Dear Jaklevco, I'm sorry for your difficulties that affect your ability. I am a musician that also has health issues that have changed my abilities, capabilities, and outlook on the art we love to create. There is a lot on this thread to absorb but I will simply give you some outside view and how I have been able to manage life going forward.

I don't know how old you are or how long you've been playing but I'm 63, retired on permanent disability from a desk job. My health problem is spine arthritis that prevents me from long computer use and repetitive motion (something we do as musicians) and borders on having to have major surgery that is best to avoid if possible. (Music has always been my side hustle after work.) When I had to decide between risky surgery and early retirement I chose the latter, and made the decision in my heart that if I was not going to go thru with it to sit at a computer and earn a living, I would not do so just for the hobby that I love and would just quit altogether. It is no small matter in my heart and mind as I've dedicated about 40 years to it, but when/if that day comes I will face it like a man and accept the closure.

At this time I still have the ability to play when my spine permits, although I go thru months long periods of pain relapse that prevent me. I used to play 5 instruments, now I only play guitar. I used to be a lead guitar player in Rock bands in my early years, went on to learn Jazz and performed periodically, did a lot of songwriting that I can no longer do the recording process using a computer. Now I just perform backing a singer when my body permits, and enjoy and be thankful for just that.

The points I'm trying to make is that change is inevitable, our bodies and minds change over our lifetimes and all we can do is adapt and make the best of what we have.

You say you're only into heavy music playing with a vast list of songs, that's a very repetitive motion of playing riffs and chords, a definite path to hand fatigue and joints wearing down. You say you don't like to record, when that is an area of music that can keep you involved in music that won't require you to chug out power chords for long songs and beat your hands up any further. You say you don't want to take up another instrument or work on singing when these are ways to stay involved in your passion.

I simply see your resistance to change, and although I understand it, we both know that "Everything Must Change" like the song by Stevie Wonder says.

Heavy music isn't the only thing, performing cover songs isn't the only thing, playing only guitar isn't the only thing, and keeping them in your mind as the only thing is what I see making it so hard for you. (Aside from the physical problems that we can do little about.) There are still so many options musically, instrumentally, and logistically that can keep you involved in the art we love. I've made many changes just so I could stay involved simply because I (all) love music so much, and I hope you can too.

Just understand you are not alone in this, even professionals have had their careers ended or had to adapt to stay involved. Don Dokken can no longer play guitar and only sings, Rick Allen of Def Leppard drummed with on arm, Django Reinhardt was one of the most legendary guitarists of all time with only two useful fingers. So as you can see If you have the will, you can adapt your body and *MIND* to find a way to stay active no matter what instrument, musical choice, or method of creating.

... and if it comes to the worst and you have to close that chapter in your life, I hope you can be at peace with knowing you gave it your all, and can put the same passion and devotion to any other endeavor you can find in life to capture your heart.

Best wishes