Peripheral Neuropathy
My question is quite specific. I'm posting here just in case there might be one or two diabetics out there who have experience with peripheral neuropathy or circulation issues. I've been a pianist and a diabetic for roughly the same number of years: 47. So far, I've been relatively free of any issues with neuropathy, though, in the last year or two, I have had some tingling in the fourth and fifth fingers, as well as increased sensitivity to hot and cold at the fingertips. It hasn't been a problem in terms of playing yet, but I'm trying to figure out what I might be anticipating. I had plans to upgrade my piano this year, perhaps to a Steinway O, but I'm beginning to doubt the wisdom of this investment if I don't know what the future for my hands may hold. Anyone out there with neuropathy that can speak to the impact that it has had on their playing over time?
-
Hello Ted,
iI have very minor peripheral neuropathy due to cancer treatment, but fortunately, it did not advance much , but it will not get better either. Because nerves will not regenerate easily. I now have more of a problem with arthritis on the fourth and fifth fingers. Sometimes , these no longer retract fast enough when you have to stretch and contract to play the next set of notes, I have a very fine sensitive piano . I have never regretted the choice to change to a much better piano. A piano is an emotional attachment , it helps to center and ground me , so no matter what , it is more than an investment. I think you will enjoy the Steinway and your playing will improve. Please take care of your health and the rest will be in step. I hope this will help.
-
Hi Ted,
I have suffered with peripheral neuropathy for a number of years, but fortunately it has not affected my hands. It is excruciating for the feet which are numb and I have to check visually sometimes to see that the right foot is on the pedal correctly.
The only product which I have found helps has been with a company called Nerve Renew, a US company who actively market their ridiculously expensive products. I have pain in the thumbs which I think is more arthritic and bone on bone, but I use the Nerve Renew Cream which seems to help a little. May be worth trying just the cream for starters. It is such a wretched condition so I feel for you, and I don't have diabetes.
Good luck buddy.
-
I have had leukemia twice. The first at 18, the second at 22.
Chemotherapy caused me peripheral neuropathy from the first day of treatment, including desensitization of the fingers, tingling and objects falling from my hands. I thought I would never be able to play the piano again, because the movements that are required are too fine and specific, so for a decade I tried to reorganize my life without the piano. On 7/11/2023 I sat at my upright piano and tried to press a few keys, without any expectations. What happened is that in a very short time I made unthinkable progress, and last night, February 20, 2024, after only 7 months of practice, during the community concert "Music YOU composed", my first composition was presented, which is a joyful and bright boogie-woogie dedicated to Pizza called "Pizza slice, not a piece of cake!". Check it out:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP6FshgJGIAiGoqKW8aONQCXHRXhb_miY&si=WBvrtTsTojdIr7vUFriend, I perfectly know that every disease is different and that every person is unique when faced with the disease, but this is my experience after peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy.
I also think that it could be worth to watch the speech that Maestro Giovanni Allevi gave this year at the Sanremo Festival, on peripheral neuropathy and the piano. You can use Google Translate for english:
https://youtu.be/swl_-gtLfaU?si=7IE2KpAQdBqaJ9giSending you the best vibes and a warm hug.
Letizia Ferrari
-
Hi Ted. Sometimes you think that you are alone in this disease, even though you probably know that 1 in 4 Americans will contract Diabetes type 2. Not the same as type, 1, of course.
I have had it since about 1975 and fortunately (or unfortunately, depending how you look at it) it has not affected my fingers. Other parts of the body, well, I won't go into the messy details.
As priscillayam had mentioned, piano is an emotional instrument, and if you can afford the piano, (and it is a dream piano for you) take the plunge and do it. There is never any guarantee about tomorrow, and we must temper the finances against the thrill and joy of receiving a new instrument. It may stir you on to greater piano heights. Good luck.
-
Hi Ted, like others here I also had peripheral neuropathy due to cancer treatment. When I heard about this possible side effect I got really scared before I started my chemotherapy. The doctors recommended me doing more work with my fingers during treatment as a way of protecting. Some people started knitting or things like that - I got back to my passion and played the piano for many hours per day. I went through all Beethoven sonatas, one movement per week. It not only helped the nerves in my fingers but also my general vitality and my “chemo brain”. My fingers felt numb for a few months but recovered completely. I thank Beethoven for that! It’s now five years ago and my feet are still numb and sometimes painful. So I don’t know much about diabetics but at least for me piano playing was the best possible treatment! I hope for you that your neuropathy will not get worse and will never prevent you from your passion.
-
Hi Ted, I should add , what I mean is that I play so much better on The Bösendorfer than my former Kawai, which is a good piano (plus mainly I have a wonderful teacher) that the classical music centers and grounds me. I really enjoy this piano, I don't have to struggle with it. A neurologist started me on Vitamin B12 1000microgram twice a week, and I was also told to "keep moving my fingers" . Take good care of your diabetes the best you can, sending healing waves your way. If this Steinway is your dream, then go for it!
-
