ginnie, if there is a serious underlying structural issue, than surgery should be considered. You must have a surgeon that is experienced with RSD. You should probably undergo a block to the surgery site, right before the surgery starts.

Regarding opiates, all things being equal, we're told they're a bad idea, yet many of us have found that they work well for us. Without them, my mobility was worse, and I was constantly guarding my hand. I went through hypnosis with a pain psych doc,.and learned to breath, etc., but the meds made a huge difference for me. We all have to pick our poisons...