Members Jersey Jack Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 Yep, in my left thumb--sometimes so much pain that I cannot fret barre chords on an acoustic. I had an idea recently to try playing the mandolin, but this turned out to be impossible, as the string tension on a mando--together with the stretched out barre patterns--makes me HOWL with pain. Hmm..., maybe lap steel??? Someone should write an Arthritis Blues--which would nicely connect this thread with the recent old white guys play the blues thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ashasha Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 I don't know what's wrong with my hands, but both thumbs are pretty much numb to touch except when something brushes against them I get electric type shocks shooting through them. My right hand looks a bit jacked up with swollen looking joints and stuff. Good news is that I had a Rheumatoid test come back negative which is great because that is some nasty stuff. But my hands are the least of my worries, I've had something going on with my lower back/left leg where it felt like I hit the funny bone constantly for about 3 years straight. It's been pretty intolerable, lots of pills, therapy, epiderals, etc. I've been using a cane for about 2 years now. I finally had them do RF denervation or denervization (where they burn the nerves on the facet joints) and it's the best I've felt in 3 years. A lot of the localized pain is gone and some of the radiating pain has let up. But the one thing that my blood tests showed was that my Vitamin D level was at 16...should be around the 80 mark. My HDL has always been dangerously low (but the overall choleserol has been sub-100 so the ratio wasn't horrible). But what I learned was that Vit D is a hormone that your body creates and it's fat soluable meaning that you have to take supplements with a meal. So between the nerve burning, the Vit D supplements and a CPAP (found out I have ostructive sleep apnea as well) I feel pretty human again. The bad news is that the military is trying to force me out since I haven't been able to run for the last few years. I've got 18 years so I won't end up with nothing in all likelihood, but I don't have a definitive diagnosis on what is causing all this and since I am feeling a bit better I doubt that I would get much in terms of disability. I'm trying as hard as I can so that they let me finish up the last two years, but it's an uphill battle. Luckily my commander appreciates me and has requested that I be allowed to finish up my 20 here working for him. What's really scary is that I could go from making about $5600/month to $1800 at the drop of a hat depending on what the VA says. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Brewski Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 yeah - hurts to play bot right and left hand. someday I'll stop playing but not too soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sisyphus2 Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis last year - its a miserable condition thats just so painfuland has put limits on what I can do. My guitar playing has definately been compromised but I realised that i could still cope with a strat neck - so ive shifted from mainly acoustic playing to electric but Im happy with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sisyphus2 Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 didnt Les Paul have RA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Dances w/carp Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 I've been having problems with my left wrist for almost a month and a half since I fell. I'm pretty sure I didn't break anything. It didn't hardly hurt that day or the next, but a few days later it began to be sore at the extent of my range of motion, and gradually that range of motion became less, and more painful. During that time, I overworked it, so I know I was just making it worse. It maybe got a little better this last week.... but I babied it and even stayed entirely away from my guitars too. My whole wrist would swell if I played guitar for a half hour, and if I ice it down and/or take ibuprophen, it goes back to normal, mostly, and feels great. I researched it, and it sounds like maybe I have Tenosynovitis(inflamation of tendon or their sheathes). It should be immobilized with heat and cold applications and allowed to heal. Otherwise more serious damage could result.... At's what da BOOK say... Oh yeah, my left shoulder is doing this disgusting popping thing, like it's partial popping out, or like one tendon is popping by another one or something. It doesn't hurt like real pain, but it's pretty gross. Anyone know what does THAT? I should probably go see a doctor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members goosefartfan Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 didnt Les Paul have RA? what a beautiful dog in your avatar!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members goosefartfan Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 I've been having problems with my left wrist for almost a month and a half since I fell. I'm pretty sure I didn't break anything. It didn't hardly hurt that day or the next, but a few days later it began to be sore at the extent of my range of motion, and gradually that range of motion became less, and more painful. During that time, I overworked it, so I know I was just making it worse. It maybe got a little better this last week.... but I babied it and even stayed entirely away from my guitars too.My whole wrist would swell if I played guitar for a half hour, and if I ice it down and/or take ibuprophen, it goes back to normal, mostly, and feels great.I researched it, and it sounds like maybe I have Tenosynovitis(inflamation of tendon or their sheathes). It should be immobilized with heat and cold applications and allowed to heal. Otherwise more serious damage could result.... At's what da BOOK say...Oh yeah, my left shoulder is doing this disgusting popping thing, like it's partial popping out, or like one tendon is popping by another one or something. It doesn't hurt like real pain, but it's pretty gross. Anyone know what does THAT?I should probably go see a doctor. GO TO A DOCTOR. NOW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhat Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 I am pretty sure I have gouty arthritis. My hands are screwed up big time. I have had gout attacks in my knee and my ankle . I havent been able to play guitar since this summer. I cant get into the rhumy for a final dignosis till feb. I went on a strict gout diet and things seem to be improving. My main deal is playing keyboards. I can play one gig a week if I ice the hell out of my hands prior, and use a couple tylenol. Its a bitch ,, hopfully this wont end my playing days. All this started after going on a blood pressure med that I only stayed on two months. Prior I had what you could call normal geezer hands...... now its way more than that. Thank god I can sing, so there is somthing if i have to lay down the instruments. I am keeping a positive attitude and stickin with the diet and hopfully I can turn this {censored} around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RJpilot Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 I don't think I have arthritis but I fell on my left wrist a couple months ago and it still hurts to bend. I make a conscious effort to stretch it out before playing otherwise my wrist bends in slow-painful-motion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hoddy Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 Back in 2000 I fell backwards off a stepladder onto concrete...I stuck my (fretting) arm out behind me to break my fall and completely pulverized that last inch or so of the ulna and radius where they meet my wrist...plus I destroyed most of the cartilage in my wrist. It was too severe to put in a cast so the bolted an external fixater to my are and hand with two 3" screws through the bones in my arm and two more in the bones in the palm of my hand. After wearing it four four months than 16 months of physical therapy three times a week I've regained about 60% range of motion in my wrist. When my doc released me he said it was as good as it was going to get and that it would progressively get worse as time goes by. When I started playing again it took three months to before I could bend my wrist enough to make one chord, but I kept trying and learned to compensate. I take daily supplements to lubricate the joint and through lots of hard work I was finally able to get to where I could play maybe 90% of how I played before the break. I know that due to my injury my playing time is limited, even now I have to quit after an hour or so due to the pain, so I treasure each moment that I can still play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhat Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 I don't think I have arthritis but I fell on my left wrist a couple months ago and it still hurts to bend. I make a conscious effort to stretch it out before playing otherwise my wrist bends in slow-painful-motion. Be glad you are a pilot and dont have a real job you have to go to lol. :poke: If you are in the left seat ,, just tell the kid to fly another leg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ACLONERANGER Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 ive had RA in both hands for several years,tried the mobic,celebrex,lorcets,motrin and such. its not keith richards bad yet,but is VERY uncomfortable. i love looking up info on natural remedies,and came accross this herb called turmeric..turns out its been considered very effective in the anti inflammatory dept.along with just about being good for just about everything else too,so i figured what the heck..its like $6 at wal mart,so i started it. much to my surprise,after about 5 days on it,my hands have felt alot better last few days..im gonna keep takin it and let you guys know...better than painkillers and cortisone shots !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sisyphus2 Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 what a beautiful dog in your avatar!! Bernese Mountain dog - when she was a puppy! Now shes huge....but still beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhat Posted December 28, 2009 Members Share Posted December 28, 2009 ive had RA in both hands for several years,tried the mobic,celebrex,lorcets,motrin and such. its not keith richards bad yet,but is VERY uncomfortable. i love looking up info on natural remedies,and came accross this herb called turmeric..turns out its been considered very effective in the anti inflammatory dept.along with just about being good for just about everything else too,so i figured what the heck..its like $6 at wal mart,so i started it. much to my surprise,after about 5 days on it,my hands have felt alot better last few days..im gonna keep takin it and let you guys know...better than painkillers and cortisone shots !! I dont think richards has RA ,,, osteo would be more like it from what I have read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Saturn Posted December 29, 2009 Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 I have aches and pains everywhere. I played football in high school and college and was competitive in weight lifting into my mid 20s. I've broken 4 fingers had surgery on my right shoulder. I have arthritis in both hands and chronic tendinitis. Most days it hurts just thinking about getting out of bed. And that's not to mention the three times I dislocated my right knee. That hurts all the time. I have no cartilage left in my knees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members disconnector Posted December 29, 2009 Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis a couple of years ago and I have to say that it's been pretty tough so far. It has slowed down my playing a bit, but the biggest issue is that is just flat out hurts sometimes to play. Gotta reaaalllyyyy warm up first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhat Posted December 29, 2009 Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 One thing that I would like to encourage anyone that is starting to suffer the arthritis blues is to get diagnosed. You may find your aches and pains are not what you think they are and relief is somthing well within reach. Dont be shy about second opinions. In every medical graduation class somone finished in last place. The symptoms we suffer get mis diagnosed every day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitarman3001 Posted December 29, 2009 Author Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 One thing that I would like to encourage anyone that is starting to suffer the arthritis blues is to get diagnosed. You may find your aches and pains are not what you think they are and relief is somthing well within reach. Dont be shy about second opinions. In every medical graduation class somone finished in last place. The symptoms we suffer get mis diagnosed every day. what kind of doctor would I go to for that? an orthopedist? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members disconnector Posted December 29, 2009 Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 what kind of doctor would I go to for that? an orthopedist? Go to your GP first. If they have a reason to think that you're an arthritis sufferer, they will send you to a rheumatologist. They specialize in joint inflammation issues. Once flu season is over I'm starting either Humera or Imbril. I just don't want to go on immunosuppresants in the middle of the Swine Flu pandemic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members The Rossness Posted December 29, 2009 Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 I have arthritis in both feet- And you think life sucks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitarman3001 Posted December 29, 2009 Author Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 I have arthritis in both feet- And you think life sucks I have what feels like arthritis in at least one of my feet too. I just didn't mention it because it has nothing to do with guitar and doesn't affect my playing at all. But, when I'm sitting for a while or first thing in the morning when I get up after not having any weight on my feet, it hurts like hell until my foot gets warmed up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhat Posted December 29, 2009 Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 Go to your GP first. If they have a reason to think that you're an arthritis sufferer, they will send you to a rheumatologist. They specialize in joint inflammation issues. Once flu season is over I'm starting either Humera or Imbril. I just don't want to go on immunosuppresants in the middle of the Swine Flu pandemic Good answer. I might add if you are not satisfied with the GPs opinion push for the referal. My GP missed the gout deal completely is why I am going through all this BS down here in south texas. You have to be your own advocate in todays medical system and I dont see that getting any better in the future. I had a specialist down here start dianosing me prior to seeing my lab results. I shit canned him and took my blood work and ran like hell to a local GP. I am moving here so I need a doctor anyway. He made another referal to a arthritis doctor. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members docjeffrey Posted December 29, 2009 Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 Quit whining, geezers. Django only had the use of two fingers on his left hand, and he could bury any of us. Just play your guitar and have fun doing it. And it would help if you quit jerking off twelve times a day. Not only will you go blind, but you'll get carpal tunnel in your wiener AND your left/right hand (s). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members The Rossness Posted December 29, 2009 Members Share Posted December 29, 2009 I have what feels like arthritis in at least one of my feet too. I just didn't mention it because it has nothing to do with guitar and doesn't affect my playing at all. But, when I'm sitting for a while or first thing in the morning when I get up after not having any weight on my feet, it hurts like hell until my foot gets warmed up. It's something I was born with, not to mention a whole load of other foot and ankle problems.- It plagues me whenever I use my feet and I'm only 24. I can however relate it to guitar.-- I had a guitar teacher once who got mad at me for "not tapping my feet and keeping pace with the music". I tried to explain that tapping my feet hurt, but it didn't make a darn bit of difference. Oh well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.