I dunno if anyone knows, even though I've said it in a couple of other posts, but i had a stroke at the age of 9 (I'm 13), giving me mild dystonia in my right side. It sucks.
I play right handed, wouldn't have a hope in hell of playing left handed. But, playings still a bit hard for me, cause when a hard bit comes up or even just an easy a@$# part, my right hand goes stiff.
Some days, I cant even get through one simple song without stuffing up cause my right hand gets so clenthed upp to the point where I cant even move it. On those days I feel like I hate myself and destroying everything in my room. I just punch the wall a couple of times and lay on my bed thinking, "why me....".
And yes, I do have about 12 doctors and they're all trying to find out ways to cure my dystonia. until ten, has anyone else got any idea's for me?

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riley

Do you think that playing with a slide might be easier? Or even a lap steel? I knew a guy who injured his shoulder and took up lap steel because he couldn't strap on a guitar. Or maybe even with a regular guitar on your lap the way Jeff Healy (R.I.P) played.

Anyway, just a thought, good luck and keep up with your playing no matter what!! You obviously enjoy playing and that is really important. I used to think I s**ked at guitar and I can tell you that negative thinking is very effective. What I mean is that if you believe you're no good at something, you won't be. It is better to think positively as it is the only alternative to negative thinking. When I got my attitude turned in the right direction, my playing got much better.

That's a tough hand you were dealt, I hope it gets better for you.

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Its a bit hard cause I play grunge, but I did see a guy performing at a Pearl Jam concert before they came on the stage who had it laying on his lap.
I find as if I "lose" myself in the music my arm gets alo better, but as soon as I'm out of that stage its hard again.
I do love playing, guitars are my life really.....

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riley

rileytheguitarist,

Sorry to hear that you had a stroke at such a young age. I do not know what medicines your doctors have you on, but I was wondering if a mild (and I mean mild) muscle relaxer would help during practice/playing? Maybe a good question to ask them the next time you see one of them, especially the main physician on the case. I know that doctors do not like to give meds for non-essential activities, but worth a try. Have they tried Botox injections? I read somewhere that that helps some people with Dytonia.

RK

The doctors have me on aspirin, just a blood medicine. I'll ask them that next time I see them, whitch is on tuesday. I did not know that there was a medicine that relaxed your muscles.
Yes they have tried botox, I've had that twice. I'm going for my next injection on tuesday. But, botox only works for about 4 months, and if you have it to much your body will become dependent on it.

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riley

Hang in there Riley and try to keep limber by doing simple stretches and exercise,ironically enough I used to work in a rehab centre and now I'm afflicted with arthritis moreso in my hands so I have some idea of the frustration you feel.Have you seen a physiotherapist or massage therapist? Also accupuncture can help relax cramped muscles and you could try alternating 10-15 min. of very warm and cold water that may relax your muscles somewhat.Good Luck keep us posted on your progress.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

I do stretches every night,I've been doing them for about a month. Before that I just took a brake from all the exercises. I used to go see a physio occasionally, then I just didn't have to do it anymore. Plus, I dont like getting help, I like to figure things out by myself. I have no clue what accupuncture is so maybe you could tell me and I'll give it a shot.

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riley

One of my patients receives Botox therapy for dystonia and the intervals between administrations seems to be about the same for him as yours. It's not a cure, it's a control. The aspirin has an anticoagulation effect likely as a stroke preventive measure.

As far as your guitar playing is concerned, the question was put as to whether slide might be an interesting creative option for you.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Using a slide is a bad idea for grunge, it doesn't sound good anyway. I know that, i dont think they've found a cure yet......

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riley

quote]
[i]Using a slide is a bad idea for grunge, it doesn't sound good anyway. I know that, i dont think they've found a cure yet......[/quote][/i]


Is that right??

Do you know what it means when people talk about 'thinking outside the box.'? It means that you make lemonade out of lemons.

Throw a set of 11's on your axe, crank up the bottom, the gain, and the overdrive on your amp, have at those last four strings with a metal slide, and see where ingenuity and creativity can get you. There just might be another Jeff Healy inside.

And please, don't ask me "Who's Jeff Healy?"

Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

[/i]


Is that right??

Do you know what it means when people talk about 'thinking outside the box.'? It means that you make lemonade out of lemons.

Throw a set of 11's on your axe, crank up the bottom, the gain, and the overdrive on your amp, have at those last four strings with a metal slide, and see where ingenuity and creativity can get you. There just might be another Jeff Healy inside.

And please, don't ask me "Who's Jeff Healy?"

Doc [/quote]
I'll try that, right after I post this message. I try to keep an open mind as much as possible.
And yes I do know who jeff healy was!

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riley

I was fortunate to see the late great Les Paul play at his regular gig at The Iridium about 9 mos before he died. He was a mere shadow of his former self with that terribly arthritic right hand, and obliged to use an oversized pick which was additionally modified so it would not slip.

There were certainly no speed metal riffs going down that night, yet he played in great fashion none-the-less. I literally sat inches away from the Master's feet and it was an opportunity, too often postponed, which I felt fortunate to have finally taken.

Richie Havens generates his awesome sound on a flat-tuned guitar fretted solely with his thumb. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him, many times, in Greenwich Village, more years ago than I care to remember. Jose Feliciano was blind. Knew him in the same venue back then as well, sitting on a stool, with his guide dog at his feet, before the world was to learn of his gifts.

Find your niche, and do your thing. Just make music.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Hi Riley,me again,acupuncture is the use of hair-thin needles inserted into certain pre-ordained treatment points on the hands and other affected areas.Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that has been adopted by many physicians who practice western medicine,a lot of people, including me have found it to be very beneficial.BTW I saw a Mexican - American guy a few years ago who had been born with no arms play with his feet,he even played for the pope when he visited the U.S. he was inspiring to watch.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

forget that, I'm not having no needles shuved into my hand.

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riley

At thirteen, I almost think that medications would more of a hinderance than help in rehabilitating your neurological deficit. Brain injury at young ages is very reversible in terms of training alternate pathways in the brain to perform lost functions. Each part of the brain save for very few areas have redundant functions that can take over if the area of primary control is damaged or completely dysfunctional. I would say that your best course of action would be to get back on the horse as soon as possible after a spasm passes and work through the episode with a goal of increasing the time between the spasms. That's easy to say, but believe me; I am working with spinal nerve root damage from crushed discs in my neck that causes my hands to go weak and numb. Ask your doctor about mild doses of anti-convulsant meds like Topamax or Neurontin to help with the spasms. The thing to remember is that you are fortunate to be playing guitar; that's an inspiration right there! Progress is slow, but in several years, with determination you could be the next great player of your generation. Best wishes to ya, Riley!

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60th Anniversary AD Strat, Deluxe Nashville Tele, Player's P Bass. Mesa/Boogie Mk IV combo, Marshall JCM800, 1960A cab, Genz Benz El Diablo 60, Genz 2x12" cab, too many neat little practice amps and kit projects!