Bell's Palsy

2-5-1 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 1381

Rich, how you doing man?
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BeboppinFool · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 6:46 pm Post subject:

Actually, my wife said I looked better this morning (less "droop") and when I awoke I could tell it felt different. I was able to whistle for the first time today, but still can't really get anything close to a buzz going. But I would say that it has "peaked" and I'm headed back to normalcy now.

It's been one week since the early symptoms (that I didn't recognize at the time) occurred. I've been staying positive and very busy. I'm working on my Trumpeter's Guide to Minor II-V-I's book and have made great progress on that this week. It'll be a "companion" volume to my Trumpeter's Guide to II-V-I's book which I'll now have to retitle to include the word "Major."

The last thing I'll need to do to finish this project is go to Collapseable Studios here in Asheville and lay down the Play Along with Rich tracks, and I'm thinking that might not be all that far off.

I appreciate you asking, Mike. And, again, I appreciate all those who posted, PM'ed, emailed or called to express their encouragement and support. This is not the first time in my life I've been unable to play for one reason or another, and I realize how much I miss it when I'm involuntarily separated from playing!

Thanks, everybody!
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Don Herman rev2 · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 9:58 pm Post subject:

Boy, that's great Rich! Now take it easy, come back safely, so you have time to finish that book...

Awesome news - Don
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BobList · Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 7:33 am Post subject:

Hey Rich, you're gonna be just fine...I did a Wiki on Bell's, and It's not as bad as I thought it was... so I proclaim your condition to be just a temporary bump in the road. ( I submitted a prayer for ya to the big guy upstairs).
Who knows? like Doc said, after an illness or a layoff of the horn, you might come back new as a type IV!!. Then, you would be a Zen Master, as you would play every type Doc described!!!! ( I always try to find the silver lining in any situation).
Hang in there, baby.. keep us posted on developments. Chase did that a few years ago, and it was quite an interesting diary..... it kept me from fearing anything that could mess with your chops. With Doc's teachings, you will work out of it quickly, and be stronger for it.

Bobby List
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thesplitmeister · Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 7:56 am Post subject:

I know the first trumpet of RLPO has suffered from a number of attacks throughout his career. It used to take him a while to come back to form but the last time it hit he decided not to rush things, by doing this he returned back quicker!
He is, in my humble opinion, one of the worlds finest orchestral players and he plays as well now as he always has. Don't stress about it, use the time to relax and change focus, then when you come back it'll still be fresh and less stressfull.
Good luck and God bless

mulligan stew · Heavyweight Member Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1846

So how's it coming, Rich?
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BeboppinFool · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:32 am Post subject:

Doin' really well. Able to do a lot more now . . . on my way back. Looks like this'll be one of those two-week'ers. Glad I got help quick!

Thanks Scott, and everybody else who's been writing and calling (you know who you are). I really appreciate it!
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mulligan stew · Heavyweight Member Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1846

hvand · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 1:49 pm Post subject:

I'm a witness that Rich can teach well with one lip tied behind his back. I had a very fruitful lesson on Saturday. Despite the fact that he couldn't demonstrate many of the exercises, I learned a great deal.

I'd strongly encourage anyone who has improved with the books to see a Reinhardt protegee. The "pivot" part of the "Pivot System" didn't really make sense until Rich explained it to me. His teaching has added a whole new dimension to these exercises.

For those of you keeping score at home, I'm a IIIb.

Here's to a speedy recovery ... it looks like you are well on your way.

Hank

TrentAustin · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 2:15 pm Post subject:

Great news Rich! Keep on keepin' on and best of luck in your speedy recovery.

-T
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BeboppinFool · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 7:44 am Post subject:

Don Herman rev2 · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 8:00 am Post subject:

Fantastic news, Rich, and so great to hear! - Don
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PivotBone · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:57 pm Post subject:

BeboppinFool · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:28 am Post subject:

More good news. In the past 3 days I've played 4 gigs, all on bass trumpet. I played a little trumpet, too . . . very little. My range on trumpet only goes to D or E right above our tuning note C, but I'm able to get a good, "normal" sound.

Last night I played third trombone parts with the Asheville Jazz Orchestra. It's been a long time since I sat in the trombone section. All it really does is make me want to move back a row and sit with the "real men" in the trumpet section.

Think about it: after losing virtually all muscle control in my chops, three weeks later I can play a trombone-like instrument fairly well. But the trumpet is far more difficult to regain a level of proficiency. That tells me that you've gotta have much more on the ball to play a trumpet than a trombone. (Take THAT, trombonists!)

P.S. Today is the first time in over three weeks I've been able to buzz a trumpet tuning note C!
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Don Herman rev2 · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:24 am Post subject:

Yes -- go Rich!!!

Gotta' say your attitude through this is quite an inspiration.

Onwards! - Don
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"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music" - Aldous Huxley

Fleebat · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:37 am Post subject:

Hey, Rich

I wasn't following this thread. Paul Garrett came up for the weekend from Atlanta & told me about what you've been dealing with. Just wanting to wish you a speedy (continued) recovery.

Rusty Russell

TrentAustin · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:51 am Post subject:

Thanks for the updates Rich.... I was wondering how you were doing. Keep fightin!
-T
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akto · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:13 pm Post subject:

Rich

I can't believe I'm finding out about this just now! My best wishes are with you for a speedy recovery.
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healey.cj · Heavyweight Member Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 2011

BeboppinFool · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:09 am Post subject:

Thanks Don, Bob, Rich H., Andy, Trent, Rusty, Chris, Hank, Scott, et al!

I'm playing trumpet today (yesterday, too), and while my range certainly isn't back, I'm doing pretty good up to about A right above the staff.

Chris, I think you're absolutely right (well, you and Wikipedia), and I'm mighty grateful to be in that group who comes back without too terribly much difficulty. I'm so glad I'm a Reinhardt student! I know how to come back from a layoff, and now I know how to come back from having zero embouchure muscle control.

My wife and I are going to celebrate in a couple days . . . we're going out for steaks! (What kind of steak did Maynard have before he went on the Ed Sullivan show? I want two of those!)

Thanks again, everybody, looks like it's almost completely past!
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