• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

End of the Line

#21
Having gone through my own medical crisis a few years ago, and still coming to terms with the new reality I found myself in afterwards, I can relate to what you’re going through and the decision you’ve made. And it gladdens me to see you’re handling it so well. Hang in there and give it some time. While it probably won’t ever be what it once was, it may well turn out to be better than it looks right now. Like the man said: it ain’t over till it’s over. :thumbsup::)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Mike Whitfield, ak56 and slobake
#23
after 6 heart operations and 2 strokes I am still fighting to play but I think you are going about it the smart way. I am now thinking about running sound full time just to be in music. I already own a massive P.A. system and know it very well. Always an option. So sorry to here about the pain and I know it bites giving up bass. There's always wine women and song, or you could spend your time foolishly! Good luck in whatever you decide to do
 
  • Like
Reactions: barrenelly
#24
I've thought about writing this very post for a while now, OP... I hear ya'.

Osteoarthritis is destroying my spine at a fairly early age. (50 now) I had the first of what will likely be a series of fusion surgeries last year, and bounced back... only to start losing the feeling in two more fingers this year. To say nothing of what it feels like after 8 o'clock at night when I don't have a bass guitar over my shoulder playing a 3-hour brewery gig. (try to imagine a little troll riding piggy-back, chopping at you with a hatchet right between the shoulder blades) I played every single gig this Summer, worked out my notice with the guys, and hung it up until they can fix me again. It's been absolutely soul-sucking, and heart-breaking. I'm a bass player. It's an identity, who I am, and what I do... and I can't do it anymore. I had a rockstar neurosurgeon who fixed me up last year, and he's back on the case now, so I'm holding out hope for one more shot.

I might be done in 2020, maybe it'll be longer, but I'm just not ready to let go yet.
 
  • Like
Reactions: barrenelly, Outbush, Mike Whitfield and 3 others
#25
EdwardofHuncote said:
I've thought about writing this very post for a while now, OP... I hear ya'.

Osteoarthritis is destroying my spine at a fairly early age. (50 now) I had the first of what will likely be a series of fusion surgeries last year, and bounced back... only to start losing the feeling in two more fingers this year. To say nothing of what it feels like after 8 o'clock at night when I don't have a bass guitar over my shoulder playing a 3-hour brewery gig. (try to imagine a little troll riding piggy-back, chopping at you with a hatchet right between the shoulder blades) I played every single gig this Summer, worked out my notice with the guys, and hung it up until they can fix me again. It's been absolutely soul-sucking, and heart-breaking. I'm a bass player. It's an identity, who I am, and what I do... and I can't do it anymore. I had a rockstar neurosurgeon who fixed me up last year, and he's back on the case now, so I'm holding out hope for one more shot.

I might be done in 2020, maybe it'll be longer, but I'm just not ready to let go yet.
Click to expand...

Edward is at least lucky enough to have a Jeannie blink in his back pocket :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: EdwardofHuncote
#27
Since I have only had small issues with tendonitis, I can somewhat relate. I am sure you did all the things we all do. Narrower neck, lower action, shorter scale and on and on. I am one of the biggest supporters of the "Never Give up" people, but even in my case, I know my issues are only going to get worse. It really sucks and I am sorry this has gotten all the way to this point for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Groove Doctor
#28
Try piano. With good technique it may be easier on your hands. Plus it is a satisfying solo instrument. I have soldiered through trigger finger and arthritis. This caused me to be very careful wih technique and even repertoire but I still play quite a bit. Hope you find a good compromise.
 
#31
I started having problems with my left hand, to the point where I had to give up playing the upright bass about four years ago. I hated to do it, I enjoyed the sheer physicality of the instrument. I continued playing bass guitar and/or acoustic six-string guitar in a country band and a couple of other projects. Last year that caught up with me, and I dropped all but the band. Today I'm sitting here taking a "dose pack" ... six days of cortisone for sciatica, and can barely walk ... got a gig this weekend, and it's too late to get a sub. I think the writing is on the wall, too.

Rather than pack it in completely, I'm going to pursue recording, maybe pick up a session for my songwriting friends, do some open mics on guitar, anything that doesn't require hauling gear, setting up stages, traveling, and standing for hours with a ten pound jazz bass around my neck. (Wish me luck!) ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: barrenelly
#32
Really sorry to hear this Jim yet glad you're at peace and hope you find a way to stay with music somehow. I'm not going to bore you with my medical problems which are many and varied, but having had increasing bouts with tendonitis was surprised to learn that while playing I need to stay more hydrated to avoid cramps and ultimately tendonitis. Had a few bad bouts over the summer but was told the same thing happens year round if us old folks ain't hydrated enough while playing and alcohol doesn't count. If you get that book (which looked great!) and ever decide to dive back in just make sure to keep plenty of water around. All the best fellow low-ender!
 
  • Like
Reactions: barrenelly
#34
Interceptor said:
I have hit my end point.

Tendon issues in my fretting hand have sidelined me again, and this time for good. It has been a issue for the last few years. If I backed off on playing, I could get it to be kind of OK. But, it never would go away.

I recently starting rehearsing with a new band and it did not take long for things to go bad again. I cannot see the pain / rewards ratio of gigging justifying the pain element any longer. The excitement of being asked to join a promising band was soon replaced with the reality that my body no longer has the capability.

I accept that.

I had a lot of fun. Met some amazing people. Got to do many things beyond my dreams. I also somehow managed to end it all on a good note, and am very grateful for that.


Jim
Click to expand...

that sucks..whats your age?
 
#35
Interceptor said:
I am completely at peace due to a very spiritual view of life.

I have checked with a fine Doctor on this. The advice I was given was to reduce my playing.
Click to expand...

Reduce or end it? It sounds like there may be a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. However, no one knows your body better than you. I hope things work out for you in whatever comes along next. I am sure you will find enjoyment and fulfillment in whatever you do. Lets us know if there is any hope for you possibly continuing playing in the future. And yes, you are really taking this in a graceful and admirable manner :thumbsup:
 
  • Like
Reactions: barrenelly
#37
I got tendinitis in both arms / hands in 1999. It took two full years of not playing at all for the tendinitis to heal. On the rare occasion I did play bass during that time, I would get a major flare up. Problems subsided after summer 2001 and I have now been playing consistently for years with no additional issues. I still tend to keep a low action and low tension strings i.e. DR Hi-Beams.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Groove Doctor
#38
So sorry to hear this. I hope you (and other posters who are also facing the end of bass careers) find a way to make music that isn't as painful. There are a million instruments out there, and bass is one of the more physically demanding.
 
#39
Interceptor said:
I recently starting rehearsing with a new band and it did not take long for things to go bad again. I cannot see the pain / rewards ratio of gigging justifying the pain element any longer. The excitement of being asked to join a promising band was soon replaced with the reality that my body no longer has the capability.
Click to expand...

I've got arthritis in the base of my left thumb. Whole family's got this. It will spread to my right, and then fairly soon afterwards it's going to get too painful to play. So I am tearing it up playing while I still can, because within ten years I very likely won't be able to. I hope I can recognize the moment and deal with it as gracefully as you are.
 
#40
MRI? I fought what I though was tendonosis in my left wrist (piano playing). I'd stop for a few months. RICE it to death, stretch and rehab it. Then I would restart WAY back in my books while always working on being relaxed and not playing anything to fast, repetitively or for too long. An MRI revealed two deep cysts that were impinging the tendons. I didn't enjoy the surgery but it made me able to practice again.

Is it in the hands or wrist? Did you see a hand specialist? There are otho's who specialize in musicians injuries. it's all too easy for someone who doesn't understand a lifetime devoted to music to say, "Play less".
 
  • Like
Reactions: SiliconElle, Groove Doctor, OogieWaWa and 1 other person

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back