NEW ‘GUITAR HERO’
Reading the last issue about Peter recovering from a hand trauma (see Peter’s follow-up letter below: Ed), I thought I would add my experience to the mix. As a guitar player I was upset to find my fingers slowly contracting and becoming quite fixed, and playing became harder. My father had suffered with this - it’s called Dupuytron’s Contracture. He had some fingers amputated as they started to get in the way. Well, my GP told me it was my time to suffer and booked me to see a specialist and then an op to try and correct it. I had the op but when the bandages came off I was so upset with the pain and stiffness I decided to give up and sell my guitars.
Back and forth to physio did little to up my mood as the exercises were hard, boring and I didn’t feel they worked. Then my wife bought me the guitar game Guitar Hero which was popular at the time, so, as I couldn’t play real guitar (there are those who say I still can’t) I threw myself into the game. It was painful at first but gentle enough to keep the fingers working out. Without even realising it my hand recovered and now, except for the scars, my hand is good. Although I’m sure not for everyone, I think it beats squeezing a rubber ball. Take it slowly but don’t give up! Steve Tobin, Cardiff That’s weird, Steve. I have Dupuytren’s too, although as yet it hasn’t begun to contract. I’d never heard of it but apparently it’s surprisingly common. My brother-in-law has it and has had operations to both hands. It’s terribly sad about your father, and that you now have it and felt so despondent you got rid of your guitars. But how inspired of your wife to find Guitar Hero. I’m so glad you’ve busted through the barrier and are now back playing – I’m assuming also you’ve begun to replace your instruments. Thanks for your encouragement and, as you’ll read below, Peter is getting on fine too.