Klarinet Archive - Posting 001056.txt from 2000/08

From: "David B. Niethamer" <dnietham@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] hand surgery - stuck finger
Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 21:58:13 -0400

on 8/31/00 9:04 AM, Jim at PSU wrote:

>I'm soon going to have some surgery done on my left hand to relieve a
>'trigger finger'
>problem. When I wake up in the morning, I can't extend the middle finger of
>my left hand

Aha! so, payback for overuse, perhaps?!?!? ;-)

>without using my right hand to peel it back. After an hour or so the finger
>functions
>OK, but I have a constant dull pain in the center of my left palm, in line
>with the affected finger.
>
>I've found a good orthopedic surgeon. He's tried a (OUCH!) cortisone
>injection once,
>which helped the problem for a few weeks, but now it's back, and he's
>recommended surgery to release the tendon sheath the prevents the finger
>form extending. I am scheduled for surgery next week.
>
>It may be needless to say, but I will anyway, that I am worried about my
>clarinet
>playing, and how soon I will recover enough to resume playing. I also wonder
>if there's any risk of permanent damage to my finger.
>
>Has anyone else on this list encountered this problem, and if so, what has
>been your experience? Any kind words will help at this time.

I had a very serious problem with my right hand and arm. A neurologist I
saw in the course of looking for solutions gave me two good pieces of
advice after an orthopedic surgeon offered exploratory surgery.

1.) "Orthopedic surgeons are the jocks of the medical profession. They
love to cut."

And if that doesn't give you the creeps,

2.) "There are three possible outcomes from any surgery. You might get
better, nothing may change, or you may get worse."

Now I don't say this to be alarmist, but to point out that there may be
less invasive options to fix your problem. Check with a physical
therapist, and if possible, one that specializes in hands and arms. One
of them fixed my problem with exercises (including, interestingly enough,
situps!). My wife had a similar problem to yours (from flute playing),
but not as debilitating. Exercises and ultrasound treatments fixed it. At
the very least, check with a second doctor, to confirm the diagnosis and
course of action for surgery.

BTW, make sure the surgeon (or the PT, if you go that route) knows that
you play clarinet and would like to continue to do so!

Good luck. Hope you're finger is ready for the LA freeway in no time!

David

David Niethamer
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
dnietham@-----.edu
http://members.aol.com/dbnclar1/

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