See a rheumatologist ASAP. One who will work with you. He/she can really do best with joint preservation.
I am a retired nurse practitioner and went to the the specialist when I knew the time was right.
Otherwise keep on keeping on. Do smaller amounts at a time as you are able. I had to learn to do things more gently as I found I was using too much force when I was FMQ-ing and thus it hurt more.
I did end up with an older HandiQuilter 16 that I got used, a friend made my table, and when the ProStitcher came out got it on sale! I love it. This and my Pfaff's k
let me keep on quilting.
Oh yeah,I also have the Alto's QuiltCut2 to help with cutting.
Take care,
ali