As the title suggests, hello again. It's probably been a while since we've talked. Or in this case, since I've typed to you.
I've really missed interacting with a scene as passionate about SC as you guys. I still try and be a part of it, but I've felt like a fake for a while now. Someone who calls himself a pro gamer, yet plays no games. Someone with a Liquid tag, who doesn't play in clan wars, win tournaments or stream a ton feels wrong to me. Even the fact that I never fully retired like Haypro or Jinro has felt different. I never quite followed along in retiring fully, and making a big announcement that I'm leaving, I just kind of slowly backed away and watched...
I moved on with my life. I'm a chemistry student now, for a university. FGCU to be exact. I play some chess, because it has always felt similiar in some way to SC. A balanced, 1 on 1 competition of the minds. And as always I've read TL and Reddit every day following up on the major stories, and games of Starcraft. I've watched WCS at its worst and its best as have probably most of you. Sometimes people still recognize me at school, or when I'm eating out or whatever around town. But I've moved on, changed. Just as surely as all of you have from when I was last here as an active player.
I used to dream sometimes that I was playing Starcraft games, and I'd wake up and realize I that I couldn't play still. For those of you who don't know, I have some sort of hand issue. Lots of pain, 3 separate doctors didn't know what it was. Two were specialists in hand pain. Anyway I guess my point here, is I miss it. I miss Starcraft and above all I miss being an active part in a community. And sure, a lot of it is my fault, I could have played other games more, streamed random things like other casters. Even commentated other Starcraft games more and gone in that direction. Regardless this is how things ended up. Today however I'd like to make it official though. Or at least as official as I can..
Starting soon, I'll be trying to come back to being a professional Starcraft 2 player. I finally found a doctor who knew what the problem in my hands was. His diagnosis is that some major symptoms should go away within 2 weeks, and I should be back to normal in 3-6 months. This doctor told me this 2 weeks ago today. I wanted to wait a little while and see how things were going before I made any announcement or brought this up. However typing this, no longer hurts like it used to. Some things are improving rapidly. Plenty of others are going much slower, mouse clicking is still painful for instance. However he is very confident that I'll be back up to speed fairly soon.
This was absolutely amazing news to me. I shared it with some close friends and I've really been wanting to share it with all of you. I have so many ideas and things I want to do when my hands won't cause me a ton of pain. I don't want this post to go on too long however. So I'll just kind of surprise you with my ideas as I do them hopefully. I'll be streaming for around an hour and a half after this, to answer questions and play some SC2 with you guys. As that's what I really love doing.
I don't know when I'll be able to stream constantly and consistently while playing Starcraft. However I hope it will be fairly soon, and in the mean time, I want to be involved with you guys. I just want to do interesting things that I've thought I'd never be able to do again. To give you one idea, that I want to do, would be a day of just analyzing and helping other people with their games. I realize I'm not that great anymore, and it'll take a lot of work. But I have high hopes, and motivation. I'll be hopefully taking some time off school again in six weeks or so, when this semester ends to continue doing more with you. So.. lets get streaming, and feel free to come ask me w/e questions and I'll answer while playing. I'll also answer any questions in the thread, whenever I have some time.
P.S. The hand problem was a combination of Trigger finger, carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel. Also <3
BTW sheth you could always stream chess. Jerry does it and so can you! http://www.twitch.tv/chessnetwork << very entertaining dude you might enjoy watching it as well
YEAH SHETH!!!!!! I am super stoked to have you back!!!!!!!!!! I miss watching you (I used to watch every tuesday morning). I am super glad have you back.
Amazing news! I missed you =D. Watching your stream in WoL is what made me improve and I feel lost in HotS. Was always thinking how it would have been if I had Sheth's commentary stream when HotS started.
What great news! So excited! Nothing but love and no rush. We aren't going anywhere. Just glad that you will be attempting to jump back in the battlefield!
Met you at a couple different live event, and you've always been an amazing guy in person, and the way you express yourself online matches. I'm glad the SC2 scene will continue to have you in it. You're on of the people that make it actually better.
The player who Stephano said could be the best the best zerg if he improved some small things(I think it was micro?) retruns! ... I am happy to hear your pain seems to be gone and all that is left to say is WELCOME BACK!
What made you go for a 2nd and 3rd opinion? I don't understand what motivates you to go to 3 different doctors.
Sure I've seen countless stories on TV about people going between 3 or more doctors when their life is on the line, but most people when told they have hand or back pain etc are told to live with it, there is no cure (not that I'm saying that's always the case).
Welcome back! I've been waiting for your return for awhile now can't wait to see the stream kick off Keep up the hard work of getting your hands back in good conditions
I'm also a chemistry student *^* Welcome on board, Sheth! Sadly, I'm not sure if I can watch your stream (or did I already miss it?) because it's already 2:41 AM here and I need to go to bed soon. But here are my questions:
1. How do you actually treat carpal tunnel or that other tunnel that I already forgot? Meds, physiotherapy, voodoo? And how did it get so bad for you? Wrong keyboard position, genetics, unhealthy lifestyle? 2. Will you go fulltime if you recovered or stay in university? 3. Will we see some of your games on team leagues or tournaments in the near future? Maybe some smaller thing like zotac or go4sc2? 4. What's your favorite: biochemistry, technical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, theoretical chemistry, etc.?
Good to see you back! maybe we can meet in brackets someday again =D
However I do have a question... what did the doctor recommend for treatment? (or is doing for treatment) As I fear I may have been fighting trigger finger, or a form of tendinitis for a while now. and havent found any decent solutions that worked.
I know the cubital thing I solved on my own, simply stopped keeping my elbows bent and never using arm rests...
Hey Sheth, you're awesome. And also the reason why my girlfriend is ok with me watching so much Starcraft (she seems to have a bit of a crush on you after watching Liquid Rising).
You should switch to Protoss, It's less apm intensive AND that way I could learn stuff from watching you stream!
And since you'll have to effectively relearn the game at this point, what better time than now?
I may not follow or play sc2 much, but as an athlete that has spent a long time on the sidelines unable to compete, or even participate in the sport I love I know just how much injuries suck.
Really glad to hear they believe have found the source of your issues, and I'll be wishing you a swift return!
The things that have helped my hand, have been wearing splints while sleeping, removing arm rests from all chairs, removing all pressure on my elbow, or my carpal part of my wrist. Using gel pads underneath my keyboard + mouse hands. Sleeping with less pressure on my elbows/wrists. And getting an injection for my hand, of that steroid, I don't know why I can't think of it. Cortisone***
It's good to hear that you found a doctor that was able to pinpoint your hand issues. I hope you get better Sheth, it's awesome to see you getting back into streaming. Keep doing the best you can do man i'm really happy to see that your still updating and kicking it. Good luck in your studies as well Sheth im rooting for you.
Oh wow. I'm so happy for you that your problems with your hands/wrists have been relieved! Must be so frustrating to not be able to do what you love because it causes pain. Take it easy on your (inevitable) way back to the top
I explained StarCraft to my friend's 8 year old son today to your casting, and it went kind of okay. Best of luck Sheth you'll always have a home on TL.
And maybe on Liquid, I dunno. That's Victor's thing.
Any insight on what the treatment is for your carpal tunnel / other issues involving your wrist please? I also have a lot of issues with my wrist / fingers, would highly appreciate it, thanks for the blog was nice read!
Damn, I wondered where you had gone! Glad to hear someone was able to figure out your wrist issue. It had to have been really frustrating not to be able to do something you really like =/
wow this is awesome news. not only that i might be able to watch you stream again but mostly that you dont have to go through with more pain i know the feeling of pain and the relief when you´re told "i can fix that for you". Nothing feels better ^^ WB big boy, missed you for a long time
I don't want to put a damper on things or discourage you from doing what you want to do. But I just hope that when you do jump back into this, that you're 100% physically ready for it because if you jumped back in and got hurt again, that would suck beyond measure.
That said, this is fantastic news and am really excited to see you back. I wish you the best and will be cheering for you! =D
For a moment, when you said you wanted to make it official, it seem you meant retirement. Glad to hear your hand problems getting better and that you are making a comeback. Steal back some viewers from Avilo lol.
Amazing news! I'm so happy that you found someone who could help you with your pain! Man, I remember back when everyone in the community was making jokes about you actually showing up to a LAN, and at MLG Dallas, there you were. I was so happy that it was the one MLG I got to go to because I got to meet you and Haypro! I can't wait to see you back man! GOOD LUCK!!! :D
Yay! So happy that your hands are doing better man! Meeting you at DH winter 2011 was the peak of my Starcraft-fanboylife, hope to see you again soon! <3
I am actually really happy to hear this. I have always loved the foreigners of liquid, but you have always had a special place in my liquid heart. Keep on keepin' on as they say and i hope to see you back on the main stage soon. You really are an inspiration to me keep up the amazing attitude.
Sheth I've had cubital tunnel /ulnar nerve syndrome before from my training while on a world class FPS team. I started training 5+ hrs a day 4-5 days a week from 14-21 yrs of age. I'm 28 now.
It was mostly the result of using a tight claw grip on a narrow bodied mouse. I also have permanent wrist problems from poor positioning on the keyboard. Regardless of what a doctor does for you proper ergonomic and adequate rest is the key to minimizing the inflammation in your joints. Also, do not over exert yourself during practice.
Here's what I'd suggest:
Bind attack to Tab, allowing a straighter and more natural wrist posture while hitting 1 attack, 2 attack 3 attack, etc. Use the CM Storm Spawn or any other wide mouse that has a groove for your ring finger and allows for a wide, relaxed grip Play Starcraft every other day. Brainstorm/analyze on your rest days
I can't tell you how happy I am to read this. Now please, for gods sakes, take it slow! This scene will be around for a long time and it certainly isn't as fun without you <3
Hi Sheth. I'm really happy to hear you're getting better and are coming back! I don't browse TL much often now because I kinda lost interest to SC but this news really made me super happy. I remember your FXO days were when I decided to switch to Zerg and your stream was a gold mine of information.
Heck, maybe I'll reinstall the game, and you can be sure I'll be one of your future viewers.
Oh god having one of those surely sucks, but having all three of them must be the sickest nightmare :O Poor sheth! Even though you were never one of my favorite players and I tend to mainly cheer for koreans I will cheer you on when you return as coming back after so much time and 3x the wrist pain imma want you to do well! Sheth fighting! And huge props to liquid I'm sure a lot of teams would have kicked him by now, gets to show you why tl is the best team in the world.
Good to hear =) I've got some hand issues myself, but they were mostly alleviated by not using a mouse at work. I've got one of these Rollermouse where you move the cursor by moving a bar on a cylinder. Worked wonders.
I'd be wary of jumping the gun there, 2 doctors don't know the issue and 1 says you'll be fine in a few weeks... you certainly want to wait and see if he's right, a lot of people will be sad if your injury continues.
Personally, I you'll be coming back just for fun and keep your studies as a priority, the pro scene is pretty dead air and many people have moved on since the good old days. The community still has some spirit but not that vibrancy that was around in WoL.. its certainly that feeling at the end of the party where we've noticed a lot of talent disappear. But good to hear that you've been keeping yourself busy and want to come back to entertain some peeps with your insightful zerg play
Welcome back and good luck to your health sheth. I know i'm the trillionth person to say it but you can't play with your keyboard on your lap if you want to keep playing and not dmging your hands :D
This is brilliant news Sheth! You were always my favourite player and streamer, I'm really looking forward to watching your streams again. So glad to hear you're doing well too.
The most mannered gentleman to ever play the game as well as one of the most talented foreigners of his time is coming back to the community? This is the best news in months, will definitely be following your progress through this!
Good luck, Sheth! My hands were fucked as well a couple years ago. Repetitive Stress Injuries in both my hands. I had to have braces on for 3 months and it took 6 to heal completely, but it gets better.
Wow! I was almost expecting this to be a goodbye/leaving the team blog, but this is actually really exciting. I hope you don't burn out climbing your way to the top again, that's a lot of practice you've missed =X. Good luck!
OH MY GOD! This is the greatest news I've read in a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNGGGGG time. Sheth, I am so happy for you man! I can't wait to have you back and active in the scene! This is really surreal for me. You've always been my favorite Zerg, and rooting for the swarm hasn't been quite the same for a long time. I still remember when you took that game off of Rain in Dallas last year and all of us in the crowd went super nuts, such a great memory over just one game in a Bo3. We all cheer for you still Sheth! <3<3<3<3
WCS '14 look out, here comes the biggest Heart of the Swarm!
Great news! Looking forward to seeing Sheth games again!
Side note: a combination of cubital and carpal tunnel and trigger finger often indicates pre-diabetes or diabetes! You probably know this already, but it's something to keep in mind.
Wb even though I never was but a fan casually watching your games, it's really good to hear that you can get back to doing what you love! Makes me happy too.
Best news ever! Im also interested in the medical condition if and when you're feeling like you'd like to share! It piqued my interest that at least two doctors weren't able to help you.
Nice to see you got a diagnosis on your hand condition Sheth! And that it seems to becoming better now. Hopefully you will get to stream for us some more ^^,
<3! I'd be stoked to see you back and playing again Sheth, but take your time and return when you can. We will all gladly wait for the day for you to return in full form ready to be a force to be reckoned with.
It's a nice feeling to know that without even having to check through all the previous pages of posts that everyone is super psyched to hear you're back. Probably not that many people you could say that about. Great news man!
Awesome news! Like everyone else in this thread, just want to show my support. I've always liked watching your stream so hopefully we can see you streaming again soon. Fighting!
Sheth!! You have always been, and will always be, my favourite player. Stood behind you at Dreamhack 2010/11 (can't remember which one xD) for every game you played with a "Sheth, you're my hero!"-cheer, and ofc I will be standing behind you now in your return! Much love!<3
It's so good to have you back! Fully, finally <3 Happiness all around. Wishing you a speedy complete recovery and looking forward to watching your new new formats. I love your announcement to somehow combine entertainment and community interaction, maybe it'd be an idea to cast matches of your (non pro gaming (yet)) followers thus helping them to identify mistakes and entertain the malicious joy of the rest of us
I was never fond of you when you still played, nothing personal since I don't follow zergs much. That being said, it must have been fucking painful to not be physically able to play starcraft at all and I'm happy that it's possible for you to finally recover from this situation.
Wow, that's amazing that there is a way to get your hands back out of the danger zone! I'll be super excited to have you back and playing again, but don't do anything to damage your health.
Keep going Sheth, glad you're spirit has stayed strong.
The days when FGCU was getting attention for there much better than expected basketball program were the days of dunk city, though I think the dunk has since left them.
I'm not a doctor, but I will play one in this message board.
There is a good way to deal with wrist and finger issues. It's very good at preventing problems, but I've heard it's used in therapy to recover as well.
Take a bucket and fill it with rice or sand. Put you hand into the bucket and do a variety of opening, closing, pinching, twisting types of motions (you can find examples on youtube and such). The main goal of this is to work a variety of muscles in the entire hand and wrist.
For gamers, it's definitely very important to work the flexor muscles by inserting a closed hand and then opening it. The flexor is basically the opposite of the muscle used to press down on the mouse. It's important to work opposing muscles, for any situation, to maintain a balanced anatomy and minimize risk of injury.
I personally do a lot of grip training, and at one point I would wake up with a numbness in a couple of my fingers. After doing some research, I now do proper stretching and exercise with a bucket of rice and I don't have any problems with my wrist. I also use a mouse all day and have no problems with my hands/wrists at all.
I honestly feel that every pro-gamer should have a bucket of rice next to their computer, if not anyone who uses a computer a lot.
Really happy to see you coming back to the Starcraft 2 community, today all we see is ppl quit playing or changing game, so i'm very excited and happy that you're back. GLHF!
so awesome. Honestly ive never watched a whole lot of you sheth, but from what i HAVE seen you seem like an awesome guy and im glad to have you back! GL With your dream!
EPT
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