Mark, It sounds a bit like gout which can hit any joint.  I think it's related to RA.  I get occasional attacks and it really really hurts!  pw <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>"Mark Schecter" <mark@schecterpiano.com> Sent by: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org 03/26/2008 01:28 AM <table border> <tr valign=top> <td bgcolor=white> <div align=center>Please respond to mark@schecterpiano.com; Please respond to Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org></div></table> <td width=59%> <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>To</div> <td>ilvey@sbcglobal.net, "Pianotech List" <pianotech@ptg.org> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>cc</div> <td> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>Subject</div> <td>Re: RE: I'm sort of back</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> <tt>Hi, Dave. Just in case DA takes a while, RA is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that causes swelling and disfigurement, pain and disablement of the joints and tendons. It can ravage one's entire body. It's terrible, and DavidA is really courageous the way he's dealing with it. See you soon, I hope. -Mark > ------- Original Message ------- > From: "David Ilvedson" <ilvey@sbcglobal.net> > To: pianotech@ptg.org > Sent: 08/03/25, 09:42:49 PM > Subject: RE: I'm sort of back > > David, > > I've been wondering what RA-damaged tendons and ligaments is and how you got it...piano tuning? > > David Ilvedson, RPT > Pacifica, CA  94044 > > ----- Original message ---------------------------------------- > From: "David Andersen" <david@davidandersenpianos.com> > To: "Pianotech Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org> > Received: 3/25/2008 1:17:35 PM > Subject: I'm sort of back > > > >Well hello -- -- -- > > >This is my first communication on voice recognition software. > >  How am I doing?   This takes a while to get used to but it’s going   > >to be good after a while. > > >  So many good, intense, rich experiences are happening every day, in   > >the piano world and in my personal world that I find myself a bit   > >overwhelmed by all the love and passion and interest I find in the   > >smallest things. > > >We are, in fact, brilliant creatures, highly adaptable. I am   > >operating my entire life with one hand -- -- -- my off hand, at that   > >-- -- -- and I’m not doing too badly. I’m not tuning or doing any   > >kind of  2-handed piano tool – using, but I’m working in the office,   > >on the phone, evaluating pianos in people’s houses, writing copy and   > >overseeing the redesign of my website, with an updated look, a much   > >easier navigation, and better, streaming audio. > > >I’ve got two more weeks until the cast comes off; I’m wiggling my   > >fingers more and more everyday; it’s kind of exciting. From this   > >operation I will regain approximately 65% function in my left hand.   > >In the operations number two and three, I’ll hopefully regain 85- 90%   > >of the function in both hands. > > >Please send me all the good vibrations you can muster… > > >David Andersen > > </tt>