Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Since May I've had a problem with my right pinky & ring fingers. They've been numb and tingly for most of the time since this began, and it's gotten rather annoying. I finally talked to a hand surgeon who told me it's a problem called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. The problem is triggered when the ulner nerve gets compressed. The best solution is to stop compressing it. Alternatively surgery is an option. I am satisfied with the amount of time I've spent in the hospital for this year, so I'm hoping to avoid that by doing what I can to keep my arm straight. Bending it more than 30 degrees can agrivate the ulnar nerve. I've become acutely aware of how much i end up bending my elbow this week as I've tried to keep it straight. The activities that comprise most of my day include:

• talking on the phone
• reading books
• playing piano
• typing on the computer
  
• eating
• sleeping all curled up like a baby or with my arms over my head.
  

These things result in the numbness and tingling sensation coming on full-force. I miss the sleeping position most of all. I intend to give the non-surgical route a thorough try (keep it straight as much of the time as I can and 2 weeks of high doses of ibuprofen per the surgeon's suggestion) to reduce swelling and inflammation, and really hope it works. I've noticed difficulty doing things I've never struggled to do before, such as taking lids off bottles/jars. I don't feel old enough to not be able to open jars and bottles!

I realize this is a boring post. Sorry about that, just something I felt like noting.