Thanks guys. in a way I'm looking forward to this now as the pain and 'pins and needles' feeling has been getting much worse over the past month.

Hi Jacko do you know if the Carpel tunnel was caused by excessive keyboard work from your IT job or from bass playing?
 
 
Jazzyvee

I think it's been a combination of things Jazzy. I've been a climber since I was about 17, playing the Bass as long and working full time in IT since I was 23. I've also been into whitewater kayaking since 1990 and have always done my own DIY and car maintenance. Since I moved up to Scotland in 1998, I've been cycling in to work 3 days a week too so there's been alot of wear and tear on my hands. I first noticed a tingling during gigs about 18 months ago and around the same time I was finding my hands would go numb about halfway into work (it's a 9 mile trip). At the time I thought it was related to my handlebar padding and tried all sorts of cycling mitts with gel inserts. Obviously I was wrong and should have seen a doctor alot sooner that I did. A cautionary tale - if you notice any pins and needles see the doc straightaway!
 
Graeme

Graeme,  
    Thanks for the insight on when to come and visit and I hope all goes well with your surgery on the 8th. My mother had it done 10 years ago and believe it or not, had it done with no local anaesthetic! Take care Graeme.  
Adam

Best wishes for a successful procedure and a speedy return to making music, my friend.
Mike

Wow Graeme, sorry to hear that your passions in live have caused this condition. Let's hope that once it's done you still have the dexterity to continue your musical life.  
 
All the best
Jazzyvee

Next thursday 30th December will be our first gig since my op. Behind the Wall in Falkirk, music kicks off around 10pm.  
I've managed two 3 hour rehearsals in the past week and have had no problems playing - can't lift my amps easily though.  
 
Graeme

Get help with the amps and have a great gig.
Mike

Good to hear you're having no problems playing.  Let us know how you do at the gig.  And I agree with Mike; let someone else deal with the amps.

Best of luck with your December 30 gig, Graeme.  Sounds like you're on the road to recovery, but easy does it, and yes get some assistance with those amps.
 
Eric

Had a great gig. For once the venue was packed right from the start and the audience were up dancing all night. Had a great sound and was complimented on my playing by a drummer!!! who knew who Alembic were!! My fingers held up all night with no sign of the pins and needles so it would seem the Op has been a success. Still some twinges across the base of my right palm which should subside in a month or two. Only one problem - as we haven't gigged since early november I ended up with blisters on a couple of my plucking fingers :-( Never mind - they'll soon harden up again.
Happy new year to all
 
Graeme

Great to hear that the gig was a success on all accounts!