Touring with a health condition

[TOOL460002]

Guitarist needs a new car. Getting a van! So we may not tour big, but we can take up offers we've gotten from towns many hours a way now, maybe string a few gigs together if I'm lucky. But congrats on the tour! Very cool. I don't have Crohns, but after two back surgeries (one in a foreign country) I know about rest. Any rest. Temperpedic pillows cannot be beat. Constant communication and visits for serious conditions are a must. Plus you stay abreast of new treatment options.

 

[Shortie]

Hello everybody...

Hang in there - the music heals you.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

I am really happy the discussion got going.

I have to agree that the band members need to know. The guys have been very supportive and helpful. The guitar player had a crazy car accident (he used to be a pro-driver) that resulted in him having to remove his spleen so he knows how it is to live with an incapacity (even though in his case he also got a superpower out of this. Apparently he never feels tired anymore). The other guitar guy, his dad had also part of his intestine removed and has been living with a colostomy bag for years so he is also familiar. Quite honestly I couldn't be more lucky regarding my bandmates.

Regarding tackling things head on, well I did not have a choice there either. It was either that or me passing away. It took me way too long to go and get checked and that almost cost my life. And money was never an issue, we get full coverage for these things in EU, it was just me being on denial hoping that I would eventually get better. That didn't really happen. That said here is my best advice. If there is blood in your stool, drop everything you are doing and go to a gastroenterologist ASAP.

For a long time I would get out of my flat only to go to work. I had become so weak it was ridiculous. My social and love life took a huge hit and I think I was getting mildly depressed.
But since things stabilised I have been very well. The stenosis troubled me for a couple of years. I was getting blockages relatively often until I had surgery.

But other than that I tolerate food very well compared to other people I know. Also if I absolutely have to drink I have found that beer messes my stomach too much but I tolerate white spirits quite well. Wine is also ok. As for coffee (or any caffeinated drink), it is like a time bomb. They send me to the bathroom within 30min. Tea is a little better, especially green but I don't drink that often anymore. Mate tea is by far the worst thing though. Milk is also a no-go. Physical activity also helps. I try to do as much as cardio based stuff as I can biking, swimming, jogging, yoga(I know...). I also do a little bit of lifting but since I got the surgery not as much since I was not allowed to lift anything heavy because of my stitches, but I am slowly getting back there. I used to bike 12km every day even when I was very sick and I actually thing it helped me quite a bit, but in hindsight it probably was not the best idea.

Those guys from the funeral homes are insane! That said, as a student I shortly worked in a funeral home and all I can say is that it is a very healthy business and they pay very well. Unfortunately a lot of the times people forgot that what is business to them it is a part of life for their customers so they were not as sensitive as they should be.

Truck stop food varies a lot from country to country. The two best ones by far are Turkey and Bulgaria. Turkey is kind of a gateway for a lot of truckers coming in and out of Europe so they offer a lot of options. Moreover because a lot of the drivers are Muslims the food is Halal (something similar to kosher), or at least kind of, not that many processed stuff and they offer a lot of vegetables and fruits which is nice (ironically they are even better than the stuff we get in nice stores in central and nothern europe). Bulgaria is the best though. There are these small grillhouses on the side of the highway. Very cheap, local meat being freshly grilled with very little seasoning, simple salad (tomatoes, cucumber and onions sometimes) and rice or (real fries). I have come to tolerate everything they offer there pretty well. But when uncertain I just go for the chicken.

In central and nothern europe I have found that time after time the safest thing to eat is Pho soup.(Vietnamese beef soup). I remember reading an interview from Justin Meldal Johnsen where he mentioned that. This piece of advice has saved me a few times. Sometimes they make it a bit spicey though but I always ask them not too. I have had very good luck with this dish even in some shady restaurants. Moreover there are a lot of soup sheds the further you go east in Europe. They are always a good alternative.

Yes Mike Mccready also has Crohn's disease. I chatted a few times with him and he is a super cool dude. Very supportive for people with Crohn's disease. There are few more guys in big bands that also have the disease and most of them have struggled quite a bit with it and were quite embarrassed by it. Quite honestly, by now I don't care. I have always liked toilet humour and by now I have taken it to whole other level. Many a drinks have been spilled through nostrils because of my colonoscopy stories

I have met a few people with Crohn's and Ulcerative colitis that had varied severity. The ones that were in a worse condition than me were all people that kept going without being treated, either because they never sought medical attention or because they were misdiagnosed or because they thought they could take care of things on their own. I still haven't met anyone who has died from it but I know a couple of guys that got pretty close. Support groups are helpful but not for everyone I think.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

Hang in there - the music heals you.

There is definetely a healing factor there. I remember a cool editorial about it by a bass magazine we all know and I couldn't agree more

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

Yep, this ^. We head out for spring tour tomorrow, so on my way into the city, I'll be hitting the Costsco and picking up four flats of bottled water and a case of 5w30 motor oil. Buy it local, buy it in bulk, I think it worked out to something under $0.30 per bottle that way, better than $2.19 for two on sale at every last chance gas station... (All prices in CAD.)

Our guitar player is diabetic, so we're also needing to worry about temperature control for his insulin. But the insulin is also in water proof packaging so we typically just rely on water ice, since we're playing mostly bars, we generally can get a kitchen catcher part way filled with ice to maintain refrigeration, gratis. That might not work out for you if you have long hauls between shows, we generally have one day we dead head in the two weeks, right up front, and cold packs have cut the mustard for that haul, after that it's a different bar every nite, so...

Why do you need to stock up on motor oil? Are you a robot?

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

My hat is off to all of you I have to admit to wimping out these past few months from gigging due to an intestinal illness (C-Diff) but I am getting back to it playing beer joints and other dives because I must make music to stay sane.

Oh man, that is also no joke. I also got a pretty bad one as a side effect from some of my medicine. Didn't know until then that you can actually die from it. That was actually my first near-death experience. Take care of yourself and gig responsibly.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

As I'm reading these posts about illness and old age, I'm opening the mail and I got another one of these.
Feels like the vultures are circling over my house. So you youngsters keep gigging as long as you can. Life is short. Just another tip from your old uncle Dbase.
View attachment 848954

Maaaan that is morbid.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

If traveling internationally, check to make sure your medications are permitted in the country/countries you're traveling to. People have been in hot water over sinus medication brought into Japan, for example.

Interesting point. That notebook covers me in most cases. Especially when I fly. Most of the flight attendants are more than happy to put my meds in their fridges.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

A tour needs to have these protections scheduled into it's plan. Sleep. The most common problem is long drives starting too early, in a rushed state so the food is Truck-stop Yellow (do no eat the yellow food under heating lights...do eat legitimately yellow and green and orange vegetables and fruits) taking time to get brown rice or something instead of carbs from white flower or fried potato takes time and logistical thinking. Take two or 3 days to get from Chicago to Green Bay... I also found that fish and flax oil supplements were important, I'd be taking probiotics too if I toured now. Seal off your bio-integrity shield out there in weirdovill.

I have been very skeptical about prebiotics but I have heard a lot of positive things about the oils. I should give them a go at some point.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

Music seems to kick in automatically, even when you don't remember much else - it becomes automatic. (I think other older guys would agree with that.) I read that Glenn Campbell was touring and playing even through he had dementia. Others too.

Talk about that! This one always bring tears to my eyes!
https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=...0p73QM&usg=AFQjCNGWrzGLRDGZL-LZCIJFqUh1J133Zg

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

Thanks for posting. I had ulcerative colitis (or have it I guess), most seriously from 1992-1994, when I had my entire large intestine removed, final surgery in Jan.95. Closely related to Crohns. I have not toured save for some 3 day road weekends, but with this surgery I think an extended tour is out. I have always had very understanding bandmates and have definitely been challenged with some nasty bathroom facilities.

But, the illness led me to my current field of social work-related now as a licensed clinical social worker but in related jobs from 1994, when I had a semester off from school for surgery and began working with people with developmental disabilities. Best thing that ever happened to me.

I find that a good sense of humor helps, my nickname was gaseous clay for a long time...

I am really happy to hear you are doing well now. I have had some very positive experiences as well. Are you gigging as well?

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

This is one of the most useful and informative threads I've ever seen on here! Thank you for getting it rolling!

I am really happy that the ball got rolling and grateful that people seem to enjoy the discussion. I think this is a very human subject and worth some pages around here. I am actually curious to hear stories of other people with health conditions and how they cope with them while gigging and/or touring.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I've been Gluten-Free for 16 years for medical reasons. An Internet search is your best friend for finding places that accomodate GF while on the road. A bit of planning goes a long way.

There are iPhone apps that help you translate your special requirements into other languages. Extremely useful.

Travel pillow and staying well-hydrated make a massive difference too.

PS. My favourite gluten-free Beer is Schnitzer Bräu, esp the version with lemon. It's also Organic = Very gentle on the digestive tract.

 

[BassBrass]

I have been very skeptical about prebiotics but I have heard a lot of positive things about the oils. I should give them a go at some point.

Putting it simply, DHA rich oil equals "regularity" on the road more than it's actual function as an anti-inflammatory which is obviously valuable combatting the many inflammation related diseases (heart disease included).
Americans get almost no good bacteria in their diet, and it's overwhelmed by the reaction from too much sugar. The most long lived traditional societies all have lots of fermented foods...sauerkraut miso yogurt fermented cheeses unprocessed fermented beverages (like combucha). A healthy bacterial profile is essential for lots of things, also it is the engine that maintains mental health because most of the serotonin in your body is produced in the gut, and healthy intestinal bacteria is involved in getting it to the brain. I take a 16 strain probiotic daily and also saccharomyces boulardii which is known as the traveler's probiotic because it helps with the um, Montezuma's revenge...

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

I've been Gluten-Free for 16 years for medical reasons. An Internet search is your best friend for finding places that accomodate GF while on the road. A bit of planning goes a long way.

There are iPhone apps that help you translate your special requirements into other languages. Extremely useful.

Travel pillow and staying well-hydrated make a massive difference too.

PS. My favourite gluten-free Beer is Schnitzer Bräu, esp the version with lemon. It's also Organic = Very gentle on the digestive tract.

I gave a gluten free diet a try for a few months. I didn't see any results but perhaps it could help on the long run. In general I don't have that much gluten intake to begin with.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

Putting it simply, DHA rich oil equals "regularity" on the road more than it's actual function as an anti-inflammatory which is obviously valuable combatting the many inflammation related diseases (heart disease included).
Americans get almost no good bacteria in their diet, and it's overwhelmed by the reaction from too much sugar. The most long lived traditional societies all have lots of fermented foods...sauerkraut miso yogurt fermented cheeses unprocessed fermented beverages (like combucha). A healthy bacterial profile is essential for lots of things, also it is the engine that maintains mental health because most of the serotonin in your body is produced in the gut, and healthy intestinal bacteria is involved in getting it to the brain. I take a 16 strain probiotic daily and also saccharomyces boulardii which is known as the traveler's probiotic because it helps with the um, Montezuma's revenge...

I will have to agree but is not only americans that have an unhealthy diet. Some of the habits I see here in Germany are pretty bad as well. I am greek so I am a very big fan of mediterranean diet and I try to do my best to kind of have that. That said, it is rather difficult due to the produce that is available here.

I actually hate sauerkraut (I guess I have not integrated to the german way of living that much yet), but as a greek man, I love me some nice, thick, yoghurt with pretty much everything. My girlfriend is scandinavian so, through her I discovered Skyr, which is a nice alternative. I also do enjoy the occasional quark. I also do eat a bit of cheese. Real cheese, not those plastic looking sliced stuff from cheap burger franchises. A friend brought some borderline legal goat cheese from Portugal recently that smelled worse than a dead person decomposing. That said, I actually don't eat that much dairy other than that.

I had a very interesting discussion with a friend of a friend who is a chef here regarding produce. He is a big advocate of consuming/using only local produce. The thing is that a lot of the imported produce is not fully ripe when collected in order to avoid them getting bad too quickly. However this makes them suffer in both taste and nutrients. There are more and more restaurants I hear that they fly their produce in weekly and boy, you can tell the difference.

That said, being on a budget and eating healthy can vary from difficult to impossible. I do try to eat as much local produce as I can but there is not that much grown around here.

When touring in some of the countries you can see grocery stands next to the highways and they always very nice stuff and most of the times are local. There was a time we got amazing peaches from a stand that kept us going for a couple of days.

 

[mrufino1]

I am really happy to hear you are doing well now. I have had some very positive experiences as well. Are you gigging as well?

Yes, once to a few times a week on average. Mostly weddings and such now so bathrooms are usually less of an issue, but not always.

I have been having issues with arthritis (I think), finally saw a rheumatologist to see what is really going on then see what I can do. Kala solidbody ubass is now my main instrument and has helped that a lot!

Did , or do, you also have UC? I know a few other musicians with it as well, 2 who have had the same surgery. Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself about it I remember I could be dead and that it made my life better.

As has been said, when the Beatles said, "The girl with colitis goes by..." If she was running then you know where she was going... ;-)

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

Yes, once to a few times a week on average. Mostly weddings and such now so bathrooms are usually less of an issue, but not always.

I have been having issues with arthritis (I think), finally saw a rheumatologist to see what is really going on then see what I can do. Kala solidbody ubass is now my main instrument and has helped that a lot!

Did , or do, you also have UC? I know a few other musicians with it as well, 2 who have had the same surgery. Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself about it I remember I could be dead and that it made my life better.

As has been said, when the Beatles said, "The girl with colitis goes by..." If she was running then you know where she was going... ;-)

I am very happy to hear that you are able to gig. No I do not have UC but I know quite a few people that do from the hospital I visit.

When you say you suffer from arthritis, what do you mean? Are you experiencing joint pain? If yes, where? Back in the days when I was still doing very badly the inflammation from my bowel spread to my spine. That was not fun at all. There were times I experienced very strong pulsating pains in my spine/back to the point that breathing was very difficult. I am not saying that this might also be the case but something similar can happen.

My basses are relatively light and I play lightweight Markbass gear, so lugging my stuff around is not a big deal, but man whatever works for you. The music is what matters.

 

[Shortie]

There is definetely a healing factor there. I remember a cool editorial about it by a bass magazine we all know and I couldn't agree more

I'm 66. I've got all kinds of gastro problems (just IBS stuff, I know about Crohn's) and joint problems, tendonitis etc. I play mostly short scale basses now because the big ones cause me pain. But sometimes I just have to play one of the big 5's and live with the pain for the next day or two, mostly because i just want to hear that sound. I don't tour but sometimes even lugging my gear to a local venue isn't so easy.

But no matter what's going on with my body, once start playing and get loosened up, all the pain is gone. The music takes over and it has a transcendental effect - I get transported to a different "place" . I really believe music has a healing effect - the "energy" traverses through your body and does something good. Even my dr. thinks so - he's not musician but he does love music - always asking me questions about my basses, telling how to work on posture etc. He encourages me to play.

Music soothes the savage beast.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

I'm 66. I've got all kinds of gastro problems (just IBS stuff, I know about Crohn's) and joint problems, tendonitis etc. I play mostly short scale basses now because the big ones cause me pain. But sometimes I just have to play one of the big 5's and live with the pain for the next day or two, mostly because i just want to hear that sound. I don't tour but sometimes even lugging my gear to a local venue isn't so easy.

But no matter what's going on with my body, once start playing and get loosened up, all the pain is gone. The music takes over and it has a transcendental effect - I get transported to a different "place" . I really believe music has a healing effect - the "energy" traverses through your body and does something good. Even my dr. thinks so - he's not musician but he does love music - always asking me questions about my basses, telling how to work on posture etc. He encourages me to play.

Music soothes the savage beast.

I know the feeling. I played a gig a few weeks after I got surgery. I had about a million of stitches, both external and internal (or at least it felt so) and actually an open wound but the guys were very helpful with the lugging. Didn't jump around too much and sang my lungs out. I got very tired but it was ok in the end. Probably a stupid move, but while playing I felt very well.