It is official....I have a diagnosis and it is bad news.

[SubSailer671]

I have posted on here before that I have been having some hand troubles. Bad enough that I haven't been playing much at all, and never more than 20-30 minutes.
Yesterday I had the nerve conduction test and EMG, and I now have the bad news.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, severe presentation. Likely have some level of permanent nerve damage. Surgery is the only option, and it will primarily arrest the symptoms from getting worse with little hope of recovery to full function.

It is too soon to tell, but my guitar playing days may be over.

 

[AllroyPA]

Sorry to hear of your troubles, try to keep up hope though it's hard to know exactly what will be on the other side of the recovery.

 

[stratfreak]

Don't give up hope!
My father just had that surgery a few months ago.
So far the results have been good.

 

[MAS Tequila]

Steve Vai had the surgery

 

[Pops]

I hope things turn out better than expected. Best wishes!

 

[JohnnyD]

My best to you.
Sorry to hear.

 

[Random guitar guy]

I have posted on here before that I have been having some hand troubles. Bad enough that I haven't been playing much at all, and never more than 20-30 minutes.
Yesterday I had the nerve conduction test and EMG, and I now have the bad news.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, severe presentation. Likely have some level of permanent nerve damage. Surgery is the only option, and it will primarily arrest the symptoms from getting worse with little hope of recovery to full function.

It is too soon to tell, but my guitar playing days may be over.

My cervical spine is destroyed and every conduction test reports borderline surgery results. I play so little these days, on good days I play all that I can. Crunchy nerves all over.

I feel you. Do not get rid of everything. On "good" days you may want to noodle some and get pissed you can not play how you want but still better than nothing.

 

[Eddie]

Hoping for the best through surgery. We're pulling for you.

 

[Ray Silvertone]

Hoping you get good results from your surgery. I worked with a guy that did Mitel phone systems in our school district. He had surgery, was back at full work in six months or so. His initial prognosis was no use of his hands at all. Don't let your prognosis color your your recovery.

 

[Radiotech]

Les Paul was jamming out with two fingers practically right up until he passed. Don't give up hope!

 

[Robb]

Surgeons do miracles these days, keep hoping.

 

[pchilson]

Must keep positive attitude toward this...hang in...time will tell...

 

[Las Palmas Norte]

My neighbor had the surgery on one arm and will on the second when the first heels. He's doing remarkably well.

 

[SoundDesign]

Not sure what to offer apart from pointing out the road ahead always brings twists and turns. Not the same as your situation but just before I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis I couldn't think about playing a barre chord but they got it figured out and I'm playing again. I don't know what lies ahead for you but you should try to put the worst outcomes out of your mind for now.

 

[driver8]

Surgeons are notorious for scaring people with doom and gloom and worst-case-scenarios so they'll get the surgeries. That's how they make a living, lol. Not saying you don't need surgery, but take their prognoses with a grain of salt. In truth they have no idea how you'll respond or what will definitely happen. GL!!

 

[rorygman]

It’s probably inappropriate to say ‘fingers crossed’ but I do hope it works out for you and once it’s done you feel a whole lot better, best wishes.

 

[Higgins]

So sorry you’re going through this. Hopefully your doctor will order OT after the surgery to help with motion and mobility in your hand. If they do, continue with all the exercises they teach you after your done with OT. If they don’t order OT for you ask about it and see if you can get it.

 

[TheCreepingSwarf]

No excuses!




I joke. Good luck with surgery if you choose it, and hoping the best for you!

 

[SubSailer671]

Thank you all for your responses and kindness.

I was feeling a little low yesterday. I'm still not happy about the diagnosis, but in a better place today.

Funny thing is that when I get in this type of state, my go-to is my guitar. Play a little, let it all out then go on my day.

Thank you all again.

 

[frankthedog]

Keep the faith! If you experiment, you can find a hand\wrist brace that may help you continue playing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JB5VJSC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1