Fingers Crossed!

One of the greatest fears for pianists and piano teachers is any damage to the fingers. When chopping vegetables I’m very aware how easy it would be to cut short (excuse the pun) my career by slicing off a bit of finger. (Must admit, I’ve come close a few times).

So, I really feel for retired piano teacher John Collins whose story is featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post. John suffers from Dupuytren’s contracture – a condition causing the fingers to remain bent into the palm. Without treatment he is unable to play the piano.

Over the years, John has undergone 10 operations to keep his fingers straight but has been told further surgery could cause permanent damage. It seemed like he’d found a solution to this problem when he was given the chance to take part in trials for a treatment called Collagenase. John felt these injections were working really well for him so was dismayed when doubt was expressed over their effectiveness and he was told he could no longer have them.

My Dad has a mild form of this condition which – I believe – is hereditary. Fingers crossed (while I still can!) that it doesn’t pass to me. However, I am already suffering from a touch of arthritis in my thumbs so – unless better treatments are found – it seems like my piano-playing days might well be numbered.