KeinbocksDisease Hand Surgery-New Orleans Bassist

    I'm eternally thankful for the love and support so far, it has been a mind-bending ride. 

 *About me:

           I have worked my way up from living in a vehicle & playing on the street, to having a home & playing 200+ shows a year. I also co-produce one of the longest running weekly burlesque shows here in New Orleans, BAYOU BLUES BURLESQUE. And this year, I got to play Jazz and Heritage Festival with the Slick Skillet Serenaders. I have had dozens of jobs all over the US, and have been working hard since age 11 ( cleaning Booche's Billiard Hall every Sunday).  Nothing has brought me more love and joy than entertaining people. It has truly been an honor to do it in this city, amongst the best players in the world. An amazingly deep and rich cultural history, and a passionate resilliance that makes me weep with joy and pain at the same time. However, it has been difficult since the 14 month shutdown. With little to no assistance for artist, any and all savings are gone. Living check to check is bearable when you love what you do. So I've been working my way back to 4-6 shows a week, and its been great(when people are off their phones).   Then my wrist started hurting last July..

  

*So, what is Keinbocks disease?

       Though it was discovered in 1910 in Austria, little is known about this rare genetic bone disease. A swelling occurs in the Lunate (carpal) bone, which disrupts the flow of blood in and out. Avascular necrosis developes, and following fractures eventually collapse this dead bone. The surrounding carpal bones can shift and deteriorate remaining cartilage. It is extremely painful and proceeds very fast. In my case, it took only 2 months to go from early stage to late stage. I also was misdiagnosed for a while, which happens a lot with this disease.

*What's the plan then?

    For me..a PyroCarbon implant!!!

There is no cure, only surgery. Revascularization is rarely successful, especially in adults, and definitely not a possiblity in late stage. A PRC removes the entire row of carpal bones, and mine are too narrow to adjust properly. Most procedures seem to kick the can down the road to the eventual Full-Fusion. Strong, durable, the last surgery you'll ever need with this disease... but ZERO range of motion. Meaning I couldn't play guitar or electric bass(I bawled my eyes out when I thought this was my only option).

Through months of research and joining a support group online, I found another option with doctor Mark Henry in Houston. His team specializes in this disease, and has perfected an implant procedure with PyroCarbon. I've met with a lot of surgeons about this, and Dr. Henry was the most impressive consultation by far.  The Keinbocks support group on Facebook was a huge help, and it was a major mental relief to meet so many others that understood the pain and helplessness. People from all over the world share their experieces with Keinbocks, ask and answer questions and results. Thats how I found Dr. Henry's team, very grateful for that.

Where? When? Wha?

  The window for me to get this is closing, and my prep time has dwindled from a year to 8 weeks. Possibly September in Houston, maybe sooner.  The recovery time is a long and difficult 5-8 months!  I wanted to learn tuba or sousaphone well enough to sub myself out and still play shows, but I'm not sure I'll be ready in time. It took a long time to get these callouses, it's going to be maddening to not play my bass for so long. 

This procedure is not covered by my insurance, and the timeframe won't allow a switch in providers to work retroactively. So, paying outta pocket. The procedure, medical team, hospital fee, anesthesia, implant, all together is $16,000.

I did not include the cost of living in the downtime, or the travel..because I'm not greedy. It's just hard and embarrassing to even ask for this.  I'll be humble and real, this is scary ..but I dont want to be a financial burdon on anyone. Especially my family that has always supported my passion. Do what you can, I absolutely appreciate EVERY PENNY!  Love each other, be kind, and do a pushup for me, its been a year since I could...