.

I consider myself so fortunate, that to a large extent I can manage my pain. This journey of mine has now made me acutely aware of other sewists managing disabilities and diseases and how this affects their ability to continue with the things they love. I will never take good health for granted again!