thebrig Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I’m having a joint replacement today (Monday), old age = arthritis I’m afraid. Problem is, my old band is desperate as their bass player can’t make a gig this coming Saturday, and asked if I could do it, I said I would only if they cannot find anyone else, and that I would be a bit restricted because I will be in a plaster cast. I’m hoping that my fingers will be free enough to play, but now I’m getting a bit nervous, as I was told at the pre-op assessment, that it will be quite painful afterwards, and that I should have my arm elevated for a week, although I’m sure a couple of hours playing with my arm down five days after the op, shouldn’t cause too many problems. Has anyone else had this op, and if so, do you think I will be able to get by on the night? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Things is..what sort of condition are you going to be in to play..and what damage might you do to a joint that is already under repair...?? I wouldn't touch this myself on the face of what you have posted, as the joint will need every chance of rest to recover and be a success. You are risking short term for long term IMO...and that is beside the fact that you may not be upto speed playing-wise anyway. I understand you are keen to help out an old band, but this isn't really your problem. So, that would be a BIG no from me. They should get a dep Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 17, 2011 Author Share Posted October 17, 2011 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1318834273' post='1406540'] Things is..what sort of condition are you going to be in to play..and what damage might you do to a joint that is already under repair...?? I wouldn't touch this myself on the face of what you have posted, as the joint will need every chance of rest to recover and be a success. You are risking short term for long term IMO...and that is beside the fact that you may not be upto speed playing-wise anyway. I understand you are keen to help out an old band, but this isn't really your problem. So, that would be a BIG no from me. They should get a dep [/quote] Deep down, I think you are right, but they can't find a dep, and have said that even if I just keep everything simple, it would be better than having no bass at all. It's a charity event for 'downs syndrome', which the daughter of the lead guitarist was sadly was born with. So it will be unpaid, and not too demanding, and hopefully good fun as well, and if it does prove too much for me, then maybe one of the guitarists could take over the bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacker Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 (edited) Don't do the gig; [i]your[/i] health comes first! I remember, years ago, demonstrating pianos to clients when I had a broken left pinkie at the time. Even though this was about a week or more after I'd removed the splint, the joint hurt like hell and never set correctly. Don't be a martyr to a good cause, mate. As the others said: get a dep. Edited October 17, 2011 by Stacker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 [quote name='Stacker' timestamp='1318838780' post='1406571'] Don't do the gig; [i]your[/i] health comes first! [/quote] plus the one it's really admirable that you don't want to leave your bandmates and the fundraisers without a bass player, but there will be other gigs and charity events to play... which you'll be able to give your all at when you're all better ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Although it's admirable that you are willing to give it a try, I don't think it's a sound idea. Will pm you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Add me to the list of +1's as well. The medical profession don't just pluck things like 'keep it elevated for a week' out of thin air to entertain themselves. Think what you're risking - a second round of surgery (never nice) and a 50/50 gamble that they can actually replace the joint a second time. Hertfordshire is a big county - if the gig is that important to your old band then they'll find a dep in time. The first question you should be asking is does anyone on here live in Hertfordshire? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I think it's pretty unfair of the band to expecting you to do it when they know you've just had surgery. You must be mad to even be contemplating doing this gig so soon after an operation like that. I know it's for a good cause, but you really should be putting your own health first here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bremen Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Sorry to jump on the bandwagon, but: don't do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Sounds like a big thumbs down to me... (Sorry, but I've been dying to say that all afternoon ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 [quote name='icastle' timestamp='1318848745' post='1406725']The medical profession don't just pluck things like 'keep it elevated for a week' out of thin air to entertain themselves. Think what you're risking - a second round of surgery (never nice) and a 50/50 gamble that they can actually replace the joint a second time. Hertfordshire is a big county - if the gig is that important to your old band then they'll find a dep in time. [/quote] another +1 from me; and some excellent additional 3 points here too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 1:13: That's you that is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gBEznBdFxM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seashell Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 [quote name='Stacker' timestamp='1318838780' post='1406571'] Don't do the gig; [i]your[/i] health comes first! I remember, years ago, demonstrating pianos to clients when I had a broken left pinkie at the time. Even though this was about a week or more after I'd removed the splint, the joint hurt like hell and never set correctly. Don't be a martyr to a good cause, mate. As the others said: get a dep. [/quote] No, don't do it I drove with a broken pinkie against doctors advice. it was strapped to the ring finger but not in plaster. Thought I would be OK as I just wouldn't grip the steering wheel with the right hand. But just out of habit I found myself trying to curl my hand round the steering wheel again and again. it never set properly and now I can't bend it properly. On the night you might find adrenalin kicking in and risk doing things with your bad hand that you regret later. The urge to perfom 'properly' is really strong .. I remember having danced with injuries back in the day. You think you'll go easy on your injury but you jut can't stop yourself when you get under those lights! Good luck with your re-couperation and hope they can find a dep for the gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 Just got home today from hospital, the specialist is pleased with the way it went, not too much pain, and my fingers are completely free, and he has advised me that I should keep [u]moving[/u] them as much as possible. The thumb is completely protected, and I couldn't move it if I tried, and although my arm should be elevated for the first week, he said that it doesn't have to be 24/7, so all should be ok for Saturday. I do appreciate all your advice, and maybe I am mad, but I really do feel that by Saturday, I should be fine, and will just take it easy with my playing. It's my plucking hand, so I will just rest my palm, which is well protected on the bass and play within myself. It's a fundraiser event, that should be fun to play, with absolutely no pressure. And besides, I've got a ready-made excuse for any bum notes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seashell Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Well it sounds as though you won't be contravening the specialist's advice, so all that other stuff we said is irrelevant now! So glad the op went well. Let us know how the gig goes. It sounds as though it will be great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 [quote name='seashell' timestamp='1318936283' post='1407855'] Well it sounds as though you won't be contravening the specialist's advice, so all that other stuff we said is irrelevant now! So glad the op went well. Let us know how the gig goes. It sounds as though it will be great! [/quote] Thanks[i], [/i]I will let you all know how it goes. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Now that you have decided to do the gig do please get a picture of you playing with the cast, not much more rock 'n' roll than that! Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 [quote name='jonthebass' timestamp='1318937110' post='1407870'] Now that you have decided to do the gig do please get a picture of you playing with the cast, not much more rock 'n' roll than that! Good luck. [/quote] It's a 'must have' memory! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Great very pleased for you the op went well, good luck on Saturday & can't wait to see the photo's Cheerz, John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Nice thread. Good luck with the gig but remember to stop if its getting too much. I know the Doc said not to be 24/7 but usually that means give your hand a break for short spells but not over-stressing the joint. Take great care and hope you enjoy the gig. I liked this thread. Very touching. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 good luck with the gig ... and the thumb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Good luck, sounds like it went well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 Thanks for all the kind thoughts and wishes! I really do think I should be ok for a couple of hours, I'm not trying to be a hero or anything, But maybe I am a bit MAD!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
essexbasscat Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Just a thought. Did you discuss your intentions with the surgeon ? or with his Senior House Officer ? or another member of staff ? Have they given you generalised advice ? or is it specific to your operation and intentions ? If you are really serious about doing this, it may be a good idea to be absolutely certain about the advice. Remember, there are many other threads on BC bristling with tales about hand / wrist injuries, often gained via good intentions. Good luck however you choose to play this one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAlonBass Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Speaking as the one voice of stupidity in the thread, I had my thumb joint replaced on the wednesday, then did a gig on the saturday. The plaster kept it braced rather effectively all night, and I felt no pain, simply because I couldn't move it. To embrace the stupidity even more, the plaster was slightly larger than I had expected and prevented finger movement, so a couple of (VERY careful) minutes with a Dremel cleared the offending obstruction away from my palm. (The face I'm pulling on the picture is for comic effect.) Yes, the lads in the Band thought I was an idiot as well, but at least I proved it can be done. [IMG]http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b114/geetbigal/NewThumbGig.jpg[/IMG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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