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.