Oh YES....I've had two triggers. I'm now 61, had the triggers about five years ago and these were the very first health problems since having my tonsils out as a kid.

The first trigger was on my ring finger and developed from keeping a tight ring on 24/7 and various gardening chores over the years. Went to PT where they created a four week treatment of wearing a splint continuously (comfortable and waterproof) and administering twelve courses of iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is where cortisone is pumped through the skin with a 9-volt battery on the site of the trigger to reduce the internal swelling. Sounds ridiculous, so if you google it you'll have a more credible explanation. Anyway, it worked like a charm on the ring finger.

My second trigger was like yours, on the thumb, very painful and much worse than the first. This time had to use the big guns and went to an orthopedist, specializing in hand, arm, shoulder problems. He gave me a cortizone shot in the base of the thumb (ouch) which did not work at all. So I decided apprehensively on the surgery. What a huge success! It was only slightly painful afterwards but I did keep it wrapped and in a protective position as recommended and did not abuse it as I was determined to have it heal properly. They also gave me a little silicone patch to keep on the scar for better healing and less keloid scarring. Again, sounds ridiculous, but it worked.

I still do a lot of gardening but have learned how to use the hands so as not to bring the triggering back on any fingers. No gripping of large heavy objects, no hanging buckets of water from the fingers, to pulling and yanking with the fingers. I also still needlepoint daily and, although stitching is repetitive, it is gentle. A few months ago we helped my mother and aunt move and I could tell that this activity over a long time could have produced more triggers on my fingers.

So from one who goes to a doctor infrequently and reluctantly, I am completely happy with the results. As far as your surgery, here's wishing you good luck. Please give your thumb every opportunity to heal properly and please relearn some daily tasks to prevent more triggers. My best wishes....

kkay and begonia, thanks very much for your replies. kkay, I'm so glad to hear that your MIL's hand healed so much she could play piano again!

begonia, I really appreciate your detailed story. I was given a (very expensive custom-molded) splint to wear at night but I would always wake up having stripped it off--maybe it was too small? But it made me feel claustrophobic or something, I guess.

I've refused the cortizone, as it seems just a symptomatic relief, and I'd like to fix it -- I'm not quite dead, not even 50 (later this year I will be) and I'd like to keep mosaicing (and heck, driving--it hurts when I hold the steering wheel!) for a few years yet. Your story encourages me to give it a try (I'm also one who's grown increasingly reluctant to deal with the medical industry) and will remind me to be patient with recovery. Sounds like I'll have to schedule it at a time when I might not have to do much driving for a week or two? Can't think of a time like that, really, since I'm a homeschooling mom, but maybe the summer? Thanks again for much to think about.

Hello, I am a longtime lurker but I have had experience with this surgery. I am a dog groomer, and I had the carpel tunnel and trigger thumb surgery done at the same time. Both healed wonderfuly. That being said, my thumb does have a slight hitch in it. It cracks sometimes. I also use a massage therapist every month. It is very different than tradional massage. It is hard work, but it keeps my hands in great shape. Worth every penny. I am about seven years out and still in great shape. I certainly would do it again. I also am much more aware about how I use my hands, Like the previous poster said. I need them to last me a good long time! Hope this helps!
Kristine

rheba, thank you for coming out of lurking to share your experience with me. It sounds like it was only on one hand? And how did you find your massage therapist who does the hand-specific massage--was the therapist recommended by your doctor? Glad to hear that it all worked for you. I also think I've got arthritis in the thumb joint--don't know how that affects the surgery's chances, but I can find out. I really should conquer my fear of surgery, take the plunge and get it fixed. Sounds like there's relief waiting on the other side.

You are quite welcome! It was for just my right hand, and I do remember that the recovery was not bad. I had physical therapy after which helped alot. I loved those ladies! It was mostly range of motion to keep me limber, and hot parafin dips. It actually was nice. I actually went looking for a massage therapist, my hands take a huge beating every day, and I was ready to give up grooming. It just was not worth the pain anymore. My hands would be so swollen, my fingers did not want to bend. I talked to Mark over the phone, described what I was going through and he said he could help. That was the second best day of my life. He literaly saved my grooming career, and is someone I treasure in my life. I believe he is a licensed certified therapist. He gave me stretches to do every day before I begin , and those help soo much. They help keep the blood flowing so that circulation can continue through my hands. I go once a month for an hour at about 85 dollars. If I miss an appointment or like the holidays are so insane I can't go, I do a two hour session. Worth every penney. I have to warn though, these are deep muscle work. So there is some pain involved. I can actually feel the knots on the muscles as he is working them out. Nothing some ice and ibuprofen after won't cure. Sorry for going on and on, but my hands are my life, and I know what it feels like when they don't work. Ps . I am only 40, been doing the massage for two years now. Gosh, can't bear to think of the money.....oh well worth it !

Kristine

Kristine, thanks again! You seem to have had very good luck (because of your research) with your treatment. Ugh, when I think of someone manhandling my thumb I curl into a ball...but maybe it will be different once it's somewhat restored to normal. I've started the research into best regarded hand surgeons in my area and I am *going* to take the plunge. It would be so wonderful NOT to wake up because my hands are killing me. Groom on! :)