My hand hurts

I have severe carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand, and today it has flared up more than usual, preventing me from finishing today's painting on time. I'm scheduled to have surgery on February 2. I waited to schedule it then because SoulFire purposefully accepted no gigs in February so I could have surgery. I'm a little nervous about it, but my dad assures me it's no big deal.

I don't think it's flared up because I've been painting more. It seems to be unrelated to overuse, really, and more just a capricious thing. As it is, I'm in a great deal of discomfort and am unable to hold the brush for more than a few strokes at a time.

I am thankful that it does not seem to affect me when I'm playing the piano. No, it comes only when I'm gripping something, even very lightly. Like a pen or a paintbrush or a steering wheel or a button. I can barely button or zip or tie shoes anymore. I cannot handle earrings at all, because I can't feel my fingertips to know what I'm holding.

Three weeks from Thursday... that's when I'll get relief, I hope.