I have been missing for a while, I have not been able to type, or even hold a glass of water for a while…
I had an horse training accident similar to Chistopher Reeves back in 1978. I was partially paralized for some time. Thanks to a courageous surgeon who was willing to experiment on my shattered neck, arms and hands, I regained the use of my limbs and was able to function well enough to return to work. After 20 years of therapy I was able to play the guitar again, marginally, but had to really admit to myself that fast rifs and hammering on were behind me.
Then I discovered this forum and flutes. Using advice from those here, I purchaced a Tipple D and learned to play passably in a short time. Never have I been as happy as this, other than when my son returned from his second tour of Iraq without being killed, and has now become a stateside instructor assured of not being sent to Iraq again.
I play native american flute fluently, but being able to play transverse flute was my highest achievement since even with therapy and surgery my arms feel as if they wiegh 80 lbs a piece at all times, and pain is my constant companion.
I had a complete breakdown a week and a half ago. Every muscle siezed and every nerve was on fire. I could not move. My husband put me to bed and prayed for the best.
I fell, of course, into the deepest kind of depression, not wanting to live this way, not wanting to start the endless trips to doctors for pain medication and the enevitable decline to paralisis again.
But my husband was clever. He put my newest Tipple dimpled D flute beside me in bed. Then my Casey Burns Folk flute arrived and he put that to bed with me too, opening my hand and wrapping it around it. I cried for a while and then I called my Dr.
I told him about flute playing and how important it was to me, also that I wouldn’t take narcotics to get by anymore. (I hadn’t had to take these meds for several years now and wasn’t going back). He, (a sympathetic flute player) found an anti-siezure medication that loosened me up enough to begin another recovery. I even played a little today and was able to type this.
I writing this not for sympathy, I certainly don’t need that, but to simply show that the flute works in mysterious ways, without it, I think I would’ve given up. Truly.
Thank you all for your help and encouragement, I will take whatever measures I have to to be able to play again, my goal is to play well enought to post a sound file that you will all like some day.
If I didn’t have this goal, I think I would settle for much less in the way of physical recovery, and Thank God for my flute playing Doctor who understands an old flute player needs to play, not give it up because she/he is too old or crippled.
God bless you all this Holiday Season whatever your belief is.
Terri
Terri - hang in there! It sounds like things are getting better. I’m glad flutes, and flute playing doctors, were around to get you going again!
Eric
Terri - What an inspiration! I sometime get bent because my shoulder or my right bicep tightens up a bit. Neve again will I complain!! I’ll think of you and PLAY ON!
BillG
Terri! Last night I drove home from Clearwater, took a wrong turn, and ended up in the middle of Dunedin. There were lovely Christmas lights everywhere. The road narrowed to barely two lanes as it went through the old part of town. Right there, right in front of an Irish pub, which was lit up for the holidays . . . I was thinking about things I enjoy when it suddenly occurred to me that you hadn’t been around for a while. It worried me! Your posts are always so cheery and inspirational. I was intending to ask for you on the list, but here you are!
Well, I’m glad you’re back. We’ll be praying for you.
Wow, Terri! Welcome back!
Glad to hear you are going in the right direction again! Yes, we would miss you here-stick around, and don’t give in to it, just think of all the music you’d miss!!!
Now, congratulations on your new Casey Burns folk flute! It may very well be my next flute after I get a little further on the Tipple. So, I know I would be interested in knowing how you like it, and how it differs from the Tipple. Especially, how does the tone differ? Did you get inline holes on the Tipple, or ergonomic like the Folk Flute?
Take your time, don’t overdo! I’ll wait for your review, but keep in touch and above all, keep playing, the music will heal you in ways meds can’t!
God Bless you, and your good spirit. Happy holidays to you also. Thanks for being here on the forum! Good thoughts going out to you and yours. Godspeed!
Terri, how bout them apples. I’m so glad you are doing great. Keep at it and pretty soon you will be quick enough to stick a fishing worm up a wild cat’s ass. I’ll write and tell you how me old nach Meyer flute is coming along. You must have written me a long explaination about what to do with it just before got sick.
Nelson
dear terri
once you find the love of your life, you will stick to it no matter what.
it will get you through the hardest of times and no effort will be too much to achieve your goal, to be playing again.
the flute feeds the soul like no other instrument does I find.
and I can relate a bit to what you are going through, since I am having inner ear problems for six months now and not being able to play anymore but not yet ready to give up.
the flute gives me the courage to carry on, and trust that one day this all will abe over and we will be together again…
so you get my warmest blessings and keep going girl!!!
berti
Hi Terri,
Along with the others, I was aware that you had been missing from the forum. I am sorry to hear about your relapse but hope and pray that you have a speedy and complete recovery.
Please check your personal mailbox, as I left you a message.
Best wishes and happy holidays,
Doug Tipple
Terri, Wow! Thank you so much for your story of life. It was very touching to read. The flute is, indeed, a magical force.
Hi Terri,
I hope you had a good day. You will be OK. Your good spirit will keep you going, don’t worry.
Speaking of spiritual help, keep your native american flute nearby too-it’s got to be good spiritually for you, and play a little every day-just to hear the healing music that is within you.
Hope to see you on the forum again soon! 
God bless you, Terri. And your husband and family. And flutes are sort of like horses, aren’t they? You just keep doing whatever it takes to get back on. (Only when a flute throws a stop at you in a spiky reel it isn’t nearly as devastating as on the x-country course, thank God!) Anyway, you’re in my thoughts & prayers.
Love, a fellow (Former) Eventer and now (semi-retired) DQ.
…
Thank you all for your touching and inspiring words, I still can’t play, (well, OK I did sneak some time on the CB flute, ergonomic, buy the way Spider, pipers grip is easlier for these old crippled hands.Also Spider, I do keep my NA flutes with me also and they are just as magical, but I play them well while my transverse playing sucks, giving me the incentive to keep trying). Imagine Dougs flute, only made of wood. It’s surprisingly heavy but well balanced and it’s sound is warm and mellow. It’s not a so much of a better sound, just different. Not to say CB flutes are lacking in anything, it’s just that Dougs flute is so surprisingly good! The CB flute in my opinion is a fine wood flute, and I don’t think I will ever need a better wood flute. It serves it’s purpose nicely. And it is a beautiful thing to hold in the hand.
Thank you again, I’m off to have more tests and more needles and more doctors but I think I’ll recover just to keep up on the flute forum!
Flute players are incredible people!
When I can type better I’ll tell you all about a visit I had from a spirit that told me I’d get better and that flute playing would change my life, and it already has in the friends I have made here! Your prayers and thoughts really do help.
I am overwhelmed with positive feelings. Keep playing for those who can’t!
Terri 
Hi Terri,
It’s good to hear from you, and that you are sneaking some time on the CB flute!
I was wondering if I could play pipers grip on it, with the ergonomic tone holes too. I have some joint/wrist problems and just find it easier to play with less stress with the pipers grip on my Tipple with inline holes, and any low whistle from about Bb on down to the low ones.
The Folk Flute seems like the wooden version of the Tipple! A great flute, aside from the fact they are both affordable! I applaud Doug and Casey for providing us with such great flutes for people who want or need to spend less, and still get a top quality musical instrument that helps us learn, and doesn’t hold us back. Thank you, Doug, thank you Casey! I have a feeling I’ll be getting in touch with Casey soon!
I would like to hear about your spirit visit, when you are better, and I think that’s great news, too. See, I told you that you had a good spirit!
I did play my Tipple today, and thought of you. I’m still working on my embouchure, but it’s coming along, and it’s a great sound!
Good luck with your medical visits, and keep your good spirit and music with you always.
Yes, you should be able to do this. I have a CB ergonomic Rudall, which I can play either straight-on or piper’s grip (right hand).
Since the holes will be closer than those of your Tipple, you may find that you won’t have any trouble with a Rockstro on the left and straight-on with the right. I suspect that you’ll find it very comfortable, in fact.
Thank you, Peggy,
It’s nice of you to respond. It sounds like it would work! Great!