... a basket weave and floral design. Apparently, my eye sight is even worse than I think because I was absolutely positive that it was an abstract design - VBG (very big grin) - and it's not. Now that I know what it really looks like, I'm not even sure I like it! Too funny. Yesterday was one of those days.
The detail above is of a cardigan I saw at Winner's last fall. It's knit with a lace overlay on the front only. The back and sleeves are plain. The full garment is below. The RTW version didn't fit me well or I would have bought it. Ever since, I've been going to copy it and ...
... finally... yesterday... pulled out the pieces and started. Luckily, I began with the front. In my mind, this embroidered ribbon over organza fabric (from stash) has always been the perfect overlay until...
... I laid it over the pattern piece and realized that the motifs were spaced too far apart to be of any use - which was fine - because I knew I had another lace in my lingerie stash that might work if there was enough and if not, there's another lace at work that might work, or, for sure there's one at the Fabricland in Salmon Arm that will do the trick. So I carried on.
My version was going to be inspired by the Winner's cardigan as opposed to a direct copy of it. I wanted to rib the entire back as well as the section below the waist on the front, use a plain knit for the sleeves, and add more ribbing around the neck and front opening with buttons and buttonholes. I chose the fabric and started ribbing and didn't like it so I'll finish this ribbed section and use it along with the unribbed fabric to create a t-shirt and get something else for the cardigan. You'll get the rest of the story later - The Cardigan Copy - Part Two. I have another fabric in mind. It too is at the Fabricland in Salmon Arm. Designing this cardigan still tickles. Eventually, it'll get sewn, and when it does, it'll be gorgeous. I just know it.
Begin rant...
Normally, on Wednesdays my friend Wendy comes over to quilt while I sew on my current project. I called her last night and said I was too tired and too crabby for company. My doctor's appointment totally wore me out. I would really love to show up for an appointment and be heard from the perspective of I know my body better than you (the doctor) do, I know more about allergies than you (the doctor) do because I've had time to research them while you haven't, and here's what I need you (the doctor) to help me with. That's not how it went.
If I'd gone in with a nervous breakdown, an anxiety disorder, or severe depression, I'd have gotten help. Instead, my doctor said he'd never heard of anyone presenting with allergy symptoms such as mine and that there really must be something else going on in my life (and that had to be stress but not menopause) that was causing these issues. It was very (reduce me to tears) frustrating. And then, to top that off...
... I found out via a friend that my doctor sings in a choir where it has been made abundantly clear that no one is allowed to wear scents of any kind because three of the members have near anaphylactic attacks. Obviously, he's heard of someone who presents with symptoms such as mine because how is my throat swells up much different than saying I feel like passing out or throwing up? Severe is severe. I had to beg for blood work just to determine if anything else was abnormal. It was SO ANNOYING! Yes, I should get another doctor. No, it's not that easy.
End rant... thanks for listening.
I work five to closing tonight. I'd planned to spend the day sewing bras with my friend Sharon only this time she's the one feeling tired and grumpy so I'll sew first, meet her for coffee later, and then go to work.
Talk soon - Myrna
Grateful - the ability to be honest with my friends and receive support AND... the scam that wasn't actually a scam is going to be a seriously nice chunk of change, enough for a fun holiday with Caroline to celebrate our 50th birthdays next year. YEAH!
I recently watched an episode of Dr. Oz. It was titled 3 questions to ask your doctor.
ReplyDeleteHe advised that you go into the doctor's office with your three questions written down and space on the same document to write down everything the doctor tells you. I tried it the very next time I went to a doctor's appointment and got everything I wanted and more.
I realize that it is hard to 'fire' a doctor, but sometimes it has to be done to get a physician that really understands your symptoms and your medical history. I can really empathize with you.
Good luck with your pursuit of a healthy, wealthy and wise future.
Karen W. in S.W. Ohio
So sorry about the dr's appt, Myrna. Exceedingly frustrating!!
ReplyDeleteI remember one time years ago, going out to my car sobbing in frustration because the dr. said that what I'd told him was happening was impossible, and therefore WASN'T happening.
Uh....buddy....do you think I make this stuff up????? Talk about arrogant!
After a year of struggling, I finally was able to get a different dr. who says, Oh yes, this happens from time to time. Let's get it fixed.
This was before the days of the internet. Today I would have googled it and figured it out myself! But still would have faced the problem of getting the dr. to agree to fix it.
I just don't understand the arrogance. Why be a doctor if you're not going to care about people? If you think you know it all you should have been the pope.
Maybe you SHOULD present with a nervous breakdown....due to his lack of caring. :)
It's amazing how little has changed in women's health over the past 150 years! So many doctors seem to default to 'hysteria'(or what ever the current trendy term is) when it comes to women's health.
ReplyDeleteFor example, I was nearly booked into hospital on a 72 hour psych evaluation for what turned out to actually be severe bowel disease. my doctor's explanation? "You must be bleeding from the abdomen because you are anxious about being sexually active"! And another female friend (different doctor) was actually admitted to the psych ward - turns out she had a bladder infection that had spread up to her kidneys. The ER docs had decided she was 'attention seeking'.
Interestingly enough, my husband never seems to have these issues with doctors...
oh how frustrating. However, in small city/small town Canada (I'm in a city outside of Edmonton) it's VERY hard to find another doctor. But not impossible. A friend of mine with severe allergies (that changed often, similar to yours) worked with a naturopath who was very sympathetic for a while. She looked for years for a doctor willing to listen and did recently find that person. The change is significant in both her health and her outlook. I wish there was an easier answer for you or more than I can say than "hang in".
ReplyDeleteTake care and enjoy sewing today. I love your black cardi plan.
Myrna, I think you should get on with it and see an immunologist. Your symptoms are not that unusual and can be treated. You seem to be dithering about in a panic, and it's time for some action! No doubt menopause has a lot to do with this whole thing. Nutrition is important, but for God's sake, use drugs as prescribed! They are really very helpful in treating allergies. Sounds like you might have multiple chemical substance sensitivity. It can be treated. So do it already.
ReplyDeleteYou're extremely fortunate that you have only the challenges you have and not what I have--fibromyalgia, which is a ball-buster, severe and painful arthritis, almost constant migraine, cervical spondylosis, and more! You'd never survive it.
Gail D.
Wow! Virtual hugs and positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteStick with it Myrna, you know your body and you know that something is not right. It took a year to get some food intolerances identified - my dr (a female) was sure it was stress related. It certainly became stress related when she wasn't much help. Luckily she referred me to a specialist who kept going (with a never ending series of tests) until we found the problem. Thrilled to hear about your "nice chunk of change" - enjoy it - you deserve it.
ReplyDeleteLyn in Australia