Can anyone tell me or give me an idea of just how serious this is?

get a second opinion before surgery then get another , find a dr who will address the cause of problem . nerves in wrist go in carpel tunnel it is a small space and inflammation can make it smaller putting pressure on nerves. repetitive motions, like typing can cause inflammation. it could also be periphrial neuropathy and surgery will not de as helpful, my mom had that. mage, yoga, thia-chi, meditation, and others may help you to destress, and may help with any inflammation. Get a second and third opinion before surgery, look up the procedure on web md, for more info.