thanks everyone; it's so good to hear from such wise folks - I've missed y'all. my PT said she would expect a generalized swelling of the hand vs. this very specific spot. she said to get it checked out as it could be a clot. I had been told that people w/vascular compression could "throw a clot" so I am going to phone the local vascular surgeon's office tomorrow and see what they say. the PT suggested to have a doppler ultrasound to check for a clot. I'll check it out and post again when I have info. cheers!