Eric Clapton: Peripheral Neuropathy May End Career and More

Eric Clapton is suffering from a condition that could end his ability to perform. A 2016 story in Classic Rock Magazine quotes the then 71-year-old rock icon that peripheral neuropathy may end his career. In a 2018 BBC radio interview, he disclosed he also suffered from tinnitus. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying health issue such as age-related hearing loss, past ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.

The superstar rock artist also had an adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, which made his ability to perform even more difficult. Later, he became COVID-positive and had to cancel performances, which had already been challenging to do for him due to the peripheral neuropathy.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH) says an estimated 20 million people in the United States have some form of peripheral neuropathy. (Neuropathy means nerve disease or damage.) it develops due to injury to the peripheral nervous system. This vast communications network transmits information between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and every other part of the body. 

Clapton is not the only rock performer who has publicly spoken out about this health issue. Many musicians have started to speak out about their peripheral neuropathy. Musicians are not alone with aging issues, but few of us have "enjoyed" the rock n roll lifestyle that may have contributed to their health problems. Clapton has said he is grateful for his time so far, noting that he didn't expect to live this long in the first place. 

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms 

Symptoms can range from numbness or tingling to pricking sensations (paresthesia) or muscle weakness. Some areas of a person's body may become abnormally sensitive, leading to an exaggeratedly intense or distorted touch experience. In such cases, pain may occur in response to a stimulus that does not normally provoke pain. 

Severe symptoms may include burning pain (especially at night), muscle wasting, paralysis, or organ or gland dysfunction. Damage to nerves that supply internal organs may impair digestion, sweating, sexual function, and urination. In the most extreme cases, breathing may become difficult, or organ failure may occur.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Many people are affected by tinnitus; an estimated 15 to 20 percent of people experience this condition. The pain makes it hard on Clapton.

I've had quite a lot of pain. You feel like you have electric shocks going down your leg.

This could be a career disaster for a famous rock n' roll guitarist. However, more than Clapton's career could be at stake, Clapton could see mobility issues since peripheral neuropathy can affect the motor nerves.

It can also cause muscle atrophy. Atrophy is where a person could lose some muscle tissue. Those who suffer from this condition could end up with a partial or total loss of movement and muscle control. 

Plus, many people lack muscle control and dexterity, which can affect one's ability to do normal tasks and activities of daily living. Often, this leads to a person requiring help with those activities of daily living (ADLs), requiring them to need comprehensive long-term health care services as they age. 

A progressive condition like peripheral neuropathy, a sudden injury or temporary illness, or even aging itself, all fall into the standard set of challenges for older adults. 

These changes in health and aging lead to many people needing long-term care. Most people want to stay in their homes. 

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Drug and Alcohol Abuse Possible Cause

The causes of peripheral neuropathy include toxins such as alcohol and drug abuse. As Clapton's neuropathy is in his legs rather than his hands, it is unlikely that his guitar playing directly caused the condition. 

Clapton is quoted as saying drug and alcohol abuse was an issue for him. More common causes for people who suffer from this condition include:

• Injury or sudden trauma
• Repetitive stress
• Metabolic and endocrine disorders, including Diabetes
• Small vessel disease
• Autoimmune diseases
• Kidney disorders
• Cancers
• Neuromas
• Infections

Clapton has written and performed countless hits in a career spanning five decades, such as Layla, Tears in Heaven, and Sunshine of Your Love. 

According to the classical music magazine Scena, peripheral neuropathy accounts for one in five diagnoses among musicians.

As people age, many suffer from peripheral neuropathy, affecting their lifestyle. The cost of care will often impact a person's retirement savings since most long-term care costs are not paid for by health insurance or Medicare. 

Health and Aging Problems Will Complicate Retirement

We all face changes in our health as we get older. Our bodies decline as part of aging. Many of us will also face a decline in our cognitive ability. Being prepared for the future costs and burdens of aging should be a vital part of an overall retirement plan. 

Are you able to assess, either for yourself or an aging loved one when it's time to navigate decisions for in-home care when challenges come up? 

Whether someone is wealthy, like Clapton, or not, the burden of aging and long-term care can be stressful on loved ones, and the cost of long-term care can be substantial. 

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Health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, will not pay for most long-term health care. Medicaid will pay for long-term care services only if you have little or no income and assets. Unless a person has Long-Term Care Insurance, they will rely on family caregivers or their savings to pay for caregivers. 

As aging rock stars and their boomer fans age, they will together face these health issues, which can cause physical, emotional, and financial burdens on loved ones.

Unlike most of these stars, most people don't have multi-million dollar estates. These stars could self-insure; however, many wealthy people understand that it is more prudent and efficient to look at Long-Term Care Insurance options. 

Long-Term Care is a Cash Flow Issue and a Family Issue

The rest of us need to plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging. The fact is long-term care services are expensive and adversely impact income, assets, lifestyle, and legacy. 

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free benefits giving you access to your choice of quality care either at home or in a facility. When you need extended care, you will have these tax-free resources to maintain your independence, maintain the choice of care, and reduce the stress otherwise placed on your family.

Without an advance plan, you will pay for care with your own savings, or your family will become caregivers. In some situations, it could be both. 

Keep in mind Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten. Since there are underwriting standards, you can't wait until you have major health issues to get coverage.

Plan before retirement, ideally in your 40s or 50s.