Hi, I am also 49 and have osteoarthritis in my hands. I also have bone spurs and had the trapezium bone replaced in my thumb last November. This, however, did not offer any relief. I go to a pain management Dr. that is absolutely no help. A few months ago I had a nerve conduction test done, which was over $2000 and the results were negative. No nerve damage. In spite of this my P.M. Dr. put me on Neurotin 300mg 3x a day. The only thing that medication has done has cause severe depression, anger and no help with the pain. Now 3 years after the pain began I'm in even more pain, almost $5000 still owed in medical bills, and unable to work because of the pain. I've tried surgery, cortisone shots, physical therapy...all to no avail! Percocet worked for a couple of hours at a time but now because of "drug addicts" I can't even get that for the pain. My sed rate is normal (no inflammation) so anti inflammatory meds don't work. If you find anyone with an answer let me know! And good luck to you, KayView Thread