Well I just got back from my hand specialist tonight. I have been battling a painful left index finger for about a year now. The surgeon ordered x-rays of my left hand and then gave me the news.
Now, what I was expecting was something along the lines of "wear this splint for 5 weeks followed by a series of anti inflammatory medication. Nope, it was arthritis. Significant arthritis to the point that the doctor recommend that I stop playing guitar. Unfortunately playing guitar is the only activity that aggravates my finger pain.
The doctor then said that by continuing to play guitar that I would further degrade the joint causing increasing pain and decreasing range of motion. Then the arthritis pain would eventually start to interfere with other every day activities. The doc said, "be lucky that you have an isolated activity that you can eliminate vs something that affects your daily activities, simple activities, like buttoning your shirt or typing."
Cortisone shots will only mask the problem. I'll be pain free for a bit but then when the shot wears off, I'll be right back in the surgeon's office for another shot. I'm only allowed so many shots per year. Surgery would only be a cleaning of arthritic debris and would not really help my pain or range of motion.
Ok, I'll be honest. This news was devastating. I have worked so hard for years to get "my tone". Playing music is the connection between my being and life. I've used my talent to play for the Lord for almost 5 years. Now I have to stop?
So bands are out for good. Worship service out for good. I'm able to still build guitars but then I'm faced with the dilemma of testing out the guitars when I'm done. The guitars I own. The guitars I've recently acquired, all for nothing. I really don't want my hand to ache like this on any given day because I didn't know when to call it quits.
My plan: To take Glucosamine Chondroitin for two months (a recommendation from my surgeon), continue taking my anti inflammatory, and plan to play one last time this year. I'll reserve 3 last opportunities; one last performance with the band De-Tension, reserve a date to sit in with QBS if the opportunity arises (not a hint), and perform one last time with the worship band at church. And then I guess that will be it. I'll take the place of audience from here on out. In the meantime I'll be praying heavily and asking God what he wants me to do regarding this news.
Tendonitis is curable, arthritis is not. If I don't stop playing guitar now, it will start me on a road to constant arthritis medications for life due to the increased deformity from the arthritis.
Anyone need some guitar gear?
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7 comments:
Dave...this is devastating...I can't even imagine how you must feel...
Has every avenue been exhuasted? Is this a well-respected hand specialist? Any possibility of a second opinion?
Dave, I am so sorry. I can't imagine how it feels to give up something you love and a talent that God has blessed you with.
I do look forward to seeing you play those few last times times though.
Dave. I am so deeply sorry.
No hint needed. You are welcome to play with us at any gig once more. Mark and I will be crying along with you the whole time.
I know this news may seem a little trite to some, as in "big picture" kind of things, but I know you. And I know how serious and technical about your craft and art. I am just so crushed by the news.
3 more times. I hope to be there for all of them.
Adam
Brian,
This IS my second opinion hand specialist. The first one said, "You're over 40, get used to it." Then he gave me a look like "so what do you want me to do" on his face. Very nice.
I would be honored to play with you, and be your audience, for any and all gigs you decide to play. The loss of my expression through my art would be devastating , and your grief over this is well earned.,
We live in the most technologically advanced time in history, and although guitar has defined you musically, your musical expression, passion and experience does not have to be defined by guitar. Your voice is wonderful instrument- just a thought.
Finger joints can't be replaced, can they?
Dave; I am going through the same thing. I also have arthritis in my neck on the left side which causes pain there as well as in my shoulder and forearm. Plus I get headaches as well. I also play guitar and usually I play heavy guitars but I will be looking at using much lighter guitars like an Ibanez S series or a Parker. There are also guitar straps that can be used to take the pressure off of the neck so I will be looking into those.
Look for other alternatives and try not to give up on your dream of playing.
Peace,
M
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