I have posted a couple of bulletins on this, but unfortunately, it appears to be a persisting condition.

It was about two and half years ago when I injured my hand playing guitar.  At the time, the trigger was a certain hand position, so it was avoidable for the most part.  But after some time, the buzzy sensation began to kick in whenever I played guitar for more than a few minutes.  Taking a break from guitar didn't seem too horrible.  In fact, it is partially what prompted me to record the initial versions of the songs I put up online: the fear of not being able to teach other people to play my songs for me if the symptoms worsened.

They did worsen; everyday activites that necessitated a cupped hand position (i.e. holding a phone or steering wheel) began to invite that same disturbing feeling in my hand, to the point of inability to proceed whatever it was I was doing.  When shooting pains began to appear in my wrist at work (not conducive to data entry!), I knew I had to see a doctor.  Why did I not see one two and a half years ago?  I've gone for similar things over the years only to confirm that I can be a bit of a hypochondriac.

The good doctor said my symptoms suggested carpal tunnel.  Okay, I suspected that, but it's good that someone qualified agrees with me.  I get a bulky black brace, I'm stylin'.  I wear it all the time.  Then my other hand kicks in.  I dig up an old brace from my hypochondriac days and wear it.  I'm feeling like Robocop, but it's okay.  Yet the symptoms are increasing in frequency.  This is where you come in.

Now, I have friends with health problems far more disturbing than hand pain.  So I feel a little silly putting out the call again.  But I need my hands for more than just playing guitar and keys.  And I know too many musicians who had to change careers because of similar conditions.  I ask that you pray for me.  I am not suffering by any means.  And if things persist, I will seek other treatment, of course.  But frankly, it's freaking me out.  So any advice/encouragement/prayer on my behalf is welcome.  I tend to write using guitar, so I definitely have been at a stand-still with songwriting and that portion of my performing life.  Again...it could be worse, and there are ways to work around my current condition, but I'm not welcoming further developments in CT Land.

Thanks for reading this far.  Thanks to everyone who has prayed and encouraged already...I hold on to that!  I hope you're all well.  I look forward to playing more music for you again...

Angela