need advice....stuff that really works....

[300win]

I'm 58, have osteoporosis, arthritis, and take 17 meds per day for these and other heart problems, and other health issues. I know age has some to do with this, but as I used to be able to play with wild abandon like I did when I was 17 until about 4 years ago.....and now...can barely play at all, it's like my right arm will not do what it needs to do. Here's the advise I need....what exercises are there that I can do to improve the strength in my hands and arms ?...my left still works ok...but my right pick hand/arm is weak as a kitten, and that is my main problem. Any docs, therapist, or anybody else going through or been through the same malady got any real working tips ? Is there a snake oil elixir or something that'll help ?

[Phil Goodson]

See a trained physical therapist that you trust. Not a bunch of guys on a forum who can give you advice that might be great or TERRIBLE.
(and how will you know?)

Have you discussed this with the guys you're paying to prescribe those 17 meds? Any of them play instruments?

That's my .02

[Pepe]

Excellent advice!

[John Radcliffe]

If the physical therapist cannot see a reason for the lack of response in the right hand, see if you can get a referral to a neurologist and definitely let him know about all of the medications that you are on. Best of luck in getting back to playing music as you used to.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Ask your Doc.to refer you to a good specialist / physiotherapist. People recovering from long term accidents, where they've had one or more limbs immobilised for a long while require specialist Physio.,i think that's the way to go. There are simple things such as the one that i did after an op.on my left hand,simply getting a Squash ball & squeezing & releasing it say 10 times in a row,gradually building up to as many times as you can do it. Simply therapy like that can't hurt,but for anything more profound a Physio.is the guy (gal) & i wish you well,
Ivan

[John Kelly]

At your young age it seems scary that you are on so many different medications. I have absolutely no medical training but have observed that friends who are on different medicines often find that about half of the products are prescribed to counter the effects of the rest - I am thinking of a couple of playing colleagues who had been prescribed statins and steroids for particular ailments; the medications caused them quite a few problems. Check with your doctor (though I'm sure you will have anyway) for what each does and what the side effects are for each.
Hope you find relief and get back to playing again.

[300win]

I've got a great doc who knows his business. Have not talked to him about this yet but will soon. And as far as the meds, I have to take them or I'm putting my life on the line fast. I have a weird uncommon heart condition, in 2006 had open heart surgery and they actually cut some of my out to make it work better. The surgery and the aftermath of it has effected my life in many ways. I used to be strong, worked in construction all my life, but I know that the lack of strength in my right arm is the cause of my failing ability to play even half way decent. I'm going to see if I can improve it in any way I can. Love picking too much to not try. Thanks for the info guys.

[Bluejay]

Sorry to hear of your problems. 17 meds sounds scary, I would look into reducing to all but essential. No one has mentioned chiropractic. I am true believer in it's effectiveness. There are many excellent chiropractors, I cannot say if you are a candidate with osteoporosis. Just like physical therapy, you must be committed to treatment. Perhaps you need to give yourself a break and be content to just play. You may never play as well as you did when you were a kid!! Good luck and don't give up.

[Pete Martin]

Weakness can be a result of overuse. If so, strengthening excercises will HURT not help your recovery.

You need to get to a performing arts doc if possible. Look up the Performing Arts Medical Assn and see if there is someone in your vicinity. Roark to your doc and also see what he has to say.

[John Ritchhart]

I'd listen to Phil. He's an actual MD..

[Doug Edwards]

Find you a specialist and therapist ASAP. Don't let this go too far without some real treatment. That many meds could cause problems all by themselves, so consult someone in Pharmacology as well.
I have a friend in my jam group that have to give up his instruments and start playing fiddle due too similar issues.

I take a fist full of meds too, wish there was some other way.

[Leon Peoples]

I would just play as much as I could seems like that's pretty good exercise to me until I got a professional opinion.
good luck...joe