Scott Yee seems to have disappeared. Did I miss something? Is he OK?

Tom,

I am in touch with Scott quite often, and recently spoke with him Saturday on Skype.

He is doing very well, is healthy and sounded pretty happy.

Have you tried emailing him?

Ian

I spoke to him about 2 weeks ago. Ditto to Ian's comments.

I spoke with Scott a couple of days ago. He reads SZ fairly regularly, but has been very busy I suppose. He is having some problems with his hands also.
DonM

Just spoke with him a few days ago. He's having surgery on his left thumb. He'll be out of commission for a few weeks. His doctor told him to expect a complete recovery. I sure hope so.

I miss Scott's informative posts, but a man's got to do what a man's got to do.

Hope all goes well, Scott.

Best wishes for a full and rapid recovery, Scott ...
t.

That's great to hear. I wish Scott the very best in recovering. Such a bad problem for a performing musician to have.

Hello everyone, I also did spoke with Scott about a week ago, and ditto all the above....
He is in excellent mood considering the situation, I am confident that he will be back 100%.
And like everyone here, I wish him a quick recovery too!!.

Scotty, I just had surgery on my left index finger. It "ain't" fun.

Hope you heal rapidly.


R.

Hi Scott. I wish you well on your surgery. We'll jave to talk sometime soon.

Thanks to everyone for the support and kind words.
As some of you know, I've been suffering with
trigger finger (left thumb) for several months, originally posted here, and after trying
the suggestions given by others, and then limited relief folowing
cortisone shots, my orthepedic doctor
recommended I undergo hand surgery to permanently
eliminate the problem from coming back again as it has seriously curtailed my ability to accept gigs.
Though the left thumb click pain is tolerable while playing, the bigger problem is the limited use of my left hand to grasp hold lift and transport my music gear.
My surgery (which includes twilight anethesia sedation) is scheduled
for Monday, Nov, 19th, and my orthepedic hand surgeon says I should be fully back to performing again
in 3 weeks, which should allow me (thumbs crossed) to keep some of my pre-booked holiday gigs.
I'll post an update here after the surgery as well as a followup 2-3 weeks later.

Scott

If interested, here's a link to a video of what the surgery entails.

Hi Scott

Hope everything will work out fine at the 19th...

BTW: Aase broke her left middle finger last Wednesday... Of course, she does not play keyboard. She can not even cook... So, right now I am the chef...

The best wishes from Denmark
Aase and Jørgen

Scott,

Good luck with the surgery and a fast recovery.

Happy Thanksgiving anyway.

Bill G

So sorry to hear that you haven't found a solution to your problem without going to surgery. It only makes me realize how lucky I was...

About the only thing I can say is, research your surgeon rigorously. For something so critical to your entire life and profession, don't simply assume he's the best...

Good luck with your surgery, Scott...you'll be back playing before you know it.

Ian

Good Luck Scott...talk to ya soon buddy.

Hi Scott,

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Ron, Port Saint Lucie, FL

Scott....

I join in wishing you good luck and speedy recovery.

Eddie

Scott even though we've had our differences in the past...
I want to wish you good luck and a speedy recovery with your procedure on your thumb. I know first hand what is entailed as I have been thru something similar years ago in the service.
Before you know it you will be good as new.

Scott,

You can come help me lay brick while you can't play the keyboard. You don't need a thumb on your left hand. All it takes is a strong back and a weak mind.
Get well soon man!!!

Scott ... our prayers are with you for a successful surgery and a rapid and complete recovery ...

Scott,Best wishes from ScottL

Hi Scott,
Hope all turns out well for you after the surgery.
Keep us updated.

Deane

Just to let everyone know that i received my trigger finger (left thumb) hand surgery yesterday and that everything went well. In addition to local anesthesia I underwent twilight sedation so didn't feel or remember a thing. Hospital sent me home with Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen for pain, but this morning I woke up feeling a bit nauseous, and because I'm not feeling much pain now, have decided to forgo the Hydrocodone and take Tylenol alone (if needed). So far, no pain pills needed. I'll be able to remove the bandage wrap in 5 days, and in 10 days doc wwill remove the stitches. I'm already able to move my left thumb with no clicking or pain. A couple of weeks prior to yesterday's surgery I started to sense a very slight clicking sensation in my other "right" thumb), so during yesterday's surgery (thankfully while I was asleep) , my doc injected it with cortisone to hopefully avoid needing surgery on that thumb too. Things are now looking good to be back playing and performing, including traditional 2 hand acoustic piano, by at least one week before Christmas arrives. I'm keeping both thumbs and fingers crossed. Thanks again for all the support you guys have given. - Scott

Here's a shot of the patient today:

Wishing you speedy recovery Scott.
Take good care of your "tools of the trade". Better to lose 2-3 weeks, than a whole career.
Theodore

Scott wishing you a speedy recovery!

Scott, get better soon.

Be well quickly. Scott ...

Good to see you're on the mend, Scott.

Best of luck Scott with the recovery. It is very hard to be on the sideline
when you have been busy and active. As they say, "this too will pass".

Deane

Good luck Scott!
DonM

Good to see you...
Your bandage is smaller than Aase's (my wife) bandage... ha... ha...
Get "On the road again" soon...

Jørgen

A speedy recovery, Scott.

One thing I tried doing while my hand was immobilized was using Pianostyle Mode with just the one hand (my RH). Full kbd chord recognition, etc., then just chord where needed, and solo over it. It's a really good exercise to train your hand(s) to solo with only one or two notes tops, so you don't trigger another chord accidentally.

Another trick is to set the sound up so that it ignores the first 20-30 velocity levels.... Whatever your arranger needs in order to allow you to solo but play softly on the chord part and it ignores it. Now you can do the same trick with non-comping sounds like sax etc..

Get well soon...

Hope you recover completely! I had surgery on my index finger a week or so ago. Still have a temporary brace I wear until I begin playing. In my case, it is years of bar fighting (not proud of that), simply wearing out the joint from improper fingering and some damage from being cut several years ago.

Am preparing for not being able to ever play bass, guitar or left-handed "walking" bass on my B-3.

R.

You're in our prayers as well, Russ, for a full and rapid recovery ...

Wishes for a speed recovery

With prayers for healing

Hey Scott my friend,
I wish you al the best and i hope you soon recover
ill speak to you soon on skype my friend
Greetings Rico

Hi Rico,
Many thanks for your well wishes.
It was great to see and talk with you on Skype Video the other day. I hope Rob's hand injury recovers soon too.

Chef Jorgen, hope Aase's finger is recovering as well. Please send her my best wishes.

Russ, hope you're recovering ok from your left index finger surgery too esp realizing how critical the index finger is for intricate guitar fingering\.

Nigel, Graham, and Larry,
Loved your digital bandage cast sigs. Thanks.
It's now 6 days after the operation and my doc says he's impressed with how fast I'm healing. Was able to remove the bandage cast yesterday. No more clicking, no pain, and I've got
pretty much full use of my hand, thumb & fingers again now.
All that remains is 4 stitches which will be removed this coming Friday and it looks like there'll be no (at lesast not noticeable) scaring either.
Realizing I'm a keyboard musician and how critical my hands are to my work, he took extra care during the operation to prevent nerve damage or noticeable scaring, and it already appears like he's succeeded, as even with the stitches still in, I can pretty much bend my thumb it's entire
range with very little/no discomfort. I think once the stitches are removed, I'll be as good as new again, and back to playing my full schedule within 2 weeks if not sooner.
On my doctor's approval, I played for an hour today with no clicking, pain or discomfort. Haven't felt this good playing the keyboard in nearly 6 months.
I hope me posting about my surgery will be of value to others here who might (yet hopefully not) experience the debilitation and pain of trigger finger.

Scott ... good to hear you are well on your way to full recovery ...

Hey scott my friend,
Nice to hear @ll go's wel
But WTF you recorded me on Skype lollllllllllll
i need to chop of your thumb whoehahahhaa
Now you have a souvenir of me live
Maby a good idea for some people here on SZ just select your line in instead of your mic and you give someone a live performance verry fun to do
as i noticed because i didnt know scott recorded it and the result was verry funny hahahha
I am glad that i could give him a smile on his face
Speak to you soon buddy



Rico

That's awesome news Scott. I'm so pleased that it will make playing more comfortable for you again. I can imagine how difficult it has been for you not being able to play without pain.

Has the doctor spoken to you about perhaps sticking to plastic keyboards for a while until you feel completely healed? Perhaps it might help to stay off the Steinway for a month or two, and stick to the lighter keybeds while it rehabilitates?

Just a suggestion...

Yep, I spoke with my orthopedic surgeon today and he said it's fine to start playing the keyboard again as long as there's no pain or discomfort, as playing (within reason of course) even the weighted Steinway keys will help to build my hand strength and flexibility up again. Interestingly enough, even with the stitches still in, I'm able to smoothly and painlessly bend (no clicking) my left thumb throughout its entire range of motion. My doc assured me this surgery was really the only real 'permanent' solution to trigger finger and that it shouldn't ever come back again, at least in that finger. Cortisone shots and/or anti-inflamatory meds/supplements typically only provide temporary relief, and that most people eventually require surgery to rid the problem once and for all. It's because I rely on my fingers so much for gig work (not only to play the keyboard, but to lift and transport my music gear too) that my doc recommended surgery. I'm really glad I did now.

Diki, did taking turmeric pills completely cure your trigger finger (thumb) condition? No clicking at all? If so, that's great, because it didn't work for me even though I took it (as you prescribed) for 3 months. Are you still taking turmeric now?

here's a shot of my hand + stitches (1 week following surgery) with bandage off now:

Not a trace of clicking or sticking, and I came off the turmeric maybe a couple of months after it all cleared up. I guess I'm one of the fortunate few (so far!).

I must confess to not having played much 88 fully weighted stuff during my career. Sure, all piano at the start until 21 or so, but then primarily organ and synths etc. ever since. Enough piano to keep my touch reasonable strong, but overall, I'd say less than 10% of my work and practice regimen. Perhaps this has helped, I really can't say. But most of my professional friends around my age (mid-50's) that have been heavy piano players all their lives have one story or another about how their hands hurt them...

Possibly a connection, possibly not, but it makes you think...

I can't hear any clicking at all!

Scott was never anywhere, or well at least he kept me posted about this little thumb problem... I been too busy myself to check this place out lately but hey, it looks like he's is back in the saddle.... so all the best wishes from Finland:



I understand the stitches are coming out TOMORRA, so I better see some video or new songs before the weekend

Good to have ya back.

-TheWolf

Yep, got to admit its been rough having to sit on the side lines the past few months,
so looking forward to getting the stitches out tomorra, (albeit bear the ouch of that), so I can finally focus on playing the keyboards again, though the doc wants me to refrain from transporting the music equipment for 2-3 weeks.
No promises, but I'll try to put something up on YouTube or SoundCloud before Christmas. Happy holidays to everyone.

Wolf , it sure is friggin cold (15-25 F) in Finland now and with such short days where you are: sunrise @ 8:53am and sunset @3:24pm. Good reason to stay warm and toasty indoors, and make music. Perhaps this explains why arranger keyboards are especially popular in your neck of the woods.
Hope you recover from your bout with a bad cold SOON.


Scott

Hello. I've kinda lost Scott Yee. Is he okay, has anybody heard of him recently?

people come and go here all the time..hope he is doing well....
I'll bet he's lurking somewhere.

http://scottyee.com/

I've found him. He's okay. Sorry for being an alarmist.

Yea Scott - good to see you back in the saddle again.

Bill G

Scott, I had a trigger finger on my right hand and it drove me crazy ( actually not a drive, but a put!)
I had surgery and it was a short recovery time, but a thumb is the most important digit we have, I will pray for a short recovery time for you, you are needed on this forum and have many friends here !

Who am I ?, nobody knows, since I read daily since 2003, but do not "post" at all!

Hope you recover soon Russ. I'm having my 2nd neck surgery on May 1st. Nice to have an employer who pays for my 10 days recovery

zuki ... don't know if you noticed but Russ' post (and the ones pertaining to Scott) are from last November ... I would hope they are both fully recovered by now ...
As to your surgery, ... "10 days recovery" ?!? ... I realize I do not know what is being done, but is that long enough for neck surgery ?
best of luck with it ...

My surgery didn't help much. I now have constant swelling on my whole upper arm. It's black and blue. No blood clot, but extremely irritated. This, complicated by bad arthritis in my index finger and residual damage from a cut years ago, is about to put me out of the music business.

I'm going to Louisville today to do a film score for an auto manufacturer. I'll be there a couple of days. The rough will take about 12 hours. I'll get a couple of hours rest while the agency and client review. Then, I'll go to finish, which will take me about 12 more hours.

I'm looking at getting out of playing for the public and just doing my film scores (I do that 2 days a week now), my trips to Dubai (6 weeks) and Australia (2-weeks), plus jobs I've done for years for events. that means no restaurants, clubs, etc.

Man, what a change!


R.

Russ ... that is disheartening news ... I went through a 7 year period of 'self-imposed' absence from playing for the public and really dread the day I will no longer be able to do it ...
Arthritis is a b!tch ... I have it in both hands and some days after playing KB they hurt like hell ...

Hoping you feel better ...

That is terrible Russ. What do the doctors say the problem is now and is there anything they can do?

I'm lucky. I have it in my knees. It only hurts getting up and down laying brick and flagstone on walk ways and patios crawling around on the ground all the time. I'm glad I don't have to do it all the time anymore.

My hands are holding up OK. I have had hernia surgery and a dislocated elbow in the past ten or so years. I won't mention my dislocated brain, it belongs in a donkey.

Since this is not a medical forum I won't begin to count the number of times a surgeon's knife has opened me up in the past ten years ... but I'm still here, still gigging, and still driving my bride of 49 + years crazy ...

Dozen surgeries, missing some body parts, nothing essential, still sailing, performing and drinking Green Coconut Margarettas. For an old fart, I guess I'm doin' pretty darned good.

Cheers,

Gary

Common fellas is this a arranger KB forum or a Combat Triage` Blog....lol....think young its the only life you'll have enjoy it!

Nigel, I will have an appointment with a specialist tomorrow.


Right now, all that's been ruled out is a blood clot.

Two days this week in the studio almost killed me!


I'll let you guys know...


Russ

Guys, I'm probably one of the best folks here to have this problem. I've said time after time, I'm not an entertainer.

I get my fulfillment from doing projects....collaboration with writers and other musicians. I won't miss entertaining people that much. REALLY!

If I have to stop playing in public, I won't miss it IF....and it's a big IF...I am somehow still involved in the music business.

In fact, I'm involved in the entire film process...everything from storyboards thru the script, post, scores, etc.

I do not just take score assignments. I won't. I do package jobs (usually for an existing client) to support the research, MARCOM plan or other initiative I have created.

Music is an important part of my life, but being an educator, film producer and communications consultant are equally important.

Worst case, if I can't play, I'll step aside and give talented youngsters the chance...that's pretty COOL!

I'm hoping for the best, but the worst that can happen is really not that bad...

And (BIG SIGH) I could always switch to all arranger play.

Man, I hope that isn't the case.

Russ

Please do Russ. I am worried about you.

Nigel, the thought as of today is I have been taking a damaging cocktail of aspirin and fish oil....both blood thinners. The specialist thinks alteration of my meds will make the small veins more stable and the bleeding will stop.

I still have arthritis and residual damage from a cut years ago, and a new cyst that appeared as a result of the trauma to the left arm.

I'll alter my schedule, but am not ready to give up. I'll concentrate on my overseas work, appearances with the Philharmonic, parties for some of my big clients, two endorsements, with week-end labs at music stores and film scores.

Whatever happens, I'll always be eternally grateful for the 56 years I have been working in a field I love.

And, I'd like to thank my very good friend Chas for his invaluable support through all this. He's a class act all the way.

Thanks to all of you for the concern.



Russ

Getting old is hell and I have preachers around town telling people that a loving god is going to burn them in hell forever. Dig this these same preachers wouldn't burn their children's hand in a fire for 1 second for a real bad wrong doing. Hmmm, I guess they love their children more than God loves his children.
Wonder what god thinks of this teaching.

Hi brickboo, I was sad to see your post.

I hope those same pastors explain that "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." That is God's will for us, not that we stay lost; that's the Easter story, that's the hope that we can have within us, even as we get older.

Thanks Graham. It is great to have someone reinforce God's love rather than the Hell and damnation.

Thanks Graham and Nigel, your comments insure the Bible fact that Jehovah is "LOVE" and that because of his love he definitely is not going to burn any of his children in a hell fire forever and ever.

The wages sin pays is death.
He who has died is acquitted of sin.

Wow - talk about OFF TOPIC. Reel it in, boys. Not the place for it.

I thought this tread was supossed to be about Scott Yee

This thread stopped being about Scott in November 2012 ...

Hey, I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I was born a "Cajun" and it's obvious that I WILL DIED A "CAJUN."

No offense taken here, boo ...

Thanks Tony!