Playing With-Through the Pain

P. Aaron · #1 11-15-2011, 11:42 AM

We played the last song of the night, I turned around switched off my amp and the pain rushed back in. Along with chills, and some other flu-like symptoms I've been suffering the last month or so.

An amazing and interesting thing.

Anyone else have this kind of experience?

Sonicfrog · #2 11-15-2011, 11:54 AM

One gloomy winter day, back in 1997 I think, I was curled in the classic fetal position, shivering like mad, and bundled with blankets trying to keep warm. I had a gig in a town some 15 miles away that night and was sure I would not make it. I felt like hell. This was of course in the pre cell phone days, so there was no way to get a hold of the guys and tell them I was really really sick and we'd have to cancel. I don't think I had a pager either... now there is a dead technology!

At about five in the evening, I managed to get myself out of bed, load up the car, and drive of to the gig. I was not going to let this thing stop me from playing. I got there and obviously looked like hell. The guys were concerned but I told them I was going to play no matter what!

And I did!!!!

Funny thing was, as soon as we started, the ick just melted away. And it didn't come back afterwards.

I guess rock-n-roll really does cure the blues!

**rhino333** · #3 11-15-2011, 12:28 PM

Everyday I play, I play in pain. Arthritis in the shoulders and hands (specifically thumbs). Some days are better than others.

When I'm playing, I usually don't feel it unless I do something or play in a way that's not "normal" for me. Thumb slaps are almost always out of the picture now. At best, I do them very carefully.

If I rest my thumb on the thumb rest or pickup, my thumb sometimes will lock in place preventing me from using a pick. If I'm lucky, I catch myself before it locks. Often, I'm not lucky.

I take regular shots of cortisone and it helps until it wears off. I've gone as long as a year without a shot. Usually every 6 months I need one. Aspirin helps. Ibuprofen helps. Vicodin rocks, but I use it sparingly.

The pain in my fretting thumb JUST started. I'm honestly scared and not afraid to admit it. I'll work through it. I have to.
This is something I am...not just what I do. I refuse to give up. I keep working at it. I keep trying to play smarter, safer and better.

Sonicfrog · #4 11-15-2011, 12:36 PM

Yeah, several of the guys I play with are also battling RA. They can still play, but it's a struggle. Right now I have a nice case of tennis elbow on my fret arm, probably from having my acoustic guitar at an improper height for me. I've since adjusted that. It bugs but I'm not going to let it kill my playing.

P. Aaron · #5 11-15-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhino333

Everyday I play, I play in pain...

I take regular shots of cortisone and it helps until it wears off. I've gone as long as a year without a shot. Usually every 6 months I need one. Aspirin helps. Ibuprofen helps. Vicodin rocks, but I use it sparingly...I'm honestly scared and not afraid to admit it. I'll work through it. I have to.
This is something I am...not just what I do. I refuse to give up. I keep working at it. I keep trying to play smarter, safer and better.

It's not the cancer battle, that will play itself out. It's the damage that it has done. I can relate to the cortisone styled injections and the prescription pain meds. They help but one must be wary of them.

But the tone, the feel from playing with others, the continuing challenge of clicking musically with your bandmates...that is about the only thing that diminishes any of the pain.

ggunn · #6 11-15-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonicfrog

One gloomy winter day, back in 1997 I think, I was curled in the classic fetal position, shivering like mad, and bundled with blankets trying to keep warm. I had a gig in a town some 15 miles away that night and was sure I would not make it. I felt like hell. This was of course in the pre cell phone days, so there was no way to get a hold of the guys and tell them I was really really sick and we'd have to cancel. I don't think I had a pager either... now there is a dead technology!

At about five in the evening, I managed to get myself out of bed, load up the car, and drive of to the gig. I was not going to let this thing stop me from playing. I got there and obviously looked like hell. The guys were concerned but I told them I was going to play no matter what!

And I did!!!!

Funny thing was, as soon as we started, the ick just melted away. And it didn't come back afterwards.

I guess rock-n-roll really does cure the blues!

I played a gig once with the flu and 104 degree fever. I don't remember most of it, but my bandmates said I did remarkably well, considering. They were really good about letting me skate at the end of the gig and handling all my gear for me.

I was much younger then. I probably wouldn't do it today; it might be taking a life threatening chance.

totallyfrozen · #7 11-15-2011, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

...I turned around switched off my amp and the pain rushed back in. Along with chills, and some other flu-like symptoms I've been suffering the last month or so...

If you've had pain, chills, and flu-like symptoms for a month or so, you should get to a doctor right away. Those symptoms could be indicative of the early stages of any number of serious medical problems that are best handled with early detection and treatment.