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Been a long while since I picked up the guitar. Last March I wiped out on ice and came down on my left shoulder. Without getting technical, I tore the two main ligaments that operate the shoulder, complete tears which means they can never heal on their own. The process of diagnosis through our incredible health system has been painfully slow. I waited almost 3 months for an MRI, now waiting almost 3 months to get into see an orthopedic surgeon. Chances are 50/50 at this point as to whether any repairs can be made.
To get an idea of what this condition feels like, put your arm straight out and have someone push down on it hard as you try to raise it. That feeling you get through those muscles and ligaments gives you an idea. You cannot lift your arm no matter how hard you try. In terms of trying to play, the arm wont go passed say the 9th fret downward towards the headstock. Tuning is impossible unless you put the guitar down. So essentially about all I can do is noodle around from the 9th fret upwards.
The pain can be outrageous if you try to do certain things, like putting on pants or a shirt. I refuse to take pain meds as I don't need that in my life. Best case scenario is surgery and about 8 months of physio. Worst case, I never lift my left arm again. Depressing.
To get an idea of what this condition feels like, put your arm straight out and have someone push down on it hard as you try to raise it. That feeling you get through those muscles and ligaments gives you an idea. You cannot lift your arm no matter how hard you try. In terms of trying to play, the arm wont go passed say the 9th fret downward towards the headstock. Tuning is impossible unless you put the guitar down. So essentially about all I can do is noodle around from the 9th fret upwards.
The pain can be outrageous if you try to do certain things, like putting on pants or a shirt. I refuse to take pain meds as I don't need that in my life. Best case scenario is surgery and about 8 months of physio. Worst case, I never lift my left arm again. Depressing.