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I recently saw an American commercial for a flu vaccine. At the end where they list all the possible side effects, the announcer clearly states that you should not get the shot if you had GBS. If unrelated, why the concern from the pharmaceutical company?
Hi Roddy
I know how you feel. I had GBS and the first time I tried to sling a guitar on it nearly pulled me face first into the floor. The weight of a solidbody combined with my absence of balance was a recipe for disaster. Then, I tried playing seated, but the strings felt like knife edges on my fingertips. I never gave up and I’m glad.
I was a good rhythm player before GBS and I was the singer in a cover band. I do alright now. Barre chording was the hardest to get back. Even just the power chord formation (think Johnny Ramone) lead to a painful cramping through my thumb and down into my wrist. Making physical adjustments helped.
During GBS, my hands went first and were the hardest hit. I have remaining axonal damage, which I am told I’m gonna have to live with. Sometimes, I have difficulty feeling the fingertips on my fretting (left) hand. On my right hand, I have found that I can’t play without a pick that has some ‘thumb-grip’. I use a brand called ‘Brain’ Picks, they have a texture that feels like a cat’s tongue.
I have also found that getting my guitars in ‘ship-shape’ playing condition helped a lot. Tidy frets, clean and oiled fretboard are a must. Polish the neck to keep the palm from dragging. I seem to play better on new strings, my fingers drag less, so I change them often. Finish matters as well. I find that the Gibson nitro finish is slicker than a poly finish.
Dude, give it some time. I think you must be feeling frustrated. Playing the guitar is hard enough when healthy. Just don’t give up playing. Prepare to sound like shite a lot of the time. Do a lot of hand stretching (great vids on this on youtube).
The drinking and smoking will be up to you. Neither helped my musical abilities; I stopped smoking years ago. Smoking regularly also messes with your blood circulation; that can’t be good for recovery. You show some positive signs (99% vision return, playing soon after MF descent) so I am hopeful for you. Hopefully, fatigue will lessen (quitting smoking will help this a lot) and you will be jamming as good as ever.
One guitarist to another, all the best to you!
Hi Roddy
Sorry you got the MF. Good sign you are already back to playing guitar, it took me longer. I’m back to playing and I’m making an attempt to gig again with a cover band. I have had to make some adjustments to my playing style, you may as well. Strap length had to be changed (no low-slung rockstar wannabe any more) I had to get a padded strap for my 11 lb. Les Paul (copy). I just ditched what were a lot of bad playing habits. I also switched from a Yamaha SG to a Gibson SG as a main guitar and the weight difference has made playing more comfortable and for a longer duration.
As for climate, you might find the colder weather makes playing harder, but only as you warm up. For me, gone are the days where I can just pick up a guitar and play well, I always need time to warm up. I sometimes play after doing the dishes with gloves on and making the water hot.
Good luck, keep at it and give it time
Keep going, fellas. You may not be Casanova anymore, but you can still please. Your ladies may have to do more work. And sex may be a little different. Maybe you can’t last as long, but be creative! In my experience, my mouth has been more of an asset than my johnson.
‘ The point is the more you use them the better you get’
Words of great wisdom. I hope you are well Kerwin.
Hi Ottawa Help
I live in New Tecumseth, about 40 min. north of Toronto. I haven’t seen Dr. Bril, is she at Sunnybrook? From what I understand, they have the best Neurology unit in the country. I wish I had of known that before I went in for treatment. My hospital experience was horrible, GBS suffering aside. I later found out that the Newmarket hospital rated a ‘D’, which I would call a high grade for their Rehab unit.
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Hello Larry. I’m sorry your brother is still suffering. Very cool that you are looking out for him .
I had GBS and can’t say that I fully understand the recovery/maintenance for CIDP, hopefully someone will chime in. My friend Rory is dealing with CIDP, but he still plays his guitar.
My hands may have some permanent disability from axonal damage, or so I am told. Hopefully, your brother will be able to get back. I stretch a lot (I often appear a little OCD about it), therapy putty, squeeze balls. A Planet Waves Varigrip finger exerciser can be bought online or at a good music store. For guitarists they’re gimmicky, but for therapy they work (and they’re much cheaper than the ‘Gripmaster’). Hand-drumming kept me musical when I couldn’t hold a guitar. Massage therapy is wonderful.
Patience. GH is correct IMO, too soon too tell. Keep stretching and be as busy as you can in PT. Rest. Foot massages feel wonderful.
^^^^^^
Sorry about the dbl post, I honestly don’t know how this got here!!