Second Chances

I have been a little off-radar the past few months, because I've had some elbow problems. Long story short, I started having some weakness in my 4th and 5th fingers and a bit of elbow pain. These symptoms may not be a big deal to most people, but bad for a pianist.

After seeing the doctor and having a nerve conduction study done, the doctors realized I had slightly pinched nerves in both elbows. Further, they did an ultrasound test of both elbows, which showed that my tricep muscle is pushing on the ulnar nerve every time I bend my elbows, caused by years and years of having my arms bent and muscles working at the piano.

Last week was terrifying. I was told that most likely, a surgeon would have to go in and cut out this part of my tricep that is pushing on the nerve! To me, double elbow surgery for a concert pianist equaled death of career, at least for a long while. Plus, there are no guarantees with surgery. What if something went wrong?

Then, I received my great relief. The orthopedic hand/elbow specialist informed me that the surgery for this is "big and bad", with a very long recovery, and that he didn't want to do it. Whew. The alternative is to wear a brace day and night for three months and try to keep my arms straight when at all possible. Great! But how does one play the piano with straight arms?!

The doctor asked if I knew of Barry Manilow. He said that he had the same problem, so he was known for sitting on a very high stool. The doc suggested that I alter my bench height, either farther back or higher up, so that my arms are not bent quite as much.

Some people might be discouraged by three+ months in a brace and having to change their bench position. But I have been given a second chance, and I am taking it! I'm back to practice, in full swing, and working on more promotion material each day. It took a time of realizing that musical ability is a gift and that I can't take it for granted, in order for me to...well, not take it for granted. In that light, I am very thankful for the elbow problems.