Playing with a catheter [Archive] - Sax on the Web Forum

gary

11-02-2003, 12:35 AM

LOL!!! I've found another benefit. You can be taking a whiz and if the phone rings, just plug it up, go answer the phone and return to the can to finish. Couldn't do that before.

But seriously folks, (sha-ka-ta-boom!) it has nothing to do with playing sax (and trumpet). For many men over 50 the prostate enlarges and some modifications must be made.

Now...can anybody answer my original question? Thanks.

dolphy

11-03-2003, 03:36 AM

I understand the vintage 5 digit caths have the warmest tone. But I havn't played one yet.

Hope that helps.

gary

11-03-2003, 05:40 PM

Play THIS! :twisted:

paulwl

11-04-2003, 04:54 PM

Don't play with your catheter! It'll get infected! :wink:

sax rookie

11-04-2003, 05:53 PM

Never play with a catheter. They aways steal the solos and play way too loud.

11-04-2003, 06:28 PM

RRK played a garden hose (more volume than a catheter) guess we should add "liquid" to our tonal concept palette.
Seriously, I have played with 2 "older" trumpet players in the last month who are recovering from prostatectomys. While they expressed concern regarding range and endurance issues, they were able to perform reasonably well. (All puns intended.)

saxmanglen

03-23-2007, 03:45 AM

What ever happened? I can't believe I missed this thread before....

martysax

03-23-2007, 03:51 AM

:? :? Got prostate problems and have got to wear a catheter for about a month. Anybody had experience playing with one. Problems? Thanks.

Alto or Tenor? Which facing? Do you use a spoiler? Does this make you a whizzer?:?

Randall

03-23-2007, 03:57 AM

Playing with a catheter too much will give you hairy palms, gary. I would rest for a while and rack up a few more posting milestones.

Randall

03-23-2007, 03:58 AM

Don't ya just hate it here sometimes?:twisted:

martysax

03-23-2007, 04:02 AM

What ever happened? I can't believe I missed this thread before....

Are you doing some serious dredging?

Let's search for colonic or something!

saxmanglen

03-23-2007, 04:03 AM

Are you doing some serious dredging?

Let's search for colonic or something!

Gotta say I haven't ever seen one like this. I just thought I had to share. :D

Mark5047

03-23-2007, 04:25 AM

What kind of catheter will make me wizz like Kenny G?

martysax

03-23-2007, 04:30 AM

What kind of catheter will make me wizz like Kenny G?

Try a Slant Sig with an Eddie Daniels lig.

03-23-2007, 04:49 AM

Jack Daniels will increase your volume from merely pp.

GAS_Wyo

03-23-2007, 06:17 AM

Play THIS! :twisted:
I read the first post of this thread and knew there might be a few good comebacks and comments. When I read gary's quote above I laughed so hard that my daughter came down stairs and shamed me for waking 3 people up!

I've calmed down a little now, but the thought of anyone even thinking of playing a sax while wearing a catheter is too much!

OK, gary, so how did it go? :twisted:

PS(a)...You've already used "Play THIS", so come up with something else!

saxfreak

03-23-2007, 06:36 AM

Well, Gary's original thread was from 2003, so I hope his catheter is out by now!
Amazing as it seems, I actually have a serious response to Gary's original question. I had a catheter in me for about a week, after a roto-rooter type of surgery on my urethra. It was over ten years ago, but I still remember it was a miserable week. When I had the catheter taken out, the nurse said she'd never heard of anyone who hadn't absolutely hated that thing.
Anyway, I did play while I had the catheter in. I remember playing a performance of the Mozart clarinet quintet, and it didn't go very well (unrelated to the catheter). I don't remember a problem playing, but I do remember the toughest part was walking to the venue & carrying my clarinet case.
Now, back to the jokes. . . .

gary

03-23-2007, 04:54 PM

OK, gary, so how did it go?
Well, since this got resurrected, I thought I might as well follow up for those of you who asked. Aside from just bringing you up to date, it might be very beneficial to some of you.

First folks, thanks for the humour. You and I both know that it can help a lot. OTOH, and for future thought, if someone else asks a similar question, please answer carefully. As you can see by the way I worded my question, I wasn't whining or looking for sympathy, but the truth is I had prostate cancer...and I could be dead now.

Luckily, the radiation treatments I took have killed all the cancer and I'm officially cured. There have been some consequences, but nothing like actual surgery. During the time I wrote this post, I was undergoing treatments and within a three and a half month period was either in hospital of at a doctors over 50 times; not a good time. I was urinating in public parking lots, along the side of roads, etc. It's really quite humiliating so please be careful how you respond to anyone, either here or elsewhere.

Additionally, I played gigs with a classic 60`s soul-music band as well as performing as principal alto with the regional wind ensemble - all with a catheter, which was quite unpleasant and hence my question above.

My dad died of prostate cancer and "luckily" my uncle, his younger brother, also got it, was successfully treated and sent me a long letter warning me that certain kinds are hereditary. This warning got me regularly to a urologist who watched me very carefully over several years, resulting in catching it in time.

For each of you men reading this, please take it seriously. Get the proper screening and be vigilant.

martysax

03-23-2007, 04:57 PM

:cheers: :headbang: :notworth: :occasion: :male: :glasses7: :flower:

saxmanglen

03-23-2007, 05:03 PM

Nice post Gary!

I know about health issues and the importance of dealing with it sooner rather than later. (I was under treatment for about 1 and 1/2 years for a fungal infection 4-5 years ago. The first six months were IV treatments 3 times weekly. More info on the front page of my site) It's important to keep your sense of humor through the process if possible. Glad to hear it seems to have worked out for you.

Remember, you ARE the most prolific poster! ;)

Dog Pants

03-23-2007, 05:06 PM

Glad you beat it big fella. :)

They tell me that now I'm 40, I have to start getting checked for it. I don't know what's scarier, the examnation, the possibility of having it, the treatment, the after effects of the treatment.

There's a lot of scary stories going around regarding this type of cancer and the effect it can have on you even if you beat it.

It'sone of those things that most bloke don't even want to think about, so they never get checked.

There's a big ad campaign down here to try and dispell the myths and get blokes to go visit "Dr Hoppa."

Is it life as normal, once all the treatment is over? Or do you have to keep going back to the Dr andkeep taking meds?

martysax

03-23-2007, 05:08 PM

I hate when he says that it's no bigger than his pinky, and he holds up his pinky.

I usually say:"That pinky?"

saxophoniste

03-23-2007, 05:16 PM

That's great news that you beat it.
My brother was diagnosed last year as having prostate cancer. He had it removed and a year later, is still coming to terms with the whole procedure he underwent. Thankfully, he just had his year end consultation with his doc and he is "clean".
Thank you for reminding guys to get checked--it is so important to catch it early--and so glad to hear you came out of it healthy and posting!

Dog Pants

03-23-2007, 05:31 PM

I don't know how to ask this question in a kid friendly way,so I'll leave it to you to guess. But is it true? Or is that just a scary myth about the after effects of surgery? I couldn't afford to hire a stunt double.

That's the reason why so many blokes don't get checked according to the ads. Please tell me it ain't so.

Grumps

03-23-2007, 05:58 PM

What key is a catheter in anyhow?
Oh wait... I figured it out.
The key of P.

Grumpie

03-23-2007, 06:01 PM

gary

03-23-2007, 06:09 PM

Regarding the delicate question-that-is-not-a-question, yes and no. Surgery removes body parts and muscle tissues. Radiation therapy (which I had) might weaken certain muscles. My uncle had surgery and he's functional, but he never said how. I am functional. For those with problems there are medication or shots. In any case it's better to wake up in the morning with sunshine instead of dirt in your face. :D

saxmanglen

03-23-2007, 06:10 PM

A very tactful response to a delicate question.

Dog Pants

03-23-2007, 06:16 PM

I am functional. :D

THank God!!! Ya had me worried there for a moment. :D

My greatest fear is having the surgery and then the Doctor comes in.

"Mr DP, I'm afraid there's good news and bad news."

"What's the good news Doc?"

"Well, you're cured and everything's in working order."

"Hey! that's great Doc. What's the bad news?"

"It'll work just the way it always has." :D Ta-Boom!

Kelly Bucheger

03-23-2007, 06:28 PM

I am functional.
THank God!!!

Jeez, you guys. Get a room.

Also, by the way, I find playing with a catheter to be uncomfortable, so now I wear one of those NASA diapers.

Dog Pants

03-23-2007, 06:43 PM

Jeez, you guys. Get a room.

Also, by the way, I find playing with a catheter to be uncomfortable, so now I wear one of those NASA diapers.

LOL. I could have phrased that better I suppose. But I was worried about my mate. I'm happy for him, not us. :shock: :D :shock: :D :shock: :D

Mark5047

03-23-2007, 06:51 PM

By the way - just as an observation..... There were PLENTY of opportunities here to get this to a lower level and yet this thread has been handled with a tremendous amount of tact! Hats off to everyone for communicating in a matter fitting respectable civilization.

Gary - thanks for reminding us about a delicate subject - us guys can be hard headed for several reasons. No reason not to get checked. It's been a reminder to me that I haven't heard a latex glove snap in quite a while, and since this birthday I will be closer to 50 than 40, I will go get the plumbing checked out.
Thanks!

Kelly Bucheger

03-23-2007, 07:22 PM

By the way - just as an observation..... There were PLENTY of opportunities here to get this to a lower level and yet this thread has been handled with a tremendous amount of tact!
Hey Mark:

I don't think this is entirely fair. For example, I was going to say:

"I had Phil Barone open up my catheter a bit, and now it really BURNS!"

But now I feel uncomfortable saying it, so I won't.

hakukani

03-23-2007, 07:33 PM

The really good news about getting checked is that, according to my Doc, the digital rectal exam is no longer necessary. There is now a blood screening that can be done in conjunction with other screenings.

My Doc also said that he enjoyed giving digital exams about as much as we like receiving them. I told him he was a nice person, but a terrible liar.:shock: ;) :D

Jon B. Bop

03-23-2007, 07:44 PM

I always thought the tough part of having the catheter was finding shoes to match the bag.

bari_sax_diva

03-23-2007, 10:11 PM

Hey, guys... hope it's okay to barge in here.

My husband also had prostate cancer. It was addressed surgically, and he's had clean PSA readings going on seven years now, so it's considered to be cured. He was also young at the time of diagnosis, and the tumor turned out to be a bit more aggressive than the biopsy had originally indicated, so it's a VERY good thing he and his doctor took it seriously.

Side effects (at least the one you're probably most concerned with) are very common after most therapies, but there are a battery of treatments for them. I'm of the opinion (and I told my husband this just before his surgery) is that there is absolutely nothing that makes a man less attractive than being dead. Period. The rest can be dealt with... and without being indelicate, let's just say we're not missing anything around here. :D

BTW, I would tend to say that the most significant side effect from that whole experience is that I'm more conscious of every single day we wake up together as being an unbelievable gift. So on behalf of all us wives/partners, please be sure you're being appropriately screened... we don't want to be without you.

And with that, I'll let ya'll get back to the guy talk...
-Leanne

hakukani

03-23-2007, 10:31 PM

I actually did sound for a convention of prostate cancer survivors. They had an MD speak that had a great sense of humor.

When asked 'Doc, am I cured?'
He replied that he didn't know yet.

It seems the medical definition of 'cured' is when something else ends up killing you.:D

jazzbluescat

03-24-2007, 12:22 AM

This is a pretty serious topic for some of us. My dad died from prostate cancer, but not before practically being eviscerated. Mine is so big that I have to get up three or four times a night to take a leak; not cancerous, PTL.

Glad you beat it(the cancer), Gary.:)

Grumps

03-24-2007, 01:09 AM

saxmanglen

03-24-2007, 01:20 AM

Actually, the moral of the story was...
Don't go diggin' up old threads.

Actually, since I'm getting older every day, I've found the new information invaluable.

GAS_Wyo

03-24-2007, 04:38 AM

Let's search for colonic or something!
Got prostate problems and have got to wear a catheter for about a month. Anybody had experience playing with one. Problems? Thanks.
Gary, Thanks for sharing! A few of you may remember I'm a cancer survivor also. When I saw both of the quotes above, they both brought back bad memories for me as well...but I certainly can laugh about it now.

I had colon cancer. 10 inches of colon were removed and I went through 8 months of intensive chemotherapy. I was good from June'05 to April'06 when I had a recurrence. I am still undergoing daily chemo since that recurrence. I had a catheter following the colon surgery. It was in for about a week. When it was removed, the nurse looked me square in the eye and said "this won't hurt a bit". I though 'what would she know about it?' Then she ripped it out...I hurt for a week. (but I didn't dare tell her about it):D

I have become very active in the Relay for Life...a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. I go around telling my story to groups of men and women who may not know about the warning signs I ignored for a few months. I also encourage them to share their stories of survival. The company I work for made a video of my story and broadcast it to all 15,000 employees. I've had over 300 people just go for the colonoscopy after being encouraged by my story. I've had about 25 people tell me that sharing my story was just enough to get them to their 45+ year colonoscopy. Those 25 found a cancerous polyp or full blown colon cancer. It's cathartic for me to try to help others. It keeps me going in the face of an uncertain future. Playing sax is also quite a stress reliever for me as well.

Thanks to all the great people on this site...your humor buoys my evenings. Your knowledge of this odd instrument we play gives me the education I need to continue feeling a challenge to improve my playing skills.

saxmanglen

03-24-2007, 05:07 AM

Greg,

When I saw Gary's post I was hoping you might chime in. I knew you were a cancer survivor too. The ailment and treatment I went through pales in comparison to what you've overcome.

This is a subject many of us masculine types try or want to ignore. It just doesn't make sense not to get regular checkups and testing as we get older.

Thanks for sharing!

jacobeid

03-24-2007, 02:24 PM

My dad is going in this week for his yearly physical and getting his prostate checked. All this news is scary!

It's really nice to see how people overcome cancer though. I know last year my best friend had an "inoperable" brain tumor. They found out that it was benign, but still..it could kill her because it was a brain tumor. They found St. Judes Hospital in Memphis and it was removed. Medical science today amazes me.

BayviewSax

03-24-2007, 06:25 PM

Man, I finally broke down and read this thread. I nominate it for best thread.

Given family history (bad for all cancer), having had a vasectomy (increases risk by 25%), and some youthful indescretions (increases risk by 50%), it's more a matter of "when" than "if" for me. As such, I started early screenings this year at age 37, thus forever changing my relationship with my doctor.

One tip, and this is serious, so I hope the post doesn't get whacked: Find a doctor with small hands. Mine has meat hooks like a polar bear, thus forever changing my level of popularity on all those prison gigs.

Gary, I'm thinking of adding this to my my sig:

"You can play a catheter if you're sincere." -Gary

Being at risk, if you don't laugh at this stuff, it will drag you down very quickly.

saxmanglen

03-24-2007, 06:37 PM

Thom,

I had my first experience last month with the dreaded gloved hand. Just one of those necessary evils we all need to accept and deal with as we get older. It's not as bad as it's made out to be either. Not that it was pleasant or that I enjoyed it. :|

Grumps

03-24-2007, 06:58 PM

I had my first experience last month with the dreaded gloved hand.
That test is nothing. There's one to check for an infection whereby the prostate is squeezed in order to collect the secretion for a culture. Proceeded by the words, this might make you feel a bit faint...

saxmanglen

03-24-2007, 07:14 PM

Grumps, when I hit the second 'F' word in about 9 years I'll have that to look forward to. Thanks for the warning.

BeerBatter

03-24-2007, 09:21 PM

Hey Mark:

I don't think this is entirely fair. For example, I was going to say:

"I had Phil Barone open up my catheter a bit, and now it really BURNS!"

But now I feel uncomfortable saying it, so I won't.

Does one play the catheter with the classic "Teal" embouchure or the more radical "Thomas" embouchure? Where's jbtsax when you need him .....

Hey, BTW, when did Pete Thomas get time to invent a whole new embouchure in between opening Wendy's?