What Should I Do?

Don't give up what you love doing and have a talent for! Keep trying to find a treatment other than surgery, and someone who will work with you to fix your problem by changing your grip, using your other hand, etc. or by helping you find someone who can fix your problem. Chiropractic can help you, it's unfortunate that this chiropractor has been unable to provide you with relief. Look into some other chiropractors in your area, and ask if any use a technique called Active Release Technique (ART). It is a type of therapy that works well in treating chronic conditions, similar to what you may have. A practioner who utilizes Graston may be another option.

ART and Graston is not specific to chiropractors though, so there may be an MD or Physical therapist in your area who is certified in one of these techniques, and I would suggest them as a possibility as well. Good luck

As an artist selling my work, my first question is "How can you continue what you are selling so well?" It would be a shame to have to change art forms if you already have a good, ongoing business and are known for woodturning.

So... Is there a way you can hold the equipment you use without gripping, or gripping so hard? For example, there are paint brushes available with larger, soft grips for people with arthritis. Can you enlarge the equipment handle with padding so you cannot grasp it so tightly?

Also, there are many stories of artists tying the paint brushes (I know about painters best because I am one) onto their hands. Chuck Close, one of America's best living painter, was sticken with a major back problem in mid-career. It caused paralysis of much of his body, including his hands. He is still creating, using a kind of hand/wrist brace that helps him "hold" the brush as he works.

I don't know much about woodturning. Can the equipment be somehow stablized, but the wood be moved around instead?

I am also reminded of that internationally known Seattle glassblower (OOO- cannot remember his name). When he lost the sight in one eye, he lost his depth perception and could not do the dangerous work of glassblowing. So, he designs and oversees his apprentices. How about hiring, or offering free internship to some art students to help?

Just some thoughts. I applaud your strength. Losing control of my hands or my eyesight is my greatest fear. Best of luck to you.

When a dog has diarrhea, their bowels get irritated and they cannot stop the diarrhea on their own most of the time. Here is what my vet recommends for my three Labradors when they have diarrhea: 1. No food for two meals. This gives the bowels a chance to recover. The dog will not starve, although they will be hungry. This is usually a necessary step to get their bowels to stop being inflamed. 2. Rice alone for two meals. 3. Rice mixed with kibble, adding more kibble and less rice each time for several days. 4. Go back to kibble. Dog sometimes just get upset stomachs. It does not mean you should change their food, unless they are getting upset stomachs a lot. It does not mean that they have worms, especially if your dog is an inside dog and well cared for. ETA: a poster below is correct, and I forgot, that when you go to the vet, you should plan to bring a stool sample with you.

Since your artistic strength is in 3D sculpting of wood, you might consider turning clay and ceramic pots. The eye you have developed for "seeing" the shape you want to create could be, directly, applied to the softer, more pliable medium of clay.

Clay has the added advatage over wood in that you can "undo" a mistake as easily as you made it. Not only can you remove material to your creation, you can ADD material in parts. The shape of the piece can be molded in, from the outside and, out, from the insided.

The similarities of the two forms of art can help make the transition familier and easier. The differences can make the change much more exiting.

While I get paid for my 2D design work, I find that occasional experimentation in 3D, such as wire sculpture, papier mache' and, even container gardening, to be relaxing and very satisfying. Perhaps you can dabble more in drawing and painting to make a more dramatic change in your artistic pursuits.

watercolors is relaxing.