I was told that i have this condition about 5 years ago. I had this
constant tingling in  hands which is worse at night. Regular doctor
sent me to a surgeon who wanted to cut on me. I declined as it was not
all tthat bad and basically was simply scared of surgery. Had talked
to a friend that's a retired doctor (not a surgeon) who told me to put
off any surgery for as long as possible. He told me to do a lot of
walking while carring a small weight 2 to 3 lbs. This seemed to help,
but lately the tingling has gotten worse --but now have other health
conditions such as high blood pressure so am not sure what the future
holds.
How long have you had the condition and did a doctor suggest surgery?

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/degen/feature/w_degen01.html

I found the above quite helpful Jo. Check out the related links on the side
including exercises etc.  Regarding the numbness in your hands and fingers
next time you are at your doctor's ask him if this is a form of neuroprathy
and whether gabapentin would help - gabapentin will deepen sleep as well
which might help in other ways (as Diane and Gloria are finding).  Another
form of chronic pain relief would be an antidepressent such as nortriptyline
(I know you do not want another expense but both of these are relatively
inexpensive if that helps and might fight some of the other fires as well.)
In the meantime I would seriously try the ice, heat and exercise -
especially the walking every 30 minutes minimum for a short bit.  Do not
simply sit or lie down all day - I can guarantee with any back problem or
spine problem this is the worst you can do.

This is tough to hear I know and you are probably wondering if I am nuts or
what.  Unfortunately that movement means the world to anything at all with a
back - but you must start out slowly and often.  If you have access to a
pool that would help as well Jo.

The one thing each site I visited stresses is not to smoke but as you have
breathing problems I imagine that one is beat.  I would also quote the lose
the "obesity" thing but as both of us are on prednisone and struggling with
exercise AND I don't know you and for all I know you are one of the skinny
people that I wish I was now (I used to be 115 pounds - and struggled to get
over that.  What a dream) I won't mention it.  I know in my heart I need to
lose weight but easier said than done with all these damn meds and no
energy, feet so swollen that shoes don't fit and especially sandals (tried
those today - the straps don't even meet - need to have this darn rituxan
work fast!!!).

So hope these help Jo.  Hopefully Jim is still getting a bit of work and
things are going better for the two of you.  I think often of both of you
and include you in my thoughts.  Better times are coming - they have to
eventually if we can all just hang on.  Sending you a braided piece of
quilting material.

Kelly

Hey Jo!
Finger tingling and numbness is usually caused by either a pinched ulnar
nerve or carpal tunnel. If it is the little and ring finger it is the ulnar,
thumb and first finger is carpal. The ulnar can shoot pain up into the neck.
Mine does it all the time. They found my pinch in my elbow and I finally had
surgery to move the nerve. Too late though as the damage was already done. I
had a bad bought of carpal a couple of months ago and got a cortisone
injection which helped quite a bit. I always thought the problem was in my
neck with the ulnar problem. I was wrong and should not have waited too long
to be seen about it. Now the nerve is damaged and the pain will not go away.
Hope you find your answer.
GaryZ