Rock n Roll

Daveboy
Daveboy Member Posts: 26
edited 11. Aug 2011, 05:41 in Living with Arthritis archive
My hobby or pastime is playing guitar, Ive been playing many years having played in a couple of bands in the past. Anyone who plays any kind of musical instrument will tell you, you cant just give up playing, its in your blood, you have to play but the time is approaching when Im not going to be able to play as much anymore because of the pain in my arms and shoulders.

The thought of that upsets me as all Ill be able to do is just lightly strum a few chords instead of playing a complete tune even now my shoulders hurt are a few minutes playing.

'Spose I'll have to learn to whistle instead
http://romahomeandaway.blogspot.com/

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    None of us know for sure what we may or may not be able to do in the future. You keep playing for as long as you can because it is part of your life. If it does get too hard, well, how about teaching guitar? My old teachers (piano, clarinet and double bass) very rarely played anything to me - they just told me how to do it! Don't give up just yet, Daveboy - you hang on in there and keep strumming. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • weejean
    weejean Member Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Daveboy

    Its so difficult and frustrating to think that we cant do the things we love best. My son plays guitar all day, every day and it is a part of who he is and I can only imagine how upsetting it is for you to imagine your life without being able to play your guitar. Its amazing how our body can adapt to things and you might find that you can play longer by adjusting things a bit. I totally agree with DD that you should consider teaching as it would be wonderful for others to benefit from your talent. I really hope that you continue to be able to play your guitar for a long time to come.
    Big Hugs
    Jean xx
  • williamlargs
    williamlargs Member Posts: 143
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello mate

    Don't know how bad your disease is or whether it's RA, PA or whatever. I have RA and have reacted well to MTX. At this time last year I had to load up with serious amounts of antiinflams and pain killers before every gig I do with my band. Now a couple of pints of guiness does the trick :grin:

    So keep the chin up and let me know which of these awful conditions it is that you suffer from?

    Regards
  • Daveboy
    Daveboy Member Posts: 26
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    williamlargs wrote:
    Hello mate
    So keep the chin up and let me know which of these awful conditions it is that you suffer from?
    Regards

    My doctor tells me I suffer from Ostoearthritis (wear and tear), Ive had an operation on my right shoulder but it doesnt feel as if its done any good, after a while my fore arm and biceps start to ache, the same goes for my left arm which has got me putting a capo on the third fret so I dont have to extend my arm too far up the neck but I still cant play continuously for more than about five minutes before I have to rest my arm. Its so frustrating...!!!
    http://romahomeandaway.blogspot.com/
  • constable
    constable Member Posts: 2,115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there

    Keep going till you just cant anymore, then I think Weejean had a brilliant idea of you teaching, it would benefit you as well because you would still be doing something to do with guitars, I know not the same as playing but maybe the next best thing.

    Karen xx
    Karen xx
  • williamlargs
    williamlargs Member Posts: 143
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Daveboy wrote:
    williamlargs wrote:
    Hello mate
    So keep the chin up and let me know which of these awful conditions it is that you suffer from?
    Regards

    My doctor tells me I suffer from Ostoearthritis (wear and tear), Ive had an operation on my right shoulder but it doesnt feel as if its done any good, after a while my fore arm and biceps start to ache, the same goes for my left arm which has got me putting a capo on the third fret so I dont have to extend my arm too far up the neck but I still cant play continuously for more than about five minutes before I have to rest my arm. Its so frustrating...!!!

    Sorry to here that. I understand where your coming from using the capo to reduce the stretching. I play a lot of 12 bar blues and was really struggling for a while but glad to say ok at present. Do you use any pain killers?
  • Daveboy
    Daveboy Member Posts: 26
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes, co-codemol and diclofenac usually when the pain is at its worse.
    I also try and exercise my shoulders and fingers to prevent any stiffness
    setting in. Maybe I should stick to my electric guitar rather than acoustic, not so much stretching.
    http://romahomeandaway.blogspot.com/
  • cornishman
    cornishman Member Posts: 34
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I love playing the guitar too (acoustic) so I know exactly how you feel. I have RA and lately I have been so crippled with pain in hands wrist and fingers I have been unable to play very much...but yesterday I got the amp out and plugged in my Spanish acoustic guitar with nylon strings (cant play with steel strings no more 'cause it hurts like hell). It sounded wonderful and made playing somewhat simpler because the voice of the amp did the work for me...if you know what I mean.

    Playing an instrument can give immense mental pleasure and I think that can actually help the body heal and feel relief, it gives me so much back and makes me feel good about myself. I find it hard to judge 'when I have the strength to play' relevant to pain thresholds and try to time my meds around this factor. I try to take a break every 10 mins for 3 minute recovery massage on hands etc.

    I have been thinking outside the box recently and have just bought a simple Hohner Melodian accordian off ebay .....its being delivered today and will no doubt cheer me up. Its a simple lightweight 10 button box in G. I figure all I have to do is sit it on my knee and push a few buttons to create a lovely sound. If there is will ....then I know there is a way!

    All the best...Cornish Dave

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