Next week I start a new medication for my MS. It’s an infusion that takes hours to do. That means I’ll be stuck in a chair at the clinic for 3 hours or so the first two times and then 6 hours every six months thereafter. And one arm will be tied up. And you need to wait an hour after the infusion is finished to be sure there is no reaction.
I am not looking forward to this.
I could read and I probably will. I suppose I could relax enough to sleep, but I’m not counting on that. So I’m planning on stitching. Because I know I will only have one hand available I bought a K’s lap stand to hold my stitching. I figure you guys are a world of advice, so I would love your suggestions.
Do I bring something easy (all Tent)? Do I bring a WIP (so i feel as if I had accomplished something)? Do I reserve a piece just for the infusions?
Any collective advice would be most appreciated.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Catherine says
Janet, good luck with your therapy. I just finished a chemo treatment for breast cancer that took a year (once every three weeks) – not like other chemo treatments I didn’t lose my hair. However, if they give you Benadryl to prevent reactions, I found it put me to sleep. After a while I told them (and the doctor agreed) that I didn’t want it any more. That Benadryl was like mainlining it! Anyway, those clinic chairs can get crowded so you may want to check out the space first before bringing any kind of a stand = just to be sure it won’t interfere with the standing IV equipment. My advice is to just bring a book and leave the stitching at home where you can relax doing it. My best to you. Cathy Weber
Jeannette Tombaugh says
I would reserve a piece to work on just for the infusions. A couple of years I broke my my hand and I had to stitch with one hand. I wokred on only one piece when my hand was broken. It gave me the sense of accomplishment. I would suggest that you thread up needles that you will be working with prior to going. The hardest part for me was threading needles with one hand.
Nancy says
I think it would depend on how you and your body react to the situation. Perhaps you might want to take a book the first time and see how things go. Then make a decision. I have a friend who is in dialysis and she just plays it by ear and has a couple of bags with different things in them. I don’t know how different your procedure is. Hers varies from time to time:. Sometimes very easy and sometimes not. Sometimes she just meditates. Fingers are crossed for you ?
Only post if this is not offensive to you.
Susan Fletcher says
Check out the Spinster Stitcher’s blog for what she stitches during dialysis. She also watches FlossTube. https://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2019/06/blog-post_26.html
Darcy Walker says
Bring something simple – your attention will wander. Bring something you will gift – you may not want a reminder of this experience hanging around. Also making a gift will have you feel as if you are being productive. Use 13 count canvas – easier with one hand. Or do cross stitch – keeps you focused on a chart.
Think about pre- threading your needles. A lot of them – that is hard to do one handed.
And knit thread ends in advance if that is what you need. I like the Ehrman canvases for this kind of thing.
Good luck.
Christy Roseveare says
I think a piece for just the infusions would be nice. And definitely something simple – all tent. My dad went through this years ago. Wish I had been a stitcher then.
DI SC says
Janet,
First, best of luck with the new med and the infusion process.
Second, I would definitely take something simple and set aside projects just for the infusion. Anything too complex might temp you to use the arm taking the infusion – even with the lap stand – and that would be a no-no. Plus, if the first project is a relatively simple one it will give you a feel for what you can and cannot do during the procedure.
Next, you shouldn’t feel like you haven’t accomplished something! Just think of all the projects you’ll be able to work on if for no other reason than to keep you from climbing the walls during the procedure!
Vivian Wood says
A tablet! Maybe not what you’re asking for, but personally, I don’t enjoy stitching in challenging situations. I would take my travel stitching bag (with a small simple piece) just in case but have an alternative. My tablet slips perfectly into the side of my bag and there’s room for necessities (tissues, lip balm, etc.) so you might not need to also carry a purse. On the tablet you can play silly games like Candy Crush, which can kill a lot of time. You can switch over and read books, the news, your email, or shop. The next best thing to stitching is shopping for stitching stuff! Or you could listen to things, perhaps meditation or relaxing or “healing” music.
I hope it goes well for you and good luck with it all!
Katherine Becker says
One bit of advice no matter what you choose….precut a bunch of threads, and thread up their needles…..both cutting and threading the needle might be difficult and having them all ready to go will make life easier!
Francys Duniven says
Why don’t you try several small projects and see which one works the best for you. Or try them out at home before you go. Good luck to you
Ellen Andes says
Maybe a small sampler of your favorite stitches done with your favorite yarns. Easy, but interesting enough to keep your mind occupied.
Sending you good vibes!
Robin Hargett says
I would do a trial run at home with your stand to see what you are going to be able to do. Once you figure out the stand with the one hand I would do whatever project brings you joy. Good luck to you Janet!
Maryrose Cline-Buso says
First of all, Janet, May am so sorry you are joining “The Infusion Gang.”” A few non needlepoint advice: get a nice warm fuzzy blanket from CVS or Bed, Bath and Beyod to take with you. Hospital blankets, no matter how warm, d not stay warm long. Second, take snacks you like and something you like to drink. Hopefully your lunches will be better than at most MedInfusion units. Take an iPad with a charger – if you have Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu you can generally watch them.
Now, on to Needlepoint, I pick small pieces that are easy to do, don’t require much in the way of really complicated stitches or embellishments, and make me feel good.. I do WIP’s (old and newer) and small pieces (like Two Sisters shifts — I just finished one) and Jody Valentine pieces and right now I’m doing Alice Peterson’s “Coffee Girls.” I am lucky in that I have a port in my chest so both my hands are free – but i get infusions of Potassium 2x a week. GOOD LUCK!
Rae Berkowitz says
I think I would bring something cheerful and easy – not too big and maybe 14 mesh not smaller.
I do admire your courage and hope these treatments work well for you.
Rae
Brenda M Cote says
So sorry you have to go through this. I’ve never tried one-handed stitching and can imagine it’s going to take some practice. Bet you’re the one who’ll do it with ease. I occasionally read a blog called the Spinster Stitcher who writes about her adventures undergoing dialysis 3 times a week. She does some stitching and watching Floss Tube while there. She’s very upfront and honest about what is involved.
I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
judy fenner says
Well I go every 4 months for an RA infusion that lasts app 2 hours. I take a small needlepoint (one arm has needles but is not tied down) (not always the same needlepoint – whatever strikes my fancy) (a snack if you are allowed) (and my beloved coffee) a kindle book, (they also have big screen tv’s in every room and lots of movies to choose from – sometimes there are other people and we chat (knitting – something easy) I look like I am moving in – but I can not sleep – so I go prepared!!!
Diane says
I’ve been undergoing infusions for years. Try to take a positive view. Hopefully this infusion will help with your MS. Be sure to tell your doctor EVERYTHING, the good, the bad, and the ugly!
View infusion day like a mini vacation. Wear comfortable clothing. If you have a Kindle or iPad, bring those. Also, any music or podcasts, with appropriate ear buds. Definitely bring your needlework (I stick to something fairly easy). If the chairs are close enough, engage with other patients. They will be more than happy to share their stories. And last, either bring a meal (nothing too odorous, for those that are sensitive to smells), or have a friend stop by with a treat (I always have a slice of chocolate cake brought to me by my husband).
Good luck!
Mariyn says
You might contact Coni Rich blogging as Spinster Stitcher.; also she is a contibutor in Needlepoint Now. She has to go through kidney dyalisis three times a week and is an expert on stitching in these situations. (Check Chilly Hollow’s web for Coni’s blog. Best wishes.
Pat Petri says
Yes, easy stitches that only require the use of one hand, no laying tool, no knots, no fiddlly stitches. Pre-thread as many needles as you think you will need. You’ll develop new skills and knowledge each time and start a whole new trend! Good luck with the treatments.
Victoria says
I have infusions as well. I always ask the nurse to put the needle somewhere other than the crook of my arm. So I can do needlepoint. If you bend your arm and there’s a needle in there, the alarm beeps.
Carol Classe says
Janet, may I offer my prayers and positive thoughts for the success of your treatments. So many good suggestions have been given. I would add that you request the IV be put in your non dominant hand/wrist. I found I could stitch with my “connected” hand under my canvas and with my elbow on the chair arm. Try to choose a chair with good lighting. If things are difficult, just give in to sleep and awake refreshed and grateful things went well!
Take care,
Carol Classe
P.J. says
Take a book the first time, but you will possibly find you will be distracted the first time by what may be going on around you.
If you are going to stitch, I would take lots of needles all ready with the threads you will be using.
Helene says
I would load a movie on an iPad or Kindle Fire. (Bring your headphones, too.) Pick something light that you’ve been meaning to watch. Or a good book by a favorite author. I would skip the stitching for now.
Good luck with your therapy. Hope it keeps you in a remission state.
Janette Wilson says
Janet, Good luck with your infusions. I have had Infusions since Oct. 2015 once every 3 weeks for Breast Cancer Stage IV. I would suggest that you bring small projects, so you have a choice. In addition, the suggestion already posted to bring a soft blanket is a great one. M husband teases me because I always have my soft blanket, a small pillow and cold water. I also bring my phone or IPAD so I can read, listen to music, or just browse the internet. I haven’t taken something to stitch, because There are a lot of interruptions. I also never brought papers to grade! I have always called my infusion day “My Spa Day”. I do whatever I feel like doing on those days and usually come home and take a nap. Good luck!
Janet M Perry says
We call the vet’s the “kitty spa” so I guess this can be “Mommy’s spa.” Luckily the parking lot has a Starbucks on the first floor, so I intend to stock up with goodies. And, God knows I have plenty to read.
I love the pre-threaded needles so many folks had suggested, I had never thought of that!
Keep stitching,
Janet
Janet M Perry says
My neurologist told me they do non-dominant arm & don’t put it in the crook of the elbow, so I am hopeful thodse things won’t be a problem. The last time i took Bendryl (45+ years ago) I slept for 18 hours. As a result, I have NO idea what to expect.
Keep stitching,
Janet
Donna Braham says
So sorry you are having to deal with this. What a bummer!! When I had rotator cuff surgery (on my dominant side, of course!), stitching was a real challenge. I didn’t get a lot accomplished, but I was able to do some on a standing frame. Good luck, Janet! We all sure hope these treatments will help, because if they do, it will all have been worth it!
Nancee says
I pray that your new treatments/medicine works well for you. I found that when I did needlepoint during my chemo treatments (3 hours at a time for 20 weeks), it was good in that it was calming, no great thinking involved and easier if I did tent stitching. Space for supplies, etc. might be a little sparse, as I found with all the tubes snaking from my port to the infusion machine, etc. plus the beeping of the machine every time a medicine bag was emptied and hung was rather distracting when reading but not as much when needlepointing. I would say needlepoint but just remember it might get in the way of tubing, etc. plus the one arm that has the IV in it might bother you during needlepointing, even when using a stand. Also, will the stand get in the way of the nurses, machines, etc.? I wish you the best.
Janet M Perry says
Thanks so much, all the prayers helped, because it went well. I’ll do an update ass Thursday’s blog post.
Keep stitching,
Janet
Terry Rohr says
Janet, I am so sorry to hear this. I’m just catching up on my email and saw this posting along with update after the infusion. Sending prayers and thoughts your way for all the best.