Work Injuries Are Odd Creatures

I normally prepare myself for bad news but thought I had this one. I was certain. But, alas, the doctor said that work related injuries are odd creatures. They were able to prove the injury to the right thumb joint but since the insurance put me off for so long he has this dilemma. Thanks, in great part, to doctors and insurance who get together and come up with new findings and ways to keep each other happy, the patient comes third.
Many, many insurance companies like to go to court to contest decisions and obligations. When they go to court, the doctor must be able to back his findings with scientific evidence. The initial injury had proof, time, immediate destruction, etc and was proven to be a valid claim. BUT, on the left hand, tho acknowledging it was overworked and took on a great deal of the right hands load, there is totally NO scientific evidence it was truly caused by the injury. Xrays taken showed the arthritis, bone spur and tests showed the left hand almost 100% as damaged as the right, he cannot legally connect the two.
He was very kind and disliked telling me the bad news. Yes, I cried at first. But I do understand he is bound by law and without scientific proof he would lose in court.SO....
the good news he is strongly against any surgery on the right hand at this time. He stated that too many doctors rush their patient into it when they haven't even let the inflammation heal or learn how to cope with the difficulties of the arthritis which can calm down and be much less painful for long periods of time. He suggested that only when the pain or frustrations get totally more than you can bear... then  you consider the surgery. Not all surgery is successful and he told me that all 6 of his associates in hand surgery have had at least one patient where the surgery made it worse, where the wrong nerve was cut or full usage was not restored or inability to return to full function of the hand.
WOW. That made me rethink everything.  This guy pulls no punches. He is one of the best in the state of Utah but doesn't operate for money as the incentive... or the patient's whim. I can continue to have cortisone shots in the hand clear until future surgery as the joint is totally damaged, shot. There is no more harm the shots can do.
So, for now, I am to buy soft braces, anything that gives temporary comfort, shots, Ibuprofin (which I can't take while on methotrexate) and try to see if Target can find me a job that will produce less heavy usage of the hand. I am considering asking to work in Guest Services where you take returns. My daughter works it often and said there is very little lifting and less items to handle. I will talk to the new team leader, Pratty in a couple of days. I am relieved, I am sad. At least I know the right hand will be taken care of forever.  All things work for the best.