I took glucosamine without chondroitin for severe arthritis in my hips (when I couldn't walk without a cane last year) and it did the trick. I took it for about three months. Some doctors says to keep a maintenance dosage in your system, but I don't think that's a good idea, and if it gets that bad again, I would really have to up the dosage.

For the carpal tunnel in my left wrist, I am using a hard, molded wrist brace and naproxen sodium (Alleve) when it throbbing with pain. I've found sleeping with the brace on helps immensely because it keeps my hand/wrist immobile for several hours. If my doctor recommends surgery, I will have it. I'm in a football town with excellent sports physicians and the surgery is now done using laser. The success rate is excellent and the recovery time is very short (with the laser).

Because of stuff I have coming up, I'm saving my hand/wrist, for that. I don't life anything with my left hand that would make it "bend" and I keep the brace on as much as possible. It's the lifting that is so harmful and painful. Actually playing guitar is not painful.

If I can keep my hand pain-free and range of mobility good, I'll make it through to the first of the year.

Here's hoping ...