Brain injury and Cognitive testing

Posted by Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy, Jan 9, 2020

About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Clippers, an autoimmune disease that leaves large inflammatory patches on the brain. With extensive inpatient and outpatient rehab (and on-going medications), I have been able to get back to doing most things for myself. I have noticed, though, that my ability to sew and quilt has been seriously affected. Not to brag, but I was a very good contemporary art quilter. But now there seems to be a block or wall between me and quilting. I have all these great ideas, but when I go to my studio, I just stand there. Nothing makes sense. I describe it as though I “can’t put 2 and 2 together.” My neurologist suggested cognitive testing to, maybe, pinpoint the problem. Has anyone experienced a similar type of blockage? What have you been able to do for it? And, what’s involved with cognitive testing? Sure need some answers!

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Hi, @becsbuddy - that is great that you have become quite a good contemporary art quilter. Feeling like you are losing some of that hobby you enjoy, though, sounds like a true loss.

I'm hoping some other members might have some experiences and thoughts to share about whether they've experienced a blockage similar to yours where they go to do a familiar task, yet nothing makes sense and they feel as though they can't put two and two together. They may also have had cognitive testing experiences to share. I'd like to tag @jakedduck1 @jenniferhunter @parus @lakelifelady @dawnpereda @debbraw to see what thoughts they may have.

becsbuddy, are you able to do any quilting at all lately, or have you had to lay it down all together? Would you have a picture of a quilt you've made you could add to this discussion, if you're comfortable?

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@becsbuddy - I think most people could empathize if they thought about losing their creative ability and the peace, joy, satisfaction, etc. that it brings. I also quilt - although I am a beginner, and I was not even remotely interested in quilting until I discovered modern quilts! I would love to see some of your work and maybe ask a couple of questions if you are willing 🙂 Do you have an online site?

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@lisalucier and @iceblue Thank you for asking about my quilts! I’m actually trying to work on something now. No sewing, just playing

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@becsbuddy

@lisalucier and @iceblue Thank you for asking about my quilts! I’m actually trying to work on something now. No sewing, just playing

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Oh My!!!! Those are absolutely spectacular! They remind me of what music would look like if you could see it with your eyes rather than hear it with your ears. May I ask how you do your quilting? By hand, longarm? Or a combination?

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@iceblue

Oh My!!!! Those are absolutely spectacular! They remind me of what music would look like if you could see it with your eyes rather than hear it with your ears. May I ask how you do your quilting? By hand, longarm? Or a combination?

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@iceblue im so glad you like them! It took years of practice to do the free-motion quilting. I use my “domestic” machine and have learned to move the fabric. There are classes available and some uTube videos. Strictly straight line quilting (also called matchstick quilting) is also very effective. If you are on Fb, you might look at Textile Arts and Textile Arts Collective. Happy quilting!

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@becsbuddy

@iceblue im so glad you like them! It took years of practice to do the free-motion quilting. I use my “domestic” machine and have learned to move the fabric. There are classes available and some uTube videos. Strictly straight line quilting (also called matchstick quilting) is also very effective. If you are on Fb, you might look at Textile Arts and Textile Arts Collective. Happy quilting!

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Wow! Your FMQ skills are unbelievable! I never would have guessed you did that on a domestic machine! I have just started to learn FMQ which I too do on my domestic machine (Janome S7). I'm slowly getting the hang of it but am nowhere near your skill level. I do understand, however, that practice makes perfect. I will look into those FB groups. Thank you!

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@becsbuddy - wow, what gorgeous work! Super impressive.

@iceblue - have you undergone any cognitive testing? If so, what was the experience like?

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@lisalucier

@becsbuddy - wow, what gorgeous work! Super impressive.

@iceblue - have you undergone any cognitive testing? If so, what was the experience like?

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I had some neurological testing many years ago when involved in the Developmental Topographical Disorientation research, but I think the person you really want to know about is @becsbuddy as she started this thread 🙂

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@iceblue

Wow! Your FMQ skills are unbelievable! I never would have guessed you did that on a domestic machine! I have just started to learn FMQ which I too do on my domestic machine (Janome S7). I'm slowly getting the hang of it but am nowhere near your skill level. I do understand, however, that practice makes perfect. I will look into those FB groups. Thank you!

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What is fnq

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