Can someone please give me advice. I'm in miserable pain!

I've just discovered this site and was reading up on some of the posts. Most of you all seem to be doing well since surgery. I have a few questions.

Exactly what is an EMG? and what does it involve.

Or there different ways of doing CTS surgery?

I'm in miserable pain right now in both of my hands. My hands keep me up at night with pain and numbness. At times, my hands actually fall asleep when I'm using them! The pain is also traveling up to my elbows and shoulders of both arms.

I've slept with braces on my hands, rubbed oral medications into my arms and hands, taken pain pills, and now nothing seems to help.

And to make matters worse, my occupation is a cake decorator. Constantly squeezing icing bags is definitely no fun right now.

I haven't been to a doctor for this yet, as I really can not afford all of the medical bills associated with surgery, nor lose time off from work because of it.

I feel like I'm stuck in a no-win situation.

Any help, words of wisdom, or anything that you may be able to help with would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Irene