GJmom,
I was just thinking about your hand and what finally brought down the swelling on mine - prednisone. It took 3 rounds and the last round, high doses then tapered down, lasted 4 weeks. It brought the swelling down finally.
The parafin wax is what they use at nail salons. I bought mine at a department store. I have to go to a medical supply to get the wax but I think it originally came with some.

Linmarie