A friend with MS discovered that the pathways that control fingering and picking movement are not, apparently, the same as those that provide sensation for feeling the fingers actually playing. In other words, he plays numb, as long as he forgets he should not be able to and just plays with the rest of us.

Another friend cut the major nerve to her hand and discovered soemthing similar, with typing.

I realize that here you are talking about damage at the other end of the circuit, but I think these examples give us a clue. I think the main thing is to keep the commitment to PLAY, and play however you can. Don't try to relearn it all... try to learn as if it's all brand new, because, you know, it is. And don't worry if it is not like it was, in how it happens... your mind can create a whole new set of approaches to bringing the music out of you.

Maybe you even live near some Mudcatters who would love to play with you. Mudcatters.. are pretty relentlessly positive and encouraging. *G*

Glad you are here... stick around.

~S~