Well..

[Scotti Adams]

Went to the Ortho surgeon today...Ive got a fracture in my right hand that if its not better in a month he will have to go in and insert a couple of pins....My left hand/arm has what is called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome....dont ask me how it happened...dont know...its basically a pinched nerve in the elbow area...it feels like when you hit your funny bone....you know how your hand tingels and goes numb..well Ive had this for 3 weeks now...very aggravating..my pinky is numb as well as part of my thumb and the tip of my ring finger. I will know within 10 days when my op is. The Doc said I will probably be able to use my fingers right after the operation...will have to keep the elbow stationary for a short time. There is a slight risk that even after the surgery that it may not be any better....its a chance I have to take. I can still play right now...its just weird..I lost some of the strength...and using the pinky yo play feels odd. Oh well....gotta put faith in Gods hands....hey I heard he a picker too...so I should come through it ok.

[Mando4Life]

Scotti,

Sorry to hear that and I really hope things work out just fine for you. #My brother has the same kind of problem I think....at least that sounds like what he is describing to me. #He's good playing for about and hour or so then the problems start.

Hang in there.

WBL

[ShaneJ]

Scotti,

Sorry to hear about the injuries/ailments. I'll say a prayer for you. I hope all is well after the surgery. Maybe it'll actually improve your playing! (If that's possible) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Shane

[Moose]

Scotti: Here's wishin' all good things to ya' - Keep us posted... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[AlanN]

Yeah, Scotti dog, good luck. Maybe after your surgery, you'll be able get some monster chords!

[Scotti Adams]

Thanks Guys...actually Wayne...my left hand pinky and palm are numb all the time....But I did notice after about a 5 hour rehearsal this past sunday I had alot of pain in my elbow area leading down through my pinky.

[Lee]

Scotti, sorry to hear about the problem. I'm wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.

[Nora]

Good luck, Scotti. Be careful of infections, they seem to abound in hospitals now. My better half had rotator cuff surgery last summer and they got a germ in it. Thought if was fine for two months, then the infection came out. Make sure you wash with the anti bacterial stuff they give you before surgery (whole body), put bacitracin in your nose, etc.

[Lane Pryce]

Hey Dawg--Glad to read you jumped it early.Its actually a simple procedure with a very high success rate.I ruptured a tendon in my left forearm and sat on it,kept thinking it would heal on its own with no intervention. Wrong!!!That injury worsened and ended 15 years of fiddle playing.It has been almost two years and I still have trouble/pain turning my left wrist enough to hold a fiddle neck in the proper playing position.You will do just fine and you'll never miss a step. Lp

[Tom C]

That stinks, but best of luck. I would go get 2nd and 3rd opinions. Even try acupuncture. I never believed until I hurt my sesmoid bone on the bottom of my foot. I could not walk for 10 weeks. Senior citizens were passing me with their walkers. I got orthotics, cortizone shots which did absolutely nil. Out of fustration I went to a Korean acupuncture. He spoke no english, but hours later I was able to walk pain free for the first time in 10 weeks. I'm still blown away by the results, I'm just waiting for that next 40yr pain to hit so I can try it again

[Scotti Adams]

Man Layne..seems like you have had a rough road to hoe...sorry to hear about that..I couldnt imagine a life without being able to play ....Nora...the Doc did mention infection...have to keep the incision clean.....Alan...Monster Chords....???...hopefully..thanks for you thoughts Lee.

[batman]

Good luck man. Don

[Gibsonman]

Scottie: I know you were having trouble. Hope everthing turns out ok. I'm sure it will, just hang in there. You need to get well so you can play your new mandolin when you get it.

[Lane Pryce]

Post-operative infection rates are very low.If you use the common sense factor during your post-operative recovery period the likelihood of having to deal with that issue is slim to none!!Git-her-done and git-on-wit-it!!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif Lp

[Brian Aldridge]

sorry to hear about this Scotti. A player's nightmare, for certain. You will be in my and many's thoughts and prayers, so I am sure you will sail straight through it and be back up to speed in no time flat.

[Nora]

Post-operative infection rates are very low.If you use the common sense factor during your post-operative recovery period the likelihood of having to deal with that issue is slim to none!!Git-her-done and git-on-wit-it!!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif Lp
Yes, infection rates are low, however, hospitals, more and more, have the staph germ in their operating rooms. They've even coined a new acronym for it (MSRA or something like that). I don't want to sound like a doomsayer, because you have to do what you have to do. My husbands infection was from the operating room, at the time of surgery.

Just make sure you are aware of these things and with any, ANY, post operative complaint, seek medical attention fast. You men usually try to 'tuff it out' and that can delay you recovery.

[Scotti Adams]

Thanks for your thoughts guys and gals...it really means alot

[jasona]

Good luck Scotti. See if they might lengthen your pinky tendon while they are at it--give you a reach to the 9th fret in first position! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Scotti Adams]

what makes you think I cant do that already? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[JimRichter]

Good luck, Scotti. My brother had the same surgery (actually twice--one for each hand) a few years ago, and he went back to playing guitar not too long after. Unlike my intermittent tingling/numbness, he had it all the time, much like yourself. He's back to picking as he ever was.

Jim

[chirorehab]

Sorry to hear about your impending surgery...

As for cubital tunnel syndrome - - you should check out Active Release Technique (http://www.activerelease.com).

I utilize this for my patients with cubital tunnel and other repetitive injuries....

Goood luck,

Eric

[sbarnes]

amazing
i went to the doctor just last week w/almost the exact same symptoms.....doc says i'm playing mando too much....odd thing though is that i'm a pro (aging yes) but been doing this for my whole life - never any problems before.....of course i never played mando before eitheri've played bass professionally and keyboards professionally but he says it's the angle of the wrist in mando playing....
he didn't threaten getting cut on yet but gave me some exercises to do and suggested a brace at night (which i so far have declined).....
let us know how it goes

[mad dawg]

Good luck Scotti, and my only advice is to pay attention to your physical therapist's instructions. (I wish I did after my second hand surgery; else I could have avoided a third http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif )

[mandolooter]

Take care of it and follow your Doc's orders even if its a hassle. I have a back ailment that produces similar tingles, etc when I forget to sit properly, etc., mostly while pickin it seems and it can be frustrating as all git out. The injury is over 12 years ago and Im as back to normal as I'll ever be according to my Doc. Get well soon!!!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[siren_20]

I'll be thinking good thoughts for you, Scotti! I've had arm trouble before and it's no fun. Hope your recovery is quick!
@sbarnes... I tried a brace at night on my left hand (at the suggestion of my chiro) and it did wonders for my tendinitis. #It is worth a shot...braces can be had at a drugstore for about $10-$15, and after a week of use you may very well see some great improvement.

[Scotti Adams]

Thanks Guys...I really appreciate your words....The Doc says I wont need physical therapy....I will(supposedly) be able to use my fingers immdeiatley...Eric...thanks for the great info..

[neal]

Scotti, take care of yourself and I hope you can get back to what you love real soon. Man, it's gotta be murder just looking at the mandolin.

[Scotti Adams]

..Thanks Neal...Im actually able to play at the this time...its just not the same not being able to feel your left pinky and palm...my right hand..the broken one doesnt give me problems when I play...thank God.

[Mike McCoy]

Good luck Scotti!

[atetone]

So Scottie,,, uh, er,,um,, so,, got any mandos you are looking to unload cheap??? Just kidding ya,,, I couldn't help it.
I also have to quit playing once in a while due to hand/tendon problems. It's a pain but nothing as bad as what you are facing.
Good luck.

[Undercover Brother]

Healing vibes and positive vibrations comin' your way from Atlanta!
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

Chris

[Flowerpot]

Scotti, good luck with it all. Hope the recovery is quick and painless.

[Scotti Adams]

Thanks guys....I dont look to be out of commision too long....Tony..I dont even own a mando right now...I have a loaner which is a Rose...I would put it beside anything...its a real HossCat...Im anxiously awaiting my new Rose in latter May.

[Bob Sayers]

This is an amazing coincidence. About a month ago I woke up with the same symptoms Scotty describes: a numb tingling feeling through the heel of my left hand and a very numb pinky. It was cold outside and I thought maybe I'd gotten frostbite. They symptoms continued to worsen over the next few days, so when one of my colleagues at work started talking about strokes, MS, etc. I headed for the doctor. I ended up seeing a neurologist and he did two tests: first he zapped various points on my left arm and hand with an electrode connected to a computer to see if he could detect any nerve damage. Then he stuck acupuncture-like needles, also connected to a computer, into the muscles of my left arm to check on the muscle response. The diagnose: slight nerve damage in my left arm. When I mentioned that I was an amateur musician, he thought that that might the problem and suggested that I should lay off the mandolin for a couple of weeks. I did and I'm much improved now.

The postscript to this is that I spoke with another colleague, a cellist, and she told me those are very common symptoms for classical string musicians. In fact, she said, cellists often alter the action on their instruments (by changing the bridge) in winter and summer so they don't hurt their hands. She also gave me a bit of bad news: This syndrome starts in your left hand and, if you continue to play through the pain, moves up to your elbow and ultimately your shoulder. Therefore, it's important to ease off if you have any of these symptoms or you could wind up with a serious nerve problem.

Hope this helps. I learned alot this last month.

Bob

[jim simpson]

I asked the doc if I would be able to play Rawhide after surgery to which he replied "Yes". I told him that's funny, I couldn't play it before!

Yeah, I know, an old dumb joke - they're my favorite kind!

[mando_pete]

Scotti.

I had similar problem but it was the equivalent in your ankle. The nerve through my ankle was "pinched" and the whole outside-big toe area of my foot was numb for almost a year. While I acknowledge that we don't ( I hope ) play with our feet. It was quite annoying.

A Doc told me he wanted to do a similar surgery as yours with a possible permanent numbness if it didn't work. At the time I couldn't go anywhere barefoot and couldn't sleep without a sock on my foot becuase of the annoying "tingle" caused by any contact directly to my foot. Oh, and the shower was ANNOYING.

Anyhoo, the thought of having to be permanently numb scared me so bad I didn't do the surgery. Orthotics eventually cured the problem.

I'm not trying to scare you out of the surgery, I think you should do it. But some risk / reward anlysis is in order here and you may want to explore other options since this is causing you no long term harm.

You can always have the surgery later.

Good luck with whatever you decide and Godspeed on your recovery.

-- pete

[BlueMt.]

Scotti,

Good luck with the surgery and I hope you have a rapid recovery. I'm typing this with an icepack tied on my left hand. Who would have ever thought playing the mandolin could be so dangerous? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #I think you should buy yourself a new mandolin as a reward for being so brave. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Juice6120]

Scotti , Man wish ya the best. I had surgery in my left hand about 10 years ago , Dr Frank McCue #UVA medical. I played golf in college and had my whole Jr golf career. some nike hooters etc. I had what was called as a hook of hammond,and spur in left hand, I hit golf balls with just my left hand for hours a day. Till I got tendonitis and it got worse to the point my arm was tingly and numb. I was only down a few weeks but was twice as good as before.Doc said now its so much better surgical procedures than before. ALWAYS GET A SECOND OPINION ! DR McCue has worked on tons of star athletes and diagnosed and fixed. when others wanted to do carpal tunnel surgery and one told me to wear tennis elbow guard lol I have a good flat picker friend who Uses accupuncture. btw make sure they put a X on the right hand. Jk

Good luck , and hoping they find it and get ya back to 100%
and ya get a supermodel nurse !
mike http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Scotti Adams]

All you guys are great....The Ortho doc is the second opinion on my problem....the Doc who did my EMG ...the electrodes and pin sticks...was the first opinion....Im sure(I hope)..things will go Okay...

[Mando4Life]

btw make sure they put a X on the right hand.

heck yeah...do that....you are liable to come out of surgery with a mohawk and a desire to wear high heels..... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

I'm sure things will go just fine. #It sounds like plenty of other folks here have gone through similar things and are still going strong.

WBL

[Pedal Steel Mike]

I want to second what Tom C said about acupuncture. Different medical techniques work better on differnet ailments, and acupuncture works very wrll on inflamations.

Several years ago I had the same problem and chose acupuncture instead of surgery, and it worked. It required several treatments, but the problem went away.

Whaever you choose, I hope you recover quickly and thoroughly.

[Scotti Adams]

..what I have is not imflamation,,,its severely stressed nerve...so the Doc says....they have to go in and cut another "tunnel" and actually move the nerve to a less vulnerable position.

[ira]

rock on scotti- you will be fine i'm sure. whatever you do, go with your decision in good conscience and never look back.

you'll be pickin again in no time, but more important- without pain.
peace,
ira

[Ken Berner]

Scotti, I have to go along with JLP, who advises to go ahead and get this thing over with. Time is moving on, none of us are getting any younger and we don't want this to drag on and on. It will probably get worse before it gets better. Best of everything and we will pray for a sucecessful surgery and a rapid recovery!

[Scotti Adams]

..yea..Im gonna have it done..Im too young to feel this dayam old.

[Michael H Geimer]

...Im too young to feel this dayam old.

Yeah. But I doubt you'll ever get too old to feel young!

Heal up quick, and pick on!

- Benig

[mikeomando]

Scotti, good luck, and feel better soon. You might try to vary the length of your strap to shift your left arm position around every few tunes when you start playing again...

[Moose]

Hey Scotti - bet ya' didn't know ya' had so many friends, eh!!?? - again.., best 'o luck to ya' - an' follow the doc's orders... (er,.."instructions"!) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[dtb]

dang man....hope all works out. good luck.

[Scotti Adams]

Hey Scotti - bet ya' didn't know ya' had so many friends, eh!!?? - again.., best 'o luck to ya' - an' follow the doc's orders... (er,.."instructions"!) #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif
..Yea Moose..sure makes a guy feel good.

[diamond ace]

I hope all goes well and I will pray for you.

[jaco]

Many prayers are with you. Hang in there.

[Steve Williams]

Scotti,
You're in our prayers down here in "the valley"...everything is going to be fine! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

Steve Williams

[RI-Grass]

Best of luck, Scotti.

[Scotti Adams]

...thanks y'all...the hard part is waitin for the phone to ring telling me when my appointment is....lets just get it over with.

[Fred G]

good luck, hope your back playing soon...

[Dale Ludewig]

Best of luck to you, Scotti.

[Scotti Adams]

..Well...found out today that March 16th is the day....I think the hardest part of this is not being able to eat for 24 hours prior....

[kyblue]

I'll try to think of some way to take your mind off of it...

[Scotti Adams]

...really..now theres a thought..