Prayer/Mojo request- Carpal Tunnel Surgery tomorrow

  • Thread starter Thread starter Enjolras56
  • Start date Start date
Enjolras56

Enjolras56

New member
Hey guys-
Just wanted to ask a favor that you send a prayer up or direct some positive mojo toward my surgeon's hands this Tuesday as I'm undergoing Carpal Tunnel surgery on my left hand.
I'm happen to be a lefty who plays righty, so my fretting hand will be out of commission for a while. :cry:

I've dealt with mild stinging sensations and weakness with computer work, pinching and gripping for a few years. I was keeping things pretty well controlled but in the last 6 months it's really progressed to where I've noticed more weakness and pretty much constant altered sensation in my thumb, index, and middle finger when i touch stuff. My wrist would start to ache especially if i was working on fast stuff on guitar. The fleshy thumb side of my palm (thenar eminence) where a lot of the muscles of gripping and pinching lie has gotten a bit flatter (atrophied). Fortunately, I'm not really in that much pain.

As you can imagine, this is not a fun predicament to be in as a guitar player. In addition, my work as a PT is very hands-on oriented plus I have my two little boys to take care of.
I'll be bandaged for about ten days before having the stitches taken out. After that, no lifting >15 lbs for 6 weeks and NO GUITAR for 6-12 weeks! :( Yes, I'll be off work for at least 6 weeks which I'll use as an opportunity to focus on family, catch up with friends, and I don't know... Philosophize or something.

Fortunately, doc said prognosis is very good for a full or near-full recovery. :thumbsup: Considering that my palm muscles had started to atrophy, he said that if I would have waited longer, it would likely have been progressive and permanent.
I'm optimistic as heck and am looking forward to being a better player than ever after I recover.

I've been contemplating what I can do to keep growing as a musician during this time. So far, I plan to work on my singing, dig into theory a little deeper, and maybe pick up my axe to work on down picking or tremolo, haha.

Would love to hear any ideas you guys have to work on musicianship, recovery stories if you've gone thru this, or just some words of encouragement to get me thru this time! You RigTalkers are a big part of my daily entertainment:). Thanks in advance guys. :rock:
 
Here's to a full and easy recovery!

Lot's of good vibes and mojo headed your way as you face the challenges.

I don't have a recovery story, but for the interim you can certainly work on family and singing (are you background or lead). Personally, the singing has been a focus for a little while, although my vocal coach left town for a bit and I haven't had a lesson on months. Still, working the techniques and just singing in general is good. It's a muscle like your wrist or anything else and it needs to be built up to be able to perform well.

Best of luck and keep us posted on your surgery and your recovery.
 
Good luck brother! As someone who suffers a lot of wrist pain from tendonitis and ganglion cysts, I feel your pain!
 
wishing you well...unfortunately i probably need to have my right wrist operated on as well...carpal tunnel not fun
 
Best wishes and good luck to you! All will be fine. A bit of pain now but you will recover. My aunt had the surgery years ago and has had no issues. Again, pay attention to your recovery instructions and don't push it! :)
 
Mojo Sent! Maybe spend the down time,,,ordering new gear!! :D
 
May the powers that be take care of you!!
Remember, it will take much more than that to stop you!!!
 
I had a similar hand surgery for a repetitive strain injury about 8 years ago. It hurt and took a long time to heal. You will be fine just make sure it heals and listen to the doc. Good luck.
 
From one left handed righty player to another - good luck!

I am affraid my days are counting - i work two jobs around computers/programming constantly, tons of writing in college, and guitar as well. I can manage it pretty well but one of these days i will be in the same boat.

Recovery is long term but you will feel much better afterwards. Much mojo sent and cheers to a hot nurse by your bedside :D
 
Thanks for the uplifting messages guys! Here's some pics of my experience today
0nurse_t1w9owmu_zpsb154f219.jpg
LukeHand_zpsc6cd2d88.jpg


Well... okay, more like this
398827_10151357950066232_926108523_n_zpsa9d2d0c3.jpg
:)

So far, so good. Minimal ache and fingers are still numb from the anesthesia.

glpg80":3uvynyft said:
I am affraid my days are counting - i work two jobs around computers/programming constantly, tons of writing in college, and guitar as well. I can manage it pretty well but one of these days i will be in the same boat.
Click to expand...
Hopefully not. Based on what my surgeon told me about current research, there's more thought now that rather than CTS being a pure repetitive strain injury, evidence seems to be that some people are just anatomically prone to getting it. (narrower tunnel) If you do start to notice pain, weakness, or tingling, early intervention can really help avoid surgery.

sandman":3uvynyft said:
wishing you well...unfortunately i probably need to have my right wrist operated on as well...carpal tunnel not fun
Click to expand...
No it's not bro. I think I remember you posting something about this a while back? Let me know if there's any questions you have!

Thanks again guys. You Rig-Talkers rule :rock:
 
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