Hi Russ,

I can identify with your situation.

I had an injury to my left hand way back when I was about 17 or so...knife attack...severe cuts on three fingers, my little finger the worst, being held on by a sliver of skin.

Long story short, the surgeon was able to re-attach the finger, and a year later, operated again to re-attach the tendon, which had retreated back into the palm.

I can use the finger, but it's not 100%...the tendon was shorter, so the finger is always a bit curved, and there's still very little feeling near the tip.

I was lucky and I can still play piano, but a lot of left hand bass work, tends to get painful, and there's really not going to be any more improvement.

The arranger has been a real blessing to me as well...and like you, it wasn't my first choice, but after many years of playing one, I've come to appreciate what it can do for me.

I wish you all the very best with your recovery, and hope that you get most, if not all functionality back in your hand.

And yes, it's terribly frustrating...I really know where you're coming from...stick with it, and listen to the doctor.

Ian



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 06-08-2010).]