Sunday, June 19, 2016

Things can only get better...right?




I was so glad that last week ended yesterday - it was not my best!  I had a second opinion doctor's appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, who ordered yet another MRI (I am soooo claustrophobic)! But, I managed to get the nicest radiologist and came through with flying colors!



However, turns out I have a bone spur in my spine - in one of the vertebrate's within my neck. The doctor is surprised I do not have pains running down my arms, as my nerves are being squeezed by that little spur. I see a Pain Management doctor July 7th as hopefully, a shot will help with that pain. Motto of this story: When at first you see a doctor with zero bedside manner and could care less about your ailments other than to make you feel like a hypochondriac -  seek a second opinion!

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I cracked a tooth on a 4-tooth bridge in my mouth. It does not matter that I brush/floss/water pic and see my dentist every 6 months, my teeth are just RENTED inside my mouth and are not meant to remain there permanently. My dentist gave me the sad news that I needed a new bridge (this was the second bridge - same spot - in less than 8 years) So, on Friday, I went to the dentist anticipating a 4-tooth bridge removal. Well, he pried that sucker off (no worries as I felt nothing as the Novocaine had kicked in) and then he left the room. I was concerned, as he had never done that in the past 15-16 years. He obviously needed a shot of "Just tell her and get it over with" as he came back in the room, pulled up a chair, and sat next to me.  Then, he delivered to me the bad news that the three remaining teeth (well...just roots at this point) required removal ASAP. So, he walked me across the street to a dental surgeon who proceeded to pull those three teeth out and perform a bone graft at the same time. He also told me I am not a candidate for implants and crowns, as my sinus cavities are too low and I would require some nasty surgery called a "Sinus Lift" if I cared to go that route.  No Thank You! So, a partial, removable denture is in my near future.



I was actually fine until the Novocaine wore off! :)  The swelling on the left side of my face is so intense that this 55 year old broad has zero wrinkles...on the left side of her face.  I look so lopsided! Honestly - the pain is subsiding every day - thanks to prescription strength Motrin!

Source: www.HypoThyroidism Solution.com
One last thing health wise that I would like to share with you.  A few weeks ago, I wrote about my present chronic vertigo, and all the testing I went through over the past 11 months.  My doctor is still convinced it is caused by my Thyroid and associated Hasimoto's Disease. Well, I have been influenced by Heidi Kingman (she does not know this little factoid, but I am)! She suffered many health ailments and three years ago changed her diet to Gluten/Dairy/Egg and Soy Free - she is so healthy now. So, I did a ton of research and decided to try a Gluten Free diet (I have to start slow and quite frankly, Dairy, Eggs, and Soy do not bother me one bit. In fact, I was not even sure if gluten affected me). Gluten intolerance can cause inflammation, among other things. Well, 10 days in, and my vertigo is much less intense - in fact - I have had only two days of any vertigo symptoms and it was so minor that it was "manageable". I almost feel normal again! :) Well...normal enough to venture down into my creative space!

So, I am still enamored with tube setting faceted gemstones.  So, I got daring (for me) and made this little anticlastic ring.


The sterling setting (the tube) has to be made to fit on the curve of the ring shank. It was challenging, but I am so tickled that it worked! I nearly shaved off my fingers while finagling the curve of the tube  with my files - it's only 6 mm wide.


A few months ago, I successfully completed my first etch on sterling silver.  I have made quite a few pieces of jewelry with this sheet - in fact - only scraps are left. Not wanting it to go to waste, I made a sweet little necklace.


I made a tiny little flower from a sterling disc, which I domed, and then added a little bud in the center, made from my shot plate. I was disgusted with the photos - 59 in total.  I have the hardest time taking photos of pure silver jewelry (jewelry not adorned with any beads). Inevitably, I end up with the weirdest reflections on the silver - usually of my camera.  Sigh. 

The bail was made from a piece of textured 10 gauge silver that I had scrapped from another project.


Finally, a very special little girl turns 9 years old today (Happy Birthday Emma)!!  So, I cozied up to my jeweler's saw and made her a special little necklace. Yup - another horse lover!


Again - not the best picture 'cause it's silver! But, I made a nice, substantial chain - 14 inches in length so she won't hang herself. :)  And since June is her birth month, I wired a little pearl to the last link in the chain.


I am so very happy to start a fresh new week!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Take care!

xo
Patti

11 comments:

  1. I'm glad your crap week is over! I'm thrilled to hear that avoiding gluten is helping the vertigo. Hope that continues. All the pieces in this post are beautiful. I especially love chain on Emma's necklace!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I so feel for you about your teeth. I need to get some pulled as they have broken but I have such a phobia about dentists. Thank goodness there are no roots in them.

    Beautiful designs! Emma is going to treasure that necklace and be coming back for more links as she grows.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So glad you are feeling better. The tube set ring is great. I bet Emma will be tickled with her necklace.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! What a week. I'm glad it's over for you. And, I'm glad you are getting some answers and are feeling better. The ring is gorgeous as are all .the other pieces. Good to see you back in the studio. It's going to be hot this week so you can make more jewelry:)!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh Patti, I'm so sorry to hear of all these health problems....keep your chin up...you'll get through this and better days are on the way. All of your pieces are lovely, especially the horse pendant. What a lovely personalized gift. She can wear and enjoy this for decades!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's sad that you have your troubles with health. I would like you to be free from these problems. I hope and believe that your diet will do so you will feel good. Nevertheless, I believe that you have a good fortune in being so talented to do so beautiful and personalized jewelry, to the delight of yourself, also a big pleasure for others!
    You make so nice and beautiful jewelry, and the chain you have done to Emma, it's very special and inspiring, I love it;)
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts and photos.
    I wish you a pleasant and inspiring week!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my gosh Patti - I am so sorry about the health problems. I think you and mom should get a support group going for teeth - she has had to have a bridge put in - a new tooth just added last month and a crown replaced since the beginning of 2016.

    You need to be your own advocate for your health. Do research and make suggestions to your doctor. They don't know everything. If you know your body - listen to it and try something different. I am glad you found something else to try that seems to be helping!

    I love that ring you created - just fantastic. Your pieces are truly stunning!

    I hope everything gets better and you have more fun times in your creative space!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sorry about the health issues. Beautiful pieces, I especially love the links on Emma's necklace.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh my Patti, I'm so sorry that you have been going through such serious and painful health issues. And still, you are able to make such beautiful jewelry! I love all of you pieces, and your photography is great as well!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow - that is a lot of doctors! but so glad to hear that the diet is helping! Beautiful work Patti I love the etching work you're doing it is so gorgeous

    ReplyDelete
  11. Poor you, hope you are on the mend and it sounds like gluten free is the way to go-keep it up. Your pieces as always are just gorgeous, I love that little ring!

    ReplyDelete