Just a small quick blog. I noticed reading thru some posts that there seems to be a few knitters or ex-knitters amoung the RA group. I was an avid Knitter in my youth! This is not a common skill nowadays so how many of us is there? Is there a connection? 
Medically speaking of course.! x
Hi Gina, no not me never knitted in my life, couldn't do it now anyway.Like Lyn RA has badly affected both of my wrists, and quite a few of my finger have large nodules on and still so stiff I can hardly bend them, ah well! But, I always remember my mom knitting, those needles clickty click, clicky click!!
Those were the days!
mand xx
No I dont knit, appart from the blanket squares we knitted in school, I dont think I would be able to now either 
hmm never good knit dr who wobbly scarf was my limit , sewing is a no to just about do a button!, now cooking any more recipred any one!!!???? xx
Never knitted in my life and hands won't allow it now! My Mum, however, knits almost everyday and notices that when she hasn't done any knitting her hands and fingers are more stiff and sore. She suffers with OA but I suppose it's the same issue of exercising the joints and keeping them mobile! Much prefer baking
Hi Gina, I have chronic RA, have had knuckles repaired in right hand, tendon repairs in both hands, but I still knit when I can. The problem I find is my shoulders, as in both, the Rota Cuff tendons are torn & unrepairable. RA is a horrible unpredictable disease, but I try to not it limit me to what I cannot do!!!!
Interesting 'Peapod'. I have had RA for a similar length of time to you and likewise similar number of ops. I need some knuckle and finger joint replacements but knees to be done first!
How are you finding living in Spain? I love the heat and am usually so much better on my summer holiday; except last year but that was an exception!
Lyn x
Hi Lyn, how long have you had the dreaded RA?
I have had it for 20yrs, following the birth of my daughter!!!, nobody else has had it in the familly.
We only moved to Spain in January, my husband took early retirement!
At the moment I am fine apart from shoulders, considering I should have had a infusion in November before we came over, but due to hospital cutbacks, didn't happen.
Am waiting for DWP to sort out my S1 then I will be at the doc's here, to be referred to a Rhuematologist.
I also have terrible itchy skin & alopecia, but both seem to be improving. (both auto immune) So hopefully the climate is suiting me, even though the weather has not settled yet.
How many ops, have you had? I have had 11 in 9 years, & really do not want any more. At 52 it takes longer & longer for body to recover!!!
What meds are you on?
Look forward to your reply.
Peapod xx
Hi Gina
never been a knitter, but am a sewer, I have adapted my way of holding material, now use a frame for embroidery. My fingers don't like me to do it for too long now.
Like Jo my M in law had osteo and found knitting very painful but she kept at it until her last few months.
gentle hugs to all
Tricia
Ahha. Well now you mention it, I have knitted or England. I once knitted a double ply version of the Taj Mahal. No not really,but I have done lots of jumpers gloves hats, waistcoats. I have also done aran knitted jumpers and cardies. I can't do it now, got no grip. Ever since I had my carpet tunnel probs. I miss it. I used to watch the telly and knit at the same time. I could say Ah I remember that cardy I knitted that watching Bergerac and stuff like that!
I might try again some day.
I really used to like knitting, got it from my Gran who was brilliant with the needles. I've made all sorts, jumpers, aran sweaters (lots of), scarves, mitts, baby clothes. Alas no more! Have to stick with jigsaws now for hand exercise!!
Lyn x
I have noticed that a lot of women have said it started after childbirth (RA not the knitting!). So perhaps we ought to re-consider procreation> No seriusly there are lot of ladies who have said this, and I had my first carpel tunnel operation after I gave birth and haven't really been right since... but that's another story
One of the things I was most devastated by in my RA (saveloy fingers) early days was not being able to knit. Knitting is my first love (my husband asks me to put it down!). My lifetime hobby gone: I was totally bereaved at the time because I couldn't move my hands properly
Ah Andrea, I was devastated not to be able to go on long walks anymore we all have something we lost, but I am beginning to think we gained other things too
Hi Gina, just read your post about knitting - better late than never!
I'm a knitter who still knits but has had to adapt because of my RA. Somedays I can't knit at all, other days I can knit but have to regulate how long I do it for. I find knitting on circular bamboo needles less painful and have just heard about square needles which are meant to be even better but I haven't tested them yet.
I find the rhythm of knitting relaxing and miss it when I can't do it. Now I tend to knit smaller items like hats, scarves, toys or bags as they come together quite quickly and I still get that sense of achievement that I have completed something.
Don't think there is a connection between knitting and RA as my lower limb joints are affected too and I've never knitted with my knees or feet
Me too doing the jigsaws instead of knitting... It's just something to pick up and put down as i feel like it.
RA and dehydration
Cure for RA........
RA alone
