In April, I had tendon repair surgery on my right hand. Along with this surgery, I had my ulnar head filed down, a tenosynvectomy and several bone spurs removed. My hand is a "new hand." It has never looked, felt or functioned better since I developed RA in 2002.

I've decided to have an elective tenosynovectomy on my left hand this December. My tendon tore in my right hand because it was rubbing against my ulnar head as well as the bone spurs. My reasoning for this is to prevent a tendon tear in my left hand, as well as to improve the overall mobility and function of my left hand. Aesthically, my right hand looks great as well, using my mother's word, it looks "normal."

I plan on leaving my job within the next year to pursue medical technology, and since my tendon tear was so spontaneous this time around, I also want to prevent or at least stall this from happening while I am in school (although I know you can not predict these things to happen.)

My question is, do you feel an elective surgery for RA is a "waste," or do you feel it is something that can improve overall well being. What pros, cons, etc. would you say lie with elective surgery. My mind is made up to have the surgery, but I wanted some words of wisdom from those who have RA and understand how important it is to try and maintain our well being.