By prdp - 05/06/2013 16:33 - United States

Today, after years of training and competing, I realized that the universe does not want me to play the piano. Not only do I have hands that can fit in toddler-sized gloves, my carpal tunnel is already to the point where I have to wear a brace at night, at the ripe old age of 14. FML
I agree, your life sucks 51 694
You deserved it 4 706

prdp tells us more.

prdp 7

Thanks for your nice comments! I kind of knew it would come eventually, because 3 generations of my family have consistently had carpal tunnel, but it was intensified by my piano playing (and especially the fast music I tend to choose to compensate for my inability to reach larger chords) and made the symptoms appear at a much earlier age than any of my relatives. Luckily, I'm not JUST a pianist! I'm also an extremely avid concert and marching brass player (a female brass player? Who knew they exist?) who plans to audition for drum corps in the very near future. Classical (though I also play some jazz) piano and band are my true loves, and I know I won't stop playing piano anytime soon, nor will I stop my other instruments. :)

Winter: Snow and Funny News
Snuggle up and laugh with our winter stories, where snow isn't the only thing sliding around! More…
Previous FML Next FML

Top comments

gc327072 30

Well if it's any consolation, you write well for a 14 year-old! :o

571 12
DWT 18

Being a musician can be painful. Take it from a guitarist.

207 9

Comments

jostaqqqq 4

14 year olds aren't usually this formal in their weiting

0 0
noelasis94 18

Mike dirnt from green day had carpel tunnel a couple years back. You'll make it through just soldier on lad.

2 0
tedditheresa 5

I don't know if you're aware, but you can actually find piano teachers who are trained in playing related injuries (carpal tunnel and tendinitis) and can actually retrain your body to help alleviate pain and avoid further injury. My former roommate played piano for over 15 years (I attend Berklee College of Music in Boston and know a lot of musicians) and she suffered from severe tendinitis, but she was still able to play because she had a very good teacher that was strongly educated in teaching methods for players with playing related injuries. So you don't have to give up piano, there is still hope! :)

1 0
Sober1128 9

Well the carpal tunnel is from the constant playing. Give your hands a break for awhile. Let your tendons heal.

2 0
prdp 7

I don't play more than about two hours a day! The carpal tunnel's inherited from my mom and grandpa but is just a bit aggravated by the piano, so the symptoms are appearing at a younger age.

0 0
ArcherMan2015 6

Don't you have to be 18 to post an FML?

0 0
HeartForMusic 23

Aw don't worry OP, I actually know of some pianos made for people with smaller sized hands. The keys are closer together to make for easier playing. There's nearly always a way :)

0 0
avapaige1234 19

I have small hands, too, which mde it difficult for me to play even a guitar. But then, after a few years I got to play it well and now I even make money composing songs. Chin up, OP! I salute you.

1 1
chuckcloninger 12

Well, you're 14 and maybe you will grow some more. I gained almost 4 inches over the summer I was 14.

0 1
kapreejuice 4

I don't wanna hear it. my spine has been out of line since I was 12..

0 5
ZombieInConverse 13

You sound like me :) im 15 and about to be stuck in a weelchair as well as have surgury on both shoulders and must wear braces and splint on all joints. I look like a robot due to my elhers danlos syndrom! At least im not alone. :)

0 1
LostKezia 5

Im 16 and Ill be stuck in a wheelchair before Im forty, it sucks, I have major joint problems, hips, ankles, wrists as well as shoulders, but with my condition they rarely preform surgery until its so severe nothing else could ever help.

0 0