The struggle is real

I managed to finish something. It is just a baby quilt. My friend Lynn gave me this fabric. It was simple and easy to put together. I quilted this on my domestic, since I am not really able to use my longarm at the moment. I am out of practice, but it is a simple meandering so no big deal. I used a holiday blanket I got for the back. It is super soft, which I love. I did not have a need for this quilt when I made it, so I will just set it aside for the right moment.

The Struggle – So, my most recent visit to the doctor was not a pleasant one. I was told not to expect much more that what I already have. Be grateful I am walking. Most people with your spinal injury never walk again. Ugh. Took that to heart. I am no where near where I was less than a year ago. I can walk about 500 ft. before my legs want to give out. I can stand a few minutes before I need to sit down. I am still attending physical therapy and they claim that my strength has gotten better. I have zero stamina.

This affects my life in every way imaginable. I cant do things with the family that I would like to do. I can’t do the things I would like to do. I do manage to sew, but stick to small pieces because they are easier to manage. Not as heavy to try to push through a domestic machine and well, the long arm…that involves standing and some strength. I waited years to have one. Have not had it long, but cannot currently use it. It is heart breaking to me.

Let’s not mention that I have had continual ear infections, all kinds of stomach problems, and a racing heart since I have had this surgery. Of course, nothing is related to the surgery itself, so they say. Test after test after test, which tells us nothing.

So, my mental happy place is my sewing room. I do force myself to go in there. I do try and work on things. It is not the way it used to be. I am hoping this is not my new normal, but I just don’t know.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

27 thoughts on “The struggle is real”

  2. We are going to keep praying, Lori. You are a survivor, and I believe you will beat these odds and improve, because you are just plain stubborn! Your stress levels for the past two years have been incredible, it’s no surprise your healing is very slow. Be patient with yourself and keep leaning on Jesus, He’s got you!

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  3. Try to focus on the good things that you can do, and push yourself to keep trying to do what you can with the walking. If you give up you will lose it. Keep trying, a little bit at a time. It’s so good that you have the sewing and that you’re so good at it. Hang in there!

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  4. Hi Lori!
    That is a cute quilt! I’m so glad that you were able to get it completed!
    My heart goes out to you! It is SO hard when you can’t do what you want. Hopefully, with your determination you can prove the doctors wrong! Just keep behaving yourself, resting when you need to rest, eating well, and doing what you can do! HUGS!

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  5. Hi Lori! I wish I could offer you a great suggestion that would solve everything. There isn’t an easy answer, though. Stamina isn’t something that comes back quickly – I speak from first hand experience. Being able to walk 500 feet is a start! If you could push yourself to walk one extra foot before you sit and rest, that’s an improvement. I am 100% certain that you are impatient, and want to be back to ‘normal’ by now. It’s not the way it used to be YET. You can get there, Lori. You can! I can truly understand your frustration. You are going to the top of my prayer list – just see if you don’t notice/feel a difference tomorrow. We are all here – believing in you and supporting you. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne

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  6. So sorry to hear about your struggles. It certainly is very frustrating to have to limit the things you want to do. Funny, they always tell us that when you retire you can do all those things you didn’t have time for, but they forgot to tell us that we would not be able to physically do them for long. Oh well, try to enjoy what minutes of sewing you can. Love the cute quilt.

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  7. It’s always hard to face an uphill battle. Try to stay positive in the place your at and keep pushing forward and enjoy what you can do – prayers and positive thoughts. Thats an adorable baby quilt. My daughter is named Fawn so this one I especially love.

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  8. Praying for healing for you Lori. My struggle with healing from foot surgery 13 months ago and having to have another surgery next month is nothing compared to your struggle. You are in my thoughts and orayers.

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  9. The will to do something is sometimes far more important than what the doctor says is possible. Stay steady, stay on course, stay positive, keep pushing. Every bit you do pushes the envelope a little farther. I will add you back into my prayers. Treat yourself to things you want, or that cheer you up. I hope your family is supportive, and I suspect they are. You saw miracles happen with your daughter, and they are happening with you, too. Love, Susan

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    1. P. S. I feel your pain on the longarm! I can’t use mine right now either, plus it was giving me problems before all this cancer junk started. Bah humbug! The deer quilt is still cute and it’s a finish and you will be glad you have it when the need comes up.

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      1. So likely, I think it’s true. You have done so much for all of them, I think they are miserable for you but glad to return some of the love. =) Thank you for having me in mind. I am praying for you.

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  11. Do your best to take joy in the small successes. Physical therapy will give you the tools to help you regain some of your strength. Please don’t lose heart. Do what you can when you can. Let go of some of the things that you don’t mind letting go of. Your quilt is adorable. It will be a blessing to anyone who receives it.

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