Route to continue

[buttersg]

Hi. A brief introduction

I got my grade 8 when I was 15 yo. I chose the diploma route at that point of time but dropped the plan when I was 17 due to lack of time and interest.

I started teaching piano 4 years ago. Then i decided to try out for the atcl. Took it 2015 June after 1 year of picking back piano + 1 year of practising the recital pieces . saying it was a disaster was an understatement. I blank out in the middle of the 2nd one and abruptly stopped the whole recital ( play by memory) . i had been playing by memory for weeks before the actual day and never happened before. I guess nerves got the better of me. couldn't pick up my momentum from there and the rest was history.

My sonata was Beethoven pathetique. Due to left hand tremolo, I managed to get my left hand injured. Got officially diagnosed with intersection syndrome after the exam.

Result was that I flunked by 2 marks. Then I have since stopped lessons (it was a very depressing period) and just playing leisurely at home. According to doctor, the hand will never recover fully.

A lot of friends have commented that it's a waste and I should try for it again. I do have that thought occassionally ... But can't come to any decision .

Any advice ? Thank you

[indianajo]

Even Beethoven modified his career path in his middle age.  He was a hotshot keyboard performer in his twenties.  In his middle life, he was a hotshot composer. He didn't even direct his later compositions. 
So being an athlete has an end at some point.  Pathetique is pretty strenuous; don't be surprised if you can't do it at some point in your life.  That point is probably now, your doctor says.
I'd say get into the knowledge economy, where deteriorating muscles and tendons aren't the focus of your life.  Go to nursing school and get an RN degree.  Hospitals make massive adjustments for nurses who have worked for years and develop some sort of physical limitation.  Or become a programmer.  This requires continual re-education, and the education to stay current is expensive, so it is not quite are remunerative as the first career I mentioned. 
Or become a plumber.  People hate to handle those dirty pipes, and will pay a lot to have you do it.
As far as your art, continue piano as a hobby. You don't need an Alphabet after your name to enjoy great art.  There are great piano pieces that are not a strain on the hands.  Try to develop an appreciation for Revel or Debussy, for example.
Best of luck in your endeavors.