Anyone else here have Multiple Sclerosis?

unbridled · March 14th, 2008, 07:22 AM

Or anything else that hinders your playing? What have you found helps? My right side is mostly affected so, I'm glad I learned to hybrid pick prior to my diagnosis in 2000. On good nights, I can use it for hotter playing. On bad nights, it can be a bit of a crutch.

Learning what meds to use when is also a good skill.

Just-Jim · March 14th, 2008, 10:23 AM

I had some wrist issues with my chord hand a while back that were so bad I had to completely change the way I play chords and bend notes. I avoided surgery and found a way to strengthen my wrist with daily exercize. Still have some trouble, but am able to control it more now. I couldn't even lift a coffee cup at one point. I am just glad I did not have to give up playing. I thought it was inevitable.

purpletele · March 14th, 2008, 10:44 AM

This may be stuff you already know but.,

Find out if your state has some sort of assistive technology program. If they do not have something that can accommodate your needs, they will probably work with you to find something that works. My finance works for WV assitive technology and they're just as focused on making adaptable recreation and arts stuff as they are basic functional needs. Also, I remember a Vintage Guitar article a while ago about a builder who is make guitars for persons with special needs, I believe on a custom basis. Exercise will also be of tremendous benefit now and very much so later on. Resistance bands, the cheap ones you can get anywhere are VERY effective. A friend of mine who has CP started using these about a year ago and the muscle control is definitely getting way better.

robt57 · March 14th, 2008, 10:50 AM

My Bro-in-law does. All I can say is that stress seems to make his symptoms more pronounced than anything. The meds available today really help folks have a more normal life with less or no symtomsin many cases. So chill and no stress. ;)

One of my son's friends got killed in NZ, he fell MTN climbing, his Mom has MS. The stress of that all but crippled her. She is doing a lot better these days thank God.

unbridled · March 14th, 2008, 01:00 PM

The closest we have to assistive tech programs here in Montana is Vocational Rehab. I do exercise and my Neuro is up to date on most of the current meds. Yep I do try to keep stress to a minimum. Alternative meds are helpful too.

March 14th, 2008, 07:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
unbridled Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dillon, Mt Age: 33 Posts: 105	Anyone else here have Multiple Sclerosis? Or anything else that hinders your playing? What have you found helps? My right side is mostly affected so, I'm glad I learned to hybrid pick prior to my diagnosis in 2000. On good nights, I can use it for hotter playing. On bad nights, it can be a bit of a crutch. Learning what meds to use when is also a good skill.

March 14th, 2008, 10:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
Just-Jim Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 269	I had some wrist issues with my chord hand a while back that were so bad I had to completely change the way I play chords and bend notes. I avoided surgery and found a way to strengthen my wrist with daily exercize. Still have some trouble, but am able to control it more now. I couldn't even lift a coffee cup at one point. I am just glad I did not have to give up playing. I thought it was inevitable.

March 14th, 2008, 10:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
purpletele Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Morgantown,WV Posts: 644 10 Photos	This may be stuff you already know but., Find out if your state has some sort of assistive technology program. If they do not have something that can accommodate your needs, they will probably work with you to find something that works. My finance works for WV assitive technology and they're just as focused on making adaptable recreation and arts stuff as they are basic functional needs. Also, I remember a Vintage Guitar article a while ago about a builder who is make guitars for persons with special needs, I believe on a custom basis. Exercise will also be of tremendous benefit now and very much so later on. Resistance bands, the cheap ones you can get anywhere are VERY effective. A friend of mine who has CP started using these about a year ago and the muscle control is definitely getting way better.

March 14th, 2008, 10:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
robt57 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Lost Yankee in Nashville Age: 51 Posts: 2,027 2 Photos	My Bro-in-law does. All I can say is that stress seems to make his symptoms more pronounced than anything. The meds available today really help folks have a more normal life with less or no symtomsin many cases. So chill and no stress. ;) One of my son's friends got killed in NZ, he fell MTN climbing, his Mom has MS. The stress of that all but crippled her. She is doing a lot better these days thank God.

March 14th, 2008, 01:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
unbridled Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dillon, Mt Age: 33 Posts: 105	The closest we have to assistive tech programs here in Montana is Vocational Rehab. I do exercise and my Neuro is up to date on most of the current meds. Yep I do try to keep stress to a minimum. Alternative meds are helpful too.