IDK ... did you have hand pain or numbness before the release? I did, and I had the release done during the winter. When the riding season started again several months later, I could not believe how nice riding had become. I had to wait for the results, but they were worth every bit of pain and uncertainty. Still pain free 7 riding seasons later. I expect the odds for reduced pain over a long period are pretty high for you, so have some faith in your surgeon.