Feeling really low

[stevee620]

I have had some release from the TMS over the last couple of months, which has been good. It can be difficult to not feel apprehension about reoccurrence, this may be a key factor in it continuing in my life. I have followed the advice given here to, largely, good effect. But then when things get bad and the pain takes hold, it becomes difficult to convince myself it is not a genuine injury of some kind.

I got to the stage were I was playing an hour a day on my guitar, but sometimes when I succumb I only need play for 5 minutes and it becomes very painful. Lost faith in GP doesn't seem to have a clue. All I do know is that this is depressing me very badly. I know if I continue with my activities, the pain becomes paralysis, which again suggests there is something serious underlying this problem. How can one rule out a underlying physical cause ? TMS, seems to be a difficult diagnosis to make.

I have always played my guitar for hours per day and it is my living, if I can't do it, I would rather not be here. I know that's strong, but that is how much it means to me, it is my only way to lose myself and give me a break from the stresses of life. I feel I have explored all the avenues and feel very despondent, which isn't really a big part of my nature. Don't really know where to go from here now ?

Hello Scouser, and everyone else. I've just come across this site, through my usual keyword google search words, which are Pain, Nerve, Guitar. These words led me to your post.
I can totally empathize with you on this, because playing the guitar has been my passion for over 30 years. This was until about 8 years ago, when i developed an RSI in my fretting forefinger. Over the years this has spread into my forearm/s shoulder, neck and at the moment its terrible.
I've had physio, steroid injections, anti inflammatories, even a subacromial decompression operation in my shoulder. Rest, Ice, Heat, NOTHING has even touched it!
This pain usually waxed and waned a bit, but about 2 months ago, i treated myself to something i've always wanted. A real Fender Telecaster. Guess what, 2 days after buying it, major flare up of all symptoms! And they haven't gone away. Even watching someone playing the guitar on youtube makes the symptoms worse. In my own way of thinking, i thought maybe its because i felt guilty or something for spending so much money on a guitar that i may not even be able to play. At this moment, even thinking about playing it brings on my symptoms.
I'd like to know what type of symptoms you get from playing? Mine are burning in the forearm and back of my neck mainly.
I'm hoping that when this book comes, and i've read it, i will be able to understand whats going on with me, because i have in fact suspected some psychological aspect is at work here for some time.
Hope to hear from you,
Stephen.