OK, I just went and had dinner and went back throught my Favourites....it just said that the web site was unavailable...after 4 or so tries, I want for dindin!!

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....

I think this is just natural for this species, once they get a certain size, I believe they are trying to deposit all those babies in the soil. I've grown lots of these plants in full sun all day and they all seem to do it and you can't fight it, I've tried.... You might have some luck cutting the droopy stems off to encourage branching, and stick the cutting in the pot.

I've learned so much from all of you! My husband and I have been the contractors in our remodels but with this new house we have a builder. And I HAVE WARNED him that I really want to be a big part of it. We are only in the wall footings stage, so we are just starting. Our builder told me that he has heard it ALL and nothing I might ask is a dumb question. I told him I would be the first one to change his mind, so he should be prepared. He has nicely told me that I was overthinking a couple things but surprisingly I did find an error (made by the architect) that I was questioning him on. Guess I've decided to not wait to ask questions, especially about items that can not be easily changed. The main thing the builder asked was that I tell him of my concerns first. (He does answer is phone or respond quickly to my delight) . In Sheads case, only knowing what I've read, I would have done the same thing. Doorways are a pretty big thing. Time is money and her contractors subs for the next day would possibly be wasting their time and her money, if every single door had to be redone by the previous subs. In my case, I probably already know some of sub contractors or their boss because we live in a rural area next to a very small city. If I don't know them, I've probably crossed paths somewhere! If my contractor didn't respond within a few hours, yes, I would be looking for their number. Sooo, I hope I'm not the most demanding customer, ah, it could happen.