I had the surgery years ago now best thing I did. I couldn't even hold a pen anymore it would fall out of my hand and I didn't even feel it go. CTS is a pinched nerve in the tunnel in the waist I did all the before treatments none worked. I know they make special cutters now and a friend of mine told me a great idea put one of those bath tub handles for getting out of the tub on your rulers it works great it eases the pain. I think they are around 14.99 the cutters are a little pricey, but if you want to keep quilting it's the way to go.