Gutted...

[BrunoBass]

Our lead guitarist has been suffering pain in both hands and wrists for a few months. During our gig last weekend I could see he was suffering and after the gig I asked him if he was ok. He confessed that he'd been really struggling for a while, and that for our last few gigs he'd been in agony and had decided to see a doctor. Anyway, the doctor has advised him to stop playing immediately or risk permanent damage, it's that serious. Obviously this news has a big impact on his life firstly, but also for our band. We're all gutted, he's devasted, as any one of us would be if we were told we couldn't play bass anymore. We met up tonight to talk about how we proceed, and we've decided to carry on, with his blessing, either as a three piece, or with a replacement guitarist (if we can find one). What a bloody shame.

[fftc]

It might be worth him seeking specialist help. There may be things that he can do to alleviate the problem and allow him to continue playing. Probably not for your band, but for his own enjoyment in the long run it's got to be worth a shot.

[Count Bassy]

Can't imagine how I'd feel in that situation. Did he say what it actually was?

[BrunoBass]

Having seen him last night it seems it's a combination of severe carpal tunnel syndrome and a nerve problem, in both wrists and hands. His left hand is more effected, but his right hand is permanently very warm to touch. He's going to get a second opinion to see if it can be treated, if not cured.

[Twincam]

I have had similar issues in the past. From weight lifting mainly. I didn't have any feeling in my hands.
Worst thing I did was carry on doing the same thing that caused it.

Had to rest for a few months, no weights etc and did not even play any bass. After the rest I was fine and I started doing some light stretching before any activities that might annoy it. Also noticed light gauge or lower tension strings help also a lower action.
That might help help a guitarist also.

It sucks to rest properly but that's what the body needs. I doubt he will never ever play again.

Edited April 7, 2017 by Twincam

[ivansc]

I had to stop playing bass for four years when my metacarpals started seizing up. Funnily enough, I was still allowed to play guitar and sure enough the problem went away eventually.
Mind you I now have bad arthritis on both hands among other places. Bloody hate getting old.

[Count Bassy]

[quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1491568417' post='3274026']
Having seen him last night it seems it's a combination of severe carpal tunnel syndrome and a nerve problem, in both wrists and hands. His left hand is more effected, but his right hand is permanently very warm to touch. He's going to get a second opinion to see if it can be treated, if not cured.
[/quote]

AFAIK Carpel tunnel can 'generally' be fixed with an Op. My wife is a piano & Sax teacher, and had one hand done about 6 weeks ago.

Apparently it can take a long time to recover, according to how severe it was. Hers was described as severe, but she was playing piano again within a week, and it is vastly vastly improved she said, although the area of the op itself is still a bit sensitive.
Going for the other hand once this one is fully recovered.

She did say that the initial anesthetic injection (local) was the most painful things she's ever experienced, but best not tell your guitarist that should he go that way. I guess it depends what the other nerve trouble is.

[bazzbass]

sorry that this has happened to your band. Definitely get him to a specialist, most doctors think they know more than they do. Med students at Uni were amongst the biggest idiots I ever encountered,never trust their opinion.
Maybe he can be your soundguy while he recovers and can help bring a new guy up to speed?