WOYWW 203 - I'm back! :)

Hi :)

I'm back to the world of crafting. Hopefully for good. :) 

I never shared my little secret with you. If you're bored, carry on reading. It is a fairly long post!

When you look at me you can't tell that there's something different about me. I look and behave like any other human being. But... I suffer from chronic pain. My pain is in my back; lower part of my upper back, my lower back and on top of it I suffer from very nasty sciatica pain in my right leg. 
I manage the pain very well. In my opinion at least. I take medication, at the moment it's Tramadol and a handful of other chemicals, I also use Lidocaine patches. I exercise every day, if I can 3-4 times a day, I go swimming 3 times a week and when I can I walk to work. Most of the time I live a normal life. I work full time, go shopping, have some crafty time and enjoy myself usually together with my other half, Neil. 

Unfortunately chronic pain, apart from causing pain - which sometimes is manageable, has a huge flaw. Flare ups! Flare ups hit, quite often, without a warning and without any reason. You don't have to lift something heavy or trip to upset the balance your body is in. You wake up one day and it hurts. Hurts badly! You know it will not go away, probably for a while, but you still have to live your life.

As you probably guessed I'm sharing my story with you because I am having one of those horrible flare ups. Just wanted to tell someone about it. But... don't think that I'm writing all this to complain and moan. No, on the contrary. 
I had a chance to meet other chronic pain sufferers not that long ago. Ipswich Hospital provides great Pain Clinic service, where the clinical psychologist and a nurse specialist organise seminars. I learnt about pain, how to cope with a flare up, how to live a happy life, but most importantly I had a chance to meet others like me. 
It was an eye opener. Before the seminars I thought I was the one who was suffering the most. That I was the one who was in the most pain. After talking to the others I discovered that there's so many more of us who suffer much more than I do. For some their pain is one huge flare up which never switches off. 
I'm not feeling well at the moment, walking up the stairs, there's only 12 steps in my house, is a struggle. Pain never stops and it feels like someone was drilling holes in my back. 
But still I manage to enjoy my crafty time. I am off sick at the moment so have plenty of it. I listen to music, take breaks very often and craft. I made a lovely gift set, photos at the bottom of this post, and felt so proud of myself. :)

I consider myself lucky.

And now, if you're still with me let's move onto WOYWW with Julia. 

On my desk today... I bought the CD square shelving units some time ago. I was lucky to get them from a buyer in Colchester. They are the best craft storage I have ever had. Perfect size what everything I need.


I also bought two square cubes, one from Argos the other one from Ebay.


My Happy Cut (A4 die cutting machine) is on a book shelf. I prefer to stand when I cut. 


My 12x12inch storage from Staples.  


The gift set I mentioned earlier. I made a card, exploding box and a matching tag. 


The inside of the card. 


The exploding box when closed. 


And when it's opened. 


Thank you for reading. :)


14 comments:

Unknown said...

I love your craft space. The exploding box and card are beautiful. Happy crafting #6

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Maggie,

Your title caught my attention. I have my own set of health issues -- and like you, alot of pain is involved! My email is part of my profile - could you blast me an email so we can have an off-line discussion?

Your desk looks nice and busy. The gift box and card are wonderful!!! Glad you are up to crafting.

Happy WOYWW
Kay (14)

Julia Dunnit said...

Well kudos to you gal, chronic pain is a difficult one to live with..i think you have it in the bag, not letting it control you..great will and talent. Love the gift set, so pretty, the centre of the box is indeed a gift.

ria gall said...

Hi Maggie
I feel your pain, you see I also live with chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia, arthritis and many other things. I run a support group in Colchester for people living with chronic pain you can see details on my blog if you are interested (CPL).
I think you should be very proud of yourself you have done an amazing job with the box, card and tag
Happy WOYWW #203 and thank you for sharing your desk with us today
Ria #60

Unknown said...

Lovely desk. Take care.
Karen #64

susibee said...

I'm sorry that you are in constant pain but you seem very upbeat.

I love your card and exploding box:)

Happy WOYWW. Susi #61

Helen said...

I did read right through and wish to applaud you for your attitude (and I don't want to sound patronising, as I don't mean to). I absolutely love your storage solutions - those cubes are fabulous, they do indeed look ideal for purpose. Have a good - and as pain-free as you can - week! Helen, 2 xx

Lynn Holland said...

I too read through your blog post and through other people's comments. I've noticed before how many bloggers suffer with chronic pain. Bless all of you for not letting it get the better of you and all of you for sharing your wonderful gift of crafting. There are some pretty spectacular things being made and we are all so lucky that we can see it.
Keep crafting, keep smiling, you are a star.

Stitching Lady said...

Lovely order and beautiful things going on.

April said...

I hope that your flare up ends soon. You have a very positive outlook and I am sure that helps. Your card and box are beautiful. April #119

Almo said...

Hi Maggie, constant pain must be a terrible thing to have live with, I really feel for you, and admire your strength to stay positive. I love your exploding box & card with those very pretty flowers. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog. Take care Hugs Mo x #29

VonnyK said...

What a wonderful strong person you are for not letting the pain get to you. You have my admiration. I was wondering what an exploding box was but it is fabulous, such a clever idea and all those storage boxes, I could do with tons of them.
Stay strong, wish I could make the pain go away.
Have a great week.
Von #28

Unknown said...

I was very much taken with your description of your illness. My heart goes out to you and I'm in awe of how well you are managing and your positive attitude! And that you are getting help and support!!! Anyway, I love your desk area! You are so organized!!! Love your card and exploding box. Very cool! Thanks for visiting and happy belated WOYWW!!
Carol N #104

Darnell said...

Great desk area, Maggie! And I appreciate your sharing your struggle; I'm not unfamiliar with what you live with. Good job on your attitude and hope to see you next week! Darnell #52

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Thank you for your comment! Each and every one makes me smile! :) Maggie x

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