…for your guitar playing actually has nothing to do with technique or scales or chords. It’s simply – live a healthy life. As I’ve gotten to middle age, I’ve started to have episodes of different ailments; reaping the fruits of ignoring my health. The latest incident was a recent case of diverticulitis, which is both painful and physically debilitating. But as a result of having this, I’ve been forced to completely change my lifestyle, and it has been great. Because of the condition, I’ve been forced to lay off the booze, eat less red meat, eat tons of veggies and fruits, and exercise regularly.
The net result is that even though I’m still on the mend, I’ve felt better physically than I have in years, and have also been sleeping much more soundly, which is also a good thing.
For many people, that healthy lifestyle is a no-brainer. But for others like myself who live the double-life of working stiff during the day and musician at night, it’s easy to go the fast and simple route as far as health is concerned; that is, not really paying attention, and being too busy to work out and eat right. All I can say to that is even if you’ve been lucky with avoiding health pitfalls thus far, start living healthy now! Don’t wait!
With music being such an integral part of my life, not being able to play would be devastating. So even though I had turned a new leaf last year with my health, it obviously wasn’t enough. I’ve learned my lesson.
Guitar Gear 
I had a lower brain stroke late ’05, nearly killed me. I was never a druggy and I always kept in physical shape and the vitamin thing. I smoked in my younger days like a rasta but I am sure that had no bearing no my illness, it was some genetic weakness. Some are doing things out there that will get you sooner or later, it is not worth it. Get addicted to your music and guitar not some death roll of the dice. Shit happens sometimes, no need to play Russian Roulet. My long habits of working out saved my life, no doubt, had I been in avg shape or weak it would have taken me out.
I was lucky and retained my IQ and muscial connection and touch. I cannot remember songs anymore but since I always taught myself to develop my sense of music creation theory and improvisation ability. I am able to play new music everytime I play, I cannot remember just a few partial riffs from songs I used to know and something new I forget if I do not keep it freash in my mind. The guitar was an essential and recommended therapy from my neurologist to help my brain recover. I really think my many years of brain hand connection from music helped my brain reset and function again. I am lucky I had my gear aquired from so many years of tone addiction, I just love playing and it has become an essential part of my life and will to live. I would not know what to do if I did not have my last guitar I bought before I got sick, sure could not buy anything these days.
Take care of yourself, it may save your life someday. AND you play better when you feel better. The tendon conditioning and muscle tone really makes you a better player with more energy and the engine of creation is there to help you invent music.
Great story, Paul! Thanks for sharing this!
Sounds like the same symptoms I’ve had. Being unhealthy and sleep deprived definately put a hamper on my progression as a musician… now where did I put my beer…lol..
Good one! HAHAHAHAHA!!!