In reply to @sueinmn…sry for the long delay. Xrays indicated continued deterioration to moderate stage in my left thumb joint. I explained my symptoms (I believed thoroughly). Rheumatologist eventually said I was a candidate for surgery whenever I felt it was time….stating it was a fine line when to proceed….gave me no direction….offered a shot, but I am not going to follow up with her at this point. In fact, idk what I will do. After much prodding due to ongoing spinal pain she agreed to xrays, which showed more deterioration in the lumbar region and she was unable to answer many of my questions that I thought were not that difficult. After she reviewed my spine doctor’s notes from Mayo, she agreed to a follow up MRI, which also showed deterioration in more ways than the xrays that she originally thought the MRI would not. I have an appt at Mayo in October and I convinced her to refer me to PT. I will confer with the spine doctor for a continued care provider in this area as I am done with her. We have no other options here, so I will continue to communicate with her until I eventually fade away to someone who will play an active role in my arthritis care (DDD). Obviously, driving long distances is a way of life for quality healthcare when a person lives where I do. Otherwise, one hopes to stay healthy! I am very blessed to be okay, upright, walking and managing. I feel so much for others’ struggles and always wish they can find relief and solace. There’s my long answer to your request to “keep you posted”😂