SCROLLSAW703 Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I'm recuperating from my 2nd back surgery. Going thru physical & hydrotherapy. I finally convinced my surgeon to let me go back to my shop, or I was movin' in with him. But, he told me I couldn't spend more than two hours a day at the saw.😒 And I'm not able to lift much yet, so I have to find other things in the shop to do. l've got lathe work to do, but I have to do a little at a time. It's not like I don't have plenty to do, I'm doin' my best to follow dr's orders. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complainin', I'm fightin' frustration. Do you? And how do handle it? lawson56 and tomsteve 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawson56 Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 Brad I know just what your going thru.I have had 2 back surgeries.in the Lumbar region.After my 2nd one I could not return to work.Had to draw Disability.That's when I started doing wood work.Until then I was going nuts.I wasn't the type to set still.I took me a month to recover from my 2nd one,So hang in there. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye10 Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have neuropathy in my feet and the doctor says there is no cure. I can only spend a limited amount of time in the shop a day. This is the the main reason I started scrolling. I can sit while scrolling. I also found that I like scrolling way better than I thought I would. I find that even if I go to the shop and piddle around "a southern term meaning goof off" it gets me out of the house and my mind off other things. In life you just have to deal with what is throwed at you and make the best of it. lawson56 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have no limitations in the shop but I can only imagine what you're going through. I've seen videos of folks scrolling and turning with their feet so I told my wife if I loose the use of my arms it just means I have to learn to use my feet. Good luck with the healing process and don't push it too much. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I went through this after having surgery for Ulner nerve damage in both arms. Patience is a must to get through it. Prays for a quick and complete recovery for you. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Sliver Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have macular degeneration, so I have to really concentrate to see the blade and the line. Forget silhouettes which are not line drawings. Fortunately, Irfanview can create line drawings of most it not all solid color silhouettes. You do what you have to do. Silver Sliver lawson56, SCROLLSAW703 and WayneMahler 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye10 Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have macular degeneration, so I have to really concentrate to see the blade and the line. Forget silhouettes which are not line drawings. Fortunately, Irfanview can create line drawings of most it not all solid color silhouettes. You do what you have to do. Silver Sliver Duane I had cataract a few months ago and it helped me see again. Like you I can't do silhouettes because I loose the blade in the black. They need to make some dayglo blades. What do think about that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleApple Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 Duane I had cataract a few months ago and it helped me see again. Like you I can't do silhouettes because I loose the blade in the black. They need to make some dayglo blades. What do think about that? Hmm...dayglo blades, I like the sound of that. I always lose the blade in black lines, so I try to print the patterns in grey...not working either. I tried red a couple nights ago, that seemed to help. Jim Finn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoney Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 Well Brad I have a bad back, and ole Arthur has come to visit in my hands and decided to stay. I have my limitations but it is what it is. I think you would do well to listen to the doctor and don't over do it. My oldest and youngest brothers both had back surgery many years ago. The oldest followed the doctor's instructions and did quite well. The youngest didn't go slow in recovery and as a result has had 6 surgeries including two fusions. He now can't even put socks on or tie his shoes. My dad used to say this getting old stuff ain't for sissies but he took care of himself, listened to his body, and lived to be 91. I think he figured it out just about right. Good luck with your recovery. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have had the back surgery thing, and cannot sit and scroll for more than around 20 minutes at a time. So I have many little projects going. I scroll a while get up and move around doing other things for a while. The computer is close by I check in here often, I go outside and pick up dog poop or just walk around for a while and then go back and scroll a little more. I get by, and enjoy what I can do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blights69 Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I too have back issues mainly the base of my spine is no longer curved but almost straight this forced me to have to stop my job as a kitchen/bathroom bedroom fitter but having been on the tools for all my life I was going stir crazy so took this up around 3-4 months ago. I cannot sit too long so do a bit leave it a bit I also scroll standing on bad days as well that helps but it is what it is you are dealt certain cards it all depends how you play them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim McDonald Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 There was gentleman on one of the other boards who lost use of his right hand and arm and did some amazing one-handed work. (Of course, he was right-handed to begin and had to relearn everything). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl S Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have lower back problems with 'Arthur" I was told by my Doc.to get a lumbar cushion, and it has really made a difference when sitting for long periods,I use it all the time now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuner Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have back and leg problems which prevents me from doing a lot, sounds to me like your doing the right thing fight the frustration don't let it get u down. I guess the idea is be happy with what u can do not mad at what u can't.. my self and many others have no expectations of getting better but you don't give up. You live with it See that.... I FEEL BETTER ALREADY 🙆🙆🙆 SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edward Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I go for an ex ray on my lower back and spine on Friday, went to a Chiropractor the other day for treatment, as I have pain in the lower back and on occassions it runs down the leg, not all the time, also have rotator cuff problems, sometimes it bothers me when scrolling, I try to limit myself to fifteen minutes, get up and walk a bit then back to the saw. other then that I'am fine. edward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCROLLSAW703 Posted February 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 Thank you for the input. I drove truck OTR for 35 years, & my lower back finally gave out. I to have arthritus in the back from the truck. My hands give me problems, too. I appreciate the support from you gentlemen. Ya helped me get thru the day! I miss being able to sit down & cut out a project like I used to. Now it seems like it takes forever! Thanks again for your time. Enjoy your day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sycamore67 Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have had spinal fusion in the lumbar region . As is typical, I still have chronic back and leg pain. It does limit me at times but it is one reason I started scroll sawing a few years ago. I have a great chair with back support. A few months ago, my pain management doctor helped me to get surgery for implanting a spinal cord stimulator. It injects an electrical signal into my spinal cord and has greatly reduced the pain and allowed longer shop time. The stimulator is a high tech device with a lot of programming options. If someone is interested in it, please pm me. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkey Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 Yes I know what you are going through. I have had three neck surgeries. I have C4, C5, C6 and C7 fused together and two metal plates with eight screws. If I can sit at the saw for 1.5 hours I am doing good. SCROLLSAW703 and tomsteve 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbrowning Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 No back problems for me (knock on wood). But i do have tingling in my hands after I have been scroll sawing for a while. Doc says I need to find a new hobby. I don't think that will happen. Too many things to do. Jim SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sycamore67 Posted February 22, 2017 Report Share Posted February 22, 2017 I also have problems with my hands/wrists. Basically, the wrist joint on both hands wore out with bone on bone. I was really scared about the future. Fortunately, I found a world class hand surgeon at Rush Hospital in Chicago. He had written many papers and one on my exact condition and surgery to correct it. Not only had he written the papers but was the best doctor I have met and explained everything to me. The surgery on a wrist took almost 4 hours. The recovery was really painful but the results are a miracle. I am careful with my hand and wrists now and look for any way to take pressure off them. I have made small push sticks or v-sticks and remind myself to not put so much pressure on the wood. The key to many of my physical problems is to take time to look at how I am doing things and find a way to do it with less pressure off my joints. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted February 23, 2017 Report Share Posted February 23, 2017 You guys that have a hard time seeing the blade...........try printing your patterns in red. My vision is good but I can see the blade better with a red pattern. davd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Finn Posted February 23, 2017 Report Share Posted February 23, 2017 (edited) If I sit too long my lower back hurts a bit so I just stand for a while. (even while watching TV) I do not have pain at my scroll saws because I have the stands made to put the table of my scroll saw at chest level as I sit in my office type chair. This keeps my back up straight. Works very well for me. My saw is level, not raised in the rear. I once had shoulder problems but have learned to keep my elbows down as low as I can as I scroll. No more shoulder issues. I used to have pain with my right thumb as I scrolled. To fix this I cut my shop time down to six hours a day. No problems in my shop work at all now ......so far. Edited February 23, 2017 by Jim Finn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted February 23, 2017 Report Share Posted February 23, 2017 I'm recuperating from my 2nd back surgery. Going thru physical & hydrotherapy. I finally convinced my surgeon to let me go back to my shop, or I was movin' in with him. But, he told me I couldn't spend more than two hours a day at the saw. And I'm not able to lift much yet, so I have to find other things in the shop to do. l've got lathe work to do, but I have to do a little at a time. It's not like I don't have plenty to do, I'm doin' my best to follow dr's orders. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complainin', I'm fightin' frustration. Do you? And how do handle it? Arthritis has a good hold of me,scrolling has been a blessing to me as i worked with my hands all my life.I was a handyman tradesman over 30 years.Now i still feel a sense of accomplishment creating beautiful art work in wood.walking and standing is the worst for pain.everything i need is a roll away on my office chair. The less i'm on my feet the better.My computer keyboard is full of saw dust being a roll away from the saw,band saw ,paint area, drill presses, table router sanders etc. It's a mess in here but i'm at peace with the world scrolling. I scroll bare foot as putting on shoes is out of the question.My bed is full of saw dust . All part of the scenario of not being able to help my self much.It is what it is. Wood working has been my worst of skills God turned it around being disabled and now it's my best skill. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djhwoodwerks Posted February 23, 2017 Report Share Posted February 23, 2017 I have arthritis in both my hips, which has caused them both to collapse. My right hip has been bad for about 15 years and my left for about a year. 24/7 pain, so standing at the saw makes no difference for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Lehner Posted February 23, 2017 Report Share Posted February 23, 2017 Well, I am getting up in the years by some peoples standards... Had a double Heart bypass 23 years ago this May. Also have neuropathy in my feet. Biggest problem is lack of circulation in legs due to some of the arteries in the lower legs being blocked 100% and the remaining about 50%... Doctor says keep walking as much as I can. I do most of my sawing standing so I have to move around quite often... checking my computer in the shop, changing music etc. I have my saw elevated so I don't have to bend over. If I stand too long without moving my feet get really sore..... Have a stool about bar stool height to sit. Unplug the foot switch and continue on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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