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Author Message Acetan Username: Acetan Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 12:10 pm:    I haven't been posting much lately because I haven't been playing my guitars much lately. I had a bad fall last winter skiing and hurt my neck. My left hand started getting this numbness soon afterwards. The verdict came in two weeks ago that I have damaged the fourth servical. It requires surgery but my doctor is against it as it is quite dangerous. Apparently they have to go in from the front and my doctor think my condition is not so bad that it is worth the risk. I can still use my hand for most functions. I can still play some guitar but not much. After talking to my wife and weighing all the pluses and minuses, we decided to heed the doctor's advice. The bottom line is that I won't be doing any guitar buying any more. In fact I'll probably be selling my guitars when I can bring myself to doing it. Anyway, it is just an all around lousy turn of events. Ace Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 2:44 pm:    Ace~Man, very sorry to hear about your situation. If you haven't already done so, have you considered a second, or third opinion from another orthopedic surgeon? Nerve impingement at the C4 area is a delicate area but treatable. Hopefully you will not need surgery. Wish you the best of luck...and a full recovery. Tim B5erik Username: B5erik Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 5:37 pm:    Damn, that is really a bummer Ace. I would agree with Tim that you should seek a 2nd or even 3rd opinion. Obviously, you don't want to take unnecessary risks, so I would think extra expert opinions are called for. I hope that you can regain full function in your hand wihtout surgery - but whatever happens I know everyone here will be pulling for you! I hope it all works out OK. Artfield Username: Artfield Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 5:47 pm:    Ace, sorry to hear this sad news....i really would advice to find some alternative healing methods...this because a very good friend of my had a similar problem for about 4 years, hospital in and out, doctors advices etc etc..he went everywhere...desperate...refusing to give up his great Bass skills (he is one of the best overhere in The Netherlands)...finally he met someone who solved all his problems and he got better, he is actually playing now more than ever and very in demand...so its possible...hopefully this little story gives you some positive thoughts...pity you don't live close...but if you happen to been once around ..make contact and i can give you the name of the person who helped my friend. Hackneyslim Username: Hackneyslim Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 6:20 pm:    Ace That's a bad break. My sympathies. Hope it works out for you. h Acetan Username: Acetan Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 8:26 pm:    Thank you for all the kind thoughts, really appreciate it. I have seen three neurologists and neurosurgents locally and one in Las vegas. The answer is very much the same. It will be a very risky operation and success rate is only so-so. I think if I were a professional musician, I would go for it but consideration for my family out-weighs my guitar playing as a pass-time. I am currently on pain-killing medication, something called "Lortab", it is pretty nasty but effective. It makes the pain tolerable but the numbness is ever-present. I can no longer play tennis, jog, and of course, ski. These activities would bring a sharp pain in back of my neck. The only exercise I can do is swim. Bummer. ...but then, I keep telling myself that it could have been worse. Ace Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 9:25 pm:    Sorry to hear that Ace. FWIW, I'd recommend trying acupuncture in conjunction with what your doctor is doing. I've had very good luck with it. I had a back injury from a car accident, which months of chiropractic work and physical therapy couldn't fix. A couple visits to the Chinese doctor and I was pretty much cured. It also cured my wife's dog allergy. -Sven Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 10:02 pm:    Ace: I went thru something similar, starting last May and lasting thru Nov. During that time I was in so much pain and discomfort that I was looking for a doctor that would do surgery but none I saw would do it. I had too many symptoms! In the end, I saw orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, chiropractor, physiatrist, physical therapists and some others I've forgotten. Had MRIs, xrays and EKGs. Pain meds from codiene to Oxycodone and vicodin and various anti-inflammatories. Some days I couldn't move my head in any direction. Couldn't play guitar for a month. I thought I was going to deteriorate into a permanently crippled state. The physical therapy helped dramatically, but like the chiropractic treatment, it reached a plateau. I got enough mobility back to start exercising and dieting. I also found out I had bursitis in my shoulder, on top of the arthritis in my neck. After many months, the symptons eased and I can enjoy life again. Getting my arm and shoulder around an acoustic for any period of time can be aggravating. I still have to carry a supply of over the counter pain relievers with me because the strangest motion can set off a bout of pain. But I can play guitar again! Keep looking for a remedy. You never know what will help or how your body might adapt. I wouldn't be quick to sell your best guitars, just yet. But if you do decide you have to, let me have first crack! Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 10:31 pm:    Ace.....Sorry to hear of yer troubles, get second and even third opinions before you go under the knife..I have been suffering from carple tunnel syndrome for most of my adult life due-in part- to tons of computer work and an even greater amount of guitar playing. I have had to soak my entire right arm in ice water and take a percocet chaser just to be able to stand the pain after a gig. I will never give up the guitar, but have run the gambit on snake oil cures etc. The meds just make me tired and kill the desire to jam, so -when it gets bad-I just lay off for a day or two, grin a bear it. I can't even begn to compare this minor irritation to your present situation, but I can sympathize with you.Don't be so quick to sell of the collection, give it some time and do the research, were all pullin for ya... Bluesmeister Username: Bluesmeister Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 1:25 am:    Ace, that's such a bitter blow. I think I can appreciate how low you must be feeling right now, but don't ever lose heart and never give up hope. To me, numbness in your hand would suggest a pinched or damaged nerve. Really, you'd best avoid spinal surgery unless you feel it's absolutely essential. Take some time to see if your damaged cervical can heal itself. At this point don't sell anything, hang in there mate. Once I layed off playing guitar for around five years. When I took it up again, I was five years older but thankfully I was still hopeless... Bigmike Username: Bigmike Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 1:31 am:    Ace, What sad news. Hopefully John's story is some help to you and with therapy and time healing and a change in your lifestyle can bring it around to where you can play, albiet infrequently. I don't pray much but I'll be praying for you. My best to you in this time of trial. Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 1:59 am:    Uh oh! The buzzards are circling! LOL (just kidding). Ace... give it some time. Many people will give you many different opinions, but in the end, time is your best friend. Just give it some time to settle... and don't rush into surgery. In the mean time, learn to play left handed ;) Just kidding, infact, your best bet is to take care of yourself and let mother nature take care of herself... at least for the short run. Sixvsix Username: Sixvsix Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 3:52 am:    Ace buddy, I agree with the guys here. Go and get some opinions elswhere. If there is one thing I learnt in the 6 years I worked as a Risk Advisor for a 1000 bed hospital is NEVER trust what your doctor tells you. Always get a second opinion or seek other forms of treatment for your condition. Don't give up mate. I want this to have a happy ending. Get well six Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 5:26 am:    Hey Ace, sad news. But don't let it put you down. Give some time to time... like somebody said, nature might take care of itself. I have seen it happen. Belive in that and think positive. Send an command to your body to react and take care of it because YOU want it to get better. Get better soon! Harry Username: Harry Registered: 03-2001 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 6:54 am:    Hi Ace Don't let your head hang down. Keep the faith and try to do what is best for you. In thoughts we all support you; after all this is one big family here. Get well soon! Kind greetz, Harry Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 7:22 am:    Ace, hang in there man! Agr Username: Agr Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 8:39 am:    Ace, You're a stand up guy putting your family first. Don't give up hope...a positive outlook is excellent medicine. We will say a prayer for you...best of luck... Acetan Username: Acetan Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 12:03 pm:    You guys are great and all the well wishes are heart-felt. I want to let you all know that I am not giving up for a full recovery. I am going to do everything possible to get through this one. At the mean time, I've arranged all my guitars in the family room in a nice and neat fashion to give me extra incentive. I'll keep you posted. And one more time, thank you all. Ace Garyelcrrt Username: Garyelcrrt Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 7:13 pm:    Bad news, Ace - As a practical matter, I have had a plastic bone implanted in my left wrist for most of the past 30 years. I've found that I can play, and that when my wrist won't let me reach some of the more stretched-out chords, its easier to finger if I pick the guitar neck up by my left ear - same position you see in classic Spanish guitarists like Segovia. The change of neck angle is just enough to relieve the tension in the wrist. Might not be the best position for you, but try that kind of thing and, just maybe, you will find a position that lets you play longer, harder and more accurately than you might think. Best of Luck Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 9:07 pm:    Kinda reminds me of Les Paul in his younger days...didn't he break his arm but have it set so he could still play ? Phatphred Username: Phatphred Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 10:43 am:    Ace, just be thankful you're not just 19 years old with a wife and baby, your caravan catches fire and you run in and out to save what you can of your world, then lose the use of your 2nd and 3rd fingers, which are now permanently locked together. History doesn't record what Django rescued first, but I don't think he owned a Maccaferri at that time, so the issue probably didn't arise You know, one thing you can probably be doing right now, if you don't already, is to pass on what you've acquired, not in terms of your collection of course, but your accumulation of wisdom and knowledge. This is a good time for you to acknowledge just how much you have achieved and it feels good to give some back. I'm in my 50's and still as hungry to play as ever, probably more than ever. But the deepest satisfaction I get is seeing and hearing my 6 year old son, whom I'm teaching to play piano, just get better all the time and want to do more, and hearing the music beginning to flow through him. Maybe, if you can change your focus a little in that way, you will create the space you need for the healing to get to you in whatever way it's going to find, not that you stop looking, far from it, but sometimes we need to stand back a little to make room for, and see more clearly, what's going to be right for us. Also guys, I've just learned from Dave G that he has hurt his back and can't move or play right now, that on top of his ongoing condition referred to in his posting of April 25th and I know that he's just got too rich a mixture of humility and heroism to draw attention to the fact. So, Dave, there's room for you too in those prayers, as I'm sure everyone agrees. Phatphred Username: Phatphred Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 2:30 pm:    I just realised I got finger numbers mixed up in that Django story. Sorry. That should've been 3 & 4 or, to a piano player, 4 & 5. Actually, he started off as a fiddle player, so maybe he had to face some career decisions at that time. Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 3:50 pm:    Phatphred....Thanks for the kind thoughts, but don't worry 'bout me-a couple of weeks of drivin the percocet train and some physical therapy, I'll be functional again, as far as the lower back goes. The arms, I'm afraid are a painful nusuance that I will deal with for the rest of my days (which will be a VERY LONG time if I have my way !)-I have several coping strategies which will all incorporate some level of regular guitar playing and -I am sure- some pain too.......I do appreciate the kind toughts and words.................... B5erik Username: B5erik Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 4:48 pm:    Wow, sorry to hear about that, Dave. I hurt my lower back 16 years ago and it still occasionally flares up for a day or three at a time. Physical therapy can work wonders for a lot of things, just keep taking the painkillers in the meantime - of course, it sounds like you've already figured that out! Yeah, these little nagging things that were minor annoyances in our 20's can become significantly painful issues in our late 30's and beyond. You've just got to find a way to deal with it the best you can. Thus far I consider myself lucky that the tendonitis that I developed 5 years ago went away with physical therapy (of course, wouldn't you know it just flared up for the first time since then only a couple weeks ago - but I'll deal with it). It kept me from playing for about a month back in 2000, but so far I've been able to play through it for short periods now - and it's getting better. Like I said, I consider myself lucky. Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 9:04 pm:    B5......Ya know when you nail the solo to "Red House", somehow the pain seems to diminish..... B5erik Username: B5erik Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 11:58 pm:    If I can ever nail that solo I'm sure ANY pain I'm feeling will go away - for a little while at least!

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