One armed framer

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Jack Cee

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 18, 2002
Posts
666
Loc
Willows, CA
I have been a one armed framer since Sept. 22 and am becoming frustrated and want get back to work. Rotator Cuff Surgery has left my arm in a sling for at least 6 weeks and maybe for 3 months if I don't behave myself.

Reading the grumble does not provide relief. Any suggestions on what a one armed Framer can do in a frame shop? It is the right arm and I am right handed. I have leaned to dress myself, eat and mix gin tonics and other unmentional duties. Don't expect any lengthy replies.

Jack Cee
 
Jack, Sorry to hear you're incapacitated. Once you've dusted all the frame samples and emptied the trash there aren't many one-handed jobs left to do.

You can play the sympathy card at the design counter: "Yes, there is a less expensive frame that we could put on this piece but (oooh, ouch) I just can't reach it."

I hope you're back to normal soon and out of the sling in time for the Christmas rush.

Kit
 
Well, Jack, I was a ZERO armed framer last year right at this time. I had an attack of what is called bi-lateral brachial nueritis. I was left with no movement from my elbow to shoulder in my left arm, and I couldn't lift my right arm more than a little bit. I could lift NOTHING for several months. Very, very painful. I still have residual weakness and pain. I have been told it will be at least another six months to get my strength back. Thank goodness I had an understanding staff that was able to pull the load, as I was no help at the holidays. I didn't care that I was missing work. I DID care that I couldn't go ride my horse for a long time. In fact, I generally ride English, which is two handed, but I had to switch to western earlier this year so I could use only one hand. I just started to back to English a few weeks ago.

One of my employees had a rotator cuff operated on two years ago. He was faithful to his physical therapy and was back at work in record time. All said and done, I'd rather have what you have than what I have. And I would rather have what I have than what some people are afflicted with. At least I know I'll get better. As you will.
 
Originally posted by Jack Cee:
Rotator Cuff Surgery has left my arm in a sling for at least 6 weeks and maybe for 3 months if I don't behave myself.
Jack Cee
Click to expand...
My sincerest sympathies, Jack! A while ago, I blew out BOTH shoulders. No surgery, but I was in physiotherapy for 6 months.

I know it's of no solace but, "this, too, shall pass".

Best of luck!
 
My sympathies, Jack.

When I lopped off part of my middle finger on my right hand ten days before Christmas (a very long time ago) I relied heavily on the kindness of strangers.

Well, not strangers, exactly. My father drove 50 miles a couple times a week to come and cut and join frames for me. My only employee rescheduled her final exams at the college she was attending so she could put in more hours cutting mats, mounting and fitting.

Had I realized you could mix a gin and tonic with one hand, I wouldn't remember any of this.
 
Too much free time...there was a thread last year concerning picture framers making
outside retail calls to promote our business. Unless you already have enough

commercial accounts, maybe you can book enough new business to keep you busy

all next year! At least you won't have to shake hands with your potential new clients.
 
Originally posted by Ron Eggers:
Had I realized you could mix a gin and tonic with one hand, I wouldn't remember any of this.
Click to expand...
Necessity is the mother of invention.
or
Where there is a will there is a way.


-Mike.
 
You have my sympathy Jack. I have practiced writing with my left hand for years, just in case something like this happens. :D I guess one handed is one handed, even if you can write with the wrong hand.

When I have piano students break and arm or something, I have books that are made for the other hand. ;) I don't lose any money with them.
 
I met a framer many years ago that indeed had only one arm - and no legs - Viet Nam Vet. He had his frame shop set up to handle these disadvantages including sawing mouldings. He's one of my heros.

[ 10-01-2003, 09:04 PM: Message edited by: John Gornall CPF ]
 
Get well Jack . I can only imagine what it's like to want to work and can't. at least when I was convalesing i could still go to the shop and use my hands.i once had a severe bout of Gout in Both elbows that actually lasted 4 weeks .i could still function with some pain but i did look a bit silly and my work wasn't up to par.
But in no time you'll be better than ever
BUDDY
 
I broke an ankle a couple of years back and working in the shop on crutches is no fun...thank God for understanding co-workers and employers (and a well placed rolling chair!) Get better soon!
 
I feel your angst. After learning to manage a herniated disc that rendered my right arm unusable for several weeks it was a relief when feeling and use at last came back. It was over six months before I went a few moments without pain. Nerves take a long time to recover- they mend and repair very slowly. ( I come from the repeatetive school of redundancy- but I digress)

Your will- can help you.

Yoga and meditation practice did wonders to transform my mind -- working with the parts of my body that were working and allowing others to heal.

Best to you today
Shan Linde
 
My boss is recovering from rotator cuff surgery right now. When this one heals he gets to have the other one done. And both of these are being done FOR THE SECOND TIME :eek: because he didn't "behave himself" the first time around.
Its very hard for someone who prides himself on what he can DO, to not be able to DO.
Best wishes for a speady recovery.
 
I own and operate a one man and one daughter shop.
We closed our "in-town" shop in May and could as busy if we worked at it; and will be before Christmas. Thanks for the sympathy and good wishes. I think that it was the moving that resulted in the injury; no body to claim damages against except myself.

Jack Cee
 
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