I had the surgery about 2 1/2 years ago. Mine did not go well, however it is functional now, but still have a little pain. Not bad and does not prohibit any activities. There is a new procedure that I understand that heals much faster. I was out of golf about a year. Sorry,,, hope you find a good dr.

I also have the joint pain from arthritis. My suggestion is go to a hand surgeon. They are aware of the newest techniques and procedures. I have been getting the shots for about 4 years but the positive effect from the shots do not last that long anymore. I am contemplating having the surgery on my non dominant hand (left) in the summer. My surgeon is on Long Island so I can not recommend a doctor in TV. The doctor told me he has a 100% success rate with the surgery but there is a long recovery period. 4 weeks in a cast and then in a brace until no longer needed.

I had Basel joint reconstruction in both thumb joints. See a hand specialist for consultation.

I have found the best thing is to keep moving, any way you can. Painful to start, but it gets better in time. Start slowly and give it time.

I went gluten free to cure my indigestion, and found that after 1.5 years my arthritis started going away. Now after 5 years it is gone in both thumbs and all fingers except one. It is a lifestyle change, so you may not want to do it.

Have you considered changing your diet? Sounds like you've been eating some foods that your body does not agree with and cannot heal itself as fast as you're taking in inflammatory foods/beverages. Google Dr Steve Gundry, MD and you'll find lots of info.

I’ve had a joint replacement on both hands for the joint closest to the wrist. They were so bad that I couldn’t shake hands, button or zip. The procedure was called CMC thumb arthroplasty joint replacement. It is a long recovery as the joint can’t be used for 3 months.

I can’t recommend a surgeon because it was in NY, but do watch out for the procedure.

The first hand, the Surgeon removed a slice of a tendon from the forearm to use for the joint. I would not recommend this surgery as you had a cast up to your elbow, and when the cast came off all the joints were frozen. Very difficult recovery.

The second surgery they developed a joint from some type of maternal and can’t move the joint for 3 months, but instead of a cast, it was a small removable prefabricated (I forget the name) item that prevents the thumb joint from moving, and I had use of my wrist, fingers and tip of the thumb. Much better recovery.

Both hands are doing great. No problems. It’s been 7 and 9 years since the surgery.