My sympathies, Greycap. Advice is typical: listen to your doctor and be patient with yourself. How far advanced? Just the snapping and cracking, or do you actually freeze up? The treatment protocols usually run from regular old NSAIDs to actual steriods like cortisone, and usually do the trick. Do they recommend surgery for you? The tendon sheath tension can be relieved almost overnight. I had a bout with it ages ago, and it can be terrifying for sure. Don't give up entirely on practicing/playing, keep your hand in shape, but make sure you don't overdo it. Be thinking of you, Jen