Learning to play and cope with finger loss

jcstangit

I've not posted here for a long while now, primarily because I had to sell my kit and deal with the amputation of my right index finger. I have always enjoyed learning and playing the drums, various situations have limited my ambitions like not being able to afford a kit or lessons while raising 5 kids, living in apartments, etc. So after the kids grew up and moved out on their own, I purchased a Tama Swingstar kit in 2005, and was going to upgrade to better heads and cymbals. I played everyday, trying to follow along to some of my favorite bands while working as an auto mechanic. I've been turning wrenches for over 25 years, and then one day I started noticing my fingers blanching, turning white and cold to the touch. It was winter time here in the midwest and I thought it was something that would go away by itself in time, wishful thinking I guess. Well, it didn't and an angiogram proved my digit was not being supplied with blood and was amputated along with a procedure on the nerves in my right hand callad a sympathectomy. I was diagnosed with secondary Raynaulds Disease, or mechanics white finger syndrome. It's been 8 months now and I was doing pretty good, then I went back to work, not as a wrench, but in parts sales. Things were looking up and I learned to deal with 9 digits instead of 10. Last week I noticed my hand having the same spasms, and blanching as before and Im convinced of losing my middle finger, which has done an admirable job of replacing the old index finger though I can't do the peace sign cause it looks like Im flipping the bird LOL! So.. I went out and purchased another Swingstar kit, they don't make them anymore but to my surprise, I found 2 new ones here in Missouri. I got the blue kit Very Happy

I figure if Im going to keep dropping digits, I might as well make the best of it, and this time Im going to keep playing and learning and not use this as an excuse to give up again. I do appreciate this forum for letting me get this off my chest #Mad

If Anybody else plays with a handicap or knows of someone who does, please post back, I still sometimes need a kick in the azz to motivate! Thanks again, JC

Mr. Funky · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:50 am Post subject:

you might find this site of use - http://www.handidrummed.com/

Exzilibus · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:26 am Post subject:

I wouldn't worry about less fingers making it impossible to play. I went to a Guitar Center Drum Off once and was completely blown away by one of the participants. If I remember correctly he had about 6 fingers in total... 3 on each hand. He was in a horrible fire at one point of his life and lost his fingers that way...plus 90% of his skin is permanently scarred.

Anyway...I'm not quite sure how he did this...but he wrapped 2 rubber bands around the stick and his 3 fingers on each hand...and used the rubber bands to do the work of the fingers he no longer had. As far his playing...one of the best drummers I've ever seen live and he won that night.

It was beautiful to see someone overcome something so awful in their life because their passion for drums remained greater than the mental/physical challenge of playing with only 6 fingers.
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sbowman128675 · Lion Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 940

my friend lost his left hand to a car accident a few years ago. he was an astounding drummer.

after the car crash he figured out a way he can brace the stick to his limb, with a spring and a glove, and hes a killer drummer now. hes taught himself how to use his arm as his wrist, and he can do single strokes faster than me!
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jcstangit · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 7:07 pm Post subject:

Now I don't feel so bad about a couple of fingers dropping off, after reading these posts and that disabled drummer site is awesome, thanks for the headsup on that and the replies. I see things can truly be worse Shocked

So I'm getten on with things Cool

Bish · King of the Jungle Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 1855