Low D and Reflux?

Whistle
1

Can this possibly be related? I don’t usually have any problems with reflux but do have a hiatal hernia that’s been lurking about for years. Never anything too serious. After playing my low D for a couple of hours yesterday, I’m beginning to wonder if it’s responsible for the miserable night I’m having. It feels like somebody’s fist is in my diaphram. Am I not breathing right? I hope somebody out there can help me. We’re practicing for our Celtic Night in March and we just decided to use the low D on 4 of the tunes.
And oh yeah…if you’re going to suggest the “Sports Breather” that Scott mentoned…already checked that out. They really don’t tell you what you’re getting for $33.95. Not quite that desperate YET ! Gm

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Yes, Grannymouse-- this is a well known syndrome. The only cure is to get rid of that whistle at once. Send it to…
Only kidding-- it is probably only a coincidence. To be safe, you might want to gradually work yourself up to playing the low whistle for longer periods, plus make sure you take the usual hiatal hernia precautions ( you already know them).

The Whistling Podiatrist ( and amateur gastroenterologist) & maker of exotic wooden whistles

[ This Message was edited by: brewerpaul on 2002-02-18 06:50 ]

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Hi Gm
I don’t know if this will help, but as you are well aware, the low D uses far more air than the high D. Often people try to play the same tunes on both instruments, and often forget that the low D requires more frequent breaths. So sometimes a player will push themselves to finish a phrase before taking a breath, putting a strain on your stomach muscles. This may not be your situation at all, but if it is, try to add more frequent breathing spots to you tunes and it may help. Hope it works out for you.
All the best,
Sue

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I hadn’t thought of posting this topic, but I have experienced reflux as well. I wasn’t sure if it was actually connected to whistle playing, and never connected it particularly to low whistle playing, but my problem started when I began spending much more time playing low whistles.
Thanks for posting this topic, GM. I don’t have an answer, but on this matter at least, I know I’m not crazy!
Steve

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I hope more people will come forward, Steve, as I’m sure we are not the only ones. Thanks to Paul (have already sent a message to him). Sue…I think that’s a great suggestion on the breathing. I did find myself pushing the breath to the limit. It is so much different than the air requirements on the high D. Many thanks! Gm

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I’ve been fortunate enough to see your low whistle playing technique and it looks fine to me. Suggest you eat less Garlic Steak at Applebee’s.

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I would only add- make sure you are sitting up straight and not hunched over when you’re playing (or any other time). Simply bending forward reduces the amount of space your stomach has to occupy. And, don’t eat a large meal and then play. (I imagine you already have to restrict food volume at a given setting).

My problem with the low whistle is soreness in my thumb muscles. If I don’t pinch the whistle tight, I don’t get good seals on the holes.
Tony

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As a whistler player and a R.N., I will give you the advice that all nurses give when asked a medical question, “Go see a doctor”-there some very good medicine for this problem.

Joe

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Thanks Tony. I usually stand when I’m whistling except when I play withe the jam. And normally I’m not a big eater…with the exception of Sunday morning after church..we most always go for the breakfast buffet. Guess I didn’t allow enuf time in between. Cornbeef n’ Cabbage the night of our performance. I’ve already decided I’d wait until later to eat!
And Joe…thanks for the advice…that’s already been in the works. I got thru the liver profile with flying colors so decided to postpone further tests until after our big nite! Gm

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I used to have reflux problems…I pretty much cured them by laying off dairy products and eating a small dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime.

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Let me add an obvious point here… “air swallowing” is a major aggravator of reflux especially with hiatal hernia. I imagine you do a lot of this when playing the flute. Try your best to make sure that you are not sucking any extra air into your stomach when you take breaths - Tod

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On 2002-02-18 16:03, toddyboy50 wrote:
Let me add an obvious point here… “air swallowing” is a major aggravator of reflux especially with hiatal hernia. I imagine you do a lot of this when playing the flute. Try your best to make sure that you are not sucking any extra air into your stomach when you take breaths - Tod

Hmmmmmm…will have to think about that one. I know with the high whistles I will often suck in a little to clear the windway but haven’t done that with the low D. I’m just looking back over yesterday and there’s just a whole lot of things that could provoke this. I will certainly proceed with caution from here on. Gm

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As a fellow sufferer, I would offer two possible causes.

  1. You may be tensing up as you play.

  2. Using your diaphram muscles to provide the necessary air as you whistle(as you should do) could be forcing acid into your esophagus. By the way, how is your posture while you play? Sitting or standing straight might help.

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Thanks Paulsdad…you have a good point about tensing up…I am most certain that I do since I’m not that comfortable with the low D. I do stand when I play but maybe not straight enough. I played tonight (not as much) on an empty stomach so am hoping that will make a big difference. Gm

Make a joyful noise!

[ This Message was edited by: Grannymouse on 2002-02-19 23:16 ]