I'll chime in on the surgery stuff. I had carpal tunnel in my right arm, suffering for 13 YEARS(!!) out of fear. I'm now looking at the left needing it. It was like a miracle for the right, so I'm looking forward to being without the pain in my left as well.

It really can make a big difference. Wishing it for you as well. It's terrible being in the kind of pain you are in now.