The Scourge Of Guitar Players

[8Muddypaws]

Over the last 8 or 9 months my picking hand has developed both carpal tunnel syndrome and a trigger finger on my ring finger. I've gotten Cortisone injections for the trigger but they only worked for a few weeks.

I found out yesterday that my surgery for both will happen December 31st. I've been waiting for several weeks and have only been able to create new music for a few minutes at a time. So my plans for NYE will likely involve keeping my hand elevated.

I'm looking forward to getting my hand back! I have new songs are in process. A guitar centered instrumental I named "That Picture", a song about my first band mate (from 1966) who died this year from agent orange exposure when he was in Nam in 1969, and a possible one that contains the line 'I've got you in my heart but you're tryin' real hard to get out' - the last one is country of course.

 

[Tom]

I found out yesterday that my surgery for both will happen December 31st. I've been waiting for several weeks and have only been able to create new music for a few minutes at a time. So my plans for NYE will likely involve keeping my hand elevated.

Good luck with the surgeries and recovery Russ!

 

[Larry N.]

Hope it all goes well for you, Russ. BTW, you do very pleasant music.

 

[Jackiemac]

Good luck with the op and here's to a speedy and successful recovery!

 

[UTTransplant]

Everyone I know who has had carpal tunnel surgery has always been happy with the result, though sometimes it took a while. Hoping yours is as good with a fast recovery.

 

[RayIN]

I had "trigger-finger syndrome on my middle finger, left hand. A hand surgeon talked me into having surgery to correct the condition, saying it was quick and easy, and results were a normal acting finger.
I had the surgery, did all the recommended hand/finger therapy. Here I am 6 months later with a bent finger that can only be straightened by laying my hand on a table and forcing the finger flat with my right hand.
My right trigger finger was the same, but I didn't have surgery for it, now 6 months later the catch/trigger finger is gone.
Later a different orthopedic surgeon told me most often the condition self-corrects with time.
I can no longer play guitar due to essential tremors. I have a left-handed Fender Dreadnaught that hasn't been out of the case in months now.

 

[8Muddypaws]

That's not very encouraging. Both surgeries have really high success rates so that's surprising.

What's happening with me is that the inflammation is spreading to adjacent fingers. That's supposed to go away quickly.

My surgery date has been moved up to December 22nd.

 

[Arch Hoagland]

Good Luck with your surgery!

 

[8Muddypaws]

I'm happy to report that everything went well. The big bandage comes off in 5 days and the stiches in about 2 weeks.

They intended to use general anesthesia but I talked them out of it by pointing out that I had previously had an artificial joint implanted in my foot with only a local. However they insisted on covering my face so I couldn't watch. I had an ongoing conversation with the surgeon as he worked. Not squeamish at all.

They insisted on writing a script for OxyContin. I've only taken it once and hated it. Probably won't even use Tylenol. I'm in less pain now than I've been in for the last two months, but the Lidocaine hasn't completely worn off yet. We'll see.

 

[Jackiemac]

Fantastic. Hope healing goes well.

 

[Tom]

I'm happy to report that everything went well. The big bandage comes off in 5 days and the stiches in about 2 weeks.

They intended to use general anesthesia but I talked them out of it by pointing out that I had previously had an artificial joint implanted in my foot with only a local. However they insisted on covering my face so I couldn't watch. I had an ongoing conversation with the surgeon as he worked. Not squeamish at all.

They insisted on writing a script for OxyContin. I've only taken it once and hated it. Probably won't even use Tylenol. I'm in less pain now than I've been in for the last two months, but the Lidocaine hasn't completely worn off yet. We'll see.

Good news Russ. congrats and best wishes for the recovery.

 

[Larry N.]

Great, Russ- happy you've got it done. Hope the recovery goes quickly and well for you.

 

[Old_Crow]

They insisted on writing a script for OxyContin. I've only taken it once and hated it. Probably won't even use Tylenol. I'm in less pain now than I've been in for the last two months, but the Lidocaine hasn't completely worn off yet. We'll see.

When my wife had her open heart surgery they wrote her a script for like 100 Oxycontin. She got through the recovery with nothing more than extra strength Tylenol. Should have seen the fireman's face when I turned that whole bottle of Oxy in at one of those drug turn-in events. He was used to people turning in a bottle with 5 or 10 pills in it, not the whole script.

 

[8Muddypaws]

I haven't needed anything. I only have itching from the stitches on the two incisions.

I tried playing guitar yesterday and it didn't hurt but the bandages muted the strings. The thick bandage comes off Saturday.

Things are going very well.

Merry Christmas to all!

 

[8Muddypaws]

I took the wrappings off this morning and replace all of it with two regular bandages. All is well but I wasn't expecting to see bruises halfway up my forearm.

No pain anymore and very little discomfort unless I try to do one of the things they told me not to do, like lifting heavy objects.

 

[8Muddypaws]

I played for about and hour today. My hands enjoyed it but my ears did not. I think it messed up my muscle memory.