There are several passions that I have had to greatly reduce and, in some cases, even give up entirely. I have taken a step back from kayaking, hiking, the gym, swimming, yoga, and even music, and activities like snowboarding and volleyball just aren't justifiable considering the significant risk it can pose on my already problematic joints.
Music is something that I can continue to pursue... on a limited basis. If I sing at a retirement home, for example, I am still using my cane, I sit on a stool, and I rely on family/friends or my duo partner to carry and set up any necessary equipment. Basically, I need help all the time now, and singing like this or for fundraisers only happens a few times a year. I am always relying on the help of others, the help of a cane and a stool, along with some extra precautions - like having a Xylimelt stuck to my teeth to improve my dry mouth, taking extra medications for pain, putting on muscle creams beforehand, having someone else drive so that I can take extra pain relievers if need be, standing and stretching and taking breaks, and then soaking in a hot Epsom salt bath followed by more muscle cream and a nice back massage, along with additional stretches, herbal tea, essential oils, and just basically anything that might help me relax. Even with all of these 'therapies', it still causes pain to enjoy these musical pastimes. Not to mention that it is a major shot to my pride to require assistance for gigs I could easily perform independently for so long.
What distinguishes my musical practices from an activity like snowboarding is that it does not (or *should* not) have a detrimental effect on the disease itself. Sure it feels like a white hot poker has been inserted into my shoulder blades, but there is no further physical damage because of it. That's a plus!! And that's what keeps me determined to continue.
We all have activities and priorities that are essential to our own well-being. Music is one of my activities. The pain of having a passion in music is well worth the physical pain it causes... because I have learned my limitations and how long I require to recuperate.
No pain no gain.
If it doesn't hurt, then you are not pushing yourself. If you're not feeling the strain here and there, then you are stagnant.
At least that is what the old belief is.
Pretty sure I still function on that basic principle...
... oops.
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