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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Neuropathy | Last Active: May 26 10:50am | Replies (6004)Comment receiving replies
@artist01
“Stoic?” not hardly.
Although I did have problems excepting my diagnosis in the beginning, I came to the conclusion that “it is what it is.” I needed to move past the seizures and the stigma which was so bad in the ’60s. I think coping with life is much easier than ignoring your fate. I only have one hang up. I suppose I could see a psychologist and try to figure it out. A dear friend of mine was a psychologist and I never thought to ask him. He died in 2009 on his driveway from Convulsive Status Epilepticus. I had a great family and terrific friends who didn't care if I had Epilepsy.
I don't mind the loss of memory or Neuropathy but to this day losing the ability to play the piano like I once did is something I still have problems coping with though I haven't any memory of ever playing it. I went to a parochial school and although I don’t remember I was told according to my family I could play the piano in my junior year in chapel every morning which I was looking forward to but was kicked out of school when I was a sophomore. Couldn't blame them. Hard to learn during seizures and sleeping for hours or days at a time after one. So “it is what it is.” I just wish I could deal with this one issue better. I suppose I really should get rid of the piano.
Take care up in the Artic where you must live,
Jake
Replies to "@artist01 “Stoic?” not hardly. Although I did have problems excepting my diagnosis in the beginning, I..."
@jakedduck1. Hi Jake. I can really relate to your sad feeling of loss with regard to your piano skill.
Along those lines, I was a professional artist and am feeling a huge loss right now at not being able to paint anymore. I'm still hopeful I might get back to it, but with the GCA, loss of vision in one eye, two strokes, the neuropathy, all the medications, the fatigue, (do I hear sympathetic violins playing in the background? lol) Well, you understand I'm sure, I just can't get to it. Folks are always after me to start painting again, but I just don't have it in me just yet. You might say my get up and go got up and went! I would love to tell people to stop bugging me about it. (but that wouldn't be very nice.)
I understand your love of your piano. For about three years prior to getting GCA, I was taking Beginner piano lessons with a fantastic teacher who came to my place when I could no longer attend my weekly class at her studio. All my life I had yearned to play piano so at the young age of 80-plus, I had finally made my dream come true. And I could play a mean Old McDonald Had a Farm! But then GCA struck. I know if i want to resume lessons I'd have to start at the beginning again and not sure my "stroke brain" could retain each week's lesson, but again, I hope, maybe, some day.
Anyway, Jake, I have much empathy and sorrow for your loss.
Warmest regards,
Laurie
@jakedduck1 . Please don't get rid of your beloved piano. It's a proud symbol to gently remind you of something very special and important that you were skilled at doing. I haven't gotten rid of all my artist paraphernalia. It's an integral part of who I am. True, it's hidden away in a closet for now because it's a bit painful to look at. I've got three huge paintings of mine hanging in my apartment though, and it makes me feel kinda' good to know that once upon a time....
Maybe if you'll tinkle a few keys and I put some paint on a brush, something magical might happen. Maybe at our joint birthday party, when you're 108 years old and I'm 145 . 🙂
Warm and fuzzy thoughts coming your way. Laurie
Hokay, @jakedduck1, while I always enjoy your posts, I do think that along with "upbeat", funny, pied piper of all things sweet and chocolate, stoic is a fit for you as well...just sayin', Smiles
As for as the piano issue, I received a partial music scholarship "in another life". Piano playing was my nirvana growing up and for many years into adulthood. However, my daughter showed no interest in learning to play and as years passed, I spent less and less time playing.
When I renovated my home several years ago, I donated my grand upright piano to a local univ.'s music dept. There are occasional moments when I miss the piano but I've forgotten so much that it would probably be like completely starting over.
As a former educator, I am so saddened that you were kicked out of school due to your seizures and after effects. More than one of my students over the years suffered seizures in class and while frightening, none were ever asked to leave the school. Regardless of how far we've come in better understanding and learning how to help students with chronic health issues, we still have far to go in creating inclusive environments for them.
As for your wish to deal better with this one piano issue, I'll just say that with my flaky mind and short term memory issues that for me, "out of sight" means "out of mind" ...regardless of the issue! LOL
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@leonard and hi everyone. I get emails on posts of subjects interested in and although not part of your conversation I hope you don't mind my comment.
Tears came to my eyes reading about your piano playing and the emotional loss really touched me. Also losing such a dear friend suddenly. I also weight the pros and cons of my ups and downs but I would give all I have, for instance, to spend a day with my family no longer on earth: it's a good thing we do not know what is in the hereafter because if I thought they were waiting fo me to show up I would. I don't know you but IF you ever do find a new home for your piano, perhaps have someone take a photo of you sitting at it, if it's not too upsetting. I love my old photos... I got rid of a lot of odds and ends over the years and sometimes wish I had just taken a picture first, sounds silly, but we are all different in that regard. Am glad you had a great family and terrific friends.... and sorry for your current health issues. J.