Living without guitar, can it be done?

Subject: RE: BS: Living without guitar, can it be done?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 21 Oct 09 - 07:09 PM

A slide guitar might be an interesting way of playing without too much left-arm motion. And, if you've never played one, it mihght just be enough of a challenge to take your mind off bonespurs.

Subject: BS: Living without guitar, can it be done?
From: Allan C.
Date: 21 Oct 09 - 06:06 PM

For the past month or so I've had ever-increasing pain afflicting,at times, my left shoulder blade, shoulder socket, upper arm, forearm, wrist, and back of hand. Sometimes all are involved. Sometimes just one or two bits here or there. Nearly any manner of motion seems to contribute to the level of pain, albeit not necessarily immediately following the activity. It was quite puzzling.

An MRI revealed that I have what amounts to bone spurs on most of my cervical vertebrae which cause what most folks call pinched nerves. As I understand it, the bone spurs condition is not terribly unusual for folks over 60, (which I am;) however, it doesn't usually result in this degree of nerve compression.

Thank god for the pain killers! I'm dealing okay with all of this, I suppose. And I really don't know yet what all of this will add up to. I still have a lot more examinations to undergo. My best guess at present is that this will eventually lead to some manner of surgical intervention; but I really don't know yet.

Meanwhile, I'm off work and more or less house bound since driving seems to make things worse. At present I can't even while away the hours by playing guitar because it hurts to keep my chording arm extended for any length of time.

So, I guess I'll just sit tight, catch up on my reading, learn to enjoy daytime TV, and wait for further evaluation. Meanwhile, your good thoughts would be of considerable comfort.