Thanks to everyone for the support and kind words.
As some of you know, I've been suffering with
trigger finger (left thumb) for several months, originally posted here, and after trying
the suggestions given by others, and then limited relief folowing
cortisone shots, my orthepedic doctor
recommended I undergo hand surgery to permanently
eliminate the problem from coming back again as it has seriously curtailed my ability to accept gigs.
Though the left thumb click pain is tolerable while playing, the bigger problem is the limited use of my left hand to grasp hold lift and transport my music gear.
My surgery (which includes twilight anethesia sedation) is scheduled
for Monday, Nov, 19th, and my orthepedic hand surgeon says I should be fully back to performing again
in 3 weeks, which should allow me (thumbs crossed) to keep some of my pre-booked holiday gigs.
I'll post an update here after the surgery as well as a followup 2-3 weeks later.

Scott

If interested, here's a link to a video of what the surgery entails.